The injury that derailed Donald Davis' run at school history was the same type of play that spoke to why he had such promise.

On his second carry just one week after a 278-yard night, the Nyack senior broke through the Roosevelt front seven and started rumbling down field. He looked like someone who couldn't be tackled by the entire city of Yonkers, let alone the Roosevelt defense. But Davis was caught -- barely -- some 40 yards later by a shoestring, a tackle that would have great ramifications.

Davis broke a small bone below in his foot on the play. He had nearly 600 yards rushing at the time and would still pass 1,000, a total that proved his worth at fullback on a team that asked just as much of him at linebacker. But even this year's Rockland County football player of the year still wonders the obvious: What could have been?

"It's a bummer. I didn't actually get to prove how consistently good I could be," said Davis, an all-section fullback/linebacker who missed two-plus games in a six-game regular season and still earned back-of-the-year honors in the competitive League A-South. "If I didn't get hurt, who knows what would've happened."

John Castellano knows. The Indians coach believes his 5-foot-11, 220-pound star could have challenged the program single-season rushing record held by Jermaine Harris, whose personal best was 1,436 yards. Davis was on pace to smash that mark but the injury derailed his chase.

"He was on the verge of doing something special," Castellano said.

You could argue that Davis already had before the injury. He topped the 100-yard mark each week as Nyack rolled to a 3-0 start, including an impressive three-touchdown win before a packed stadium at Rye where Davis gained 278 yards and three touchdowns and intercepted two passes from all-section quarterback Connor Eck.

He wore a steel support on his foot and played a limited role on defense over Nyack's final three games, but a hobbled Davis still left an impact. He delivered another 100-plus-yard rushing performance in a consolation-round victory at Rye one week after Horace Greeley knocked the Indians out in the Class A quarterfinals.

"He played in a tremendous amount of pain," Castellano said.

Davis said that other than some lingering discomfort his foot has healed. He does not regret risking worsening the injury, nor a heavy early workload that saw him carry the ball 76 times in the first three weeks alone.

"It definitely wasn't something where I was being overworked," he said. "It was a freak injury."

"I felt like I owed it to my team to come back, number one. And I owed it to myself," Davis added. "Senior year, you always want to go out with a bang. I knew it would be painful to go through, but I wanted to give it my all. I didn't want to be on the sideline and go out like that."

Davis will wrestle this winter, but his future after Nyack remains clouded. Syracuse and Maryland are among the Division I programs that have shown interest, but neither has offered him a scholarship.

He may opt to enroll at a junior college or prep school to improve his academic standing and prove he belongs at the major-college level.

"I definitely want to play D-I football," he said.

Coach of the year

Joe Trongone, Clarkstown North: In his 11th year with the Rams, Trongone guided them to one of the best seasons in recent program history. With 21 seniors, including five who were three-year varsity players, they qualified for the playoffs for the first time under his leadership and won the first league title since 1973. That included the program's first win over North Rockland since 1979. Clarkstown North finished 6-3 after advancing to the Class AA semifinals and qualifying for the Donald DeMatteo Premier Bowl.

Here are the rest of The Journal News first-team all-county selections:

Offense

Quarterback

Shaquille Gould, Sr., Spring Valley: This three-year starter led the county in passing with 1,439 yards. He completed 57 percent of his passes and threw 14 touchdowns. Gould nearly caught more interceptions (5) than he threw (7) and his success on both sides of the all earned him all-section honorable mention honors.

Running back

Mark Castellano, Sr., Nyack: The all-section runner finished with 875 yards and eight touchdowns, but he also led the team in receptions (10, with two for TDs) and interceptions (4). The two-way starter also ranked second on the Indians in tackles.

Jonathan McCoy, Sr., North Rockland: As the Red Raiders top option on offense, McCoy rushed for a team-best 748 yards and scored five touchdowns before suffering a season-ending injury prior to the playoffs. The physical 6-foot-2, 185-pounder earned all-section honorable mention honors.

