Defense steps up for Hewlett

The Hewlett Bulldogs knew earning a win in their Nassau Conference III opener last Saturday at Hofstra’s Shuart Stadium would ultimately hinge upon their ability to contain Floral Park’s All-County junior running back Ronnell Jones. 

Jones, a standout talent with quick hands and explosive speed, rushed for nearly 1,300 yards and 15 touchdowns last season, but struggled to find any gaps in the Bulldogs’ stout defense that paved the way in a 24-0 victory. “We definitely knew who he was and kept a close eye on him,” Hewlett head coach Jay Iaquinta said. “He’s a returning All-County kid who rushed for a lot of yards in 2010.”

Hewlett’s defense, which featured veteran, playoff-savvy linebackers Michael Gray and Logan Grossman, did their part to plug up the middle, limiting Jones to just 101 yards on 23 carries. Considering that he averaged over 150 rushing yards and two touchdowns per game last season, the Bulldogs were more than happy with the results. “Jones is their best player and a returning All-County player,” Hewlett’s Sam Martorella. “We did a good job of scouting him this week and we ultimately accomplished our goal, which was to limit his yardage. We stopped him from making any big runs on us, so we did our job.” 

Martorella, who sat out last season due to a torn ACL, did his part to stymie Floral Park’s aerial attack as well. Just 1:32 into the first quarter, on Floral Park’s second snap of the game, Martorella notched a key interception that set up a 25-yard field goal from Trevor Ellman, which gave Hewlett a 3-0 lead. Hewlett’s success or failure this season may hinge upon Martorella’s ability to stay on the field and contribute. “I was rehabbing all summer and winter last year,” Martorella said. “I’m pretty much 100% healthy now. I’m full force and ready to get after it.”

Hewlett’s offense was boosted by a career-defining performance from senior quarterback Mark Rizzo (78 yards), who was making his first varsity start at the position. He utilized a triple-option formation, which forced Floral Park to worry about multiple running options. Rizzo notched two rushing touchdowns, and completed four passes for 30 yards. “A triple-option quarterback is probably the toughest position in sports,” said Iaquinta. “He’s not just getting the ball and handing it off. He’s heading, he’s pitching and he’s running.”

Hewlett opened up a 10-0 lead on the first play of the second quarter, as Rizzo connected with Gray on a 24-yard pass. Rizzo sealed the win with back-to-back quarterback sneaks, including a 49-yard run in the second stanza to give the Bulldogs a 17-0 edge and a 5-yard pickup in the third frame.

Gray felt that his team played well overall, but still saw room for improvement. “We’re happy about the shutout,” said Gray. “We played great on defense, but we will need to clean up a few things on offense to get ready for our game Saturday against South Side.” Hewlett visits the Cyclones at 1:30 p.m.

Lawrence rolls over Manhasset

Senior Ryan Fredericks rushed for 170 yards and four touchdowns and junior Tyler Fredericks opened the scoring with a 50-yard romp to lead top-seeded Lawrence to a 35-0 victory over visiting Manhasset in a Conference III opener last Saturday.

Ryan Fredericks scored from 8, 12, 8 and 10 yards out. Senior Chris Hercules led the Golden Tornadoes’ defense with 14 tackles and two sacks. 

Lawrence is back in action Friday night when Bethpage visits for a 6:30 p.m. kickoff.