Hewlett runs past North Shore

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North Shore’s Homecoming celebrations were stifled last Saturday as a staunch Hewlett offense stole the show and led the way to a 38-14 victory over Vikings in a Nassau Conference III matchup.

Hewlett came out playing fast and scoring quickly, scoring on its first two drives and taking a commanding 30-0 lead going into the half.

“It didn’t matter what the scoreboard said,” said Bulldogs head coach John Palladino. “We told them this is a 0-0 ball game right now. North Shore is a good team and we have to play them tough in the second half.”

Hewlett established its topnotch run offense with senior Vinny Morello scampering for 273 yards and four touchdowns on 23 attempts (11.9 YPC). Senior quarterback Matt Weiss added 65 yards on eight scrambles.

“Morello is a tremendous athlete and our offensive coordinator does a great job at putting everyone in the right formations,” Palladino said.

Hewlett’s Jayden Francis also returned a punt 60 yards for a score.

“We were looking for a fast start and we didn’t get it…and we were trying to limit the big plays, we couldn’t do it,” North Shore head coach Dan Agovino said. “At halftime, we had to reenergize.”

Despite losing their 2017 All-County quarterback, senior Dan Livoti, in the first half to a thumb injury on his throwing hand, the home team rumbled back for 14 unanswered points in the third quarter.

The rebound culminated in an onside kick recovery and the aforementioned two touchdowns in the third frame, however a crucial failed fourth-down conversion turned the tide back in favor of the visitors. “We made a great fourth down stop,” Palladino said. However, Palladino was not happy with his team’s special teams woes. “We spent a lot of time on special teams, but I wasn’t liking what we were showing.”

Both teams stand at 2-4 with two games remaining.

As for what comes next, both teams need at least one win for an opportunity at the playoffs. With the current points system for Nassau County, Hewlett may receive a more favorable shake if both teams finish out similarly. Hewlett has lost to undefeated Lawrence and Plainedge, a one-loss team, and a .500 team. North Shore has dropped its four games to one undefeated team, two .500 teams, and Hewlett.

“We are looking to win out…We are sitting in ninth place right now; with one win, it will be a toss-up,” said Agovino. “But our kids are competitors and we’re just focusing on this week.”

As for their star quarterback’s availability, Livoti’s status is unsure right now. “I don’t think he’ll be able to throw the ball for a few days at least,” said Agovino. North Shore will line up with James DeSimone under center. “He’s taking it in stride, I’m proud of him,” Agovino said.

Hewlett is looking forward to a tough machup with Wantagh. “They are a hard-nosed team that seem to play almost on a tilted field the way they run downhill,” Palladino said. “Now, we get the kids focused on playing hard for 12 full minutes at a time, get a drink, and do it again.”