Thursday, October 1, 2026
Valley Stream Central enters the new football season with plenty of motivation after finishing 3-6 last year and missing the playoffs.
But if head coach Tom Schiavo’s assessment of his team is any indication, this is a group that has been building toward the fresh start for months.
The Eagles began their offseason work right after Thanksgiving, and Schiavo has been impressed with the commitment of a veteran-led roster that includes 26 seniors.
“The kids have been working so hard since December, weight room, agility, speed,” Schiavo said. “Everyone’s really motivated.”
That work ethic has become a defining characteristic of the program. Schiavo said the senior class has followed the example set by last year’s seniors.
“A lot of seniors last year led by example and the loaded senior class this year has done the same thing so far,” he said.
The Eagles will have experience at several key positions, beginning with quarterback. Senior Evan Nelson returns after starting all nine games and earning honorable mention All-County recognition. Nelson gives Central an athletic presence behind center, with Schiavo describing him as “lightning quick” and a player who runs hard and with authority.
Just as important, Nelson enters the season with a thorough understanding of the system.
“He knows the offense inside and out,” Schiavo said.
Nelson will have a veteran group of wide receivers around him. Seniors Zakai Phillips, Matthew Feaster, Dylan Eason and Danny Sanchez all started every last season, giving the Eagles an experienced group on the outside.
The receivers also bring versatility to the roster. Phillips and Feaster contribute at linebacker, while Eason and Sanchez also play defensive back. That two-way experience could be especially valuable as Central looks to get contributions from its returnees on both sides of the ball.
The offensive line could be another area of strength.
Senior Chris Jarushewsky started all nine games and can play center, guard or tackle. Schiavo describes him as “tough as nails,” and his experience should provide stability up front.
Nick Huerta, a 6-foot-1, 240 pound senior, also has the ability to play all three interior and tackle positions and is looking to make a major impact. The Eagles also return 6-2, 230-pound senior Jahsii Lumsden, along with Ryan Chamblin.
Isaac Nyanin adds even more size and versatility at 6-1, 240 pounds and can contribute at running back as well as along the line. Dhanesh Sing can play offensive line and linebacker, while Kyle McCray is an offensive lineman who can also see time at nose guard. Daniel Desrossiers will primarily play nose guard.
The running back position, meanwhile, remains wide open. None of the Eagles’ backs emerged as the clear workhorse last season, creating an opportunity for Nickoli Friday, Jalen Spady-Peak and Xavier Reinoso to compete for the starting job.
Schiavo emphasized that all three deserve recognition as they battle for carries and playing time.
The Eagles also expect significant contributions from younger players, an important development for a roster that already has so much senior leadership. The challenge will be blending that youth with an experienced group that understands what it takes to compete at the varsity level.
For Schiavo, though, the most encouraging part of the preseason has been the culture surrounding the team.
“You can never tell what our record is because they just work hard consistently on a daily basis no matter what,” Schiavo said. “The kids on this team love football and you can see it. The seniors really set the tone and I hope the younger guys are taking notes.”
The Eagles will face a daunting schedule as the No. 11 seed in the 12-team Conference II. They open on the road at ninth-seeded Baldwin and travel to No. 6 New Hyde Park before their Week 3 home opener against Herricks.
Schiavo also credited the administration and booster club for helping create an environment in which players can thrive.
“We’ve built a great culture within this program,” he said. “The administration and booster club has been great and we’ve tried to make it an awesome place to play football.”
To read more from the Herald's 2026 High School Football Preview, click here.
