by Jerry Burke
Because of Rosh Hashanah falling on a Saturday, most games were bumped up three days. That bump resulted in a bump of another kind for West Hempstead, who were upset 34-28.
A dizzying nine-play, 99 yard drive in the fourth capped off 20 unanswered points by Wantagh in the third and fourth quarters. Up 21-14 at the half thanks to runs by Brent Richburg (65 yard run, 150 yards total on 16 carries) and Obozua "Bo" Ehikioya (20 yard run) and a 12-yard pass from QB Elon Taylor to tight end Sha Martin, West Hempstead tacked on another running touchdown by Ehikioya in the third. Then the scoring stopped.
The Rams look to pick up the pieces at home against Sewanhaka this Saturday at home, 2 p.m. start.
Speaking of the Indians, a fourth and 25 touchdown pass from QB Dexter McRae to running back Greg Steward followed by a two-point conversion replay staring the Tribe's dynamic duo earned Sewanhaka (1-0-1) a rare tie against Floral Park. A last minute frenzy attack from Floral Park came up short on time at the ten yard line.
The Elmont Memorial Spartans came away with a good win Thursday against New Hyde Park 28-22. Two big goal line stance turnovers in the last minute kept NHP at bay. Linebacker Jamal Barnes recovered a fumble at the three-yard line, but then coughed one up forcing Elmont to take the safety in the end zone. On the ensuing NHP run, however, Elmont's Casey Mack picked off a pass at the five yard line with 13 seconds left, ensuring the victory.
QB George Santiago had 210 yards on 11 completions, including a 32-yard pass to Deron Minor in the first. Elmont has the week off due to Mepham High School's suspended season.
With H. Frank Carey having its first week off for the same reason, the Seahawks looked a little rusty against Garden City Thursday, falling 35-21 on the road. Fullback Tom Daddino scored two TD's, a 1-yard run in the second and a 4-yard pass in the fourth. Garden City, however, had the fourth quarter mojo rising with 21 points in the final frame to seal the deal. Carey (0-1) has its home opener against Westbury this Saturday at 2 p.m.
Also falling last week was Valley Stream North (0-2) to Friends Academy, 36-20. Senior quarterback Jake Tauber ran for a TD in the third and threw one to Jason Nappy in the fourth for the Spartans, who look for their first win Saturday at East Rockaway, 2 p.m. kick-off.
