West Islip JV 35 - East Islip 14

There is an old saying in football that the game is won and lost in the trenches, that is line of scrimmage for those who are not football fans.  The offensive line, The Big Dogs, of West Islip took control of the game on the first play and won the battle of the trenches.  The Lions defense gave up two touchdowns in the first half but clamped down on East Islip in the second half.  The Redmen were scrappy early but had no answer to a dominating Lions running game today.

East Islip took the opening kick-off but the Lions defense flexed its muscles early and forced a quick three and out with East Islip punting.  As I already stated The West Islip Line consisting of sophomores Andrew Lyons, Alex Schwartz, Justin Pape, Sean Burke and Ryan Gray ripped holes in the Redmen line allowing sophomore quarterback Connor Smith and sophomore running back Alex Ponce to gain yardage in big hunks.  With Ponce and Smith running the ball the Lions soon found themselves on the East Islip 12 yard line.  Connor Smith then took the snap and running behind Schwartz and Lyons scored the first touchdown of the day.  Kevin DiCapua kicked the first of five extra points and the Lions were up 7-0.  The Redmen took the ball and on a long 60 yard run quickly scored.  The Lions defense showed its character and stopped the East Islip attempt for a 2 point conversion.  

The Lions went back over on offense.  Before the dust settled freshman running back Drew Cestaro took the handoff and finding a hole behind Burke, Pape and Schwartz he broke several tackles and ran 65 yards for a touchdown.  The point after made the score 14-6.  As the quarter changed The Lions defense went to work and forced the Redmen to punt.  The Big Dogs version 2 with sophomore Guards Chris Mika and George Gambuto and sophomore Tackles Ray Sgambati and Ed Spradley with Center Justin Pape went to work.  Once again hard running with Smith and Ponce and sophomore Matt Ferrugiari ran the ball down to the East Islip one inch line and on a fourth and goal the big man Ponce crashed over for a touchdown.  East Islip took the kick-of and drove down the field.  On a fourth and short play the East Islip runner broke free and scored on a 30 yard run.  The 2 point conversion was good this time and the score was now 21-14.  East Islip picked off a pass and with a momentum change in the air drove down right before half time but Alex Ponce sacked the quarterback and time ran out.  The second half started with Lions taking the kick-off and the offense went back to work tough running by Smith and Ferrugiari quickly brought the ball deep into East Islip territory.  Smith then took the snap and followed Lyons and Schwartz found a hole broke a tackle and found the end zone from 30 yards out.  The PAT was good and all the wind came out of the Redmen's sails with the score 28-14.  The Lions defense took over.  Just before the start of the fourth quarter sophomore Sean O'Gara intercepted a pass.  As the fourth quarter started the Lions had the ball and were driving.  The Big Dogs were an unstoppable force today and the possession ended with Alex Ponce crashing through a big hole for his second TD of the game and Kevin DiCapua made it 5 out of 5 and the score was now 35-14 and thats how it would end.  Coach LaGilgia got the second team in for the final 6 minutes and I am sure the bus ride home was a happy one.

This was a complete team victory but although i am a tad biased the offensive line, in what ever configuration it was in, played outstanding football today.  It was their best performance thus far.  The defense again was tough and stingy.  Quarterback Connor Smith and running backs Alex Ponce, Drew Cestaro and Matt Ferrugiari were also outstanding today.

Due to next Saturday's PSAT exam the JV's next game is Monday 10/21 3:30PM on the West Islip High School Varsity Field