Football: New Hyde Park 2011 Preview

The football team senior captains Lineman Anthony Mussachia and Linebacker Nick Dzombia will help lead the way in a strong returning squad this season in Conference 2 play.

Head Coach Kevin Dolan believes his departing seniors gave some great habits in his current players.

"They instilled a sense of toughness in them and I think our guys are hungry for the challenges they face this year."

Coach: Kevin Dolan

Last Season: 3-5.

"Our biggest problem was that we had difficulty finishing some close games," Dolan said. "We played hard throughout the game but could not close it it out in the fourth quarter."

Position Breakdown: With running backs on the team like Diego Dilone and Fran Terrero, there will be a reason to believe all season long.

"They have the potential to do anything they want to do," said Dolan of Dilone and Terrero. "They're like those best-athlete-in-the-school type of guys."

There is also kicker/punter Luke Santangelo who adds a whole new dimension to the team with his skills. After giving up soccer to play football two years ago, the senior has been actively recruited by both Division 1 and Division 2 schools. He also won first place at the National Combine challenge this summer.

And then there are offensive and defensive tackles Alex Chadli and Jack Murnane who, according to Dolan, have had the preseason of their lives.

"With all the weight training, both players have really grown into their bodies this past offseason."

Expectations: "With the class we have coming back we expect to make a deep run in the playoffs this year," Dolan said.

Last season the team went 3-5 and had two shutout losses.

Key Games: Their schedule has them facing a tough Garden City team in an away game  on Sept. 24 and then they play back-to-back home games against Calhoun and Wantagh in October.

The Gladiators will play their first game of the season at home against Great Neck South on Saturday, Sept. 10 at 1:30 p.m.