North Shore earns Homecoming victory

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The North Shore Vikings stormed the field for Homecoming last Saturday to emerge in victorious fashion, downing the Carle Place/Wheatley Wildfrogs 28-7 in front of a sizable and electric crowd.

“We came out here wanting to play with energy and enthusiasm knowing we can make some things happen for us,” North Shore head coach Dan Agovino said.

Enthusiasm and efficiency were exactly what North Shore played with, as the defensive unit effectively made its presence known in Carle Place/Wheatley’s backfield throughout the game. Senior linebacker Kyle Commando recorded two sacks while also recovering a fumble, while seniors Alex Vella and Matt Potapov nabbed a sack each as well whilst both were a migraine headache for the opposition’s offensive line.

On the offensive end, outstanding performances boasted from multiple players carried over the momentum from the defense. That momentum was amplified by the stellar execution of the quick, no-huddle offense crafted by Coach Agovino. 

“We wanted to play our quick offense and we wanted to get the ball spotted as quick as possible and get back to the line,” Agovino said. “We prepare for that by conditioning. We know when we came in that we were going to be the better conditioned team and we prepare that way.”

Junior quarterback Dan Livoti ran the fast-paced offense seamlessly through a large majority of the game before the Vikings chose to slow the pace down late in the fourth quarter. Livoti finished the day with 93 yards on 4-of-7 passing while delivering a 37-yard strike to senior wide receiver Joe Magliocco for the game’s first touchdown. Livoti also finished with 50 yards on the ground on 10 attempts.

“We’re real proud of Danny. It’s only his second game starting at the position for us and he’s taken it really seriously, always learning,” Agovino said. “He’s a competitor. He’s a three sport athlete and a competitor that brings that attitude with him on the field.”

Senior running back James Ledden had a sensational game, finishing with 157 yards and two touchdowns, one of which a 15 yard scamper that capped off a remarkable 98-yard drive He also added two snags for 33 yards to bring his total scrimmage yards to 190. “I really have to commend James Ledden. He wasn’t our running back coming into the year…after our game scrimmage, we moved him over there,” Agovino said. And nearly with a chuckle, Agovino exclaimed: “And he’s such a competitor that always wants the ball. And with him scoring two touchdowns today, he’s going to get it. We’re very proud of him.”

Seniors Mike Sylvester and Roman Iuvara led the charge on the offensive line that opened up running lanes and gave great pass protection that allowed for big plays. Coach Agovino, although happy, was wary of a few early holding penalties “Roman and Mike started all year for us last year and lead this offensive line,” Agovino said. “We just have to reduce the penalties.”

North Shore is back in action at home again this Saturday against Cold Spring Harbor at 2 p.m.