Offensive line

Chris Guardaro, Sr., Nyack: In the Indians' Wing-T offense, Guardardo was adept at pulling and trapping blocks that opened holes for their diverse running game. The 6-foot-1, 220-pound senior earned all-league honors.

Calvin Heurtelou, Sr., Spring Valley: The 6-foot-3, 268-pound senior was a commanding presence at tackle on both sides of the ball for the Tigers. Never was the latter more evident than when Heurtelou recorded 19 tackles and forced a fumble in his final two games.

Shane Hovorka, Sr., Tappan Zee: This guard helped pave the way to over 2,000 rushing yards for the Dutchmen, who won the Class A independent league championship. He also led the team in tackles per game (8.4), and recorded eight tackles for loss. Division III programs Hartwick, Ithaca and Widener are among his possible college destinations.

Maxim Ngolla, Sr., Nyack: This imposing 6-foot-3, 290-pound senior played tackle on both sides of the ball. He earned League A-South lineman of the year and all-section honors. Villanova, Lafayette, Fordham and Byrant are among the schools that have recruited Ngolla.

Phil Stark, Sr., Clarkstown North: Trongone called this 6-foot-2, 225-pound all-section center the "heart" of his offensive line. The senior led the running game to six games of 250-plus yards -- four of them 300-plus -- and was named his league's lineman of the year.

Tight end

Gavin Maher, Sr., North Rockland: At 6-foot-3, 230, Maher has the size and talent to follow his brothers into the college ranks, whether it's at tight end or along the defensive line. He excelled at both as a returning starter for the Red Raiders, earning himself all-section honors.

Wide receiver

Nick Burns, Sr., Suffern: The all-section receiver contributed in multiple areas. He caught 25 passes for 430 yards and five touchdowns, including an 85-yard score. He also averaged 26 yards on kickoff returns, and, for good measure, scored on four two-point conversion plays.

Defense

Defensive line

John Johnson, Sr., Spring Valley: The 6-foot-3, 225-pound defensive end stopped the run and the pass. He finished with 39 tackles, including a season-best 10 against Rye. Johnson also recorded seven sacks, recovered two fumbles and forced another for the Tigers.

Ryan Leonard, Sr., Clarkstown South: The 5-foot-11, 240-pounder played nose guard and defensive end. His versatility helped him average 6.5 tackles and 1.5 sacks a game, good enough to earn all-section honorable mention honors and attract interest from several Division III colleges.

Vincent Porcelli, Sr., Clarkstown North: Despite his assignment to clog the middle, the 5-foot-10, 235-pound senior still made 31 tackles and recorded two sacks. He was a three-year varsity starter who never missed a game and was picked to play in Section 1's Senior Bowl.

Linebackers

John Brezovsky, Sr., Nanuet: The all-section linebacker recorded a team-high 76 tackles and four sacks, and also recovered two fumbles, blocked two kicks and intercepted two passes. Brezovsky, a tight end, also led the team in receptions (17), receiving yards (403) and total touchdowns (6) despite playing two games with a broken hand. He earned co-lineman of the year honors in the Golden Knights' league.

Dan Macalena, Sr., Clarkstown North: This all-section short-yardage back also ranked second on the Rams with 51 solo tackles and four sacks. He rushed for 423 yards and six touchdowns on 97 carries, and served key roles on special teams. The 5-foot-9, 165-pounder was picked for the Section 1 Senior Bowl and has drawn interest from Division II and III colleges.

Vernald Pauyo, Sr., Ramapo: At 5-foot-10, but a solid 215 pounds, Pauyo anchored the Gryphons defense, averaging 12 tackles per game. The all-section linebacker also recorded five sacks, blocked three field goals and blocked three punts. He has attracted interest from several Division II colleges.

Charlie Regalbuto, Sr., Clarkstown North: This tackle machine led the Rams with 77 solo tackles and four sacks. He recorded two straight games of 15 tackles and followed it with an 11-tackle night. His performance was rewarded with an all-section honorable mention pick and a spot in the Section 1 Senior Bowl.

