(Photos by Michael Scro
The Mineola Mustangs, who are out on the field with essentially a brand-new roster, opened their season with a 20-12 win over the Great Neck North Blazers on Saturday, Sept. 12.
With only six returning players from 2014, two of which got playing time, Mustangs head coach Dan Guido says he has guys suited up and ready to go that have never played football before, however they’re coming together and working hard.
“It’s a good way for us to start,” Guido said. “We’re keeping our heads up.”
Senior quarterback Matt Kosowski ran for 211 yards, scored two touchdowns on 30 carries, one of them a 14-yard connection with junior receiver Quinn Revelant.
Kosowski’s second three-yard touchdown run with eight minutes remaining in the fourth advanced the Mustangs to a 20-6 lead.
The Blazers opened the game with a score in the first quarter, missing the extra point kick, which left Mineola in the lead 7-6 going into halftime. With one of Kosowski’s touchdowns in the third, Mineola’s defense held Great Neck North back from scoring. The Blazers then struck back in the final three minutes with a touchdown.
The Mustangs had a total of four interceptions, one of them by Revelant and sophomore Nick Natale, who picked off two passes.
“Kosowski is a linebacker as well, and that’s a tough thing to do together,” Guido said of playing dual positions. “My guys are out there on the field because we need them, including six sophomores who are starting—it’s a very young team.”
Guido, who is in his 29th year with Mineola, also hopes to utilize his other quarterback, junior Doug Hopkins, as the team practices and further develops their strategies.
“We’re going to do everything we can to make this a good season for us,” Kosowski said.
The Mustangs will square off against West Hempstead on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 2 p.m. at Hampton Stadium.
