The Mineola Chiefs recently won the Nassau County ‘A’ NCYFL Championship at the Mitchel Field Athletic Complex beating the perennial powerhouse Massapequa Mustangs 26-13. The Chiefs 8-2 season was highlighted by an award-winning dominant defense. But after a very long season, Chiefs offense finally came alive and took over the game with precision.
“We have been relying on our strong defensive play all season, and that it was finally satisfying being able to get the offense going and take some pressure off our defensive unit,” Chiefs Offensive Coordinator Bobby Redmond said.
The Chiefs offense moved the ball up and down the field at will against the Mustangs. Mineola was led by the power and speed of running backs Nick Rios’ two touchdowns and James Rosellon’s one score behind the great blocking of center James Muessig and the rest of the Offensive Line of Luke Santaniello, Dean Aquilina, Liam Jenal, Frankie Leckler, and Tight-ends Joe Chimenti and Brian McCleery. Quarterback Peter Sluka (two extra-point runs) controlled the offense throughout the game.
The Chiefs’ defense was stifling and intense all season long and this day was no different, making gang tackles all over the field. The defensive line of Ely Hahami, Charlie Villa, Luigi Kaloudis, Michael Nygaard, Luke Ruiz, John Jochym, Zachary Bohringer, Johnny Kessler, Zakria Zulfiqar and Jack McCormack kept the pressure on Massapequa’s offense the whole day. Linebackers John Viggiani and Nick Rios attacked the ball and finished off the Braves. Cornerbacks Lucas Goring and Nolan Langner (one interception) were fearless in tracking down the Mustangs.
An injured Emmett O’Brien was on the sidelines rooting his team on to victory. The Chiefs were coached by Tim O’Connell, Bobby Redmond, Tony Bencivenga, Charlie Santaniello and Sotiri Goring.
