The Manhasset Varsity Football Team opened the 2005 season with a shut out performance, defeating East Rockaway by the score of 35-0. The game was played "under the lights" at what Newsday calls "the best stadium in Nassau County." We know it as Ed Walsh Field.

The Indians warmed up after seven minutes, the time East Rockaway held possession of the ball, to dominate and take control of the game. Led by Terrence Molinari (102 yds. on 8 carries 1 TD), Dan Mullin (50 yds. on 4 carries 1 TD, 2 receptions for 30 yds. 1 TD) and Kyle Gans (80 yds. on 9 carries) and Tom Dodge (5 for 8 passing for 80 yds. 1 TD), the Indians offense was unstoppable.

The offensive line play of Greg Boukas, Matt Heske, Pat Judge, John Kessler and Tom Morelli, along with newcomer Chad Fabuss, was outstanding!

Defensively, the numbers of Anthony Celifarco, Matt Sutherland, Tom McDonnell and Scott Madison, were called often in keeping the "Rocks" at bay.

In keeping with a stellar performance, the special teams unit led by Matt Cornachio and Shea Licata, electrified the crowd with a 47-yard punt return for a touchdown to cap the scoring. Phil Kalagiros was 5 for 5 for extra points.

Next week the Indians take on Valley Stream North (VSN), in a showdown between the #3 (Manhasset) and #4 (VSN) seed in Nassau County Conference IV at 2 p.m. at Ed Walsh Field.

A Homecoming crowd of more than 600 at sunny Ed Walsh Field (recently named by Newsday as the best field in Nassau County) saw the Manhasset Indians beat a tough Valley Stream North (VSN) team, 38-28, and improve their record to 2-0.

The Indians would have their work cut out all game as the under-sized Indian offensive and defensive lines would have to contend with a bigger and stronger VSN team that included a 6'5", 225 lbs. defensive end. However, the Indians took it right to them as the very first play featured a sweep around right end by co-captain running back Terrence Molinari (106 yards rushing, three touchdowns) that went for 53 yards and the game's first touchdown. Key to the play was the excellent blocking by senior tight end Frankie Coughlin and senior tackle Greg Boukas. The point after kick was perfect by Phil Kalagiros. Indians led 7-0.

VSN received the ball and drove right back and scored on a four-yard run to tie the score at seven. Then it was the Indians turn, and the first of four beautiful pass plays by co-captain and quarterback Tom Dodge (230 yards passing, three touchdowns). Dodge dropped back to pass, checked multiple receivers, stepped smartly into the well-formed blocking pocket and fired a 47-yard strike to the end-zone and hit a streaking Danny Mullin for the touchdown. Kalagiros' kick was again good, Indians up, 14-7. Kalagiros scored four more points in the game, including a 36-yard field goal that could have reached 45 yards.

The Indians then stopped a VSN drive as co-captain and defensive end Tommy Morelli, who led the defensive attack with 10 tackles on the day, and junior Chad Fabuss continually plugged the holes and forced VSN into passing situations. This worked to the Indians advantage as superb d-back coverage and open-field tackles by seniors Tom McDonnell, Matt Sutherland and John Brugal got the ball back to the Indians.

The Indians then started a long drive, highlighted by a nifty 37-yard corner pass completion from Dodge to split end Peter Miller, who outsmarted the defender, reached back, and caught the ball even though he was closely guarded. This set up a one-yard touchdown by fullback Scott Madison and a 20-0 lead for the Indians.

Still in the wild second quarter, the Indians had yet another scoring drive, this one capped by an 18-yard pass reception from Dodge to Molinari sprinting across the end zone. Dodge placed a perfectly thrown ball past the defender and into the outstretched hands of a diving Molinari, for the third highlight reel pass of the day. A two-point conversion, Dodge to Mullin, made the score 28-7. The first half ended with a last second scoring pass by VSN to make the score 28-14.

The second half began with a scoring drive by the relentless VSN squad, to tighten the score to 28-21, Indians. Next, the VSN kick-off was strong and far, forcing the Indians to start their drive deep in their own territory. A couple of unsuccessful runs put the Indians in a third and long situation, and the large crowd could feel the game momentum moving toward VSN. The next play, called by Coach Bill Cherry, changed the game and clearly caught VSN off guard, as Dodge faked and drew the big defenders to himself. He then tossed a screen pass to Molinari, who received assistance via a crunching block by co-captain and pulling center Patrick Judge, on the closing linebacker. This sprung Molinari for a 75-yard sprint down the sideline, and a 35 - 21 lead that killed the spirit of VSN. Just one of many well-executed plays of the afternoon.

The fourth quarter saw the Indians run out the clock behind the running of Madison (45 yards rushing) and Mullin (148 all-purpose yards), and a strong offensive line effort. VSN's final drive ended with an over-the-head interception of a long pass by Mullin, just to cap off his fine play all day.

Next game is Saturday, Oct. 1, at 2004 conference champion Roosevelt (2-0), with a 2 p.m. start.