By Mitch Silver
Section One champions. Regional Playoff Champions. New York State Finalists.
The 2013 edition of the Rye Neck football team created some wonderful memories, and several additions to the school’s trophy case.
But it’s 2014 now, and Coach Nick Ianello enters his twelfth season at the helm wondering if history will repeat itself. “We lost eleven players to graduation, starters on both sides of the ball. Still, I like our group.”
What’s not to like? Seniors Dom Brescia and Jake Sevean return to carry the pigskin. Brescia hauled it 847 yards last season to lead the 11-1 Panthers. “His strengths are, well, his strength,” Ianello noted. “He put on more muscle by training this summer at SUNY Purchase with Ray Rice’s brother.”
When Brescia wasn’t running with it last year, Sevean was—gaining 74 important yards in the State semifinal crushing of Hoosick Falls.
Ah, but who’s going to hand them the ball? It looks like Daniel Gottlieb, a transfer in from Mamaroneck High, will be the starting QB. “He’s very focused, very hard working,” his coach said. “He looked good this summer at White Plains’ Tiger Camp. Once he get’s our system under his belt, he’ll be fine.”
Another Black Hat strength will be the line. Anthony Strazza, the Garafolo brothers, Maury Corona, Zach Chmelecki, and Mark Cianciulli will all be major contributors. And that’s not counting Pedro Cueto, the Panthers’ leading tackler with 97 stops last year, 17 in the title game alone.
Backing them up will be speedy senior captain Chris Richart, defensive MVP in last year’s Sectional Championship game from his safety position. The additional presence of Nick D’Errico and Jack Evans will make the Black Hats a tough backfield for any Class C squad to throw against.
Rye Neck opens the season on the road against an improved Haldane team September 6. Will lightning strike twice in the same place? The team from Hornidge Road certainly hopes so.
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