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Haldane Boys In Blue Refuse To Lose This Season
by Chris Anderson
The Haldane Varsity Football Team was faced with a question one foggy night in August after their last practice at Kennybrook. They have to choose. Are they going to be the hunted or the hunters? Are they going to be winners or losers? Coming off a history-making season, the Haldane Blue Devils are no longer going to be taken lightly by opposing teams. Teams will be gunning for our boys in blue, and the question is will they wait to defend the blow? Or will they attack? They are hungry for another great year. "The season has many question marks as of right now," stated Coach O’Neill, in his fifth year coaching here at Haldane. "There are many new faces and people that are going to have to step up. I respect last year’s group and all they accomplished, and now it’s time to settle down and focus." The team does have some experienced players, and they have so far shown that they are where they left off last year, only getting better. Both Coach O’Neill and Coach Levine, in his second year coaching the Blue Devils, have really pushed the learning curve for the newcomers. There is a lot that has to be learned in a short amount of time, both physically and mentally. The main principles of the football program: discipline, hard work, and togetherness, are all being taught to the newcomers, and the team is becoming more cohesive with each practice. This year’s captains Ryan Szirmay, Dylan Griffin, Ryan McConville, and J.P Percacciolo have really stepped up and taken on superb leadership roles.
Last Saturday the Blue Devils saw their first action on the field, taking part in a four-team scrimmage along with Briarcliff High School, Peekskill High School, and Panas High School. Overall there was a very positive attitude coming from the team and the coaching staff. The team was very strong and held its own against the bigger A and B schools. Haldane was very competitive and stuck together throughout the day. They moved the ball pretty well on offense, and on defense they worked hard and did well against the other schools. Nobody gave up, and both newcomers and returnees saw playing time. They will take on Rye Neck this Saturday in a regular scrimmage where they hope to continue to work hard and grow as a team.
Some of the new faces this year are Vinny Millspaugh, Brian Belluscio, and Pat Moroney. Vinny, a sophomore, has really stepped up and is looking to get a lot of time on both sides of the ball. Senior Brian Belluscio is working at fullback and linebacker. He is someone who can really help the team this season. Pat Moroney, another senior with a lot of speed, looks to play at the wide receiver spot this year. As for returnees Matt Monroe, Luke Healy, Brian Cacace, Nick Vetere, and Ryan Szirmay, they are the new "blue wall" of the offense, and Coach Levine is very confident in these five. "The offensive line is as strong as last year though they will have to prove themselves that they are game ready," Coach Levine said of his line. Ryan McConville is taking over the quarterback position this year and is ready for the task.
The outlook for this year, as provided by the coaches, is to reach the playoffs and then work from there. There is a bull’s eye on the boys in blue this year, but they go in each game with a "Refuse to Lose" attitude. The boys are going to do everything they can, one week at a time, giving it everything they have against each opponent, never giving up, fighting to the finish.
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