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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2004 CRUSADERS
DEFENDING
Section 9 Champs
AA Division Champs
NY State Eastern Region Champs
NY State Championship Semi-Finalists
Ranked #7 in NY state
HISTORY WAS MADE...
The ONLY M-W AA & Section IX AA Team to win a Regional Playoff Game --
The most successful team in school history !!
Coach Pat D'Aliso was awarded the
2004 MWHS PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE AWARD
for this achievement.
Defense Steps Up in M-W Triumph
Warwick – It was the end of the third quarter, and his team was two touchdowns in the black.
But that wasn't good enough for Monroe-Woodbury defensive back John Schepps.
"I want a shutout!" the senior screamed at his teammates. "We deserve this!"
His teammates granted Schepps' wish, smothering a younger, smaller Warwick team in a 14-0 win last night.
Everyone knew the deal with Monroe-Woodbury entering this season. A high-powered option offense. A fleet-footed quarterback in Matt Stack. Wave after wave of running backs.
But on a night when the offense only played well in spurts, the Crusaders showed they can play a little defense, too.
"We've been sitting around all summer, listening to everyone talk about the offense," senior linebacker Dennis Jones said. "It's time for us to start stepping up. It starts tonight."
Jones and defensive back Shane Coincon provided the exclamation point on the coming-out party, stuffing Warwick running back Tim Marion at the Monroe-Woodbury 4-yard line with 26 seconds left in the game.
"When it really came time to kick in and make a big play, they made big plays," Monroe-Woodbury coach Pat D'Aliso said.
Monroe-Woodbury also capitalized on a Warwick blunder midway through the first quarter, setting the tone for the game.
As a Warwick drive stalled at its own 35-yard line, Warwick junior Joe Stolzenberg was set to punt. But the snap sailed over his head and the Crusaders tackled him at the Warwick 4.
Monroe-Woodbury running back Matt O'Brien punched it into the end zone on the next play giving the Crusaders a 7-0 lead.
The Crusaders (1-0) doubled the lead with a nine-play, 74-yard drive in the second quarter, highlighted by a 33-yard pass from Stack to tight end Bryan Wortman and capped by a 9-yard touchdown scamper by Stack.
"We'll take this as a win," said Stack, who finished with just 91 yards on the ground. "But we can't stay at this same level. By Keith Goldberg THR
TOP 5 QUARTERBACKS
By Kevin Witt Times Herald-Record kwitt@th-record.com
Take the snap, drop back and throw the long touchdown pass to win the game. There isn't a person alive who ever gripped a football who didn't have that scenario race through his mind. Face it, quarterback is the glamour position. They get the praise when things go well. They get the heat when things go badly. They get the newspaper clippings and the TV coverage.
Who always gets the good-looking girl in the movies? The quarterback.
There are 34 starting quarterbacks in Section 9 football, but these are the top five:
1. Andrew Downey
School/grade: Kingston senior
Vitals: 6-foot-2, 215 pounds
The numbers: Completed 50-of-95 passes (52.6 percent) for 1,054 yards, 1IToaehdowns and three interceptions. Rushed for 140 yards and one TD on 20 carries.
Why he's No. 1: He's got all the tools - size, arm strength, physical strength, poise and can take a hit - as well as deliver as few as a linebacker. Downey threw for 1,029 yards as a sophomore, then missed all but two quarters as a junior when he was tackled in the opener and broke his collarbone.
Coach Tom Loughlin's take: "He's not a quarterback, but a football player who happens to be a quarterback. He's very athletic, and can do anything."
Loughlin discovered him, when? "We did this thing when he was in eighth grade called 'Monday Night Football,' where kids came and worked out and did drills. We also had 7-on-7 shootouts with other schools. I'd see him throw and I was like, 'Wow, we've got something here.'" Kingston WR Brandon Hill's take: "He's real accurate, and can get the ball to you under pressure. In our last game (against Newburgh), he hit me with this great pass across the middle. I didn't even notice, until I saw the game on television, that he almost got sacked."
Monroe-Woodbury free safety Neil Ingenito's take: "Andrew Downey has a very strong arm. Even when you think the pass is over, he can still make a throw 50 yards down the field." Will Downey wear a college uniform? Loughlin calls him a "definite I-AA quarterback," as he has attracted interest. A low-level Division I program may be an option.
2. Matt Stack
School/grade: Monroe-Woodbury senior
Vitals: 5-foot-11,185 pounds
The numbers: Rushed for 927 yards and 16 TDs on 111 carries. Completed 22-of-45 passes (48.8 percent) for 521 yards, five touchdowns and one interception.
Why he's No. 2: Has taken a pounding as the perfect fit for his team's run-based option offense for four years, but never seems to miss a play. He's become a better passer, after barely being able to get his hand around the ball as a 14-year-old freshman.
Coach Pat D'Aliso's take: "He's a highly intelligent kid who's a good athlete. People say he can't throw, but he throws well enough."
D'Aliso discovered him, when? "He was one of three good quarterbacks we had in our eighth-grade class. Matt seized it. When (the varsity) needed a quarterback when he was a freshman, he had the courage at 5-7, 145 to want to do it."
M-W guard Peter Scalia's take: "In practice, things are always perfect. He's patient with our option, and doesn't just pre-determine which hole he's going through. If I handle my guy, I know he'll make the right cut."
Kingston linebacker Jermaine Campbell's take: "He follows his blockers real well, is good at seeing the field and making the right cuts off the blockers. He's gotten a lot stronger this year."
Will Stack wear a college uniform? In the right option-based offense, D'Aliso believes. Stack's grades likely will him enable him to go to college, D'Aliso said, that has a football program above his abilities.
A FEW WORDS ABOUT THE CRUSADERS
Tony Morino's Time-Warner Game of the Week is a blessing for those of us who were at another game and had to miss the Monroe-Woodbury v. Newburgh game last Friday. Three things that really struck me were: (1) Matt Stack lives up to his billing! (2) Do the Crusaders have a great offensive line, or what? and (3) That "rebuilt" defense was supposed to have been a liability. I don't think so.
Stack is something else. He's already cracked the 1,000-yard mark for rushing yards. And who said he can't pass? The touch on that TD toss to Mike Septh was a work of art. This kid IS something special. I remember well his first varsity appearance in the season's opener of his freshman year. The game was played at Port Jervis. The senior starter got hurt, and this little kid came trotting in. No, he didn't play Superman that day, but if you saw him a few weeks later after he had time to work with the starting unit, you knew he'd be a good one. In his sophomore and junior seasons he ran around everyone's end (with the possible exception of NFA's). This year he can run just about anywhere he wants. Pat D'Aliso and his staff spotted this kid a long time ago and knew he was special while many observers just muttered, "Give me a break." Hats off!
Stack's ability to find holes is made a lot easier by that terrific offensive line. Usually running that option around the perimeters, Stack opted to take a quick step back and then easily prance through the hole created by left guard Peter Scalia, a 6-1, 245 blocking machine. Center Joe Scalo (6-3, 270) was the team's top blocker at tight end last year, so he was moved to center to replace graduated all-stater Tom Aspinwall. He's a stud, too. So is veteran tackle Eugene Dutton (6-3, 275). The other starters are veteran guard Stephen Schwade (6-1, 240), another horse, and fine first year starting tackle John Canzona (5-11, 240). Oh, yes. These guys have shown that they can pass block as well as run block on those few occasions that Stack shows off his touch.
The Crusaders came into the season with a loaded backfield and only one football. Yes, the backs have murmured a bit over the last few years; but with Stack continuing to do so well and with the team winning ... well, winning soothes a lot of egoes. Anyway, one brilliant move was to take junior Neil Ingenito, one of those talented RBs who never got many touches, and move his to defense. He had four (count 'em f-o-u-r) takeaways against Newburgh last Friday.
The M-W defense smothered NFA. Those seven turnovers can't solely be attributed to Goldback sloppiness. NFA wanted to throw and the Crusaders were ready. DTs Chris Dollbaum and Mike Slavkosky jammed up the middle while ends Tom Beyer and Joe Salamone could pressure from the outside. Backers Shane Coincon, Doug Jones and Keith Hale were ready to attack the run or slip off into coverage. John Schepps was free to roam while Chris Johnson, Greg Sullivan and Ingenito patrolled the secondary.
"They didn't do what we expected them to do," NFA coach C.T. Chatham said at half about his opponent, hitting the nail right on the head.
You can bet that the young 'Backs will be a little more ready and poised in a possible title rematch, but right now it looks like this is Monroe-Woodbury's year. The Crusaders are loaded. And let's not forget that backfield that lines up behind Stack. At fullback there's that tough son-of-a-gun Danny Lexandra. So how good can a backfield be when you've got Matt O'Brien and Ray Graziano back there along with Lexandra? If you key only on Stack, you've still got to account for those other guys along with ends Septh and Bryan Wortman.
These guys are why aspirin was invented.
Sectional Rankings and Top Rushers
Tuesday, October 26
By FEARLESS PHIL
There aren't too many changes in the sectional rankings. Wallkill moves ahead of NFA in AA/A, but Monroe-Woodbury stays on top with its domination over NFA on both sides of the ball last Friday. NFA should get another shot at the Crusaders in the Class AA title game.
CLASSES AA & A
1. Monroe-Woodbury (8-0) - Don't overlook their great offensive line!
2. Wallkill (8-0)- Is there a better second half team around here?
3. NFA (5-3)- Their Goldbacks' youth is showing, but they'll rebound.
4. Kingston (5-3) - The Tigers are world-beaters when not play #'s 1, 2 & 3 above.
5. Port Jervis (6-1) - The Raider offense can be lethal. The defense is improving but not fast enough with Wallkill on the horizon.
6. Warwick (5-2) - Wildcat doubters are silent this week. Unfortunately a riled-up bunch of Goldbacks will be waiting at Dietz.
THE TOP SECTION NINE RUSHERS (WE THINK)
1. Kyle Schneider (Eldred) - 1,318
2. Mike Giacoia (Marlboro) - 1,134
3. Steve Kearins (Millbrook) - 1,070
4. Matt Stack (Monroe-Woodbury) - 1,021
5. Jihad Morris (Newburgh) - 993
6. Josh Papka (New Paltz) - 987
7. John Foley (Port Jervis) - 971
8. Justin Oelgeschlager (Highland) - 857
9. Gregg Brain (Minisink Valley) - 831
10. Danny Knox (Tri-Valley) - 825
Stock Rises for Some Section Nine Teams
Thursday, October 28
SYRACUSE - Six Section Nine teams rose in the NYSSWA rankings released today. The same teams remained in the #1 slots: AA - New Rochelle (Section One), A - Nyack (Section One), B - Chenango Forks (Section Four) C - LeRoy (Section Five), and D - Cambridge (Section Two).
In Class AA Monroe-Woodbury rose two spots, going up to #8.
FRIDAY - CLASS AA SEMIS
Warwick v. Newburgh (4 PM) -- These teams had four common opponents this season. Warwick was 2-2 against them; NFA was 3-1. Both lost to Monroe-Woodbury; Warwick also lost to Kingston. Both beat Minisink and Washingtonville while NFA beat Kingston. In those games, Warwick scored 33 points and allowed 62 while NFA scored 97 and allowed 48. Using those numbers, we could set Newburgh as a 10-point favorite to win over Warwick.
Monroe-Woodbury v. Washingtonville (8 PM) -- These teams had five common opponents. Washingtonville had a 3-2 record in those games; Monroe-Woodbury was 5-0. Both teams beat Middletown, Minisink and Pine Bush. Monroe-Woodbury also beat Warwick and Newburgh both of which beat Washingtonville. In those games against common foes, the Crusaders outscored the opposition, 170-38; the Wizards outscored them, 87-65. Those numbers would make Monroe-Woodbury an 11-point favorite.
Do Warwick and Washingtonville have shots at the big boys tonight? The first reaction is that if one were to bet on those games (which we discourage) he'd quickly give the points. After all, both Monroe-Woodbury and Newburgh could have put even more points on the board in those common games if they had wanted. And the first week of the season saw NFA defeat Washingtonville by 14 points (20-6) and M-W defeat Warwick (14-0).
But for the smaller schools this is an opportunity to dream and pull off a stunning upset, one that would top their memory list for years to come. Maybe Newburgh is so focused on a rematch with Monroe-Woodbury and the Crusaders are taking this game with the Wizards so much for granted that the "little guys" can pull it off. Recent history tells us differently, however. Here are the semi scores from 2003: Newburgh 35, Warwick 7 and Monroe-Woodbury 37, Washingtonville 7.
NEWBURGH BEATS WARWICK IN AA SEMI, 34-18
By RICH ARNOTT (WTBQ)
Kingston ...
MONROE-WOODBURY READY FOR ROUND TWO
By CHRIS MAYONE
KINGSTON - As soon as Monroe-Woodbury was done taking apart the Washintonville Wizards, 30-7, in Friday night's Section 9, Class AA semi-finals, the Crusaders could only think about one thing. The Newburgh Free Academy Goldbacks.
"We're back to the same old teams," said Monroe-Woodbury head coach Pat D'Aliso, whose Crusaders were the last team to sport the sectional crown before the Goldbacks ran off three consecutive titles.
"If we played like we did tonight they can beat us. We turned the ball over a lot and had too many penalties. One of these weeks all the penalties are going to hurt us."
This coming from a coach whose team is yet to trail in a game and has outscored its opponents 292-79 en route to a 9-0 record and a birth in next Friday's 8 p.m. showdown with Newburgh Free Academy for all the marbles.
"It doesn't matter who we beat," said all-state quarterback Matt Stack, when asked if beating the team that ended his season three-out-of-four years would be extra special. "I just want to win one".
Stack was named the semi-finals most valuable offensive player as he rushed for 148 yards, on 19 carries and a touchdown. He added 30 yards via the air.
"I think it is great. But Danny (Lexandra) deserved it with the three touchdowns," said Stack.
Lexandra (16 carries, 84 yards) struck first with an 8-yard burst behind center Joe Scalo and right guard Peter Scalia.
It looked as if the Crusaders were about to strike again, but Stack coughed up the ball inside the Wizards' 10-yard line, stalling the drive. It was Stack's first lost fumble of the season.
Gerald Jones booted a 38-yard field goal on the Crusaders next possession extending the lead to 10-0 with :19 left in the opening period.
Washingtonville provided a second quarter scare when quarterback Kevin Foley found Duralle Cromwell for a 57-yard touchdown pass with 6:46 left in the half.
Order was restored when Lexandra capped off a four-play drive with a five-yard plunge behind the talented Crusaders' offensive line. The drive featured an 18-yard Stack run, a 29-yard completion to Matt O'Brien, and a Lexandra nine-yard scamper.
The Wizards used a halfback pass to creep inside the Crusaders' 10-yard line with less than a minute to play in the half. Faced with a fourth-and-one from the two-yard line, Foley used a keeper to inch ahead for the first down with :13 left. But Washingtonville was forced to burn its final timeout.
On first-and-goal from the one-yard line Foley was stood up by Dennis Jones at the line of scrimmage as the clock ran out as the Crusaders escaped danger.
"I can't say enough about that goal line stand," said D'Aliso. "That defense lost seven starters last year. Everyone wants to talk about the offense and write about the offense but this defense is just tremendous. I would hate to see where we would be without them."
"It was all heart," said defensive back John Schepps. "We knew we couldn't let them get in."
It took the "no name defense" just two plays to force a fumble on Washingtonville's opening possession of the second half. Defensive back Neil Ingenito forced the loose ball and Greg Sullivan pounced on it.
Soon, Lexandra found the end zone to extend the lead. This time he bulled his way in from five yards away. Gerald Jones' extra point was no good. But Monroe-Woodbury still held a 23-7 advantage.
Stack put an exclamation point on the game with a 27-yard romp with 7:02 remaining in the game making the lead 30-7. Again, an Ingenito forced fumble put the offense in prime position for a score. Defensive back Chris Johnson recovered it.
"Neil (Ingenito) is one of the best athletes on the team," said D'Aliso. "He could play quarterback, linebacker, or running back if we needed him too. He just makes plays."
The Crusaders are now 9-0. The Wizards finish at 6-3.
Lexandra up to challenge in semifinal
RB's three touchdowns boost M-W
By Kevin Witt Times Herald-Record kwitt@th-record.com
Kingston – Other people needed to run the football for Monroe-Woodbury to be successful.
That was the philosophy adjustment coach Pat D'Aliso made this season with his option offense. There were teams – specifically, Newburgh Free Academy – that were able to key on quarterback Matt Stack in big spots.
So D'Aliso wanted more options.
Last night it was Danny Lexandra's turn.