Colton Reitzes, Sr., North Rockland: Reitzes led the Red Raiders in solo tackles (58) and assists (51), for a total of 109 tackles in nine games. He also recorded four tackles for loss. The performance earned the 5-foot-10, 170-pound senior all-section honors.

Defensive backs

Kyle Hanney, Sr., Nanuet: This two-way starter earned all-section honors. He was the team's top cover corner and supported the run, as evidenced by his 41 tackles and an interception. He also passed for 673 yards and seven touchdowns and rushed for 513 yards and four touchdowns at quarterback.

Joe Letizia, So., Tappan Zee: The only underclassmen on the first team ranked second on the Dutchmen in tackles per game (4.6) and had three interceptions, including one for a touchdown. He also led TZ in rushing (712 yards) for the second straight year while averaging over 7.0 yards per carry and scoring eight offensive touchdowns.

Tareek Turner, Sr., Clarkstown North: The 6-foot, 165-pound Turner has drawn interest from Division I-AA and II schools after he rushed for 672 yards and six touchdowns on just 106 carries and caught 12 passes for 168 yards and a score in a crowded backfield. He served the Rams' cover corner, yet another skill that helped him earn all-section and league back of the year honors and a spot in the Section 1 Senior Bowl.

Kicker

Thomas O'Riordan, Sr., North Rockland: This all-section honorable mention pick and kicking ace has received interest from Division I schools and it's easy to see why. Eighty percent of his kickoffs went for touchbacks, and he was a constant field goal threat, as evident by the three he hit -- including a 50-yarder -- in a win over Ramapo.

Athletes

Andre Fils, Sr., Spring Valley: The 6-foot, 170-pound Fils was vital in jumpstarting the passing game on offense and shutting it down on defense. He caught 23 passes for 460 yards and six touchdowns and recorded 52 tackles. He even recovered two fumbles and forced another in an all-section honorable mention season.

Nick Manfredi, Sr., Clarkstown South: This all-purpose standout earned all-section honorable mention honors after rushing for 956 yards and 12 touchdowns on 131 carries and recording 7.5 tackles and 2.5 sacks per game. He even served as a special teams ace for the Vikings, playing nearly ever play at 5-foot-10, 185 pounds.

