After two tightly fought games the West Islip JV rolled over Smithtown East 27-0 at Smithtown East High School this morning. It was not as easy as it looked. West Islip came out lethargic and without much spirit early in the game. The offense especially took some time to get going. The defense bent some but as the game went on began to smother the Smithtown East offense. The first quarter saw several changes of possession but no scoring. Early in the 2nd quarter West Islip executed a strong drive with a nifty catch for a 1st Down over the middle by Freshman Tight End Kevin DiCapua. After several running plays Sophomore QB Connor Smith rolled out to his right and found Sophomore Tight End James McCorvey in the corner of the end zone for an over the shoulder TD catch of 4 yards. The defense went to work and later in the quarter Sophomore Defensive End George Gambuto sliced in and stripped the Smithtown runner of the ball and ran it into the end zone for a 13-0 lead. The extra point was kicked by Kevin DiCapua and this lead lasted into the 2nd half. The third quarter was still mostly changes of possession with Sophomore Linebackers Sean Burke and Justin Pape clamping down on the Smithtown runners. Late in the third quarter the West Islip offense saw the light. The West Islip offense line, the Big Dogs, started to assert themselves. Lead by Sophomores Alex Schwartz, Ryan Gray, George Gambuto, and Andrew Lyons and a power running game utilizing big Sophomore Running back Alex Ponce and QB Connor Smith the Lions drove the ball down inside the 5 yard line. Then Ponce followed the big guys Schwartz and Lyons and lead blocks by Freshman Drew Cestaro and Sophomore Dan Mottes for a touchdown. West Islip set up for point after kick and on the snap holder Connor Smith stood up, took the snap and hit James McCorvey for a 2 point conversion. Smithtown East forgot that the ensuing kick-off was a live ball and Freshman Antonio Alicea recovered the ball. With the ball deep in Smithtown territory the Lions went to work. The Big Dogs Now including Sophomores Ray Sgambati and Chris Mika pounded the ball into the end zone on another short run by Alex Ponce. It was now into the 4th quarter and Coach LaGilgia put in the 2nd team offense and defense. The game ended 27-0. Once again the defense was stingy lead by Burke and Pape but defensive lineman Alex Ponce, Andrew Lyons and Ed Spradley made it tough on the Smithtown running game. James McCorvey was very active. I don't want to forget the defensive backs Connor Smith, Sean O'Gara and Antonio Alicea. The offense once it found itself took over especially the big men upfront allowing the running game to get on track. I would like to extend my hopes for a speedy recovery to Sophomore DB Vinnie Zaccaria who was hurt early in the game. Next week's game is home against the Bulldogs of North Babylon at 9 AM. Come on down and watch.