Lexandra ran for 72 yards and three touchdowns on 16 carries and Monroe-Woodbury defeated Washingtonville 30-7 in a Section 9 Class AA semifinal game.
"I knew they were going to try and focus to take away (Stack)," Lexandra said. "So the ball was going to go in my hands."
The Dietz Stadium crowd of about 1,000 saw Washingtonville hang tough for a half before the state's eighth-ranked Class AA team prevailed.
Which leads to one of the hottest matchups of the high school sports year.
Monroe-Woodbury (9-0) will play Newburgh Free Academy (6-3) for the Class AA title at 8 p.m. Friday at Dietz Stadium. Newburgh is the three-time defending champion.
Monroe-Woodbury will play in the Class AA title game for the second straight season and seventh time in the last eight years. All seven games have been against Newburgh.
Monroe-Woodbury won the championship in 1998 and 2000, and lost 35-0 to Newburgh in last year's championship game.
On Oct. 22, Monroe-Woodbury beat Newburgh 28-6 to clinch the Class AA Division I regular-season title.
"They took it away from us last year," Lexandra said. "It's our turn this year. We're practicing hard. We're coming to play."
"This is where you want to be," D'Aliso said. "We're 9-0, ranked eighth in the state. Now, as far as what happens next week, I have one concern: penalties.
"I'm concerned that penalties in a close game are going to take us out of that game. ... It could come down to that one hold or that one offside."
Monroe-Woodbury committed eight penalties, fumbled twice and Stack threw an interception last night. But the Crusaders came up clutch in arguably the game's biggest play.
Trailing 17-7 with 1:01 left in the first half, Washingtonville drove 49 yards to the Monroe-Woodbury 1. But quarterback Kevin Foley was stopped on a keeper as time expired.
"It was a huge swing, especially emotionally for Monroe," Washingtonville coach Devin Hoover said. "That was a big stop. We had scored, then came down and threatened to score again."
Roughly seven minutes earlier, Foley connected with Duralle Cromwell on a 55-yard touchdown pass that moved Washingtonville (6-3) to within 10-7.
Stack closed the scoring with a 28-yard touchdown run midway through the fourth quarter.
Wallkill and Monroe-Woodbury Waiting to Take the Titles
Wednesday, November 3
By PHIL DUSENBURY
KINGSTON - Last year Monroe-Woodbury and Wallkill lost in the Classes AA and A title games, respectively. This year these unbeatens (9-0) are both looking to win a sectional crown and move on to the regionals. Momentum is on their side.
For Monroe-Woodbury, championship games and titles are nothing new. The Crusaders have made seven Section Nine championship appearances and have won four crowns: in 1989 (the first year of sections), 1992, 1998 and 2000. Missing are titles from the last three seasons when Pat D'Aliso's squads have had to play second fiddle to Newburgh. This year the Crusaders will again meet the Goldbacks; but this time it's M-W coming in with the upper hand, having thumped NFA, 28-6, less than two weeks ago.
Wallkill does not come into its title game against Port Jervis with much of a title game resume. This will be the Panthers' fourth appearance in a sectional final, but so far their record is 0-3. Last year they lost to Cornwall at Dietz. The last time Wallkill won a title was way back in 1976 when the Panthers claimed the UCAL championship. Of course Dave Der Cola has only been at Wallkill the last five years and doesn't really want to know about ancient history. He and his staff have built an outstanding program and beat Port Jervis, 31-14, on September 23. Yes, Port may have the better championship game pedigree (five Section Nine crowns, for starters), but Wallkill has 31 seasoned seniors on its roster.
It's obvious that both Newburgh and Port Jervis have to make a few changes for their title bouts. In NFA's warmup with Warwick last week, the Goldbacks went to smash-mouth football, running fullback Jesse Callahan up the gut for four scores. In their earlier meeting with the Crusaders, the 'Backs looked to pass. The M-W defense made sure that didn't work as it came up with seven takeaways. Meanwhile leading NFA rusher Jihad Morris didn't get many meaningful touches.
In their earlier meeting Port gave Wallkill a great battle in a first half that was all the game was billed to be. The Panthers led, 10-7, at intermission. Then came the second half which was an entirely different game. But then that's the way Wallkill has played in its big games all year. They play well in the first half and are unstoppable in the second.
In the AA title game Newburgh will not be embarassed this time around. C.T. Chatham and his staff have had two weeks and a first-hand look at Monroe-Woodbury at its best. Scary. The Goldbacks know that they have to avoid getting rattled and to play the game down by down. Back to basics. That's what they did with Warwick in establishing an inside running game with the fullback. More successful Callahan runs should open up some space for Morris (1,077 rushing yards) to do his thing and give QB Jon Quintana a little more time to flick some passes to WRs Lee Russell and Dante McNair and TE Nick Patterson.
Monroe-Woodbury's defense, however, won't give up many points. The Crusader front four of DEs Joe Salamon and Tom Beyer, DTs Chris Dollbaum and Mike Slavkosky play with confidence knowing that they they are backed by a smart and tough foursome in Shane Coincon, Dennis Jones, Mark Hale and John Schepps. The secondary went from good to very good when it added Neil Ingenito to Chris Johnson and Greg Sullivan.
So Newburgh is going to have to make every offensive play count (not turning the ball over will help) and then somehow slow down the Crusader offensive machine with its great line and truly skilled skill-position players led by Matt Stack. Stack had so much success in moving up the middle against NFA in the first game that now the Goldbacks know they can't just be outside conscious. In the past NFA had been one of the few to contain Stack when he'd run the option around the right flank or tried to cut off tackle. Now interior linemen like Danny McGraw and Owen Fraser know they'll have to hold their ground in the center of the line as well. Or else. Meanwhile the outside route might be more open this time for the famous Crusader option.
NFA will be hoping that M-W is as flat this Friday night as the Crusaders were in sync the first time around. Newburgh will need to be unflappable this time around, too.
Sectional Title Extra Special for D'Aliso family
KINGTON - Monroe-Woodbury head coach Pat D'Aliso couldn't wait to hug his girls after the Crusaders captured the Section 9 Class AA crown with their 36-22 win over Newburgh at Dietz Stadium Friday night.
Daughters Nicole, 20, and Kristy, 26, watched and cried as the Crusaders embraced their father. Then the young women, joined by friend Kelly Mason, put their arms around the veteran coach. The coach held his girls, but nothing was said. Nothing needed to be.
D'Aliso has won titles before, the last came in 2000. But none was as meaningful as this.
Football has been the family's escape in a world of hurt since Pat, his youngest child, passed away six months ago.
And even though his only son was not there to share the joy, the coach had about five dozen teenagers in purple and black uniforms that would call him dad any day.
"This is for him and only him," said linebacker Dennis Jones. "I really hope this helps him. I know the pain coach and his family feel everyday is never going to go away, but we are all here for him. We are all his sons."
Pat D'Aliso Jr. would have been a high school junior this year. The coach and his team also had to deal with the loss of assistant coach Joe Puliafico, who also passed away last year.
"We are here for him no matter what he needs," said quarterback Matt Stack. "We always worked hard for him and I just want him to be happy."
"I am not sure what I would have done without these kids," said D'Aliso. "We all needed a little happiness after what happened.
"The kids never said anything to me about it, but I think they knew how much my family needed a little happiness," he added. "We all could use a little happiness. They are too young to have all this tragedy."
Avenging last year's loss, Neil Ingenito put a smile on everyone's face wearing purple and black when he blocked a punt after Newburgh went three-and-out on its first possession. Ingenito also recovered it at the Goldback 18.
Five plays later Stack (20 carries, 130 yards, three touchdowns) found the end zone from three yards out en route to his Most Valuable Offensive Player Award for the second week in a row.
"This is what it's all about," said Stack, a four-year starter who captured his first sectional title. "All the individual awards are great. But this is why I play the game. To win a team championship."
The Goldbacks put together a nine-play drive on the ensuing possession but big plays by John Schepps and Tom Beyer spurned it.
Monroe-Woodbury then pieced together a 10-play, 83-yard drive, capped off by a four-yard Stack touchdown burst. Stack hit Ingenito for a gain of 17 yards to fuel the drive. Matt O'Brien paved the way with a key block on a 14-yard Ingenito run. Gerald Jones missed the extra point as the Crusaders led 13-0.
NFA's Jihad Morris answered back two plays later when he broke a 70-yard touchdown run, closing the gap to 13-6 with 7:22 left in the half.
Stack answered with a long run of his own. The all-stater took the option right and cut back against the grain rumbling 65 yards to the end zone. The two-point conversion failed but M-W held a 19-7 lead.
The lead ballooned to 26-7 when O'Brien hauled in a 34-yard touchdown strike from Stack on third-and-20. The 50-yard drive was highlighted by a 15-yard completion to Ray Graziano.
The "no name defense" forced another three-and-out giving the Crusaders 30 seconds to get into field goal range. Stack found Ingenito for a 26-yard completion over the middle, setting up a first-and-goal from the two-yard line. With seven seconds left, Stack fired incomplete to Mike Septh as the Crusaders settled for a 19-yard Gerald Jones field goal and a 29-7 halftime lead.
The Goldbacks struck first in the second half when Jesse Callahan trotted in from 18-yards out. The two point conversion (a Jon Quintana-to-Morris pass) was good, leaving the score 29-15.
On the kickoff, Newburgh spotted the offense 20 yards after being whistled for a delay of game and an unsportsmanlike conduct. Danny Lexandra (eight carries, 57 yards) made them pay, running 12 yards behind the talented offensive line. That increased the lead to 36-15 with 10:33 left in the championship game.
Dante McNair snuck behind the Monroe-Woodbury secondary for a 44-yard touchdown catch. The extra point got the Goldbacks within two scores, at 36-22 but that would be as close as Newburgh would get.
Junior defensive tackle Chris Dollbaum, with six tackles and two sacks, won the Most Valuable Defensive Player Award for the Crusaders.
The Crusaders ended a three-year losing streak to Newburgh in the sectional finals, including a 35-0 loss last season.
"We finally did it," said O'Brien.
"I told everyone that they would not beat us," said center Joe Scalo. "Last year was an embarrassment. This is just extra special."
Especially for the D'Aliso's.
The 10-0 Crusaders will play the Section Two champion, Saratoga, who meet tonight at Amsterdam. By CHRIS MAYONE
M-W finally Stacks up
QB leads team to first section title since 2000
Kingston – Matt Stack didn't sleep much Thursday night, lying in bed thinking about his last four seasons as Monroe-Woodbury's starting quarterback.
Thrust into the position as a freshman, he grew as a football player before our eyes. He scored lots of touchdowns in the option offense and won plenty of games.
But he never beat his toughest foe in the biggest game of the year, the team he would trade blows with hours later for the Section 9 Class AA title at Dietz Stadium.
Newburgh Free Academy.
So it made sense that when it was over, the ball ended up in Stack's hands as he took a knee and rolled onto his side.
Monroe-Woodbury won 36-22 and Stack had a hand in four touchdowns. He ran for three and threw for one as Monroe-Woodbury (10-0) captured its first Class AA title since 2000.
"I can't even put it into words, four years of working hard," Stack said. "All the offseason stuff and all the team stuff, it's just an unbelievable feeling. It couldn't happen with better people."
Stack finished with 142 yards rushing on 20 carries, including first-half touchdown runs of 3, 3 and 65 yards. He also added a 34-yard touchdown pass to Matt O'Brien as Monroe-Woodbury jumped out to a 26-7 lead.
"Matt's been here for a long time and he earned this," said defensive tackle Chris Dollbaum, who had two sacks and six tackles. "He's a huge part of our team and a big leader. I've known him since Pop Warner, and he's a clutch player."
Newburgh (6-4) was the three-time defending champion, and had won five titles in the last seven seasons. That stretch included victories over Monroe-Woodbury in 1997, 1999, 2001 and 2003. Stack quarterbacked Monroe-Woodbury in the last two losses.
"Newburgh's been such a tough opponent the last four years," Monroe-Woodbury coach Pat D'Aliso said. "They battled back, but our kids were resilient and made the plays when they had to.
"I'm happy for those eight or nine kids who have been around and seen disappointment, and they've seen a lot of other bad things around here, too. It's not always been happy around here."
Newburgh's Jihad Morris ran for 137 yards on 16 carries, including a 70-yard touchdown run in the second quarter that cut Monroe-Woodbury's lead to 13-7.
But just 29 of those yards came in the second half, as Newburgh took to the air to try to rally. Jesse Callahan added a 44-yard touchdown run, and Dante McNair caught a 44-yard touchdown pass for Newburgh.
Danny Lexandra added a 15-yard touchdown run for the winners.
Monroe-Woodbury now will try to do what no other Section 9 Class AA team has – win a state-tournament game. It will play the Shenendehowa-Saratoga winner at 7:30 p.m. next Saturday at Dietz Stadium.
"Some time this is going to end," D'Aliso said. "Whether it's next week or in the Carrier Dome (in Syracuse, site of the state championships), and I'm going to miss this group."
By Kevin Witt Times Herald-Record kwitt@th-record.com
M-W 42 Saratoga 7
M-W 36 NFA 22
M-W 30 WIZARDS 7
M-W 28 NFA 7
M-W 28 Vestal 9
M-W 48 PineBush 7
M-W 24 Cornwall 7
M-W 40 Kingston 18
M-W 42 Middletown 12
M-W 38 Minisink 13
M-W 14 Warwick 0
Saratoga Streaks past Shen
Streaks win Super Bowl over Shen
Crusaders and Hambletonians Look to Impress
Thursday, November 11
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| Crusader junior Neil Ingenito | |
| By PHIL DUSENBURY
So how does Section Nine look going into Saturday's games? Well, we've got our number one team, Monroe-Woodbury, ready to meet Section Two surprise winner Saratoga Springs in the AA regional Saturday night at Dietz (7:30 PM). Preceding that one (3 PM) we'll send talented Chester against Section One's always tough Tuckahoe in the D regional title game. Both the Crusaders and the Hambletonians have solid shots at coming away winners. Meanwhile Tri-Valley hooks up with powerful Dobbs Ferry in the C regional Saturday night at Mahopac (7:30 PM). Being the heavy underdog, the Bears can afford to be loose as the proverbial goose with nothing to lose and everything to gain.
The state rankings of the regional participants are in parentheses.
Class AA - Monroe-Woodbury (Section Nine #7)v. Saratoga Springs (Section Two #8), Saturday at Dietz (7:30 PM)
Everyone was caught off guard when it was learned that Saratoga Springs (8-2) would be taking on Monroe-Woodbury instead of Shenendehowa in the regional. Shenendehowa had made it to the state semis the past two seasons and ripped Saratoga apart in their earlier meeting this season, 41-7. Crusader Coach Pat D'Aliso was still watching films of his surprise foe on Wednesday.
So what got the Blue Streaks all fired up when they met archrival Shenendehowa last week? Their coach Blase Iuliano says it was that score from week three.
"It's what I'd say to turn them up," the coach explained.
That loss and others suffered at the hands of Shenendehowa during its 29-game winning streak was all Saratoga needed.
"We've gotten embarrassed by them every time we played them," said running back Jared Rifenbary. "This time we came out and showed a lot of heart and played our game. They made a few mistakes and we capitalized on them."
Turnovers did in the favored Shens, who lost 24-13. That and some great defense by the Blue Streaks.
Saratoga's upset forced D'Aliso and his staff to suddenly shift gears. Most figured that the Section Nine AA champ would face Shenendehowa while defending state champ New Rochelle waits in the wings as Section One gets the bye this year.
"Saratoga has very good size on both sides of the line," said Coach D'Aliso. "Their team runs off of (Mike) Crimmins at quarterback who throws well to wide receiver Tim Bush, who I haven’t seen drop a pass yet.
"Their fullback (Rich) Duff is tall and a strong inside runner. He is complimented by the tailback Rifenbary. He is stocky and a solid runner with good power and deceptive speed. He's also an excellent kicker. They have good balance between the run and pass."
Rifenbary (5'11, 181 senior) has rushed for 820 yards and has scored nine TDs. Duff (6'3, 188 senior) has gained 608 yards on the ground and tallied eight TDs. QB Crimmins (5'10, 161 senior) can run, too, and has scored nine TDs. He has completed 62-of-121 passes for 976 yards and five TDs. Bush has caught 27 passes for 484 yards and three TDs.
"They are fundamentally sound and Blase Iuliano is considered one of the better coaches in New York State," D'Aliso continued. "We played them in 2001 and lost, 21-7. He gets the most out of his players."
Monroe-Woodbury has a balanced squad, too. The Crusaders, as we all know, like to run the option with four-year starter and all-state QB Matt Stack (1,266 yards) doing much of the ball-carrying. But as he showed in the Newburgh games, he can throw as well and he's backed by some terrific runners in Danny Lexandra, Ray Graziano, Matt O'Brien and junior Neil Ingenito who's been on fire of late.
