Manhasset stops South Side

South Side’s quest to remain perfect on the gridiron was foiled last Saturday by visiting Manhasset, which stifled the Cyclones after the opening possession and escaped with a hard-fought 14-7 victory in a Conference III game played before a crowd of 500.

Senior Liam Young scored the eventual game-winning touchdown for the Indians (2-1) on a 10-yard run with 5:07 remaining in the second quarter, capping a 94-yard drive that proved costly for the hosts in terms of injuries. Two-way starters Matt Berry (shoulder) and Dan Cecere (ribs) left the game during the possession and didn’t return, and South Side (2-1) also lost sophomore Steven DiMare to a possible concussion.

“We hung in there despite losing three impact players,” Cyclones coach Phil Onesto said. “Manhasset is the highest-seeded team we face, and I couldn’t be more proud of the kids. We’ve had a good three weeks and can still have a very successful season.”

With receivers Berry and Cecere icing their injuries, Manhasset’s defense loaded the box against senior running back Eric Willie, who had 33 yards in the second half and 57 for the game after totaling 266 yards in victories over Sewanhaka and Floral Park. The Cyclones moved inside the red zone once in the second half but turned the ball over on downs at the 20-yard line early in the fourth quarter.

“Matt’s our go-to receiver,” Onesto said of Berry, who caught three touchdown passes from senior quarterback Cole Considine in Week 1 and a scoring strike in Week 2. “Hopefully the injury isn’t long-term. If it is, someone else needs to step up.”

Cecere was instrumental in an impressive seven-play, 65-yard opening drive that gave South Side the lead. With the ball at midfield, he caught a 20-yard pass in man coverage along the right sideline. On the next play, Considine rolled out and hooked up with senior Ryan Crossan on a deep route for a 30-yard touchdown. Senior Chandler Baylis booted the extra point to make it 7-0.

“Cole has a much better command of the offense,” Onesto said of Considine, who has five touchdown passes and no interceptions heading into this Saturday’s game at Glen Cove. “He’s making all the throws and good decisions.”

The Cyclones didn’t get to celebrate long. Senior Sean Grimm returned the ensuing kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown for the Indians, who after taking the lead were knocking on the door again late in the first half before senior Eric Gennari picked off a pass inside the 10.

It was the fourth interception of the season for South Side, which got two sacks from senior Matt Focer. Berry and DiMare had picks against Floral Park, while junior Kevin Rafferty, who didn’t play last Saturday, sealed the win over Sewanhaka when he brought back an interception 65 yards for a touchdown.

“Our defense has been spectacular in all three games,” Onesto said.