MacArthur makes opening statement

Generals run for 281 yards at Wantagh

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While bouncing around between Conferences I and II since 2008, MacArthur never endured a losing season while stretching its Nassau County football playoff run to 14 consecutive years, but couldn’t muster any success against neighboring Wantagh in four tries.

Last Saturday, in their return to Conference II following a six-win campaign in Conference I, the Generals scored twice on the ground, twice through the air, and twice on special teams on the way to a convincing 38-21 victory at Wantagh. It was just their second win in nine all-time meetings with the Warriors, who scored a pair of touchdowns late in the fourth quarter.

“Opening week is always exciting, but we’ve had this game circled since August when we found out it was Wantagh,” said MacArthur senior Vin Martino, who gashed the host’s defense for 184 yards and one touchdown on 18 carries to lead a rushing attack that amassed 281 yards. “I had a big hole on every play so you know my offensive line was blowing people out,” he added.

Jared Wolfe had 40 yards and a touchdown, fullback Dan Joyce rumbled for 46 yards, and senior quarterback Jimmy Kelleher hooked up with Marc Arboleda on a pair of passing scores as the Generals won their third opener in four years. Wantagh got touchdowns from Kyle Sliwak, Bruno Surace and Devin Kennedy.

“We’ve got three guys who can really run the ball, and our offensive line did a great job,” MacArthur head coach Bob Fehrenbach said. “I coach by feel. If something is working, you stick with it. We were able to keep them off the field and not let their offense get into a rhythm.” 

An interception by Corey Sachs in the red zone halted MacArthur’s game-opening drive, but the Generals began their second possession at the Wantagh 25 and scored their first touchdown of 2015 when Arboleda used his 6-foot-4 frame to haul down a 22-yard toss from Kelleher on fourth-and-seven.

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