Ingenito was added to the Crusader defensive backfield where his instinct and great speed got him four takeaways in the first NFA game. In the title game he saw time in the offensive backfield where he started as a soph.
"How could I keep him off the field?" D'Aliso asked after last Saturday's win over NFA that broke the Goldback's three-year lock on Class AA.
This unbeaten (10-0) Monroe-Woodbury team is solid on both sides of the ball. We've sung the praises of the offensive line, the skilled position players, the defense and the kicking game before on this site. It's all on the line for them Saturday. A loss in the regionals would be a hard pill to swallow.
After all, defending state champ New Rochelle is waiting in the wing to meet the winner in the state semi. It would be great if the Crusaders could get their shot at the very best before their season ends and so many of these kids who've played together for so long hang up their cleats. But first they must get past a team that has dreams of its own of setting the state on its ear - the Saratoga Blue Streaks.
MW Seeks to Make History
Sect. 9 'AA' teams winless in state play
In Monroe-Woodbury's post-game huddle after winning the Section 9 Class AA football championship, everybody cheered when some mentioned beating Shenendehowa.
They all assumed that would be their opponent in a state quarterfinal today. Shenendehowa was undefeated, riding a 29-game Section 2 winning streak and ranked No. 3 in the state.
But one day later, unranked Saratoga Springs upset Shenendehowa 24-13 in the Section 2 title game.
So Monroe-Woodbury (10-0) will be taking on Saratoga Springs (8-2) at 7:30 tonight at Dietz Stadium in Kingston.
State rankings indicate Monroe-Woodbury should be favored as it tries to become the first Section 9 Class AA team to win a state-tournament game. Monroe-Woodbury is ranked seventh, one notch above Saratoga.
Since intersectional play began in 1988, Section 9's combined record at all levels is 11-63-1. Most of those losses have come to schools from larger Section 1, comprised of teams from Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess and Rockland counties.
Saratoga Springs is located about 45 minutes north of Albany.
Speed is the next biggest obstacle local teams have struggled to overcome. But Monroe-Woodbury coach Pat D'Aliso said Saratoga has "no Jihad Morris to worry about," a reference to Newburgh Free Academy's quick running back.
"I would be surprised if we didn't make this a close game, or win the game," D'Aliso said. "This shouldn't be a blowout for either side."
Saratoga passed more early in the season, but gradually incorporated the option to take advantage of athletic quarterback Mike Crimmins – a Division I lacrosse prospect. He has nine touchdowns.
Jared Rifenbary (820 yards rushing) and Richard Duff (608 yards) also have contributed. The two combined for 216 yards in the victory over Shenendehowa.
"We thought Shenendehowa was a lock," Monroe-Woodbury quarterback Matt Stack said. "You never know what's going to happen, so we're taking nothing for granted."
This is Saratoga Springs' first state-tournament appearance since 1994. Monroe-Woodbury last appeared in 2000, one year before Stack took over at quarterback. He is a four-year starter.
By Kevin Witt Times Herald-Record kwitt@th-record.com
Crusaders Stun Saratoga, 42-7, in AA Regional
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| Keith Hale: Defensive MVP | |
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KINGSTON-Monroe-Woodbury made history Saturday night with its 42-7 shellacking of Section Four champion Saratoga in the Class AA Mid-Hudson Regional football game at Dietz Stadium.
The Crusaders advance to the state semi-finals to tangle with defending state champion New Rochelle at 7:30 p.m. Friday night at Dietz Stadium. The win marks the first time a AA team from Section Nine has won a regional game.
"It's pretty incredible," said Monroe-Woodbury head coach Pat D'Aliso. "I'm proud of these kids for all the good things they have done. And they have more in front of them."
"These guys make me proud," said running back Matt O'Brien. "This was the best game we ever played."
The Crusaders scored on an eight play drive consuming 66 yards on their first possession. Ray Graziano found the end zone, scoring on a 27-yard scamper, breaking three tackles inside the 15-yard line. Gerald Jones added his first of six successful extra points and Monroe-Woodbury led 7-0 with 7:52 left in the first quarter.
The Blue Streak pieced together a nice drive on their first series. A costly false start of fourth-and-two at the Crusaders' 17-yard line did not help their cause. On fourth & seven, linebacker Dennis Jones leveled Saratoga signal-caller Mike Crimmins forcing an errant throw and a turnover-on-downs.
Faced with a third-and-11 from the Saratoga 42-yard line, Matt Stack hit Mike Septh in double coverage at the Blue Streak four-yard line. Septh outjumped both defenders and caught the underthrown ball for a gain of 38-yards and a first-and-goal. The next play, fullback Danny Lexandra (28 carries, 158 yards, two touchdowns) skated into the end zone, untouched, to give the Crusaders a 14-0 lead. He was later named the game's most outstanding offensive player.
On Saratoga's next series, M-W sophomore DB Greg Sullivan picked off Crimmins' third-and-nine pass at the Monroe-Woodbury 46-yard line. Intense pressure from the front seven forced the quarterback into a bad decision. On the play prior, he had been sacked by Dennis Jones and Keith Hale. Junior LB Hale had seven tackles and earned the defensive most outstanding player award.
Monroe-Woodbury then scored on its third consecutive drive. This time Stack hit Septh on a four-yard fade route on third-and-goal with 1:07 left in the half. Stack found Graziano for a 13-yard completion fueling the 12-play drive.
"I was just trying to make big plays today," said Septh.
Monroe-Woodbury got the ball back with less than :30 in the half and ran out of time, leading 21-0. By intermission, Monroe-Woodbury outgained the Blue Streak, 211-109 net yards.
The Crusaders refused to let Saratoga back in the game in the second half. The defense forced a punt the first series and Monroe-Woodbury went back to work. Stack hit tight end Bryan Wortman for 18-yards on a second-and three, setting up a first down near midfield. But a holding penalty on first down moved the Crusaders back 10 yards. On third & 17, Lexandra bounced out of the right side gaining 19 yards as Monroe-Woodbury moved the chains again. After finding Septh on the next play for seven, the quarterback then ran for eight and a fresh set of downs. On second-and-eight, from the 10-yard line, O'Brien followed a convoy of Monroe-Woodbury blockers to the one-yard-line. Stack followed center Joe Scalo on a one-yard keeper to give M-W a 28-0 lead. Soon it would be 35-0. Stack took an option left 10 yards into the end zone with 9:21 left in the game.
Despite the score, some New Rochelle players in attendance were not impressed, saying, "We are gonna stomp over you all!" in the direction of the Crusaders' sideline as they headed to the exits.
Saratoga managed to score on a 56-yard Crimmins to Noonan bomb with 7:09 left. The extra point by Jared Rifenbary made it 35-7.
Monroe-Woodbury had the last word as Chris Johnson picked off Crimmins with 3:30 left in the game. On the next play, Lexandra looked as if he was shot out of a cannon sprinting 45-yards down the right sideline for the game's exclamation point.
Monroe-Woodbury had the ball nine times, scored six touchdowns and didn't punt. Their only miscue was a late-game fumble by Stack on a bad pitch to Graziano in the fourth quarter.
"Next week we get to play the best team in the state," said D'Aliso.
"We're coming to play," said Septh.
The Crusaders upped their record to 11-0; Saratoga fell to 8-3.
Monroe-Woodbury will face defending state champ New Rochelle next Friday night at Dietz (8 PM) in an Eastern State Semi-Final.
by CHRIS MAYONE
Sunday, November 14
Historic win for M-W
Kingston – They played football in sub-freezing weather not just for themselves and their school. The kids wearing the black, purple and white Monroe-Woodbury uniforms were representing.
Representing every Section 9 Class AA team that never won a state-tournament game.
In other words, all of them that ever played in one since the state added the classification in 1996.
Monroe-Woodbury felt that sting twice before, but nothing but jubilation last night. The most successful team in school history dominated Saratoga Springs 42-7 in a state quarterfinal game at Dietz Stadium.
"The losing streak for the (Class AA) is finally broken," Monroe-Woodbury coach Pat D'Aliso said. "I knew we had a shot at it this year, but I didn't think it would be this lopsided."
It capped off a big day for Section 9, which doesn't have too many this time of year. Earlier in the afternoon, Wallkill beat defending Class A state champion Nyack 21-18. Heading into the day, Section 9's record in intersectional play was 11-63-1.
And now Monroe-Woodbury (11-0) gets the chance Friday to take on a defending state champion. It will face New Rochelle (10-0) in a semifinal game at Dietz Stadium. Kickoff is 8 p.m. New Rochelle is led by Syracuse-bound running back Ray Rice.
"I can't wait," said Monroe-Woodbury's Danny Lexandra, who ran for two touchdowns. "They're supposed to be the best team. We'll see."
Monroe-Woodbury will be considered an underdog against New Rochelle, the state's top-ranked Class AA team. But likely not to the extreme it was in 2000, when New Rochelle beat Monroe-Woodbury 42-12.
Not after a game such as Monroe-Woodbury had last night, when it ran the ball, passed and played suffocating defense with equal efficiency.
Monroe-Woodbury scored on its first three possessions. Ray Graziano opened with a 3-yard touchdown run. Lexandra followed with a touchdown run from 4 yards out.
On the play prior to Lexandra's touchdown, Matt Stack connected with Mike Septh on a 39-yard pass on third-and-11 from the Saratoga Springs' 43.
The two hooked up on a 6-yard touchdown pass that made it 21-0 with 1:07 left in the first half. Stack added second-half touchdown runs of 1 and 11 yards.
"As long as we executed, we couldn't be stopped," Stack said.
"I watched Saratoga on film," D'Aliso said. "They looked great. Sometimes films are deceiving. We just came here and dominated the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball."
Mike Crimmins hit John Noonan with a 56-yard touchdown pass with 7:09 left for Saratoga (9-1). Lexandra ran for his second touchdown – from 45 yards out – just less than four minutes later.
"We have to regroup, because we're going to have our hands full with a great team," D'Aliso said. "We've certainly reached all the goals we set. But we're looking
Season and hopes end
Saratoga Springs routed in state quarterfinal
Sunday, November 14, 2004
KINGSTON -- In three minutes and 59 seconds, Monroe-Woodbury drove 66 yards in nine plays for seven points. It was the beginning of the end for Saratoga Springs' hopes as the Crusaders dominated the Blue Streaks with a 42-7 Class AA state quarterfinal win at Dietz Stadium in Kingston Saturday.
"They got too far head of ourselves and we couldn't catch up," Saratoga coach Blase Iuliano said.
The Crusaders (11-0) go next to the semifinal where they'll face New Rochelle of Section I at 8 p.m. on Friday at Dietz Stadium. Monroe-Woodbury is the first Class AA team from Section IX to advance to the semifinals, while the Blue Streaks remain winless at the state level.
Saratoga Springs (8-3) entered the game with its defense set to stop Monroe-Woodbury's all-state quarterback Matt Stack. Instead of running the option all night, the Crusaders gave the ball to senior fullback Danny Lexandra. Lexandra carried 28 times for 145 yards and two touchdowns.
"We keyed on their quarterback," Saratoga Springs linebacker Richard Duff said. "We didn't expect their fullback to get the ball."
Lexandra was Monroe-Woodbury's workhorse, but it was a 34-yard sprint by junior running back Ray Garaziano, which gave the Crusaders a 7-0 lead on their first drive of the game.
After Saratoga Springs turned the ball over on downs, the Crusaders added seven more points to their lead when Lexandra rumbled 4 yards for a touchdown. Monroe-Woodbury scored on its next possession when Stack connected with wide receiver Mike Septh for a 4-yard touchdown pass to go up 21-0.
"That was huge," Lexandra said. "That built our confidence. We knew we had to stay focused and come out of halftime thinking the score was 0 to 0."
The Blue Streaks could do nothing, but watch as their improbable run to the final four was derailed by the Crusaders. If it wasn't Lexandra picking up yardage, it was Stack throwing the ball down field successfully in third-and-4 situations.
"They played the better game," Duff said. "They beat us up. Our defense played terrible."
While not the flashy player he had been through the season, Stack still put up good numbers. The senior rushed for 48 yards and one touchdown and threw for 78 yards and two touchdowns.
"I thought Stack was the most valuable player on offense," Iuliano said.
In the third and fourth quarters, Monroe-Woodbury pounded the ball on the ground again. The Crusaders scored again on their first two possessions and their next-to-last possession to go up 42-7.
Saratoga Springs finally got on the scoreboard in the fourth quarter when senior quarterback Mike Crimmins threw a 56-yard bomb to receiver John Noonan for a touchdown. Noonan caught five passes for 104 yards before leaving the game with an ankle injury.
"We wanted to win the Super Bowl and we did," Duff said, referring to the team's 24-13 victory over Shenedehowa last Saturday. "It was a good season, but we wanted to go the championships. We didn't want it to end."
FELLICIA SMITH, Staff writer
Football Footnotes: A Weekend to Remember
Tuesday, November 16
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| Trevor Pedrick breaks through the Nyack 'D for six. | |
| By PHIL DUSENBURY
What a great weekend for our Section Nine. We've only won eleven regional games since the infancy of the New York State Football Tournament back in 1989. Well, two of those wins came last weekend, and they weren't the kind of victories that could be somehow dismissed or overlooked.
Wallkill and Monroe-Woodbury made us Section Niners very proud. Our small section has been banged around, laughed at and belittled for all too long. And for good reason most of the time. But these two outstanding teams with their excellent coaches have put us in the limelight - so let's all enjoy it even while our champions go through their crash courses in preparation for the Eastern Semis. Yes, it feels good. Not since 2000 when Jim Malak and his Rondout Ganders brought home our only state title (heck, it was our section's only trip to the Dome) have we been able to feel a part of what has become routine for the larger sections.
Wallkill and Monroe-Woodbury did it with style. The Panthers knocked off the defending state champs from Nyack; the Crusaders smothered a fine Saratoga team and beat it by five touchdowns. Yes, there are a few whimpers from Nyackers who half-heartedly say they lost because they overlooked Wallkill, weren't "up" for the game, didn't start to play until the second half and got screwed up by another team's coach who was allegedly calling their plays for them (I kid you not about that one). But Nyack knows who the better team was last Saturday. Wallkill went down to Mahopac, overcame a few unfavorable calls and knocked off the #1 ranked Indians. Period. Meanwhile no one from Saratoga is crying about how their team was "caught by surprise." Monroe-Woodbury thumped the Blue Streaks. End of story. Section Two has long giggled at us. They should have to face Section One in the regionals in all their classes for once and let us have a go at Sections 7/10.
We'll start our previews for the Semis tomorrow. For now let's just enjoy the fruits of last weekend which can never be taken away from Wallkill and Monroe-Woodbury - and from us true blue Section Nine fans (okay, bandwagoneers, we'll let you in, too).
Congratulations to Dave DerCola and his staff at Wallkill which has brought stability to a program that hadn't seen a title in 28 years. And congratulations to Pat D'Aliso and his great staff headed by D'Aliso's right hand man, Bernie Connelly. Monroe-Woodbury has always been in contention with D'Aliso-Connelly in control. The regional win was D'Aliso's 142nd of his head coaching career (120 in Section Nine) which started in Section Three. Job well done!
Now let's circle the wagons and root for our boys to continue forward. It's been a great ride so far.
Rice Leads New Rochelle in Semi Win over Crusaders
Saturday, November 20
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| New Rochelle's Ray Rice on the run: three TDs, 189 yards | |
| By CHRIS MAYONE
KINGSTON - All good things must come to an end, and the Monroe-Woodbury 2004 dream football season is no exception, as the Crusaders were handed a devastating 41-0 loss at the hands of defending state champion New Rochelle in the Eastern State finals at Dietz Stadium.
"It's almost impossible for me to say goodbye to this team," said Monroe-Woodbury head coach Pat D'Aliso, as senior Matt O'Brien kissed his forehead. "I am not going to remember our games. I am going to remember this team as a family. It took me 50 years to learn a lesson that this is only a game."
During the post game award ceremony, the Crusaders stood and gave the coach a final sendoff, rising from a knee and giving him a standing ovation for all his hard work.
"It's not about winning and losing," said senior center Joe Scalo. "It's about what we have done and the memories we have made this year."
The Crusaders (11-1) are the first Section 9, Class AA team to advance into the state semifinals.
"We made history," said senior linebacker Dennis Jones. "I played Pop Warner with all these guys. We live together."
"What a great group of kids that I got to play with," said Monroe-Woodbury all-state quarterback Matt Stack. "This year made me realize how lucky I was to be a part of this team the last four years."