Second Team

Offense

QB -- Tommy McGuire, Sr., Clarkstown South

RB -- Tommy Hamner, Sr., Suffern RB -- John Luizia, Sr., Nyack

RB -- Brian Rinciari, Sr., Clarkstown North

OL -- Jason Dorsainvill, So., Ramapo

OL -- Conor McDonagh, Sr., Nyack

OL -- Jack McGowen, Jr., North Rockland

OL -- Mike O'Shea, Jr., Pearl River

OL -- Chris Warren, Sr., Suffern

WR -- Nick King, Jr., Clarkstown South

WR -- Chris Spadaccini, Sr., Pearl River

Defense

DL -- Vince Ferreira, Sr., Pearl River

DL -- Justin Holmes-Walker, Jr., Spring Valley

DL -- Eric Rizzi, Jr., North Rockland

LB -- Nick Connell, So., North Rockland

LB -- Brandon Richards, Sr., Nyack

LB -- Jeremy Sosa, Jr., Albertus Magnus

LB -- Nick Veltri, Sr., Nanuet

LB -- Leonard Williams, Jr., Spring Valley

DB -- Ryan Condon, Sr., Albertus Magnus

DB -- Kevin Jocelyn, Jr., Ramapo

DB -- Brad Parrott, Jr., Suffern

Specialists

K -- Connor O'Sullivan, Sr., Pearl River

Athlete -- James McWilliams, Sr., Tappan Zee

Athlete -- Frank Tucek, Jr., Clarkstown South

Honorable mention: Rich Berkery, Sr., Nanuet; Billy Bodner, Sr., Tappan Zee; Tom Boos, Sr., Pearl River; Jeff Boursiquot, Sr., Ramapo; Kendrick Calvaire, Jr., Spring Valley; Greg Caneparo, Sr., Nanuet; Daniel Chang, Sr., Spring Valley; Venson Constant, Sr., North Rockland; Romarick Dalce, Jr., Spring Valley; Brendan Donahue, Jr., Tappan Zee; John Donovan, Sr., Pearl River; Albert Emmett, Jr., Suffern; Andrew Festa, Sr., Albertus Magnus; P.J. Fitzsimons, Sr., Clarkstown South; Francis Gannon, Sr., Pearl River; Kevin Giordano, Jr., Clarkstown South; Richie Glover, Sr., Suffern; Eric Hammershlag, Sr., Suffern; Whitey Hayward, Sr., Suffern; Ryan Higgins, Sr., North Rockland; Shawn Krain, Jr., Clarkstown North; Ronald Lewis, Jr., Spring Valley; Nii Laryea, Sr., Clarkstown South; Matt Lonergan, Sr., North Rockland; Michael Louis, Sr., Albertus Magnus; Charles Maurasse, Sr., Clarkstown North; Kevin McNally, Jr., Suffern; Mike Mihovics, Jr., Albertus Magnus; Neil Munroe, Sr., Clarkstown South; Tom Nelson, Sr., North Rockland; Brandon Newell, Sr., Ramapo; Mike Paolino, Sr., Clarkstown North; Mark Paul, Sr., Tappan Zee; Todd Pitt, Jr., Spring Valley; Nick Proscia, Jr., Suffern; Lucas Pucci, Sr., North Rockland; Mike Scarinci, Sr., Pearl River; Wesley Sanon, Sr., Nyack; Chris Smith, Sr., Spring Valley; Will Smith, Jr., Nyack; Rick Sok, Jr., Nanuet; Luke Sullivan, Sr., Clarkstown North; Graydon Tokke, Sr., Nyack; Nick Termine, Jr., Clarkstown North; David Ulysee, Sr., Spring Valley; Kenta Umezaki, Sr., Pearl River; Quincy Vassar, Jr., Nyack; Pat Walpole, So., Tappan Zee.

The Journal News all-county football team was selected with the assistance of the following coaches: Joe Casarella, North Rockland; John Castellano, Nyack; Rich Conklin, Nanuet; Bill Delaney, Suffern; Andrew Delva, Spring Valley; Andy DiDomenico, Tappan Zee; Jeff Michael, Pearl River; Mike Scarpelli, Clarkstown South; Joe Trongone, Clarkstown North; Paul Villanueva, Albertus Magnus; Dan Zotter, Ramapo.

Saturday: Nyack Football Shuts Out Spring Valley

Playing away from home, NHS football prevailed 28-0.

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Ramponi addresses the troopsCredit Marc Maturo

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It was an interesting and productive start for the Nyack High School football team on a sun-drenched Saturday afternoon.

Playing before a near-capacity crowd at Spring Valley High School, the star-studded student athletes combined speed, power and defense to shut out the Tigers, 28-0, winning for coach Mike Ramponi.

The Tappan Zee High graduate and former player stepped up from his assistant's role to take over the top position as venerable coach John Castellano sat out a one-game suspension, a carryover from last year's ejection in a season-ending playoff loss to Somers.

(Coach Castellano was unavailable for comment on Saturday's game.)

But Nyack, as expected, were well-prepared, well-conditioned and well ready in their season opener. Junior Mark Castellano displayed outside speed to score two touchdowns and senior Donald Davis displayed strength and determination to also score two touchdowns. Nyack, ahead 14-0, also put together a pivotal goal-line stand late in the first half with Castellano and Anthony Accardi knocking Daniel Chang out of bounds on a sweep to the right side on third down. On second down Ariel Desert had been gang-tackled for no gain and Chang was stopped on fourth down, thwarting any chance for the Tigers to gain some sort of momentum going into halftime.

"We had a great week of practice," said the powerful Davis, whose 26-yard TD jaunt in the fourth quarter was a testament to his desire, breaking a bevy of would-be tacklers before Graydon Tokke added his fourth extra-point boot of the contest.

"Coach made sure we were prepared and it's because of  Coach's conditioning [drills] that I scored my first touchdown," he added. "I just kept my legs moving."

