By TONY BELLISSIMO
There were four ties during the 2004 season-three in Conference II and one in Conference IV.
"There have been enough overtime games where coaches wanted to do something about it," Section VIII football coordinator Pat Pizzarelli said. "Suffolk has used regular-season overtime for a few years and it has worked out fine. The only concern is darkness early in the season."
The rules didn't change. Unlike the NFL and more like the NCAA, each team gets at least one offensive possession in overtime beginning with a full set of downs on the opponents' 25-yard line. Deadlocks last fall were played between Hewlett-Garden City, Elmont-MacArthur, Mepham-Herricks and Cold Spring Harbor-Manhasset.
"Why end in a tie?" said Valley Stream North Coach Tom Schiavo, who guided the Spartans to a memorable 8-2 finish and an appearance in the Conference IV semifinals. "You don't work hard all week to play a tie game, so I like the idea of overtime."
In addition to the inclusion of regular-season overtime, non-playoff teams will have the opportunity to play a ninth game against a Suffolk foe if both parties agree. The meeting isn't mandated but most schools are likely to accept the challenge.
"It's great for the sport," Pizzarelli said. "There may be a case on either side where a team might be too banged up to play a ninth game, but I think the majority are excited about it."
On Monday, Aug. 22, all 56 teams in Nassau will open practice. The first three days must be non-contact, without protective pads and without blocking sleds or any blocking devices. The only pieces of equipment allowed are helmets and shoes.
The remaining two days of opening week serve as the second half of the conditioning phase and the addition of shoulder pads and blocking equipment is permissible. Full contact starts during the second week of practice and opening scrimmages are scheduled for Sept. 3.
Valley Stream North is ranked No. 4 in Conference IV. The Spartans open at home versus North Shore on Saturday, Sept. 17, and will also face Manhasset, East Rockaway, Roosevelt, Cold Spring Harbor, Valley Stream South and Carle Place.
Valley Stream South moved into Conference IV after a handful of years in Conference III. They are seeded No. 6 and open at Malverne. Meanwhile, Valley Stream Central is seeded at the bottom of Conference I and will kick off its campaign at Long Beach.
The playoffs are slated to begin Nov. 5 at the higher-seeded teams. Not one home team was upset in last year's first round. The Nassau semifinals and championship games will be held at Hofstra's Shuart Stadium beginning Nov. 10 and 17, respectively.
VS Central Eagles schedule
Date Opponent Site
Sept. 17 Long Beach Away
Sept. 24 Syosset Home
Oct. 1 Oceanside Away
Oct. 8 Port Washington Home
Oct. 15 Uniondale Away
Oct. 22 Plainview-JFK Home
Oct. 29 Hicksville Away
Nov. 5 Playoff/crossover TBA
VS North Spartans Schedule
Date Opponent Site
Sept. 17 North Shore Home
Sept. 24 Manhasset Away
Oct. 1 East Rockaway Home
Oct. 8 Roosevelt Home
Oct. 15 C.S. Harbor Away
Oct. 22 V.S. South Away
Oct. 29 Carle Place Home
Nov. 5 Playoff/crossover TBA
VS South Falcons Schedule
Date Opponent Site
Sept. 17 Malverne Away
Sept. 24 North Shore Home
Oct. 1 C.S. Harbor Home
Oct. 8 Locust Valley Away
Oct. 15 Oyster Bay Home
Oct. 22 V.S. North Home
Oct. 29 Roosevelt Away
Nov. 5 Playoff/crossover TBA