As a four-year starter, Stack led the potent option offense on countless scoring drives. But the Crusaders were stymied by a defense that allowed just 32 points all year, while scoring 440 and led by 2003 New York State Player of the Year and Syracuse University bound Ray Rice.
"They are the best football team we have ever seen," said senior running back Ray Graziano. "We prepared and worked hard all week but they were just better. It didn't go our way."
Monroe-Woodbury managed to move the ball 15 yards on their first possession. But an incomplete third-and-five pass forced Monroe-Woodbury to punt.
"I knew we had to come out and try to establish something," said Stack. "When we didn't, I think we got nervous."
If they weren't nervous then, they were when Rice got the ball. First carry, 10 yards. Next, plus 15. Soon, he would be in the end zone on a two-yard run that capped an eight-play, 69-yard scoring drive with 3:56 left in the quarter. He missed the point after touchdown as the Huguenots led 6-0.
Danny Lexandra picked up a first down with an eight-yard burst on third-and-four the next time the Crusaders got the ball. But on first-and-10 the unthinkable happened. Stack was sacked by James Alfano. It was the first time in over a month that the talented offensive line allowed their quarterback to go down.
A Lexandra run for one yard and an incomplete pass forced another Gerald Jones punt.
Rice then went up the gut for 13, off right tackle for 12. Six more plays, six more points. Justin Johnson ran in from 11 yards out. QB Geoff McDermott passed to Johnson for two points after and it was 14-0 at the 10:08 mark.
On New Ro's next possession, Rice really got it going, scoring on a 30-yard run to finish off a five-play, 53-yard drive. Greg Davis' run made it 22-0 at 6:33.
"Rice is a great player," said Crusader MLB Dennis Jones. "He wasn't a very nice guy but when you are that good, you don't have to be."
Jones added that during the coin toss when the captains had introduced themselves to each other, Rice said, "You know who I am!" to each of the Crusader captains.
Two more second quarter touchdowns followed. The first came when Defensive MVP Richard Kissi blocked a M-W punt that was recovered in the end zone by Kees Coughlin. A PAT kick by Davis made it 29-0 at 4:39.
Then, after Rice had rushed 58 yards on three carries, McDermott ran for a nine-yard TD to complete a seven-play, 71-yard drive with 46 seconds left in the half.
At the halftime, the state's top ranked team led, 35-0. Rice finished the half with 162 yards, on just 14 carries. As a team Monroe-Woodbury netted only 48 yards of offense, all on the ground.
"He's the best player I've ever seen," said junior Neil Ingenito of Rice.
To start the second half, the Crusaders' defense forced a punt. But a three-and-out killed any momentum they might have gained. Then it took the Huguenots just four plays to score their final touchdown. Fittingly, Rice scored from 12 yards away. But he missed his second extra point and New Rochelle led 41-0 with 5:16 left in the third period.
The Crusaders forced three fumbles in the final period to keep the score the same. Ingenito recovered a Rice fumble on a punt return and Mike Slavosky jumped on a fumble by Justin McGhee. Chris Johnson later scooped up a drop by backup Johnathan Garnett.
After that last turnover Stack hit Matt O'Brien on a 27-yard pass, the Crusaders' longest gain of the night. But that drive died at the NR 19. Stack's final passing stats read three-for-12-for-35 yards and an interception.
Rice finished with 18 carries for 189 yards and three scores. He was the obvious choice for the Offensive MVP award.
"Monroe is the best team we played all year," said Rice.
M-W had 107 yards rushing against the very hard-hitting and exceptionally quick Huguenot defense.
"This doesn't take away what we did all year," said Graziano. "We played our hearts out. This season brought back memories of playing Pop Warner. I'm proud we did what we did this year and nothing can take that away from me."
Saturday, November 20
COACH PAT D'ALISO
named NY Giants MSG Coach of the Week
The New York Giants have selected Coach Pat D’Aliso
as “The Lou Rettino High School Football Coach of the Week” for the week of November 14, 2004.
The Crusaders (11-0) defeated Saratoga Springs (9-1) 42-7 on Saturday in a state quarterfinal game, giving them the honor of being the first-ever team from Section 9 Class AA to ever win a single game in the state tournament. The most successful team in school history will face New Rochelle(10-0) today in a semi-final game. New Rochelle happens to be the defending state champions and the number-one ranked AA team in New York State.
In recognition of Coach D’Aliso’s success and commitment, he will receive a certificate of recognition signed by the NFLCommissionerPaul Tagliabue, NFL Director of Football Operations Gene Washington, and the Giants Head Coach Tom Coughlin. A $1,000 check will be granted to the Monroe-WoodburyHigh School football program. Coach D’Aliso will be acknowledged by a stadium announcement when the Giants host the Philadelphia Eagles on November 28. An announcement will also be posted on the Giants web site,www.giants.com.
Coach D’Aliso has served as head varsity football coach at Monroe-Woodbury for 16 years, compiling a winning record of 109-51. During that time, he has guided the Crusaders to two Orange County Interscholastic Athletic Association Championships and four New York State Section IX Championships. For his achievements and the achievements of his teams, he is a three-time Section IX Coach of the Year and a winner of the Section III Coach of the Year award, the latter coming as coach of Pulaski High School where he served as coach for 4 seasons (22-10-3).
Saturday, September 4
Section Nine News :
RICH ARNOTT (WTBQ)
Looking at the final score of a 14-0 Monroe-Woodbury Crasaders' win over Warwick could make one think the Wildcats held Matt Stack to a very unproductive game. This is just not the case. Stack may not have scored his customary high quota of touchdowns, but he controlled the game just enough to keep the Wildcats frustrated at key intervals.
After the Crusaders turned the ball over in the first quarter, the defense held and took advantage of a bad snap on a Warwick punt and took over inside the 10 yard line. A Stack to Matt O'Brien handoff resulted in a 4 yard touchdown, giving coach Pat D'Aliso's squad a 7-0 lead after the Gerald Jones PAT. The first quarter ended with no more scoring.
Wildcat QB Rob Lax got off to a slow start but finally got the ball to senior FB Steve Prescod who made several nice runs to the outside. Warwick's problem for most of the evening, however, was that they could not string enough first downs together to sustain a good drive. Eventually Monroe-Woodbury got the ball back and Stack ran one up the gut for a huge gain. Then, the senior threw a long pass completion to junior TE Bryan Wortman. Subsequently, Stack recorded a 5 yard touchdown run, bringing the score to 14-0 after the Jones kick.
The Wildcats began driving deep into Crusader territory in the final minute of the first half, but had the clock working against them for lack of timeouts. An incomplete pass attempt from Lax to Derek Hrinya ended the second quarter.
Most of the 3rd quarter saw good defense played by both squads, with Stack sustaining his drives longer and running time off the board. Monroe-Woodbury tightened up defensively and did a very good job controlling Prescod on his carries. The Crusaders kept Alex Darcey and Derek Hrinya from being major factors for the 'Cats on offense. Meanwhile the Wildcats got good efforts on "D" from Sr. LB's Tim Marion and Craig Monahan, plus sophomore DE Patrick Sweeney.
The Crusaders used nice performances on "O" from Sr. RB Ray Graziano and Jr. FB Frank Catalina. Defensively, Jr. DT Chris Dollbaum and Sr. DE Joe Salamone added to Warwick's frustration.
Late in the 4th, Stack brought the Crusaders downfield for what looked to be the icing on the cake, but the drive stalled when Warwick caught him on a 4th down attempt.
Coach Sirico's men marched down to the Crusaders' 2 yard line, but a 4th down handoff to Tim Marion was stopped short with 21 seconds left.
All in all, the Crusaders will take the 14-0 victory home with them, but you know coach D'aliso wants to hone his team's skills for an even better effort next week.
Warwick must re-group for the big Goshen game coming in week 2. That is, if they want THE TROPHY.
D'Aliso Draws Up Battle Plans on Two Fronts
Saturday, July 31
By PHIL DUSENBURY
Monroe-Woodbury veteran head coach Pat D'Aliso is emerging from a dark tunnel. Every day is a battle to stay out in the light. He has lots of support, but there aren't too many people who can cross into that tunnel to help pull him out. Football season comes at the right time. It allows a grieving father to focus on something other than that darkness - for a while at least.
D'Aliso's Crusaders will soon be preparing for what should be some tremendous Class AA football. The bridesmaid the last three seasons to powerful Newburgh, M-W will have to figure a way to outscore the Goldbacks this year while keeping a sharp eye on another potential power, the Kingston Tigers.
"Kingston was very young last year," D'Aliso said, "and with the return of (quarterback Andrew) Downey, they will be very tough, especially on offense."
The 6-3, 220-pound Downey sat out much of last year, one of the key Tigers to be knocked out of the Kingston lineup via injury.
"If their defense is tough, they will contend," D'Aliso continued. "We play them home instead of on their turf. Being on grass is to our advantage."
Coleman Edmonds, who replaced Downey at QB; RB Ohkei Brown and defensive lineman Quinton Johnson were three Kingston youngsters who got their chances to play last year and shine because of the injuries. Other key returnees should include Chris Ellsworth (TE/LB), Brandon Hill (WR/DB), Ross Hubert (OT/DT), Chris Jarrin (DT/OL), Jason Krakowski (TE/LB), Chris Martinez (DT/OL) and Chris Whittaker (OT/DL).
Tiger head coach Tom Loughlin is happy with what he's got, but he's quick to put everything in perspective: "Still, we've got to beat Newburgh and Monroe."
Newburgh is on D'Aliso's mind, too.
"NFA is always solid and has the athletes and coaching to contend," he said. "If you know what to do to beat them, let me know.
"The divisional race is usually the same three teams. This year we'll return a lot of starters on offense. Everyone in the backfield returns. Even though we lost two great offensive linemen (all-stars Vito Scalia and Tom Aspinwall), I feel we’ll be just as good, if not better than last year."
The M-W offensive backfield, as has been well-documented on this site, is more than just all-state quarterback Matt Stack. Behind him is a trio of veterans in Danny Lexandra, Ray Graziano and Neil Ingenito who would each be the featured back in most other area backfields. In front of them is a powerful offensive line with ends Matt O'Brien and Joe Scalo, tackles Eugene Sutton (6-3, 265) and Pete Scalia (6-3, 260) and guard Stephen Schwade. Reliable placekicker Gerald Jones is also slated to return. All will be seniors except for Ingenito, a junior. Seemingly, even this talented crew will have to exercise ball control and score at least three or four times in their meeting(s) with NFA this season to beat the reloading Goldbacks.
Then there's the defensive side of the ball.
"If we want to contend with Kingston and Newburgh, rebuilding our defense will be the key to our season," D'Aliso said. "We have worked very hard in the off season to negate the loss of seven graduated seniors who started on defense."
Senior Mike Slavosky and junior Chris Dollbaum are expected to lead the defensive line. Seniors John Schepps and O'Brien (if he goes both ways, which is unlikely in the Crusaders' basically two-platoon system) are back to patrol the secondary. But don't worry, D'Aliso and his defensive wizard, Bernie Connolly, will fill in the other seven or eight spots.
Those who've graduated from the M-W defense include all-stars in DB Danny Calderin and LB Brian O'Carroll plus the solid LB trio of Adil Aouad, Jesse Ronda and Michael Macera and speedy DB Adam Landesberg.
As challenging as the NFA Goldbacks are, their gridiron threat pales in comparison to the tragic journey D'Aliso has been on since losing his 16-year old son and wrestling star, Pat, last May. D'Aliso, with the help of a whole lot of his friends, is determined to mine something beautiful out of that dark, tragic tunnel. The coach has set up a second battle plan - this for his, his family's and his late son's friends' sakes.
"We are in the process of putting a scholarship together in my son's name," he said. "People have been very generous to us. We plan to have a large picnic as a fund-raiser in June."
If you would like to contribute to this scholarship fund, you can make your checks payable t "MW Mat Club/PMD Memorial Scholarship Fund." You may send your donations to
The D'Aliso Family
84 Walton Terrace
Monroe, NY 10950
The scholarship committee has even arranged for a Tax Id number for tax purposes. It is 061449264.
To all those who have comforted and helped the D'Alisos, Pat says, "Thank you for the encouragement. It has been difficult and remains that way."
The 2004 football campaign is almost here and with it a chance for Pat D'Aliso to begin to rebuild his family's lives and to refocus - at least for a season.
Crusaders May Scrap Platooning to Bol
Section Nine News 8/21Saturday, August 21
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| The Crusaders enjoy their '03 sectional semi-final win. They want more in '04. | | By CHRIS MAYONE
Straus Newspapers
CENRAL VALLEY - Despite returning all-state quarterback Matt Stack and a slew of skilled position players, Pat D'Aliso doesn't consider his Monroe-Woodbury football team the favorite to win the Section 9 Class AA Championship.
"I wouldn't say one person is the favorite," D'Aliso said after Friday's morning session. "I would say we are a contender, but you never know what you are going to get with Kingston and Newburgh."
All-stater Stack enters his fourth season as the Crusaders' signal-caller. Operating from his team's familiar option offense, he already holds M-W's career rushing record.
"What more can you say about him?" asked D'Aliso about this one of his tri-captains. "I am hoping he can break the record for most rushing yards in a season. The problem is keeping him on the field. If you discount the Kingston and Newburgh games, my starters didn't play that much with our being so far ahead."
Andre McLeod holds the record with 1,600 yards rushing in 1998.
This year Stack will see some familiar faces in the huddle. Danny Lexandra, Ray Graziano, and Neil Ingenito all return to a staring backfield that keeps putting points on the board.
"I expect better production from those guys than last year," D'Aliso said. "I know that is a lot to ask from a group that already scores 35 or more points on most teams, but they can do it. They are one of the best backfields we've ever had."
With all-star center Tom Aspinwall lost to graduation, Joe Scalo makes the transition from tight end to the middle of the Crusader offensive line. According to D'Aliso, there is no crisis with Scalo on the job.
"Scalo is our best blocker this year," said D'Aliso. "When you lose a player like Aspinwall you lose something, but with Joe moving over, we don't lose a lot."
Seniors Pete Scalia and Matt O'Brien return to the line and will join Stack as team captains. Eugene Sutton and Stephen Schwade round out the strong Crusader front.
In an effort to avoid giving up big plays on defense, D'Aliso said many of his players would go both ways for the first time in a long time. Leading the defense are linemen Mike Slavosky and Chris Dollbaum. John Schepps returns to anchor the defensive backfield.
"We cannot give up the big plays," said D'Aliso. "Newburgh beat us last year with 49 seconds left in that first game."
The Goldbacks beat the Crusaders for second time in the sectional championship game to end M-W's season. After a 7-0 first half, NFA ended up with a 35-0 win and its third straight Class AA title.
This year the powerhouses meet on the second to last weekend of the season (October 22). In another key game, Monroe-Woodbury hosts Kingston on September 23.
Monroe-Woodbury's season opener is on Friday night, September 3 at Warwick.
"I don't go into a season without expecting to win it all," D'Aliso concluded. "If things go our way and we become more diverse on offense and avoid big plays on defense, we will be right in there."
Crusaders' New Look Defense Too Much for Warwick
The Photo News 9/10
By Ken Sherwood
Nearly 10 months have passed since Monroe-Woodbury clashed with Newburgh Free Academy for the 2003 Section 9 Class AA Championship.
Even though NFA won the game, all eyes have shifted to the Crusaders as favorites to win in 2004. They tried to answer the hype when they opened their season at Warwick on Sept. 3.
"Everybody's going around talking about Monroe, Monroe, Monroe-the radio station, the Section 9 web site and the kids are reading this stuff-Monroe like nothing," Crusader head coach Pat D'aliso said. "They haven't proved anything yet."
With all of the hype for the Crusaders, they faced a young Warwick team that suffered its first non-winning season in more than 15 years in 2003. Warwick knew they had a tough team coming in to town and prepared as much as they could.
"We spent a lot of time looking at game tape from last year and our game in 2002," Warwick head coach Greg Sirico said. "We have a lot of respect for what they do and knew that their quarterback Matt Stack is one of the top players in the area."
Warwick's preparations went unanswered late in the first quarter when a high snap on a punt set-up the Crusaders on the Wildcats 3-yard line. Wasting no time, Monroe senior running back Matt O'Brien too it in for a touchdown and an extra point by senior kicker Gerald Jones made it 7-0.
The score remained 7-0 as the teams entered the second quarter. As close as it was, Warwick's offense could do little, setting up Stack for a big drive midway through the second quarter. The senior led the Crusaders down the field and wound up taking the ball in for a 6-yard touchdown run. Another Jones extra point made it 14-0.
