The Blue Dragons, under the new leadership of head coach Ray Weidlein, opened the 2003 campaign with a hard fought loss to the # 3 seeded Plainedge Red Devils on September 20 by the score of 32 to 21. Plainedge jumped out to an early lead. The Blue Dragons fought back but Division's comeback fell short as time ran out. Jimmy Davis passed for 194 yards including passes to Tommy Davis and John Franco for touchdowns. Paul Gruber led a rushing attack that ran for 189 yards overall behind excellent blocking by Fullback Luis Fernandez and offensive lineman Mike Viola, Phil Caccamo and John Terrillion. The Division defense was led by LB's Bill Bruckbauer (13 tackles), John Terrillion (11 tackles) and Hugh Murray (4 tackles and a sack).

Week 2 yielded quite different results. The Blue Dragons evened their record at 1 -1 with an impressive 52 - 14 victory over Roslyn on Thursday, Sept. 26. The Blue Dragons scored on each of their first 5 possessions including a 63-yard punt return for a touchdown by James Hickey. Paul Gruber led the way offensively with 18 carries for 176 yards and 2 touchdowns on the ground. Sean Gilbert, Luis Fernandez and John Franco all added touchdown runs as the Blue Dragons combined for a total of 283 yards on the ground. Tommy Davis added a 77 yard kickoff return for a touchdown. The Division defense held Roslyn to 27 yards total offense in the 1st half and was led by senior co-captains John Terrillion (10 tackles) and Sean Gilbert (8 tackles).

The Division Avenue Blue Dragons improved their record to 2-1 on the season with a convincing 31 - 6 victory over Jericho before a large and excited homecoming crowd. The Blue Dragons scored on its first three possessions in the first half to jump out to a 17-0 lead at half-time. Luis Fernandez opened the scoring with a 1-yard run capping off a 9 play 81 yard drive. On the ensuing drive Division again marched down the field led by a dual rushing attack of Paul Gruber (15 carries 163 yards) and Sean Gilbert (9 carries 81 yards). Jimmy Davis finished the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run. After a John Terrillion hit caused a Jericho fumble and a turnover Division kicked its first field goal of the season, a 29 yarder by Frank Melhus. The second half was all Blue Dragons as Sean Gilbert blocked a Jericho punt which set up his 4 yard touchdown run to open the third quarter scoring. Division finished their scoring with another 1 yard touchdown run by Jimmy Davis. The Blue Dragon defense, led by seniors John Terrillion (16 tackles and a sack) and Sean Gilbert (8 tackles and a blocked punt), caused 4 Jericho turnovers and turned in another impressive performance not allowing Jericho to get any momentum.

Division looks to extend its win streak to 3 when #2 seeded West Hempstead comes to town on Friday night October 10 at 7:30 p.m. Come out and support the team.

As the 2003 fall sports season starts we find the Girls Varsity Soccer team at Division Avenue with high hopes of returning to the Nassau County playoffs. Last season the Lady Dragons posted a 12-4 record and won the Conference V title. This year the Blue Dragons have moved up to Conference IV where they will face tougher competition.

The Dragons lost seniors Christina Buckley and Jessica Graziano to graduation and will find it difficult to fill their shoes. Christina is now attending St. Anselms College on a full basketball scholarship, while Jessica is on a soccer scholarship locally at Briarcliff College. Sophomores Jen Brouilett and Nicole Foy will be asked to step into the starting lineup after playing last year on the junior varsity team.

Senior Captain Courtney Schmaeling leads the offense. Courtney leads the Lady Dragons in total points and most goals the past three years. Also powering the offense is two-time Empire State selection Mallory Inglese and freshman Hayley Lacey. Jessica Sutch, Morgan Joseph and Clare Cahill round out a very potent front line.

The mid-field is secure with Senior Captain Jenna Goldman in the middle. Also in the mid-field are Martina Liguori, Maria Notaristefano, Michele Bachety and Wendy Sandoval.

Perhaps the key to success this season lies with the defense. At the heart of a very strong defensive unit is Empire State selection and sweeper Kate Condit. Martina Liguori plays stopper when she is not in the mid-field. When Martina Liguori is in the mid-field, Meg O'Neill will be asked to play the stopper position. The outside defenders are Nicole Williams, Chrissy Fama and Michelle Cordts, considered by many to be the best outside coverage girls in the league. Last, but certainly not least, is (All-Conference Nominee) goalie Maria Liguori. She is a second-year varsity starter as a sophomore and her play will be critical for the Dragons' success this season.

The Lady Dragons know they are in for a very tough battle in Conference IV but they are braced for the task and have high expectations.