By Brian Zanzonico
With only five returning starters - the least in the conference, according to coach Jay Hegi - and the sting from that loss a distant memory, the Spartans opened their 2005 campaign at home against Calhoun last Saturday.
Senior running back Peter Russell shook off dehydration on a steamy afternoon to gain 194 yards on 25 carries and two touchdowns to lead Elmont to a 22-6 win over Calhoun. Protected by an offensive line that was without ailing senior tackle Deitchy Celestin, Russell ran around, over and through a Calhoun front seven that found itself overmatched from the get-go.
On the game's opening drive, Russell rushed seven times for 32 yards and capped a 10-play, 80-yard drive with a 2-yard touchdown run. With injured regular kicker Otis Moore, a senior, on the sideline in street clothes, Elmont missed the extra point - one of two misses on the day - but was up 6-0.
"Peter's a workhorse," said coach Jay Hegi. "He's not lightning-quick, but he's elusive and strong."
Russell extended Elmont's lead 2 1/2 minutes into the second quarter with a 13-yard touchdown scamper to give Elmont a 12-0 margin. Russell, who also starts at cornerback, was forced to sit out a couple of plays after coming to the sideline after the touchdown feeling dehydrated.
Calhoun halved Elmont's lead on the opening drive of the second half. Calhoun senior kick returner Arkesh Patel nearly broke through for a score on the kickoff before being tackled from behind at the Elmont 43-yard-line. Calhoun senior quarterback Danny Stein hit senior receiver Nick Luis and junior tight end John Rutledge for long completions to set up his own 1-yard touchdown run with 8:40 remaining in the third quarter. Calhoun missed the point after, and Elmont led 12-6.
The Spartans answered with a 1-yard touchdown run by senior quarterback Kenny Thompson (who was 6 of 8 through the air, for 70 yards), capping a 7-minute, 16-second drive with 1:12 remaining in the third quarter. Eschewing another point-after attempt for a 2-point conversion attempt, Russell took a direct snap from senior center Vaton Huggins and found senior tight end in the back of the end zone to give Elmont a 20-6 advantage.
Thompson, a converted fullback, takes over this season for the departed George Santiago, a three-year starter named last year to the All-County team. With the offense centered on Russell, chances are Thompson won't match the 17 touchdowns Santiago threw in 2004. But Thompson's ability to stand tall in the pocket impresses Hegi, who is looking for a shot at redemption after last year's conference final loss with a player still learning the nuances of the most important position on the field.
"I like that he's fearless," Hegi said of Thompson. "[It's rare] for a first-year quarterback to sit back there and take a hit."
Elmont travels to Lawrence High School on Saturday for a 2 p.m. game against the Golden Tornadoes.
Carey wins big
Paced by the brothers Daddino, Carey opened its season with a 40-7 win at Mepham High School last Saturday. Senior halfback Dan Daddino caught a 40-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Sal Intagliata (who had two touchdown tosses) and junior defensive tackle Pat Daddino (two tackles) helped keep Mepham sophomore halfback Cory Jones in check. Junior halfbacks James Spanapolous and T.J. Humrich scored on 1-yard touchdown runs.
Carey plays its home opener on Saturday at 2 p.m.
VSN tops North Shore
Valley Stream North senior halfback Joe Shea rushed for 120 yards on 24 carries and a touchdown en route to a 23-14 win at North Shore High School last Saturday. Senior quarterback John Kenny and senior running back Philip Pepe added touchdown runs.
Valley Stream North visits Manhasset High School on Saturday at 2 p.m.
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