The Wildcats were on the verge of getting routed, but stepped up late in the second quarter. Warwick senior quarterback Steven Prescod matched Stack with a drive of his own down inside the Crusader 20-yard line.
Prescod tried to get the Wildcats on the scoreboard and came close. He rolled out to his left and threw a perfect pass down to the back left corner of the end zone. The crowd was on its feet as senior running back Alex Darcey ran it down but dropped the ball. This proved costly as much as the bad snap on the punt. Monroe went into halftime leading 14-0.
"The thing I'm most proud about is our defense-we lost a lot of kids last year and we played really well," D'aliso said. "The first half was a little bit slow. They gave up some yards, but they didn't give up any points and that's the bottom line."
The Crusader defense would pitch a shut out the rest of the game, but no more points were scored, giving Monroe a 14-0 victory.
"We were effective enough to get the win," Stack said. "There is a lot of improving to do."
Stack knows he and his teammates will step it up, but also knows they are a marked team from all of the hype.
"Every team we play has the ability to go over the top of us," Stack said. "We're not going to take any team lightly."
In Stack's first two seasons as the Crusaders' starting quarterback, he rushed for 2,774 yards and scored 38 touchdowns.
Monroe's offense did not move the ball as well as coach D'aliso thought they would.
"A win is a win, but I think it's the worst offensive performance I've seen since Matt [Stack] had been a sophomore and I'm not saying it's him," D'aliso said. "It's a collective effort."
With the offense struggling to move the ball, Monroe's new look defense was tenacious and refused to let Warwick score. The Crusaders had a goal line stance in the last couple minutes, preventing Warwick from breaking the shut out.
"I think we played great, especially since we have a lot of new guys," Monroe senior defensive back John Schepps said. "We weren't supposed to be doing anything, kind of like a no-name defense. We stood up and that goal line stance was great."
Coach D'aliso hopes the hype will go away with it being a new year and NFA being the defending champions. Overall, he was not pleased with his team's opening win.
"Until they decide that they have to prove something and they have to play championship-caliber football, this is unacceptable," D'aliso said. "You're not going to beat Newburghs and Kingstons, but that's not taking anything away from Warwick. They're a young team and they played hard. I thought they played better collectively than we did. Maybe this is a wake-up call."
The Crusaders host Minisink Valley Sept. 10 for their home opener.
Monroe-Woodbury 38, Minisink Valley 13
Local Sports Roundup THR 9/11
Matt Stack rushed five times for 120 yards, scoring on runs of 25 and 70 yards as Monroe-Woodbury cruised to a non-league win in Central Valley.
Stack also hit Neil Ingenito with a 40-yard score. Ingenito added an 11-yard rushing score. Matt O'Brien and Greg Sullivan each had interceptions for Monroe-Woodbury (2-0).
Minisink Valley quarterback Sean Fitzpatrick hit Greg Brain for an 18-yard score and Kevin Gould for a 3-yard score. Minisink Valley is 0-2.
Crusaders crush Warriors, 38-13, in home opener
After kicking off the 2004 season with a win in Warwick, the Monroe-Woodbury Crusaders played their first home game Sept. 10 when they hosted Minisink Valley at Etzel Field.
The Crusaders were coming off of a 14-0 win over the Wildcats while the Warriors were victims of a 28-0 rout courtesy of long time rival Port Jervis. Both teams were looking for stronger performances last Friday.
Playing a more effective offensive game, the Crusaders crushed the Warriors 38-13. The win pushed Monroe-Wooodbury's record to 2-0.
"I think it's a tremendous step up from the effort we gave last week," Crusader head coach Pat D'Aliso said. "The defense played well again and the offense played like they should have played last week."
Crusader senior quarterback Matt Stack got his team going in the first offensive possession of the first quarter. The speedy senior kept an option left and took it for a 35-yard touchdown run. Senior kicker Gerald Jones successfully converted his first of five extra points to make it 7-0.
The Crusader defense then shut down Minisink Valley and forced a fumble, which was recovered by senior linebacker Tom Beyer. On the ensuing Crusader possession, the Warriors' ground defense was non-existent. This led to a 13-yard touchdown run by Crusader junior running back Neil Ingenito, who did not play at Warwick. Another Jones extra point made it 14-0 at the end of the first quarter.
The Crusaders began the second quarter with the ball on their own 31-yard line. The Warriors looked good on first down when they stopped the Crusaders after an one-yard gain. But then they watched Stack keep another option on the left side, this time for a 68-yard touchdown run. Jones' extra point made it 21-0.
On the ensuing possession, Minisink Valley's quarterback, senior Sean Fitzpatrick, fired a pass on first. But he watched Greg Sullivan, a Crusader sophomore defensive back, intercept the pass.
On the next play, Stack hit Ingenito for a 40-yard touchdown pass. Yet another Jones extra point made it 28-0.
The Warriors showed some signs of life after they recovered a fumble by Ray Graziano, a Crusader senior running back, deep in Monroe-Woodbury territory. Fitzpatrick was able to throw up a jump ball over the middle, which was caught by Warrior junior running back Gregg Brain and he took it the rest of the way for a touchdown.
A Warrior extra point made it 28-7 and it looked as if that would be the score at halftime.
But the Crusaders said not so fast.
Stack led the Crusaders down the field in the half's final minutes and set up Jones for a 28-yard field goal attempt. The senior nailed it and the Crusaders led 31-7 at halftime.
"I'm very pleased with the effort on all sides of the ball," D'Aliso said.
With the game in hand, coach D'Aliso was able to empty his bench and get all of his players into the game late in the third quarter and throughout the fourth.
"That's important," D'Aliso said, "because they practice and you hate when these games go by and these kids don't get in."
Sullivan, who had an interception in the first half, moved to quarterback late in the third for the Crusaders. He showed his coaches and teammates what they could expect of him when he becomes the team's No. 1 quarterback next season.
The 6-1 sophomore connected with junior split end Mike Septh for a 32-yard touchdown pass. Jones' final extra point made it 38-7 Crusaders.
With a field goal and five extra points, Jones had eight points for the Crusaders.
The Warriors scored a touchdown in the final play of the game, making it a final of 38-13 Crusaders.
The Crusaders' next game is Sept. 17 when they travel to Middletown. Aware of tougher games ahead,
"I'm glad we stepped up so much more because we're going to Middletown and going to start getting into league," D'Aliso said. "Of course, Kingston will be a big game and all the way down through that."
D'Aliso hopes his starting fullback, senior Danny Lexandra, will be playing his first game of the season in Middletown since he missed the first two with an injury. He expects his real offense to show up In Middletown.
"Now that we are at full strength, let's see what M-W is," D'Aliso said.
The First State Rankings Are Out...
Wednesday, September 15 SYRACUSE - The New York State Sportswriters Association has announced its first state rankings for 2004. Eight Section NIne teams are on the list. In Class AA Pat D'Aliso's Monroe-Woodbury Crusaders are ranked #18 in the state. Kingston and Newburgh are listed as honorable mentions. The top-ranked AA team is defending state champ New Rochelle of Section One.
Stack attacks the Bears
Photo News 9/21/04
By Chris Mayone
MIDDLETOWN-Even if Monroe-Woodbury coach Pat D'Aliso doesn't want to admit it, his team sent a message to the rest of section 9 on Friday night.
With his entire squad back from injury, the Crusaders jumped out to a 35-0 first half lead en route to a 42-12 shellacking of Section 9, Class AA-I rival Middletown in a driving rain.
"I am not sending messages to anyone," said D'Aliso. "This is the first week we were all healthy and this is how we should play."
Monroe-Woodbury welcomed back fullback Danny Lexandra who missed the first two games with a bad ankle. "Not having Danny at fullback is critical," D'Aliso said. "Our entire offense is run off that position. We are happy to have him back."
Lexandra led the Crusaders with 149 yards in his 2004 debut but was not the lone star for 3-0 Crusaders.
Senior quarterback Matt Stack rushed for touchdowns of 27, 10, and six yards and added a pair via the air in a little more than two quarters before handing the reigns over to reserve signal-caller Greg Sullivan.
Stack's first score came on the teams second possession with the Crusaders already holding a 7-0 lead thanks to a six-yard scamper by senior Matt O'Brien on the games opening series. Capping off an eight-play, 52-yard drive, Stack followed center Joe Scalo straight through the heart of the Middletown defense for a 10-yard score on the keeper. Stack had runs of nine and five yards on the same play during the first drive.
"The line pushed and took over the game," said Stack. "All of the lineman worked as one tonight and played a great game. Every week they step it up and we get better."
Middletown's ensuing possession stalled, thanks to a sack by Tom Beyer and an open field tackle by Sullivan on third-and-long. Once the ball was back in Stack's hands, The Crusaders found themselves in the end zone four plays later. Lexandra had runs of eight and 19 yards, setting up a first down at the 11-yard line. After a timeout, Stack found an uncovered Ray Graziano in the end zone for the score.
The Crusaders next drive featured just two plays as running back Chris Johnson took an option right 31 yards on first down. Then Stack went 27 yards up the middle for a 28-0 lead.
Stack added a six-yard touchdown run on the last play of the half as the lead ballooned to 35-0.
"We scored 35 points in the first half - what more can you say?" asked O'Brien. "That's what happens when you practice hard all week."
O'Brien, who sat out the second half with an ankle and shoulder injury, said he will not miss Thursday's showdown with Kingston.
Stack connected with Mike Septh for 38 yards to conclude the Crusaders final scoring drive. Gerald Jones added the extra point concluding a perfect six for six day for the kicker.
Middletown scored on two late touchdowns bombs of 81 and 56 yards to Terric Harris from quarterback Chris Brucato. Septh intercepted a pass in the end zone putting the brakes on another Middletown drive. The loss left Middletown with a record of 1-2.
"We take it one week at a time." O'Brien said. "Tonight was Middletown and tomorrow we watch the film and worry about Kingston."
Monroe-Woodbury 42, Middletown
THR Local Sports Roundup 9/18
Quarterback Matt Stack put up five touchdowns to lead visiting Monroe-Woodbury to a Class AA Division I win.
Stack rushed for scores of 6, 9 and 27 yards. He hit Mike Septh for a 38-yard score and Ray Graziano for an 11-yard touchdown. Graziano finished with 149 rushing yards and Matt O'Brien scored on a 6-yard run for the Crusaders (3-0, 1-0 Class AA).
Middletown quarterback Chris Brucato hit Terric Harris for scores of 85 and 50 yards. Harris caught three passes for 135 yards. Brucato completed 5-of-10 passes for 148 yards for Middletown (1-2, 0-1 Class AA).
Crusaders Roll Over Middies. 42-12, to Remain Unbeaten
Friday, September 17
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| The Crusaders' Matt O'Brien | | Section Nine News
MIDDLETOWN - Monroe-Woodbury flexed its muscles with a 42-12 Section 9 Class AA-I victory over Middletown in a driving rain on Friday night.
Senior quarterback Matt Stack ran for scores of 10, 27, and six yards and added two more via the air to lead the Crusader offensive attack. Stack connected on an 11-yard touchdown pass to Ray Graziano in the second quarter and hit Mike Septh for a 38-yard strike on the Crusader first possession of the second half, extending the lead to 42-0.
"All of the line worked together as one unit," said Stack who rushed for 70 yards. "We stepped it up and are getting better every week."
Middletown scored on two late touchdowns bombs of 81 and 56 yards to Terric Harris from quarterback Chris Brucato against the Monroe-Woodbury reserves.
Matt O'Brien scored Monroe-Woodbury's first touchdown on a six-yard burst but sat out the second half with a twisted ankle and a bad shoulder. But the senior plans on playing against Kingston on Thursday.
"We are just taking it one week at a time," he said. "Tonight we were worried about Middletown and tomorrow we worry about Kingston. This team will be in there looking at the film and lifting weights tomorrow."
Asked if this win sent a message Kingston who was just upset by Wallkill, Crusaders' head coach Pat D'Aliso said, "I am not trying to send a message to anyone. This is the first week the team has been healthy and we played like that tonight."
D'Aliso welcomed back senior fullback Danny Lexandra who had missed the first two games with a sprained ankle. "Not having Danny at fullback was critical," he said. "Our entire offense starts with the fullback."
Lexandra ended up being the Crusaders' leading rusher with 149 yards. For Middletown QB Chris Brucato completed five-of-10 passes for 148 yards. Harris had three receptions for 135 yards.
Monroe-Woodbury (3-0, 1-0 in league) hosts Kingston on Thursday. Middletown (1-2, 0-1) goes to Newburgh on Thursday.
---Chris Mayone (Straus News) (stats by Scott Hendershot & Kristy D'Aliso)
He Stacks up where it counts
M-W quarterback has that special something
By Michael Kruse
Times Herald-Record
mkruse@th-record.com
Central Valley – Matt Stack is all grown up.
The kid who's been starting at quarterback and running the option for Monroe-Woodbury's football team since the second half of the first game of his freshman year is finally a senior.
Going into tonight's Class AA showdown against Kingston, Stack has emerged as one of Section 9's best players.
He's a three-year captain.
He's one of the very few four-year offensive starters in the history of the Crusaders' program.
And he's got that something – the intangible quality that makes some players, no matter the sport, no matter the level of play, greater than the sum of their parts.
"Sometimes," Monroe-Woodbury coach Pat D'Aliso said, "people are just leaders."
"I don't know what it is," offensive coordinator Bernie Connolly said.
Tri-captain Matt O'Brien's explanation?
"Matt Stack," the senior running back said, "is Matt Stack."
Has been for quite some time here in southern Orange County.
When Stack was 6 years old, his mother, Mary, called Tom Flood, his T-ball coach, right before the season.
Mary told Flood she was worried. Not for her son, but for all the other kids. She was worried her son was going to hurt somebody.
Flood rolled his eyes.
Then came the first practice.
"And I was like, 'Oh my God,' " Flood said.
Flood made Stack, a righty, bat lefty, because he, too, was now afraid for the others – especially those standing in the infield.
It wasn't that Stack was so much bigger. He wasn't. Stack was just that much more coordinated. And there was something about him.
Same deal in Pop Warner.
Longtime Monroe youth football coach Tony Cardone had Stack at quarterback on his 11-year-old Pee Wee Crusaders squad.
When did Cardone notice something different about the son of Mary and Robert Stack?
"Day 1," Cardone said. "He was an average-sized kid. He didn't have great speed. He didn't have a real strong arm. But …"
Funny: That's the quickie scouting report on Stack these days, too, and has been pretty much ever since early Sept. 2001, when, as a 5-foot-7, 135-pound, 14-year-old boy, Stack took over as Monroe-Woodbury's varsity starter after senior Ed Hannigan tore his ACL at Port Jervis.
Now Mary was worried for her son.
So was Robert.
Everybody was.
Stack was so small, he couldn't even grip the football to make a pass. But he learned the Crusaders' complicated option offense lickety-split – he is a 97-plus student – and ran for 836 yards and 10 touchdowns by slipping under and around tacklers twice his size.
For the most part.
"Sometimes he looked like a ping-pong ball," said Connolly, the offensive coordinator, "but he's never really, really taken that big-time, God-awful hit."
"He's like a little ghost in there," said Flood, the T-ball coach, whose son, Matthew, is a backup linebacker this season. "Bing, bing, and he's gone."
"It's like Madden," O'Brien said, referring to the NFL video game, "when you hit the juke button."
"I just do what I have to do to get yardage," Stack said.
A ton of it.
Last year he rushed for 1,327 yards on only 165 carries (8 yards per carry), ran for 22 touchdowns, threw for five more and earned first-team all-star Record recognition.
This year, though, with tonight's big Class AA game against Kingston and rival Newburgh Free Academy looming on the schedule on Oct. 22, coaches and players here said it's going to take a little less Stack and a little more balance to help the Crusaders win their first title since 2000.
Monroe-Woodbury (3-0, 1-0 Class AA) is far from a one-man team. O'Brien, Neil Ingenito, Danny Lexandra, Chris Johnson and Ray Graziano are all capable rushers. And Stack's been asked to pass the ball more – there's the balance – which he's done well.
"This kid will be the best quarterback we will ever have here," D'Aliso told the Record three years ago. "Imagine when he's 17."
So here he is, now 5-foot-11, 190 pounds, 17 years old for another three or so months, still showing that … something.
Matt Stack.
All grown up.
Michael Kruse is the Times Herald-Record's writer at large. Contact him at mkruse@th-record.com.
Crusaders Move up Three Notches in State Rankings
Thursday, September 23
SYRACUSE - Monroe-Woodbury moved from the #18 to the #15-ranked Class AA team in the state, according to the New York State Sportswriters Association pollsters.
Kingston and Newburgh were again listed as honorable mentions in the AA rankings. New Rochelle (Section One) remains at #1. Kingston and Monroe-Woodbury will meet tonight in Central Valley in an important Class AA Division I matchup. Newburgh hosts Middletown.
