Half Hollow Hills East aims for historic win in Long Island championship
- Carey Seahawks, undefeated at 11-0, are known for their strong ball-control offense and have won the LIC title in their previous appearances.
- Half Hollow Hills East, the Suffolk Division II champion with a record of 10-1, is making its first appearance in the Long Island championship.
- The championship is set to showcase contrasting styles of play, with Carey focusing on physicality and clock management against Hills East's explosive offense.
The Long Island Class II football championship featured a matchup between the undefeated Carey Seahawks and the Half Hollow Hills East RedHawks at Hofstra University on Friday at 4:30 p.m. Carey had previously captured the title in 2013 and 2014, making this game significant for both teams. The Seahawks are known for their rugged, ball-control offensive strategy, which emphasizes clock management and the ability to overpower defensive units. Their star player, sophomore Justin DePietro, has accumulated 1,019 rushing yards and scored 14 touchdowns this season. Carey's coach, Mike Stanley, stresses the importance of physicality and controlling the game's pace. On the other hand, Half Hollow Hills East entered the championship with an impressive record of 10-1 and is known for its explosive style of play. They secured their spot in the finals after defeating the top-seeded East Islip 41-14 in the Suffolk title game. Junior halfback Daniel White has been a standout performer for the RedHawks, rushing for 2,062 yards and 24 touchdowns during the season. Their coach, Alex Marcelin, highlighted that the team has several key players, such as quarterback Nick Sevilla and a talented offensive line, contributing to their success. Both teams have demonstrated strong defensive capabilities, with each allowing an average of fewer than ten points per game. This championship clash is characterized by contrasting styles — Carey’s methodical approach versus Hills East’s dynamic playmaking. As the game approached, concerns arose about whether Carey could contain Hills East's running game, particularly that of Daniel White, which could be pivotal for the outcome. Ultimately, the matchup promised a battle of endurance versus speed, showcasing the strengths of both programs. With both teams aiming for glory and their first Long Island crown on the line, the stakes were high for the 2024 class II championship. This vibrant competition not only signifies the culmination of the season for both squads but also reflects the broader narrative present in high school football across Long Island, where athletes strive for excellence on the field while fostering school spirit and community pride.