Nyack assistant coach Bob Wizner, working in the booth alongside Jim Traynor, admitted that without the head coach, "the anxiety level is up.

"The greatest tribute to him is that we were able to do it, but without him it's like trying to walk without crutches," Wizner explained.

Ramponi, who will be back at his old job alongside Castellano on Sept. 19 when Nyack hosts Eastchester, offered the same high level of praise for the veteran taskmaster.           

"Let me say this," Ramponi said following the decisive victory. "The only point we want to get across is that by us winning it's an honor for him, that we could win and execute, and how well he prepared us, because without him it's tough."

Despite Nyack's apparent domination, they gave Spring Valley too much time to pass, leading one coach to mutter, perhaps in jest after another penalty, "this must be the greatest pass-blocking team of all-time!"

Whatever the case, Nyack finally recorded a sack in the second half. Leading 21-0 with six minutes left in the third quarter, junior defensive end Quincy Vasser wrapped up Shaquille Goulds inside the 3-yard line to help preserve the shutout.

"Spring Valley came out excited," noted Nyack QB Brandon Richards. "We matched their emotion, we were energized. And Coach not being here added to our emotion."

Added Castellano the Younger, "We did it for him [his dad/coach]. But he'll say I could do better. He'll watch the film and say 'You did good but you messed up on this and on that.' I like that, it makes me a better player."

Castellano was quick to recognize the efforts of the offensive line, mentioning Conor McDonough, Super 11 standout Maxim Ngolla, center Steve Maldonado, Dan Sanabria and Anthony (Ant) Dorcena.

JUNIOR VARSTIY ALSO PREVAILS

Powered by fullback Khalid Shabazz's two touchdowns and one by halfback Kevin Mitchell, Nyack JV defeated their Spring Valley counterparts, 18-6. Head coach Scott Reynolds and assistant Jim Seifert also noted the performances of safety Rob Blum, who had two interceptions, and defensive end DeShawn Rodriguez, who had eight tackles and a pair of sacks. JV is back in action on Sept. 20 when they visit Eastchester in an afternoon game.

Nyack Football Rolls Over Saunders

Mark Castellano rushes for 87 yards to lead a dominating rushing attack in a 33-0 victory Friday at McCalman Field

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Nyack senior Mark Castellano ran for 87 yards and a touchdown in Friday's 33-0 victory over Saunders.Credit Ryan Buncher

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Nyack senior running back Mark Castellano sat alone on the grass at McCalman Field, still wearing his helmet still and holding a chunk of the turf in his hands well after the end of Friday's 33-0 victory over Saunders.

"It was good, but [the last game here] is going to be upsetting no matter what," said Castellano, who is the son of Nyack coach John Castellano. "I've been around here my whole life. I was a little kid running around the sideline. And now I might never play another game here."

"It's tough not knowing if you will play another game here," he added. "I'm grabbing a little turf. I'm going to put it in my room and have it with me forever."

Nyack (5-1 overall, 5-1 in Section 1-A South) kept its hopes of a home playoff game alive by jumping out early on winless Saunders (0-6, 0-6) and cruising to the Senior-Night victory. The Indians can finish as high as first in the league and as low as third, pending the results of two games today—Harrison at Rye and Roosevelt at Eastchester.

Nyack would open the playoffs at home with a first or second-place finish, but the Indians would play on the road if they end up in third.

"Because of our recent loss [to Roosevelt], some of us believe we won't have the chance [to play here] again," Senior captain Maxim Ngolla, a two-way starting lineman. "But we have faith. We have faith that tomorrow God will be looking out for us and the sun will shine on us and we will get another game right here at McCalman Field."

Ngolla and the rest of the Nyack line helped the Indians do their part in pursuit of a home playoff game by paving the way for a rushing attack that piled up 328 yards against Saunders.

"Our offensive line is big and strong," said Nyack coach John Castellano. "They believe in each other and they believe in our backs. Jose St. Victor does a great job with them."