In Class A Nyack, also of Section One, remains the #1 team. Wallkill is listed at #15 and Port Jervis at #17. Those two powers will meet tonight at Glennette Field in Port.
--- Phil Dusenbury, NYSSWA Member & Pollster
Looking at Coaches for the 100-Win Club
Wednesday, June 30
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| In the 100-Plus Club: Pat D'Aliso | | By PHIL DUSENBURY
What does it take for a high school football coach to win 100 games? The standard answers are longevity, skill and, of course, good athletes. Section Nine has had a long list of skillful coaches, but not too many of them have won 100 or more games.
Some have produced championship teams and lofty winning percentages only to disappoint their fans by moving on to another out-of-area school or up to the college ranks. John Whitehead was such a man. He strode into Middletown in 1958 to take over a Middie program that was in disarray. It took Whitehead a season of getting his butt kicked as he brought discipline back to the Blue and White program. He went on to build a team that had a 17-game winning streak and laid the foundation for a run of six DUSO titles in seven seasons. His 1961 team is generally considered to be the best in modern Middie football history. Yep, 100 wins would have been a snap for Whitehead who chose instead to move to Carlisle, Pa. before coaching college ball at Lehigh.
Then there are legendary coaches like Warwick's Ash Morgan, Cornwall's Tommy McDonald plus Goshen's John Young and Dean Ouderkirk. Morgan, Young and McDonald didn't get to play nine, ten or eleven games a season back then. Morgan coached the 'Cats for 12 seasons and won three OCL titles yet had only 46 victories. I don't have McDonald's or Young's stats, but I'm sure they didn't get 100 either. As for "Dean the Dream" Ouderkirk, he would have been a cinch for 100 had he not retired early from coaching and moved to Middletown to become its athletic director.
We could list many more names, but let's get to the Section Nine coaches that we know have 100-plus wins.
Easily topping the list is JOE VIGLIONE with 194 wins. Vig has all three elements going for him. Longevity: 27 years at Port Jervis (1957-1983) and five at Warwick (1987-1991). Skill: got off to a rough start coaching the smallest school in the rugged DUSO, finishing with a 19-27-2 league record. Still he won three DUSO titles. Then after Port moved to the Orange County League in 1970, the Maestro took control, winning eight OCL titles. He ended up with 155 wins at Port and another 39 at Warwick where he added another OCL title and then won the first Section Nine Class B crown.
Middletown's DICK WOLSLAYER is #2 on our list with 142 wins. Dick jokes about how Middletown football historian, the late John Nania, would tell him he was the school's winningest coach - and how he also lost more games than any other Middie mentor. Dick withdrew from coaching in his prime for a few seasons before returning to coach the rugged Middie teams of the mid-90's. He also gave Middletown its only sectional crown in 1994. Had Wolslayer stayed as head coach all the years he has been serving as an assistant, his win total might begin to rival Viglione's.
Number 3 on the list is the still very active BOB CORVINO of Port Jervis with 140 wins over the last 20 seasons. That's an average of seven wins per season. Corvino has won two OCL titles and five Section Nine crowns. He looks to surpass his pal Wolslayer early in the 2004 season. After serving as Viglione's assistant for 11 seasons, Corvino took the helm in 1984.
Next we have a logjam. Sullivan West's RON BAUER has 111 wins and is still active; Rondout's MICKEY MILLION has 110 wins; and Monroe-Woodbury's current head man PAT D'ALISO has 109 wins.
Bauer has been coaching since 1966. He served as an assistant at Delaware Valley for 10 seasons before becoming the Eagles' head coach in 1976. Those were tough times at DV and Bauer's record for four seasons (1976-1979) was just 6-19-3. Bauer then headed for Jeff-Youngsville to assist the successful Bob Lynch from 1980-1983. Jeff won three titles during those years before Lynch headed for Honesdale, Pa. to coach. Bauer inherited the Trojans for 1984 and 1985 and went 10-4. In 1986 he returned to DelVal where he found the rest of that decade to bring rough going (6-21-1).
Then came the 90's when Bauer's career blossomed. From 1990-1999 his DV teams, featuring Class D Players of the Year Matt Buddenhagen and Alfredo Ruillano, went 65-29-1 and won seven Class D titles. In 2000 DV, Jeff-Youngsville and Narrowsburg combined to form Sullivan West. The veteran Bauer was rightfully chosen to be the head coach. So far the 'Dogs have a four-season record of 24-19-1 with a Class C title under their belts. Bauer's 26-year year head coaching record is 111-92-5.
Rondout's Mickey Million spent 23 seasons (1969-1991) as the Gander head coach. The middle "M" of Rondout's only three head coaches (Meehan, Million, Malak), Million finished with a record of 110-80-16 and won MHAL titles in 1978, 1986 and 1987. You can read more about him in Jim Malak's series on Rondout Football History elsewhere on this site.
Monroe-Woodbury's Pat D'Aliso comes right after Million with 109 career wins in Section Nine (see "updates" below). Pat will probably want to defer some of those wins to Bernie Connolly who ran the team one season while Pat was sufffering from a bad back. Still he makes our 100-plus club. An assistant for M-W, D'Aliso took over for John Moson who had left for NFA in 1988. Pat then promptly led the Crusaders to OCL titles in 1988 and 1989. In addition to the Class A title in '89, his teams have also won an A crown in 1992 plus AA crowns in 1998 and 2000. In his 16 seasons, D'Aliso's winning percentage is over 71%.
Our other verified 100-plus winner makes it a trifecta for Port Jervis. He is the late AL CHASE who won an even 100 games coaching "little PJ" in the old DUSO from 1925-1942 and 1945-1949. "The Old Fox" missed those two seasons, serving in World War Two. After being "Whitey" Mallery's assistant in 1924 when the Red and Black won the DUSO title, Chase took over and became a legend. Three Port coaches in the 100-plus Club? Well, in 107 years of PJ football, Port has had three head coaches who have served for a combined total of 70 seasons.
M-W Turns Back Visiting Kingston, 40-18
Friday, September 24
By DAN REINHARD
CENTRAL VALLEY - The Monroe-Woodbury High School Crusaders wasted little time getting on the scoreboard against visiting Kingston High School Tigers Thursday night with a fumble recovery on the opening kickoff.
Several plays later Senior Quarterback Matt Stack ran eight yards for a touchdown; the extra point was good by Gerald Jones and the Crusaders led 7-0 with 10:17 on the clock in the first quarter.
The next time the Crusader offense got the ball they drove down field against the Kingston defense. Crusader running back Danny Lexandra ran towards the Kingston end zone was stopped at the one yard line, fumbled and the football was recovered in the end zone by the Crusader's Neil Ingenito for the Crusader touchdown. The extra point by Gerald Jones was good and Monroe-Woodbury led 14-0.
Kingston High School's offense came back in the second quarter at the 6:39 mark when Coleman Edmonds ran sixty yards for a Kingston touchdown. The extra point was no good and Monroe-Woodbury led Kingston 14-6.
At the 5:33 mark in the second quarter Kingston linebacker Jason Krakowski intercepted a Matt Stack pass at the Crusader thirty five yard line and returned the football to the Crudsader one yard line. At the 5:27 mark Kingston running back Ohkei Brown scored from one yard out to close the gap to 14-12. The Kingston two point conversion was no good.
Monroe-Woodbury came right back on the Kingston kick off when Crusader Chris Johnson ran the kickoff back ninety yards to give the Crusaders a 20-12 lead. The extra point failed and the Crusader led 20-12 with 5:13 remaining in the second quarter.
The Crusader defense stopped the Kingston offense, got the football back and with 0:44 remaining in the first half, Crusader quarterback Matt Stack scored on a seven yard run to give the Crusaders a 26-12 lead. The extra point was no good and the half ended with Monroe-Woodbury leading 26-12.
The third quarter was a defensive battle, with the Kingston Tiger's finally hitting the end zone with 3:20 remaining in the quarter. Coleman Edmonds ran for the touchdown from the nine yard line. The two point try was no good and Monroe-Woodbury led 26-18.
With 10:41 remaining in the fourth quarter, Stack threw a sixty five yard touchdown pass to Matt O'Brien giving the Crusaders a 32-18 lead. Gerald Jones connected on the extra point and the Crusaders led 33-18.
Monroe-Woodbury scored its final touchdown late in the fourth quarter when Matt Stack ran twenty one yards for another touchdown. The extra point was good by Gerald Jones and the game ended with Monroe-Woddbury winning, 40-18.
Monroe-Woodbury stays undefeated at 4-0 (2-0 in AA-II). Kingston drops to 2-2 (0-1).
CRUSADER EXTRA POINTS
by Chris Mayone
CENTRAL VALLEY - Senior fullback Danny Lexandra was sick of watching his Crusader teammates light up scoreboards without him the first two weeks of the season. But since returning from a preseason injury, Lexandra has led the Crusaders in rushing the last two games, including a 161 yard outburst Thursday night, as Monroe-Woodbury buried Section 9 Class AA foe Kingston 40-18.
"I'm still mad I missed the first two games," said Lexandra. "Watching my teammates do it without me was upsetting. There is nothing else I'd rather do than play football."
Lexandra wasted no time getting started taking the games second play from scrimmage 22 yards setting up the Crusaders with a first-and-goal at the eight-yard-line. Quarterback Matt Stack scored on a keeper on second down to give Monroe-Woodbury a lead they would not relinquish.
An opportunistic kick off team set up the first score. Gerald Jones' kickoff bounced off Kingston's Zach Fritz and was recovered by Jones at the Tigers 37-yard line.
Kingston threatened to pull even later in the quarter with a first down at the Crusaders' 11-yard line. But a sack by Keith Hale and an interception by Chris Johnson on back-to-back plays halted the drive.
"People have maligned this defense," said Monroe-Woodbury head coach Pat D'Aliso. "But the defense is what's making us go right now. Players like Dennis Jones, John Schepps, Chris Johnson, and Tom Beyer have played outstanding."
Following the turnover, Lexandra shot 66 yards on first down before being caught at the Kingston 15-yard line. On the next play he fumbled but it was recovered in the end by Neil Ingenito for the score.
"It was a trap and I saw Matt O'Brien make a great block and I thought I was gone," said Lexandra off his 66-yard run. "But my injury hasn't fully healed yet so I didn't make it across."
The Crusaders looked like they took a 21-0 advantage on their next possession when Stack scrambled 61-yards for a touchdown but it was nullified thanks for a holding penalty. After a Jones punt, Coleman Edmond bolted 62 yards to get Kingston on the board. The two-point try was no good and Monroe-Woodbury held a 14-6 lead.
Stack was picked off by Jason Krakowski setting Kingston first-and-goal at the Crusaders' one-yard-line. Chris Duggan punched it trimming the lead to 14-12 after another failed two-point conversion.
On the ensuing kick off, Johnson fielded the kick at his own 13-yard-line and broke free for an 87-yard kick off return and a 20-6 Monroe-Woodbury lead.
"I don't want to say that play broke their backs," said D'Aliso, "but it kinda broke the game open and gave us some space to breathe. We took the whole momentum of the game when he ran that back.
"I didn't come in here and expect to beat Kingston 40-18 but we had kids make plays. I thought the game would be close."
The Crusaders' defense forced another first-half turnover when Joe Salamone hopped on a loose ball. The fumble recovery set up a 10-play drive capped off by a five-yard Stack touchdown run with :44 left in the half. Jones' extra point hit the right upright for his first miscue of the year but Monroe-Woodbury took a 26-12 lead into the locker room.
Kingston trimmed the lead to 26-18 on an Edmond score. But the high octane Monroe-Woodbury offense struck back with 14 unanswered points. Stack tossed a 70-yard scoring strike to O'Brien and the quarterback added a 12-yard touchdown run to round out the scoring. Stack finished the game with 154 yards rushing.
Offensive lineman Joe Scalo, Stephen Schwade, Eugene Dutton, and Peter Scalia paved the way for the Monroe-Woodbury running back fleet.
"We came out confident and we stayed that way."
MW ranked #13 in the State
| Class AA State Rankings |
|
TW LW Team-Section
1 1 New Rochelle-1
2 2 Webster Schroeder-5
3 3 Syracuse CBA-3
4 4 St. Francis-6 (CHSAA)
5 5 North Babylon-11
6 6 Freeport-8
7 7 Shenendehowa-2
8 8 Syracuse Henninger-3
9 9 Orchard Park-6
10 11 Webster Thomas-5
11 12 William Floyd-11
12 13 St. Anthony-CHSAA
13 15 Monroe-Woodbury-9
14 16 Patchogue-Medford-11
15 17 Msgr. Farrell-CHSFL
16 18 Poly Prep-NYC
17 20 Binghamton-4
18 HM Ballston Spa-2
19 -- Carmel-1
20 HM Pittsford-5
HM HM Union-Endicott-4 |
W-L
4-0
4-0
4-0
4-0
2-0
2-0
4-0
4-0
4-0
4-0
2-0
2-1
4-0
2-0
2-0
1-2
3-0
4-0
3-0
4-0
1-1 |
.
Other Honorable Mentions:
Baldwin, Baldwinsville, Buffalo St. Joe, Cicero-North Syracuse, Gates-Chili, Fairport, Fayetteville-Manlius, Greece Athena, Liverpool, Newburgh, Niagara Falls, North Rockland, North Tonawanda, Ramapo, Rochester East, Rome Free Academy, Troy LaSalle, West Babylon, West Seneca West, White Plains, Williamsville North | |
Inside the Game with Gerald Jones
Thursday, September 30
|
 |
| The Crusaders' Gerald Jones practices his craft | |
| By CHRIS MAYONE
Never underestimate the importance of a kicker. Just ask Kingston. In last Thursday's game both teams had scored two touchdowns but the Crusaders held a 14-12 lead thanks a pair of Gerald Jones extra points. The Tigers have no kicker and failed on both two-point conversions.
Jones is 22-for-23 on extra points, with his only miss bouncing off the left upright. Add a 29-yard field goal in his only attempt this year.
We hit the practice field with Jones, who also is also a soccer star, to get some kicking tips.
BEFORE THE KICK:
Jones seeks out long snapper Chris Duggan for a few practice snaps. Once on the field, holder Neil Ingenito lines up the kicking platform in the middle of the goal post. He takes three steps back from Ingenito and two steps to the left because he is a right-footed kicker. Jones always keeps his eyes on the platform.
ONCE THE BALL IS SNAPPED:
Jones begins to move when Ingenito catches the snap. "Neil is the best holder," said Jones. "He is so quick getting the ball down." When following through, he keeps his back arched and gets under the ball to avoid getting the kick blocked. This differs from his soccer kick where he gets his body over the ball for velocity and to kick a line drive to get the ball in the goal.
THE CELEBRATION:
Jones asks his holder how it was. Once they see it split the posts Ingenito hugs the 6-foot-1, 180 pound kicker and they trot off the field. Jones told us that he hasn't thought about making a game winning kick because ask a kicker he can't think about the past or the future.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FOOTBALL AND SOCCER:
Jones says that football is one big rush and he would love to kick in college. But soccer coaches might change his mind as he has three goals and five assists for the 5-1 Crusader soccer team. He also will be one of the main focal points on the basketball team along with Tony Surin come winter. But if he kicks the basketball, chances are he will be headed to an early shower.
Midseason: the Cream is Rising and the Grumbling is Bubbling
Tuesday, September 28
By PHIL DUSENBURY
Week five: the center of the regular season. The time when the cream rises to the top while the grumble pot starts to bubble. Nothing unusual. That's just the way things have always been with football at any level and the way they'll always be.
Monroe-Woodbury's stock was high enough to begin with, but fans still wanted to see the Crusaders do something big. Last weekend they took a step in that direction by showing a strong finish to beat talented Kingston, 40-18. Remember that points allowed (via "negative points") are part of the tie-breaking criteria when it comes to splitting hairs and deciding who gets into a title game. Forty-eight is a bunch.
On October 16 defending AA champ NFA will travel to Kingston for a rare and critical Saturday afternoon game. On the following Friday (October 22) Monroe-Woodbury has a showdown at NFA. Dy-no-mite!
CRUSADERS TURN IT ON TO PUT DOWN CORNWALL 24-7
by CHRIS MAYONE www.strausnews.com
CORNWALL-Monroe-Woodbury center Joe Scalo saw something from his teammates that he never thought he would see in the first half of the Crusaders 24-7 non-league victory over Cornwall on Friday night.
"We didn't have any heart," said the 6-foot-3, 255 pound senior. "We weren't focused in the first half and we knew it was time to step it up."
