Once again, the MacArthur High School Generals football team was well represented at this year’s 46th annual Nassau County High School Football Coaches Association Gridiron Banquet held at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury.
For the Conference I Generals, seniors and co-Captains Brett Ellers and William Cheshire were the anchors of their offense and defense—Ellers as their workhorse running back and relentless outside linebacker and Cheshire as their reliable wide receiver and hard-hitting safety. Each received All-County honors (Ellers’ second consecutive selection) and were joined by fellow co-Captain and lineman Anthony Giametta, linebacker Joe Tangredi and quarterback Gerard Cunningham who each received All-Conference awards. Kicker and defensive end, Kevin Roach was named as a nominee for Nassau’s Unsung Hero Award and Cheshire and Giametta received Academic All-Conference awards. The MacArthur Generals also received the 2011 Sportsmanship Award.
Ellers, at 5’7 and 160 lbs. capped off his three-year MacArthur varsity career by leading the Generals in rushing with 841 yards and touchdowns with 10. On defense, he racked up 65 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception at the outside linebacker position.
“These past three years, Brett proved himself to be our leader. He’s a fierce competitor and one of MacArthur’s all-time greats,” said Assistant Coach Tom Bobal.
According to head coach Bobby Fehrenbach, “Will Cheshire is one of the finest athletes I have had the pleasure to coach. He did everything that was asked of him and more.”
At 5’10” and 165 lbs. Cheshire enjoyed a career year. The sure-handed receiver had 10 receptions for 228 yards. He set a school record with most career TD receptions (8) and tied a school record with three TD catches in one game. He also scored seven touchdowns. On defense, Cheshire was just as stellar at the safety position where he was second on the team in tackles with 77, had two interceptions—one that he returned for a school record 89 yard touchdown—and delivered some of his team’s most punishing hits on opposing players. Cheshire was also a finalist for the 2011 Receiver of the Year Award.
The closest of friends since childhood, Cheshire and Ellers led the Generals to seven consecutive victories after a tough opening day loss to Freeport.