"We have great backs," Ngolla said. "The offensive line has to be consistent. Our coach tells us we don't go anywhere if we don't win our individual battles."
The Indians won more than enough of those against Saunders. Mark Castellano led the Indians in rushing for a second consecutive week, this time gaining 87 yards on only three carries, including a 55-yard touchdown.

"He's just a great kid," John Castellano said of his son. "He plays hard. He understands the game. It's a dream come true for me. I never knew what it was like to coach a son. This year he's a senior, it's just been extra special.

"The last two weeks when we needed him, he has stepped up. He has kind of taken the team on his back and said, 'We're going to get this done."

Mark Castellano had plenty of help carrying the load Friday night. Sophomore Derwohn Bartley gained 79 yards and scored a touchdown and junior Will Smith had 85 yards on the ground, taking advantage of carries that were available because Nyack played without standout fullback Donald Davis. Davis missed a second consecutive game with turf toe, but he is expected to play next week.

"We've gotten through two games without our fullback, without Davis," John Castellano said. "He comes back next week. We're excited about that. (Tonight,) we were able to move the ball offensively."

Special teams got Nyack going early as Saunders fumbled the opening kickoff and the Indians recovered at the Blue Devils' 31. Six plays later, senior quarterback Brandon Richards scored on a keeper from four yards out to give Nyack a 6-0 lead.
Smith added to that lead later in the quarter, following his own 26-yard run with a three-yard touchdown carry to push the Nyack advantage to 13-0.

Saunders seemed like it might be ready to answer with a drive into Nyack territory, but the Indians' defense stuffed Blue Devils quarterback Anthony Porcelli on fourth-and-one to end the threat. It was one of three failed fourth-down attempts by Saunders in the second quarter.

Mark Castellano put the game out of reach on the very next play, sprinting 55 yards down the left sideline for a touchdown that extended Nyack's lead to 20-0.
Junior Jamel Jones added a fourth first-half touchdown for Nyack, this one a 13-yard run, in the final minute of the second quarter. Bartley got his touchdown in the fourth quarter, a two-yarder set up by his own 33-yard run.

"Offensively, when we're on all cylinders, we're tough to stop," John Castellano said.
Saunders has not been able to say the same thing this season, scoring only 22 points in six games, though fullback Davante Layne gave the Indians trouble and finished with 86 yards rushing.

Nyack’s Quincy Vasser, left, and Maxim Mgola take a break during the football team’s first offical day of practice at the school.

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Clarkstown North Football Looks For First Win Against N. Rockland Since 1979

Red Raiders visit Rams tonight for home opener.

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Clarkstown North players practicing.Credit Robert Heinemann

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The Clarkstown High School North football team hasn't beaten North Rockland since 1979, but it has a chance to break that streak in front of its home fans tonight at 7 in New City.

"Kids are fired up to have an opportunity to beat them," said North Coach Joe Trongone. "It's a big game. It's early in the season, but it's still a big game."

North Rockland Coach Joe Casarella wasn't aware that it had even been that long, but said keeping the streak alive isn't of any concern to the Red Raiders.

"That never even crossed my mind," Casarella said. "We're just trying to get through one game, and North just so happens to be next on the schedule."

While North Rockland has dominated the past couple of decades of play, it comes into Thursday night's game 0-1 thanks to a 14-7 loss at home last Sunday to New Rochelle.

"They're well-coached," Trongone said. "No matter what happened this past Sunday, they're going to be more than prepared for Thursday."

Although, Casarella said the preparation this week has been a bit rushed because of the first two games' scheduling.

"The fact that it's on a Thursday and we played on Sunday, we just had to cram a lot in this week," he said.

Conversely, the Rams come into their home opener after a 47-14 drubbing of Gorton High School last Saturday. Still, Trongone wasn't completely pleased with the effort.

"We didn't play a solid football game," he said. "Coming off two good scrimmages, and playing like we did on Saturday, we were able to win. We still have a lot of areas to improve."

The biggest thing North needs to improve on, Trongone said, was execution. He didn't think the team executed as well as it can. He also said his team committed a lot of bad penalties throughout the game.