Despite being outplayed, the Crusaders (5-0) took a 3-0 lead into the locker room thanks to a 27-yard Gerald Jones field goal. But the state-ranked Crusaders were lucky to do that.
"We made a lot of mistakes and there are no excuses," said Monroe-Woodbury coach Pat D'Aliso. "They had nothing to lose in this game and were ready to play. We weren't."
D'Aliso agreed that playing the Class A Dragons was a trap game for his team.
Cornwall took the game's first possession all the way to the Monroe-Woodbury five-yard line before the 14-play drive would stall and the Green Dragons came away with nothing. An illegal substitution on fourth-and-three gave home standing Cornwall a free first down. The miscue was the first of seven for the Crusaders resulting in 70 gift yards.
"That was the first series and we came out a little flat," said standout linebacker Dennis Jones, who anchored the defense with seven tackles and a pair of sacks. "What are you gonna do? We shut them down when it counted"
Gerald Jones saved a safety later in the half when the punter leaped to snatch a high snap from Chris Duggan in the back of his own end zone. He got the kick away but Cornwall was set up with good field position at the Monroe-Woodbury 34-yard line.
An intentional grounding and offensive pass interference call spurned the drive and the Crusaders escaped danger. Cornwall also committed seven penalties for 106 yards.
The Green Dragons' next penalty looked to be costly as the defense was called for roughing Crusader quarterback Matt Stack in the midst of a two-minute drill to end the half. But drops by Matt O'Brien and tight end Bryan Wortman stalled the drive.
Monroe-Woodbury stormed out of the locker room with a 12-play drive culminating in a seven-yard stack touchdown burst on an option right. A pass interference and a personal foul aided the Crusader effort.
Matt Stack scored again on his teams next drive, this time taking an option left 27-yards down the sideline. He was sprung by a down field block by Scalo. A Gerald Jones extra point extended the lead to 17-0 early in the fourth period. Jones was three-for-three on extra points and added two touchbacks to go with his first quarter field goal.
"I do what I have to do to get Matt in the end zone," Scalo said.
Ray Graziano's 12-yard touchdown scamper closed out the Crusaders scoring with 5:18 left to play. Stack's 72-yard run on the previous play set up the touchdown. Stack finished the game with 164 yards on only 18 carries, good enough for over nine yards per rush. Through the air he found Mike Septh for a 69-yard strike setting up the Jones field goal. Danny Lexandra rushed for 47 yards.
The Crusaders defense lost their shutout when Quron Simmons scored on a 1-yard burst with 1:58 remaining. Monroe-Woodbury fumbled the snap inside their own five-yard line setting up the score.
"They scored a cheap touchdown at the end'" said D'Aliso. "We lost the snap and we gave it to them. Other than that this defense did a great job."
When Dennis Jones was asked if he was disappointed about losing the shutout he laughed, "I'm not going to lose any sleep over it."
John Schepps and Greg Sullivan added seven tackles each pacing the defense.
Cornwall is 4-1 and will host Goshen next Friday in a Class A league game. The unbeaten Crusaders (5-0) will host AA-I foe Pine Bush next Friday night.
Matt Stack Bobble-head
Monroe-Woodbury 24, Cornwall 7
THR Local Sports Roundup 10/2
Matt Stack ran for 158 yards on 15 carries, including touchdown runs of 6 and 26 yards, in Monroe-Woodbury's non-league victory at Cornwall.
Gary Simpson added an 11-yard touchdown run and Gerald Jones kicked a 24-yard field goal for Monroe-Woodbury (5-0), which led 3-0 at halftime.
Qu-Ron Simmons ran for a 2-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. He finished with 58 yards on 11 carries, and caught five passes for 45 yards.
Kyle Auffray completed 8-of-17 passes for 137 yards for Cornwall (4-1).
Nine Section Nine Teams in the Rankings
Friday, October 8
SYRACUSE - Two more Section Nine teams were added to this week's rankings of the top New York State teams as compiled by the New York State Sportswriters Association.
In Class AA unbeaten Monroe-Woodbury moved up a notch to #12 while NFA remained an honorable mention. New Rochelle is still at #1.
MONROE-WOODBURY STAYS PERFECT WITH WIN OVER PINE BUSH
Saturday, October 9ction Nine Front Page
CENTRAL VALLEY - Monroe-Woodbury head football coach Pat D'Aliso wasn't talking after his team's 48-7 dismantling of Pine Bush in Friday night's homecoming game. The veteran coach wasn't mad, he just didn't have time for small talk.
Right after his team's sixth straight win to start the 2004 campaign, the coach was headed off for a three hour ride to Binghamton to pick up game film on Vestal, whom the Crusaders play this Friday night.
"That just shows the hard work and dedication the entire coaching staff puts into this team," said Monroe-Woodbury quarterback Matt Stack. "Every week they put us in the best position to win games. It means a lot to me knowing that coach does that."
Stack showed his gratitude by rushing for 170 yards and four touchdowns on just 11 carries to lead the Crusaders offensive barrage. The all-stater accounted for 160 of his yards in the first half as the unbeaten Crusaders jumped out to 42-0 halftime advantage.
"I don't know what I can do in a whole game," laughed Stack, who played just two series in the second half. "Everybody works hard in practice and they deserve to play in the game."
In the Crusaders' six victories, Stack had only taken all the snaps in a 40-18 shellacking of Kingston. Coming into the Pine Bush game, Stack was the fifth leading rusher in Section 9 with 609 yards.
It was Neil Ingenito that got the Crusader offense rolling with a 14-yard touchdown run on their first drive of the game. Monroe-Woodbury traveled 45 yards on just six plays to take the early lead.
Meanwhile Pine Bush only managed 29 yards, on 27 first half plays.
After a Bushman punt, Stack busted an option left for 43 yards on the second play of the drive extending the lead to 14-0 with 6:52 left in the opening period.
Three minutes later, Stack took the identical play 48-yards down his sideline capping off a three-play drive for the 21-0 advantage.
A deep kickoff by Gerald Jones aided the Crusaders' next touchdown. Jones' kick was received inside the five-yard-line. Mark Hale sprinted down on coverage to meet the Bushman returner at the 11-yard line. On the next play, defensive back Chris Johnson smelled blood and took off from his left corner position to sack Pine Bush quarterback Lance Brookins. The ball came free and Dennis Jones hopped on the loose ball in the end zone for another Monroe-Woodbury score.
The lead ballooned to 35-0 when Stack busted an option right for a 28-yard touchdown scamper on the first possession of the second period. Fullback Danny Lexandra (13 carries, 123 yards) had runs of eight and seven yards to start the drive before Stack took the third play to the end zone.
Pine Bush finally moved the ball on their next drive. Runs of nine and 20 yards by Devin Conroy moved the Bushman across midfield for the first time with nine minutes left in the half. But Pine Bush shot themselves in the foot again when Ingenito forced a fumble and Dennis Jones dove on the loose ball.
Stack didn't waste anytime finding the end zone again. Six plays later he was in after a six-yard burst as the score reached 42-0 with four minutes left in the half. Dan Lexandra had runs of 14 and 13 yards to aid the drive.
After each score, Stack pounded his chest and kissed the sky in a tribute Coach Puliafico. The former offensive coordinator passed away last year and the team has been wearing a patch on their jerseys and helmets to honor him.
"He made me the player I am today," Stack said.
Frank Catalina scored the lone Monroe-Woodbury touchdown in the second half busting an eight-yard run. Gerald Jones missed his extra point attempt wide left but the senior was six-for-seven on the day. Kicking off, he had four touchbacks giving the Bushman an average starting position of the 23-yard line.
Pine Bush scored with less than a minute left on a fumble recovery in the endzone. Phil Novins was the leading Bushman rusher with 37 yards.
Dennis Jones (seven tackles) and Tom Beyer (six tackles) anchored the underrated Monroe-Woodbury defense. Through six games, the unit has allowed less than ten points a game as the state-ranked Crusaders have outscored their opponents 196-57.
The Crusaders will take their 6-0 record (3-0 in league) to Vestal next Friday. Pine Bush (1-5, 0-3) will travel to Middletown in a battle for the fourth spot in Class AA Division l.
--- Chris Mayone
Monroe-Woodbury 48, Pine Bush 7
THR Sports RoundUp 10-9-04
Quarterback Matt Stack ran for four touchdowns to lead unbeaten Monroe-Woodbury to a Section 9 Class AA Division I victory in Central Valley.
Stack scored on runs of 42, 45, 27 and 6 yards. Monroe-Woodbury (6-0, 3-0 Class AA), which led 41-0 at halftime, also got scoring runs from Neil Ingenito (12 yards) and Frank Catalina (14 yards). Dennis Jones recovered a fumble in the end zone to finish off a 21-0 first-quarter blitz.
Pine Bush (1-5, 0-2 Class AA) recovered a fumble in the end zone in the closing minutes for its lone score.
Union-Endicott 14, Newburgh Free Academy 6
Kingston 18 - Monroe 40 (Daily Freeman Coverage)
CENTRAL VALLEY - Poor tackling derailed promising Kingston High comebacks in Thursday night's Section 9 football showdown with Monroe-Woodbury in Class AA Division I.
The Tigers (0-1 division, 2-2 overall) rallied twice but could not make a clutch defensive stop to maintain momentum in the 40-18 loss.
Quarterback Matt Stack of the Crusaders (2-0, 4-0) rushed for 154 yards and three touchdowns.
He also threw a 70-yard scoring pass to Matt O'Brien early in the fourth quarter after Kingston pulled within 26-18.
Along with Stack, fullback Danny Lexandra shredded the Tigers for 161 yards.
Chris Johnson's 87-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the second period bailed out Monroe-Woodbury following Kingston's first comeback.
Four turnovers further complicated matters for the Tigers. In terms of total offense, Kingston held its own with the Crusaders.
Coleman Edmond (104 yards, two touchdowns) and Ohkei Brown (82 yards, one touchdown) keyed an effective rushing attack. Andrew Downey completed 12-of-26 passes for 140 yards with two intercepted.
Special teams mental lapses plagued the Tigers from the start. Zach Fritz muffed Monroe- Woodbury's opening kickoff, and kicker Gerald Jones recovered at the Kingston 37-yard line.
Four plays later, Stack broke tackles on a 10-yard touchdown burst up the middle. Jones added the extra point for a 7-0 lead just 1:43 into the contest.
Johnson intercepted Downey with 1:10 left in the period, then Lexandra broke a 66-yard run on the next play. Tyrell Spencer temporarily saved the touchdown by catching Lexandra from behind at the Tigers' 15.
Lexandra subsequently fumbled two yards short of the goal line, but teammate Neil Ingenito recovered after the ball rolled into the end zone.
Trailing 14-0, Kingston came alive with a 62-yard scoring sprint by Edmond with 6:39 left in the second quarter. Jason Krakowski intercepted Stack to set up Brown's 1-yard touchdown plunge with 5:27 showing.
The Tigers failed on both conversions to keep Monroe-Woodbury ahead 14-12. Johnson's kickoff return and a 7-yard touchdown run by Stack enabled the Crusaders to lengthen their advantage to 26-12 by halftime.
Edmond provided the final Kingston salvo by scoring on a 9-yard run with 2:37 showing in the third period.
Senior Night
M-W Crusader Seniors
SARAH ALI DAD CHRIS ARMSTRONG LAUREN BARNYCH TOM BEYER
LAUREN BLACKWELL JOHN CANZONA MATTHEW CARR SHANE COINCON
CAITLIN DIEPOLD EUGENE DUTTON KELLY GILLAN RAY GRAZIANO
AMY GULICK MARK HALE JUSTINE HUMPHREY DENNIS JONES
GERALD JONES ALLYSON LA MARCA DANNY LEXANDRA ASHLEY MAHONEY
MATT O’BRIEN CHRISTINA O'CONNOR ORLANDO RAMOS ANTHONY REINER
JOE SALAMONE PETER SCALIA JOE SCALO JOHN SCHEPPS
GREG SCHLICT STEPHEN SCHWADE MIKE SLAVKOSKY MATT STACK
Ten from Nine Make the State Rankings
Thursday, October 14
SYRACUSE - Ten Section Nine teams are among the state-ranked this week, according to the NYSSWA's latest poll.
The big four are again Class AA Monroe-Woodbury, Class A Wallkill, Class B Marlboro and Class D Millbrook. Each of these teams has moved up in the rankings. The Crusaders are up one slot to #11. The Panthers jumped up two spots to #13. The Dukes also rose two notches to a lofty #8. The Blazers moved up one spot to #13.
Making the Honorable Mention list are (AA) NFA and Washingtonville; (A) Port Jervis and Cornwall; (B) unbeaten Sullivan West; and (D) Chester. The Wizards crack the list for the first time this season.
Who are the Top Ten Rushers in the Section?
Oct. 13, 2003 -
That's a very good question. But in the interest of trying to pull the whole section together, here's our best conclusion for this week. A couple of these stats have been officially submitted by coaches or statisticians. The rest are a combination of tallies submitted by correspondents and a bit of guesstimation. We submit this not as an official "Top Ten" list, but we do it to encourage others to keep and submit accurate stats --- and, of course, we do it to help fill your hunger for Section Nine football information.
Who's Number One this week? Well, it's Eldred's hard-charging RB Kyle Schneider who has carried 111 times for 905 yards in six games. That's an average of 8.2 per carry for the 'Jacket workhorse. Now here's the list:
1. Kyle Schneider (Eldred) - 905
2. Mike Giacoia (Marlboro) - 888
3. Matt Stack (Monroe-Woodbury) - 767
4. John Foley (Port Jervis) - 722 (five games)
5. J. J. Maloney (Wallkill) - 675
6. Steven Kearins (Millbrook) - 659 (five games)
7. Jihad Morris (Newburgh) - 635
8. Danny Knox (Tri-Valley) - 625 (four games)
9. Quron Simmons (Cornwall) - 610
10. Jayson Millius (Pine Plains) - 592
And Then There Were Four...
Wednesday, October 13
...Four unbeaten teams in Section Nine. Monroe-Woodbury, Wallkill, Marlboro and Sullivan West. Today let's overview two of them. We'll save the others for tomorrow.
MONROE-WOODBURY, our top-ranked Section Nine team, is 6-0 and headed for a showdown up at Section Four's Vestal this Friday. Vestal is 4-2 but has yet to play Section Four powers Binghamton and Union-Endicott ... The Crusaders run the football. Why? Because they can. Behind a talented veteran line (Joe Scalo, Pete Scalia, Steve Schwade, Eugene Dutton, et al) that plays as a unit, Pat D'Aliso's squad is led by four-year starting quarterback Matt Stack. Stack is also the team's leading rusher, rambling 767 yards so far for a 128 yards per game average. But the dangerous M-W offense is not limited to the line's prowess and Stack's exploits. Behind them is a stable of game-busting running backs like Danny Lexandra, Ray Graziano, Neil Ingenito (the only junior in the starting bunch), Matt O'Brien and Dennis Jones ... The relatively new defense has not disappointed M-W fans, either. So far it has limited opponents to 57 points.
Happy Monroe-Woodbury fans at the team's homecoming game last Friday cheer for Crusader tight end Bryan Wortman to get back in the game and catch a pass from quarterback Matt Stack. Wortman and many other starters on the undefeated team didn't see much second-half action as the Crusaders took a 42-0 halftime lead on the way to a 48-7 dismantling of Pine Bush. Photo by Chris Mayone.
MONROE-WOODBURY GOES TO 7-0 WITH 28-9 WIN OVER VESTAL
VESTAL - Matt Stack ran for a pair of TDs and passed for two more as Monroe-Woodbury remained unbeaten with a 28-9 win over Section Four's Vestal.
Stack's TD runs covered 10 (first quarter) and 42 yards fourth quarter). His first TD pass was a 28-yarder to Mike Septh in the first quarter. Ray Graziano caught the second TD toss which covered 22 yards in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile Gerald Jones was four-for-four on his PAT kicks.
Monroe-Woodbury's Greg Sullivan had two interceptions and Dennis Jones had 13 tackles.
Mike Brown did all the scoring for the 4-3 Bears. He ran in a TD from five yards out and booted a 29-yard field goal.
"That was a long trip and a lot of rain," said Coach Pat D'Aliso after the contest. "We came out fast and went up 14-0 in the first quarter. Then we scored 14 more in the last quarter.
"Making a trip like this at the end of a long school day is a lot to ask of high school kids. It was a very long day for them. But a win's a win and now we're 7-0."
D'Aliso won't be sleeping in Saturday as he'll head up to KIngston to see the Kingston NFA game.
"That's the big game," he said.
Next Friday night the Crusaders will play at NFA.
