By TONY BELLISSIMO
Senior Wilbur Thorsen and junior Robert Blackburn added two goals apiece for the Marines, who behind an experienced defense and a deep midfield seek a return to the playoffs following a .500 finish in 2002.
"I think we'll be strong defensively," coach Joe Hoffman said. "We're a little behind on offense as far as game flow and stick work, but it's just a matter of time before we're up to speed. I'm not concerned about it."
Long Beach is seeded 10th in the newly formed South Conference and will face 12 teams once apiece. It also has four non-league games that will hold more weight than in previous years. With Nassau County realigning the conferences according to geography and not enrollment size, road trips will be considerably shorter. Though some rivalries could lose some steam.
"I like the new schedule because it allows us to play a lot of teams we don't normally see," Hoffman said. "The drawback is we don't get to face anyone twice. But I still think it's going to be a lot of fun."
Hicksville sent the Marines packing in the first round of the playoffs a year ago, and the teams meet for a non-league game on April 22. In addition to Mepham, South Conference rivals include Baldwin, Malverne, Lynbrook, Oceanside, Lawrence, Massapequa, Farmingdale, East Meadow, West Hempstead, South Side and Island Trees.
"We want to try to run a bit," Hoffman said. "Our defenders can push the ball, our midfielders can push the ball and we've got some kids that can score. We're going to rotate our top kids [Blomquist and senior Chris Griffin] between midfield and attack in order to keep them on the field as much as possible."
Both Blomquist and Griffin were All-Conference last season. They'll help make the offense tick along with Thorsen, and senior Owen O'Shea. "I expect a lot out of them," Hoffman said. "I'm counting on them to do what they've done the past few years.
Sophomore Kevin Medrano is also in the mix at attack, but Long Beach is deepest at midfield with Blackburn, fellow juniors Connor Mullin and Kevin McAvoy, and sophomores Boris Safaniev, Justin Salorio, Austin Johnson and Shawn Gallivan.
A hard-nosed defense is led by seniors Jim Maroney and Bobby Carls, as well as juniors Dan Monaghan and Richard Stein. Long poles are manned by senior Bobby Creagh and freshman Eddie Safaniev. "We've got an experienced defense with good sticks," Hoffman said.
Kavazanjian was the junior varsity goalie a year ago, while senior Rick Aull was the backup on varsity. Both are expected to see action.
Upcoming Games
Tuesday, April 4 vs. Lynbrook Home 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 9 vs. Oceanside Home 4:00 p.m.
