Thursday, October 1, 2026
Valley Stream North enters the 2026 football campaign coming off its first winning regular season since 2014, but coach Mike Paolillo knows building on that success will be difficult.
The Spartans went 5-4 last year, finishing with a 42-13 victory over Jericho. A majority of that roster has graduated, and VSN has not returned to the playoffs since 2021. The Spartans move from Conference III to Conference IV, a change Paolillo believes could help because of depth.
“It’s tough to build on, but we do have some people that can replace some of the big people that left,” Paolillo said. “Being in Conference IV helps us a little bit because other teams don’t have as much depth, similar to us, so it kind of helps us as well.”
The Spartans will need replacements for several key contributors. Senior Adebayo Kayode, who started at defensive back last season and also saw time at tailback, is expected to take on a larger role. Kayode filled both spots admirably in the Jericho win, returning an interception 53 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter before scoring on a 58-yard run in the fourth.
“We expect him to get the ball hopefully 20 to 30 times a game,” Paolillo said. “He hits the hole hard, and when he gets into space, nobody’s catching him.”
Junior Justin Gangi gives North another downhill runner. Senior Mike Omojola is expected to play fullback and linebacker.
“He’s strong,” Paolillo said of Omojola. “He’s in great shape. He’s aggressive. He’s fast for his size.”
The tightest training camp battle was at quarterback, where seniors Brandon Rivera and Max Guzman were competing for the starting job. Paolillo said the race remains close and could continue into Week 1.
“It’s going to come down to the little things that really make the decision,” he said. “They’re pretty neck and neck right now.”
North also has weapons outside. Senior Jeremiah Thomas returns as a receiver and defensive, with his athleticism making him a potential matchup problem.
“Any jump ball, he’s got,” Paolillo said. “He does have a great vertical leap. We’ve got to get him the ball more often.”
Senior Asa Aswad will handle kicking and punting duties while also playing split end and outside linebacker. Paolillo described him as a precise route runner.
The Spartans return Eddy Turcios at left guard and Alex Walfisch at center. Paolillo expects both to provide senior leadership on an offensive line that has only two returning players. Anthony Chioffe, another senior, is a candidate at tackle, while juniors Harold Bing, Yonny Turcios, Lucas Pagnotta and Rhaim Joseph are also competing for positions.
Defensively, they have plenty of questions after losing much of last year’s roster. Junior Maddox Sessing is expected to play cornerback and contribute at wide receiver. Paolillo praised his speed, quickness and physicality.
“He’s aggressive, and he plays well above his size,” he said.
Senior Sean Smiley is expected to contribute at safety in the team’s defensive schemes, while Kayode, Omojola and Thomas will be among the players asked to play important defensive roles.
North’s schedule includes games against two merged teams in East Rockaway-West Hempstead in the opener, and Oyster Bay-Friends Academy on Oct. 10. Paolillo said the Spartans will not have any easy games, but the first two contests should reveal where the team stands.
“The first two games are going to tell where we are,” Paolillo said while also referencing the Spartans’ home contest against Floral Park on Sept. 18. “Win or lose, depending on how we compete against the first two teams, they’re going to tell us what we really are.”
Paolillo’s goal is to return the Spartans to the playoffs for the first time in five years.
“[I think] 5-3, 6-2 is what would be super successful,” he said.
After missing the postseason for four years, Paolillo said the Spartans are determined to find their way back.
“Yes,” he said. “We have to.”
To read more from the Herald's 2026 High School Football Preview, click here.