"You can't make those errors against North Rockland," he said. "They capitalize on your mistakes."

The Rams dominated the ground game in their season opener, rushing for 231 yards and seven touchdowns on 36 carriers while the defense held the Gorton offense scoreless through the first three periods en route to a 47-0 advantage heading into the final quarter.

Six Rams each had multiple carries, with Korey Johnson leading the team with 12. Tareek Turner, Dan Macalena and Billy DeLay each had five carries. Brian Rinciari had just two carriers, but led the team with 55 yards. He also scored one touchdown, as did Nick Termine, Nick Windman, Macalena, DeLay and Rinciari. Turner led the Rams with two scores.

"We have a lot of guys that can carry the football," Trongone. "We can be a balanced offense, though. The score got a little bit out of control early, so we opted to keep the ball on the ground."

Quarterback Luke Sullivan completed three of his six passes against Gorton for 67 yards. Casarella said Sullivan is "an excellent quarterback." Turner caught two of those passes for 52 yards.

Turner is "more of a speed guy," Trongone said, and is most effective when he gets to the outside of the field. He uses Macalena to pound it up the middle, while he said Rinciari is a shifty back. But Trongone also said that Sullivan "can air it out" as well, and that the Rams can be a more pass-oriented or simply balanced offense.

In its first game, North Rockland's offense ended up balanced, but unfortunately for the Red Raiders, its balance only provided 128 total yards of offense to New Rochelle's 328, including 283 yards on the ground. The Red Raiders attempted 15 passes compared to its 28 rushes, ending up with 68 passing yards and 60 rushing.

The feature back for North Rockland is Jonathan McCoy, who rushed 17 times for 72 yards in the loss, while scoring the only touchdown for North Rockland. Quarterback Matt Lonergan's favorite target is receiver Terrell Smith, who hauled in six of Lonergan's seven completions.

Trongone expects North Rockland to primarily stick with the running game Thursday night.

"Traditionally they like to pound it," he said. "We've got to play aggressive. If there's an opportunity for a turnover, we've got to take it."

Trongone said North Rockland, even an 0-1 North Rockland team, will give the Rams a good early-season test.

"We usually play them in our second game every year," he said. "It's under lights, coming off a big win. It's a good home opener."

Clarkstown North Rams Hope Extra Work in Summer will Pay Off in the Fall

Football players already working out, look to improve upon last season's 4-5 record.

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Tareek Turner, runs the 40 yard dash with teammates, finishes first. Credit Robert Heinemann

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There's nothing better than sprints on a breezy Tuesday afternoon in New City in  August.

That is exactly what the Clarkstown North High School football team has been spending their afternoons doing. With a 4-5 season behind them, mediocrity is driving most of the team to attend voluntary summer workouts.

The Rams' four captains were all in attendance with about 20 other members of the Junior Varsity and Varsity football teams Tuesday. With training camp starting Aug. 20, those in attendance looked to capture the eye of the coach through work ethic, stamina and a desire to get better.

Rams captains Tareek Turner, Dan Macalena, Vincent Porcelli and Luke Sullivan all spoke about improving on last year's record.

When asked which game on the schedule he was most excited for, senior Macalena quickly answered "first game" and added that they have "got to play every team hard" if they want to make the improvements they feel they are capable of.

"It would be great to beat North Rockland," said senior runningback and defensiveback Turner. "We havent beaten them in a while and I would love to beat them in my final year."

The Clarkstown North Rams have not beaten North Rockland in eight years.

Team captain and third year quarterback Sullivan spoke about the Rams 2009 campaign.

"We had a solid year last year, but we were young," Sullivan said. "Now with more experience and some help from our juniors, we feel like a much better team overall."

Offensive and defensive lineman Porcelli believes that last year's team "should have been better" adding that he has seen a huge improvement in the team and believes that "every game on the schedule should be a win."

The confident team captains stand behind their team and are looking to make sure their opponents remember the day they played the Rams.

