The Manhasset High School Varsity Football team, riding the arm of Bryan "The Polish Rifle" Zaremba, engineered a 24-22 come-from-behind victory over Carle Place this past Friday night under the lights at Ed Walsh field. The deciding points came on a 23-yard field goal by Phil "Blu" Kaligiros

With the win, Coach Bill Cherry's squad became a Conference IV Big Four Champion for the eighth time in the past 13 years and will face Clarke High School on Thursday, Nov. 13, at 4 p.m. at Hofstra University.

The aforementioned Zaremba, a senior and one of the four captains (the others are John Magovern, Ryan Denihan and Mike Emmanuelidis) methodically and systematically picked apart the Carle Place defense to the tune of 8 of 16, 203 yards, and three touchdowns. Sophomore lineman and team historian Patrick Judge states with certainty "With 203 yards in the air, 'The Rifle' became the first quarterback in Coach Cherry's tenure of 22 years as head coach to pepper a defense for over 200 yards."

Quarterback Zaremba said, "Obviously my statistics were a career high but I would have never been able to accomplish those stats and, more importantly, we would not have won the game without the continued outstanding performance of our offensive line." Zaremba continued, "Randy Palmedo, Jason Pellegrino, Mike Emmanuelidis, Chris Peyser and Mike DeMeo...whew, boy, I can't say enough about their play all year. Comparatively small in physical stature compared to some of the D-linemen they go up against, they have hearts of giants. They are a tight, cohesive unit and help to define the term overachievers."

Junior linebacker Chris "The Enforcer" Finn calls the defensive signals for the Indians. Finn believes that "the efforts of receivers Chris Connolly and Mark Cornachio, as well as excellent play of running backs Cullen "Hollywood" Molinari, Terrence "The Pit Bull" Molinari, Nick Vlahos and Brian Mullen are mainstays of the Manhasset success." It should be noted that Finn has carried the ball as a fullback a number of times this season.

With the win over perennial rival Carle Place, Manhasset finished the season with an overall record of 6-2. Sophomore sensation Terrence Molinari commented, "We have had some great come-from-behind wins this year. In fact I'd classify our comebacks right up there with Lazarus." Older brother Cullen Molinari chimed in, "It is so enjoyable to be part of the winning tradition of Manhasset football. The atmosphere fostered by Coach Cherry and his entire staff is one of competition and overachievement. However, we learn the precepts of sportsmanship and fair play, and if we stray, Coach Cherry reels us in. This is a great group of guys to play with. Heck, I've been on athletic teams in my formative years when the only difference between my team and the Titanic was that the Titanic had a band."

The Manhasset defense finished the regular season ranked seventh in the league, surrendering an average of 13 points per game. Coach Cherry credits the stellar play of Ryan Denihan, Anthony Prudente, Chris Finn and Matt Bitter in particular. The offense finished tied for 10th in the league (with Lawrence H.S.) scoring at a rate of 23 points per game.

The coaching staff also acknowledges the support throughout the season of injured seniors Brian Connors and Josh Egan. Said junior Chris "Big Hands" Connolly, "It's tough being on the PUP list but that has not stopped Brian and Josh from being with us as a team through every win and loss."

Junior two-way lineman Chris "The Punisher" Peyser credits Coach Cherry's staff of assistant coaches: Chuck Collyer (21 years), Keith Connors (3rd year, 7th overall), Charlie Trepos (3rd year), Tore Barbaccia (1st year) and Brian Ackerman (2nd year). "We as young men are fortunate to have these coaches," said Peyser. " They are supportive, conscientious, hard working and dedicated. They have taught us that goals achieved with little effort are seldom worthwhile or lasting."

Never at a loss for words, senior captain Mike Emmanuelisis believes that "Teamwork is the hallmark of this squad and much can be accomplished by teamwork when no one is concerned about who gets the credit."

Linebacker Chris Finn asks the community to come out to Hofstra at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13, and root the boys on to victory. Finn, an emotional, fiery player, says "Since the dog days of August, through two-a-days and perimeters, we have dedicated ourselves to making the playoffs. Now that we have, we need to change gears and up our performance. I'd ask the community and my teammates to keep this in mind:

Remember this your lifetime through--

Tomorrow there will be more to do

And failure waits for all who stay

With some success made yesterday.

Tomorrow you must try once more

And even harder than before."

Go Manhasset football.