New look for Nassau CC football

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There’s no shortage of new faces in the Nassau Community College football locker room in 2016, starting with the coaching staff headed up by Paul Mastronardi.

After recent stops at Eastport-South Manor High School and South Side High School, Mastronardi, who has plenty of experience coaching at the collegiate level with stints at Stony Brook, Villanova and St. John’s, takes over the helm of the Lions a year after they went 6-3 on the field and possessed the top passing offense and special teams in the Northeast Conference.

“I’m glad I’m back in college football,” said Mastronardi, who was hired in late May and added nine assistants. “It’s a big job. I’ve got a terrific staff that’s super committed, and a really good group of young men.”

The coaching staff includes Leroy Roberts, who brings a wealth of knowledge to special teams, Marc Poppe, Mike Sollene and Sean Binckes. Jose Ferrer is the only staff member with previous coaching experience with the program. “It’s going to be a collective effort,” Mastronardi said. 

Nassau is faced with the monumental task of replacing all but one starter on each side of the ball. Among the more difficult spots to fill are starting quarterback (Ben Holmes, now at Stony Brook), offensive line, top two rushers, and top two receivers. Holmes threw for 1,479 yards and 14 touchdowns with five interceptions as the Lions led the conference in passing yards per game (271.7) and allowed the fewest sacks —15—thanks in large part to Ohio State-bound Malcolm Pridgeon. Marcus Levy (Bethune Cookman) had 10 rushing touchdowns and Gary Duane caught 48 passes for 714 yards and six scores.

“It’s a brand new roster,” Mastronardi said. “We’re looking to get the word out we’re going to recruit locally. I believe there’s so much talent in Nassau, Suffolk and New York City.”

Two locals are vying for the starting quarterback job. Jimmy Kelleher helped lead MacArthur High School to a county championship a year ago, while Steven Genova starred at St. Anthony’s in 2014. “Kelleher has already stepped up as a leader,” Mastronardi said. “He’s got a strong arm and is a great young man.” Also in the mix at signal-caller is Cam Hayes.

In the backfield, Mastronardi said the Lions have plenty of guys “capable of carrying the mail.” The group, coached by former North Babylon star Barry Baker, is spearheaded by Lance Smith, a returnee, and Phil Crawford out of Holy Trinity. Kelton Whitehead tops the depth chart at fullback.

Wideout Jordan Barton is the lone returning starter to the offense, and Jelani Wright (Roosevelt) is showing promise in camp. Dom Sophia (Massapequa) leads the way at tight end.

The front line is a work in progress but has talent and size. Dean Monge is slated to start at guard, and Ray Bordley projects as one of the starting tackles

On the flip side, lockdown cornerback Jahmir Foman has all the tools and serves as the defensive anchor. Jordan Franklin and Jarian Rodgers work at safety. Kush Kurry brings pass-rush ability to outside linebacker, with Bobby Bove (Lindenhurst) serving as another key piece. Russell Brown and Isiah Weigand lead the effort in the trenches.

Nassau led the Northeast in a bunch of special teams categories a year ago, including kickoff return average, punting, extra-points (47 of 52), and kickoff coverage, and ranked second in punt return average. Mastronardi is optimistic similar results can be had. Ryan Tromblee (Northport) will handle field goals and PATs. “Special teams are something you just can’t pay lip service to,” Mastronardi said.

The Lions open with three straight road games, beginning Aug. 27 at Erie CC. “We have an extremely ambitious schedule and we’ll be tested out of the gate,” Mastronardi said.

Schedule

Sat. Aug. 27 at Erie CC 12 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 3 at Hocking 1 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 10 at Monroe 1 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 17 Navy Prep 2 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 24 Lackawanna 1 p.m.

Sun. Oct. 9 at Cornell JV 1 p.m.

Fri. Oct. 21 Army Prep 7 p.m.

Fri. Oct. 28 at Milford Prep 7 p.m.

Sat. Nov. 12 at Hudson CC 5 p.m.