With football season approaching, the Plainview-JFK Hawks led by veteran head coach Chris Rogler have their expectations high and feel they will make another run at the playoffs in 2013.
Finishing last year’s regular season 4-4 with wins over Freeport, Hicksville, Hempstead and Valley Stream District, Rogler says their 14-12 win over Freeport was “the biggest win in Plainview football history.”
The Hawks clinched the playoffs and received the no. 8 seed, facing no. 1 seed Farmingdale in the Class A Nassau County Quarterfinals- the Hawks lost 26-0.
“The 2012 team graduated 23 seniors all who were contributors to the teams success,” Rogler said. “The 2013 team has some holes to fill and we will rely on youth to power us – we as a coaching staff feel we will make another run at the playoffs this year.”
Returning staters include Vinny Ruggerio, Andrew Weiser, Sal Guagaliardo and Jack Nueshotz. Rogler says the ‘speedy backfield’ made up of Ryan Schenk, Nikko Mueller, Nick Conti, Kyle Coleman and Kevin Pastier “should fair well with the big boys clearing a path.”
On the defensive side of the ball, the Hawks will be led by inebackers Max Friedman, Brian Cameron, Darrien Bucking and Noah Frankel. “These four linebackers have a nose for the football and should hold opponents from getting in the endzone,” Rogler said.
The hawks will open up their brand new lighted turf field against no. two seed Farmingdale on Thursday, September 14 at 5 p.m.
