VSN spoils Malverne's field unveiling

Malverne High School unveiled its long-awaited and sparkling new football facility in a game against Valley Stream North last Saturday, but the Spartans stole the show with a 34-13 victory. Senior running back Evan Henry scored four touchdowns -- three rushing and one receiving -- while running for 224 yards for Valley Stream North. Malverne’s Malique Merchant threw for two touchdowns, but the Mules defense never could quite stop the multifaceted Valley Stream North attack.

Henry’s 41-yard catch-and-run from Anthony Martelli started the scoring. After Merchant answered with a 6-yard scoring strike to Tyrae Kelley, Henry punctuated a long second-quarter Spartans drive with a 10-yard scoring run. The drive was kept alive when on third down Martelli rolled right, pump-faked twice and then found Henry along the sideline for 15 yards and a new set of downs.

The Spartans (3-1) lengthened their lead with another touchdown run by Henry, this one from 36 yards out, and then a 13-yard run by Martelli. Trailing 28-7, the Mules got a shot in the arm just before the half when Merchant, a junior, dropped a spiral into the outstretched arms of sophomore Aaron Hill along the right sideline for a 56-yard score. Even Valley Stream North head coach Tom Schiavo was impressed: “That was a tremendous play,” he said.

After the intermission, during which the new field was dedicated, Valley Stream North ground down the clock with a steady dose of Henry, who scored on a 1-yard plunge in the third quarter to close the scoring. Schiavo credited offensive coach Carmine Colasanto with creating a perfect game plan, which complemented first-half passing with second-half ball control. Malverne head coach Kito Lockwood credited the Valley Stream North players, particularly its offensive line. While taking nothing away from Henry’s performance, he said that the Spartans blocking paved the way.

“Their offensive line dominated our D-line,” he said. “I watched the game film and No. 64 was all over the field.”

No. 64 is junior lineman Mike Carucci.