 VCI Players in the NFL

Jason McCourty - #30 Cornerback Tennessee Titans   #30  Draft: 2009 - 6th round (30th pick) by the Tennessee Titans

    #21  

Draft: 2010 - 1st round (27th pick) by the New England Patriots

Terrance Fede - #78 Defensive End  Miami Dolphins

 #78 

Draft: 2014 - 7th round (19th pick) by the Miami Dolphins 

Joe Giles-Harris - #43 Linebacker Jacksonville Jaguars

Draft: 2019 Undrafted Rookie 

https://www.jaguars.com/team/players-roster/joe-giles-harris/

 New England Patriots

The New England Patriots announced today the signing of first-round draft choice CB Devin McCourty. In addition, the team announced that they have released LB Shawn Crable.

OXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Patriots announced today the signing of first-round draft choice CB Devin McCourty. Terms of the contract were not disclosed. In addition, the team announced that they have released LB Shawn Crable.

McCourty, a defensive back from Rutgers, was selected by the Patriots in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft with the 27th selection overall.

McCourty, 5-10, 193 pounds, started the last 39 games of his college career at cornerback and recorded 238 tackles, two forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries and intercepted six passes with two returned for touchdowns. He also blocked seven kicks (six punts and one field goal), scored on a 98-yard kickoff return and recorded 49 special teams tackles.

Crable, 6-5, 250 pounds, was originally drafted by the Patriots in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft out of Michigan. He was inactive for the first eight game of the 2008 season before finishing the year on injured reserve. He was injured during the preseason last year and spent the season on injured reserve.

Devin McCourty, CB Height: 5-11 | Weight: 193 | College: Rutgers

04/26/2010 - One thing he has going for him is his 4.42 time in the 40-yard dash at the scouting combine, but he's rather thin and lacks the bulk (at least right now) to bang heads with stronger, taller receivers. As always, it's anyone's guess where he'll fit. Perhaps the Patriots went with a defensive back not only to address a need but to keep up with the proverbial "arms race" in the AFC East as well. The Jets have asserted themselves as the best defensive team in the division thanks to the acquisition of cornerback Antonio Cromartie, who teams with Darrelle Revis for a formidable 1-2 punch. Once considered the most dangerous defense in the league, let alone the division, the Patriots have been spotty as they've tried to infuse more youth and speed. With McCourty, they'll be faster and younger, but will they be better? This all depends on where he fits. Clearly, the Patriots didn't see much value at No. 22 or 24, nor did they think McCourty would be off the board if they traded down. In addition to adding another young defender, they also acquired a fourth-round pick from Denver and moved up from No. 119 to 90 in the second trade with Dallas.

04/23/2010 - Five picks and two trades after we all thought they'd make their first selection of the 2010 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots finally got on the board at No. 27 with -- surprise, surprise! - a defender, though not the one many thought they'd snag. Various mock drafts weighed in during the days leading up to the draft, with some experts guessing the Patriots would go with Texas defensive lineman Sergio Kindle, or perhaps his teammate, safety Earl Thomas - either way, all eyes pointed to a defensive upgrade. In the end, Bill Belichick traded out of the 22nd pick, acquired the No. 24th pick in exchange, and then dealt that selection, too, in order to scoop up Rutgers defensive back Devin McCourty with the 27th overall pick. McCourty certainly fills a need on defense. The Patriots still haven't replaced Asante Samuel - entering his third season with Philadelphia - and they spent last year filling in the blanks on the opposite side, too, after trading away Ellis Hobbs. According to scouting reports, McCourty (5-feet-10, 196 pounds) appears to be much faster than fundamentally sound, which is strange sine Belichick often preaches the virtues of solid ball skills -- a trait McCourty apparently lacks. One thing he has going for him is his 4.42 time in the 40-yard dash at the scouting combine, but he's rather thin and lacks the bulk (at least right now) to bang heads with stronger, taller receivers. As always, it's anyone's guess where he'll fit. Perhaps the Patriots went with a defensive back not only to address a need but to keep up with the proverbial "arms race" in the AFC East as well.