The Glen Cove Big Red varsity football team took the field on Saturday in their last regular season game. This week's opponent was the Island Trees Bulldogs, and the Big Red was determined not to let the dogs out.

As has been its trademark, the Big Red scored on the opening drive. Starting on the 20-yard line, Glen Cove drove 80 yards in 11 plays, capped off with a 25-yard pass from Eric Tripp to Kaliym Beatty. The Big Red offensive line of Peter Cappiello, Jesse Martino, George Metskas, Dan Belfiore, Brendan Huggins and Danny Mahoney dominated the Bulldog defense, as GC scored on four of their five possessions in the first half. Beatty would score two more touchdowns on a three-yard run and a 50-yard run before Eric Tripp would connect with Joey Fiorino on a 44-yard touchdown pass to put the Big Red in control 27-0.

The defense, led by Phil Voegtlen, Daven Plummer, Andrew Brown and Kevin Gardrvits, kept the Bulldogs on a short leash. Fumble recoveries by Ryan Zupa and Dougie Tripp, and interceptions by Pat Cook and Michael Iannetta all led to Big Red touchdowns.

Glen Cove continued to show their high-powered offense in the second half, scoring two touchdowns on runs by quarterbacks Eric Tripp and Michael Iannetta. Chris Haran converted 5 of 6 extra point attempts to make the final score Glen Cove 41- Island Trees 14.

The win brings Glen Cove's record to an outstanding 6-2. It also is the last home game for the Big Red seniors, who have served as the backbone of this year's team. Congratulations go out to Kaliym Beatty, Andrew Brown, Patrick Cook, Joey Fiorino, Kevin Gardrvits, Brendan Huggins, Danny Mahoney, Jesse Martino, George Metskas and Eric Tripp on a terrific senior campaign. As is custom for the Big Red, the seniors dedicated the game to a teacher who has made an impact on their life. The seniors would like to thank Mr. Barry, Mrs. Graziosi, Mrs. Davis, Mr. Stazzone, Mrs. Doulos-Figgers, Mr. Beider, Mrs. Krisch, Mrs. Brofka, Mr. Constantino and Mrs. Hall.

With its outstanding win over Island Trees, the Glen Cove High School Big Red football team has earned a spot in the Nassau County playoffs. The Big Red will travel to Lawrence for a rematch with the Golden Tornadoes. Glen Cove enters the game as the sixth seed and Lawrence the third. The Big Red is looking to avenge its 35-31 loss to the Golden Tornadoes on this season's opening day. In that game, Glen Cove had held onto a lead right into the fourth quarter, but the Tornadoes and the heat managed to wear down the Big Red for the victory. Game time is on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. Come out and show your Big Red pride!