New Look, New Conference for Gladiators Football in 2013

By Gary Simeone

The New Hyde Park football team will look to rebound from a 1-7 season in 2012 in a new conference and with a lot of new players. The Gladiators will play in Conference III against teams they have not faced in years.

“We’re basically starting with a clean canvas,” New Hyde Park head coach Kevin Dolan said. “We graduated pretty much our entire team from last year and there will be a bunch of new faces out there on the field for us this season.”

Those faces include junior quarterback Tommy Kemmett and senior running back Jake Young. Kemmett replaces three-year starter Nick Perrone who was the Gladiator’s main offensive gunslinger.

“We expect good things from Tommy,” Dolan said. “He has a really gifted arm and should help our offense immensely.”

Team captains, Marc Tangredi and Tom LaBruno who both play the offensive line position will help protect Kemmett in the pocket and give him enough time to set up his throws. Captains, Brennan Scanlon, (wide receiver,) and Matt Dluginski at running back will also be assets  on the offensive side of the ball.

The Gladiators lost a ton of talent from last year’s team including Perrone, Josh Lee, Fran and Kevin Terrero and Paul Reo, who is currently playing for Division III SUNY Maritime and Kevin Terrero, who is playing defensive end at SUNY Morrisville.

“Fortunately our team is off to a good start,” Dolan said. “We’ve had a really good offseason so far and our scrimmages have gone pretty well. One thing about these guys that I’ve noticed is that they really want to put in the effort and they understand the meaning of team.”

The Gladiators will open up their schedule with a 6 p.m. Thursday game under the lights at Tully Field against Bethpage.

Other games on their schedule include a district game against Floral Park on Sept. 17 and a game at Sewanhaka High School on Columbus Day weekend. Homecoming will be against Manhasset on Sept. 28.