--- PD
Monroe-Woodbury 28, Vestal 9
THRecord October 16, 2004
Monroe-Woodbury quarterback Matt Stack ran for 160 yards and two touchdowns and also threw for two scores in a non-league win in Vestal.
Stack had a 10-yard touchdown run in the second quarter as Monroe-Woodbury (7-0) built a 14-0 halftime lead, and a 42-yard run in the fourth.
He tossed a 28-yard touchdown pass to Mike Septh in the first and a 22-yard strike to Ray Graziano in the fourth.
Monroe-Woodbury's Greg Sullivan had two interceptions and Dennis Jones had 13 tackles.
Mike Brown had a 5-yard touchdown run and kicked a 29-yard field for Vestal (4-3).
NFA Spoils Kingston's Homecoming and Title Hopes
Saturday, October 16
FEARLESS PHIL'S ATTEMPT AT RANKING THE SECTIONAL TEAMS
CLASSES AA & A -
The top three teams here are no-brainers. NFA's win over Kingston was not nearly as close as the 21-14 final score would indicate. The Friday night game between NFA and Monroe-Woodbury should be a classic and will be a preview of the AA title game. The Goldbacks again have so much talent, but the Crusaders have the edge in experience along with the talent this year. NFA has been able to control that option offense of M-W the past few years. Do the 'Backs still have the touch? Can M-W's defense contain Jihad Morris? ... In Class A Wallkill will get to meet a desperate Cornwall team that had Port Jervis on the ropes last week but couldn't deliver the KO punch. The Raiders had a remarkable comeback win. Now Cornwall must win to have a shot at being in the title game ... Poor Kingston. The talented Tigers deserve a better fate, but Monroe-Woodbury and NFA were again just plain better ... Washingtonville and Warwick will meet to see who gets Top Seed from AA-ll in the "Pick Your Poison Game" known as the first round of the AA playoffs next week.
1. Monroe-Woodbury (7-0)
2. (tie) Newburgh (5-2)
Wallkill (7-0)
4. Kingston (4-3)
5. Port Jervis (5-1)
6. (tie) Washingtonville (6-1)
Cornwall (5-2)
8. Warwick (4-2)
THE TOP 10 SECTION NINE RUSHERS
Okay, here we go again. In our quest to encourage accurate stat-taking (and reporting), we'll again pay this small tribute to the larger field of football statistics. We welcome all sincere updates or additions.
1. Kyle Schneider (Eldred) 1,134
2. Mike Giacoia (Marlboro) 1,026
3. Steve Kearins (Millbrook) 962 (six games)
4. Matt Stack (Monroe-Woodbury) 927
5. Jihad Morris (Newburgh) 911
6. Justin Oelgeschlager (Highland) 797
7. John Foley (Port Jervis) 776 (six games)
8. Kyle Blackman (O'Neill) 720
9. J. J. Maloney (Wallkill) 695
10. Gregg Brain (Minisink Valley) 680
Almost: Quron Simmons (Cornwall) 665, Jayson Millius (Pine Plains) 645, Danny Knox (Tri-Valley) 630.
CLASS AA MATCHUPS -- common opponents
Monroe-Woodbury (7-0) at Newburgh Free Academy (5-2). These AA-l teams have had four common opponents this season. Here are the scores with the Crusaders' scores coming first and the Goldbacks' second:
Minisink Valley (38-13, 50-0)
Middletown (42-12, 52-0)
Kingston (48-18, 21-14)
Pine Bush (48-7, 42-0)
NOTES: Both teams seem to be building momentum ... NFA's defense has been able to solve the M-W option offense the last three years, but this year's Crusader offense has an edge in experience over NFA's tough defense ... However, the M-W defense will have to do better than just contain NFA's offense which can strike suddenly ... This will be another great matchup between quality teams with quality coaching staffs. And they'll get to do it all again in Week 10.
State Rankings ... and More
Wednesday, October 20
The same ten Section Nine teams are still in the NYSSWA state rankings released today.
In Class AA Monroe-Woodbury is now at #10 while Newburgh and Washingtonville are honorable mentions. The top team is still defending state champ New Rochelle of Section One.
Class A finds Wallkill up to the #10 slot. Defending state champ Nyack of Section One is the #1 team. Port Jervis and Cornwall are still honorable mentions.
In Class B Marlboro is still #8 behind #1 Chenango Forks of Section Four. Sullivan West is still an honorable mention.
The top ranked team in Class C is LeRoy of Section Five.
In Class D Millbrook is up to #9 now with Chester still an honorable mention. The top team is Section Two's Cambridge.
Round One a TKO for Monroe-Woodbury
Saturday, October 23
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| DB Shane Coincon - 2 Int's | | By CHRIS MAYONE
NEWBURGH - Monroe-Woodbury knows that after its 28-6 shellacking of three-time defending Section 9 Champion Newburgh Free Academy that they are destined to meet again for this year's title and the Crusaders wouldn't have it any other way.
"I want to play them again," echoed Monroe-Woodbury center Joe Scalo as he ran off the field Friday night. "What happened last year isn't gonna happen again."
Even the Crusaders' emotional leader Dennis Jones can't wait to see the team that blew them out of last year's Section 9 final, 35-0, in the anticipated showdown.
"I want them to win next week," Jones said when asked if he would be rooting for the Goldbacks in their 4 p.m. Class AA semi-final match with Warwick. "We won a hard fought battle tonight."
The Crusaders must do their part by beating Washingtonville at 8 p.m on Friday to set up the Section 9 Class AA finale that both teams have waited a year to replay. All playoff games will be held at Dietz Stadium in Kingston.
Thanks to a stellar defensive effort from junior Neil Ingenito the Crusaders jumped out the early 7-0 advantage. With the 'Backs in the midst of an 11-play drive that featured a pair of fourth down conversions, Ingenito smacked running back Jihad Morris jarring the ball loose. He recovered the fumble and raced 55-yards down the Newburgh sideline putting the Crusaders ahead with 3:52 left in the opening session.
"That was the biggest play of the game," said defensive back Shane Coincon. "He set the tone with his hit and picking it up and running it back for a touchdown was all we needed."
Ingenito added another fumble recovery and pair of interceptions to pace an opportunistic Monroe-Woodbury defense that forced seven turnovers. Coincon picked off two passes and Tom Beyer added a fumble recovery.
The defensive unit closes out the regular season allowing just 72 points in eight games. Monroe-Woodbury (4-0 league, 8-0 overall) has outscored its opponents 262-72 this year and has never trailed.
The Crusaders scored on their first possession of the second half as Danny Lexandra (12 carries, 63 yards) punched in a fourth-and-goal from the one-yard-line, capping off nine-play drive that featured eight runs by quarterback Matt Stack.
With seven seconds until halftime Stack found Mike Septh open on a fade route in the left corner of the end zone to extend the score to 21-0.
Newburgh struck first in the second half behind a 25-yard touchdown grab by Dante McNair. The extra point was blocked by Beyer.
The Goldbacks would get no closer as the Monroe-Woodbury defense led by Ingenito, Jones, Coincon, Beyer, John Schepps, and Chris Dalbaum refused to break.
Back-to-back long runs by Stack (19 carries, 94 yards) and Matt O'Brien fueled the Crusaders' final scoring drive. O'Brien's final run capped off the night with a punishing six-yard run to the end zone flattening Newburgh defender Taylor Jackson at the goal line.
Despite the lop-sided score, the Crusaders realize this win is meaningless unless they win the next two games and rip from the Goldbacks the Section 9 crown.
"We have more work to do," said Coincon.
Newburgh fell to 3-1 in league (5-3 overall).
Section Nine Front Page
Saturday, October 23
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| Dennis Jones of M-W Defense | |
MONROE-WOODBURY HAS SEVEN (INGENITO FOUR) TAKEAWAYS IN 28-6 WIN OVER NEWBURGH ... TAKES AA TOP SPOT!
WALLKILL DEFEATS CORNWALL, 35-13, TO CLINCH TOP SEED IN CLASS A
WARWICK SHUTS OUT WASHINGTONVILLE, 8-0 TO EARN TOP SEED IN AA-ll
M-W Rolls to Division Crown
By Kevin Witt kwitt@th-record.com
Newburgh – Dennis Jones put a hit on Newburgh Free Academy's Jihad Morris, and the football squirted away from the kid who ran for 291 yards last week.
Monroe-Woodbury's Neil Ingenito scooped up the loose ball in a scoreless game and returned it 55 yards for a touchdown with just less than four minutes left in the first quarter.
"I just happened to be in the right place at the right time," Ingenito said.
Ingenito was in the right place a lot last night. He had two interceptions and two fumble recoveries as Monroe-Woodbury captured the Class AA Division I title with a 28-6 victory.
Ingenito played only running back last year, but had defensive back added to his job description to take advantage of his athleticism. As this season has progressed, he has ended up spending more time on defense and less on offense.
"I love it," he said.
Shane Coincon also forced a fumble and had two interceptions for Monroe-Woodbury (8-0, 4-0 Class AA), ranked 10th in the state.
Newburgh (5-3, 3-1 Class AA) was the defending Division I champion.
"I think this proved a little something to us," Coincon said, "that we can play with them."
"Seven turnovers. We didn't execute," Newburgh coach C.T. Chatham said. "The score could have been worse."
Ingenito clearly expects a different Newburgh team if they meet again for the Section 9 Class AA title.
"Look what happened last year," Ingenito said. "Twenty-one to 20 during the year, 35-0 in the final."
Both teams move into the Section 9 Class AA semifinals Friday at Dietz Stadium in Kingston.
Newburgh plays Division II-champion Warwick at 4 p.m. Monroe-Woodbury plays Division II runner-up Washingtonville at 8 p.m.
Those winners advance to the Class AA title game at 8 p.m. Nov. 5 at Dietz Stadium. Newburgh is the three-time defending champion.
But it will have to play much better than it did last night on its home field.
Monroe-Woodbury made it 14-0 when Danny Lexandra scored on a fourth-and-goal from the 1. One play earlier, quarterback Matt Stack was stopped for no gain on third down – and almost the entire team turned to coach Pat D'Aliso.
"If we can't get three inches up front," D'Aliso screamed, "then we don't deserve to win."
Stack connected on a 4-yard touchdown pass to Mike Septh with seven seconds left in the half to make it 21-0.
Newburgh's Jon Quintana hooked up with Dante McNair on a 34-yard touchdown pass that cut the lead to 21-6 midway through the third quarter. Matt O'Brien closed out the scoring with a 6-yard touchdown run.
 
M-W, NFA aim for title
By Kevin Witt Times Herald-Record kwitt@th-record.com
Monroe-Woodbury is undefeated and state-ranked, but the Crusaders are taking nothing for granted heading into tonight's Class AA showdown at Newburgh Free Academy.
The winner takes the Class AA Division I title. Game time is 7:30 p.m.
"We're not coming in overconfident," Monroe-Woodbury free safety Neil Ingenito said. "We've been focused in practice, and we did real well against Kingston, a little better than they did.
"But that boosted up our confidence."
Newburgh (5-2, 3-0 Class AA) is the three-time defending Class AA champion, but is considered by many to be a notch below last year's team.
"That was a tremendous team," Monroe-Woodbury coach Pat D'Aliso said. "But that doesn't mean this year's Newburgh team isn't a good one."
Monroe-Woodbury (7-0, 3-0 Class AA) has outscored its six Section 9 opponents by a combined 206-57. Quarterback Matt Stack, a four-year starter, has a team-high 16 rushing touchdowns.
But D'Aliso said he is trying to spread around the ball around because Newburgh has been so effective containing Stack. So Danny Lexandra, Ingenito and Matt O'Brien have been getting more carries.
"We've been able to be successful, but we haven't won championships," D'Aliso said. "Nobody has really been able to take Matt away, except Newburgh."
2004 POST SEASON AWARDS
2004 New York All-State Football Team
3rd Team Class AA Offense-
L- Peter Scalia
QB- Matt Stack
2004 Section 9 - All-Section Team
The following players were given awards at a dinner at the Nevelle Hotel. Players were chosen by the Section 9 coaches.
Peter Scalia Dennis Jones
Dan Lexandra Neil Ingenito
Matt Stack
2004 Section 9 - All-League Team
Neil Ingenito Peter Scalia
Dennis Jones Dan Lexandra
Matt Stack John Schepps
2004 Times Herald-Record High School Football All-Stars
First Team Offense First Team Defense
Matt Stack QB Dennis Jones LB
Peter Scalia OL Neil Ingenito DB
Joe Scalo C
Second Team Offense
Gerald Jones K
Third Team Offense Third Team Defense
Mike Septh WR Chris Dollbaum DL
John Schepps DB
The following awards were presented at the Annual Awards Dinner held at the Duck Cedar Inn on Nov. 21, 2004.
See Awards pic in the PHOTOS link.
VARSITY
Michael J. Finnegan Scholar Athlete Award & Scholarship
Matt Stack $15,000
Tom Beyer $7,500
Most Valuable Defensive Player - Dennis Jones
Joseph S. Puliafico Most Valuable Offensive Player- Matt Stack
Most Valuable Varsity Player- Neil Ingenito
Frank Corsello Award Most Improved Player - Tom Beyer
James McNellis Award Rookie of the Year - Bryan Wortmann & Mike Septh
Bill Scully Played with Heart Award - Matt O'Brien
Good Citizenship Award Varsity Football- Matthew Carr
Varsity Cheerleader of the Year- Sarah AliDad
Most Valuable Varsity Cheerleader - Allyson LaMarca
Varsity Most Improved Cheerleader- Amy Gulick
Good Citizenship Award Cheerleading- Christina O'Connor
See other team recipients at Awards Link
You can purchase a copy of the slide show or photo CD for $5 each.
All proceeds benefit the Football Club. Mail payment t
MWPFC 151 Eagleton Dr Monroe NY 10950
Please specify: Varsity CD (all the Varsity pics) or Slideshow CD (Varsity, JVand Freshman pics
The Section Nine Class AA All-Stars
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| 2004 Class AA MVP Matt Stack | | Here is our first installment of 2004 Section Nine All-Stars. Today we start with Class AA. We try to classify all-stars by position but sometimes it's necessary to alter things so that the very best make the first team. Last year was the year of the defensive end and the placekicker. This year, at least in Class AA, we have a glut of super centers, three of which are named to the First Team Offensive Line. The teams are based on nominations from coaches, players, fans and correspondents. Note: not all the coaches participated ... Nothing is perfect, especially all-star teams. If someone you think worthy is not here, look in the mirror and blame the person you see for not nominating him.
Here goes:
CLASS AA MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: MATT STACK - MONROE-WOODBURY
CHAMPIONSHIP COACH: PAT D'ALISO - MONROE-WOODBURY
FIRST TEAM AA OFFENSE
TE - Terric Harris (Middletown) 6-4 215 Sr
WR - Mike Septh (Monroe-Woodbury) 6-3 185 Jr
WR - Brandon Hill (Kingston) 6 170 Sr
OL - Peter Scalia (Monroe-Woodbury) 6-4 245 Sr
OL - Chris Whitaker (Kingston) 6-1 270 Jr
OL - Joe Scalo (Monroe-Woodbury) 6-3 270 Sr
OL - Jimmy Oliver (Washingtonville) 5-9 225 Sr
OL - Danny McGraw (Newburgh) 6-1 260 Sr
QB - Matt Stack (Monroe-Woodbury) 5-11 190 Sr
RB - Jihad Morris (Newburgh) 5-11 185 Jr
RB - Dan Lexandra (Monroe-Woodbury) 5-9 202 Sr
RB - Coleman Edmond (Kingston) 5-9 175 Jr
K - Gerald Jones (Monroe-Woodbury) 6-1 180 Sr
FIRST TEAM AA DEFENSE
DL - Brett Truncali (Newburgh) 6-1 240 Sr
DL - Tom Beyer (Monroe-Woodbury) 6-3 215 Sr
DL - John McGowan (Washingtonville) 6-3 195 Sr
DL - Chris Dollbaum (Monroe-Woodbury) 5-11 220 Jr
DL - Quinton Johnson (Kingston) 5-11 200 Jr
LB - Dennis Jones (Monroe-Woodbury) 5-11 220 Sr
LB - Jesse Callahan (Newburgh) 6-2 220 Sr
LB - Joe Zippilli (Washingtonville) 6 190 Sr
LB - Tim Marion (Warwick) 5-10 170 Sr
DB - John Schepps (Monroe-Woodbury) 5-11 175 Sr
DB - Jim Drury (Valley Central) 6 175 Sr
DB - Neil Ingenito (Monroe-Woodbury) 5-9 190 Jr
DB - Gregg Brain (Minisink Valley) 6 180 Jr
SECOND AA OFFENSE
TE - Lee Mauro (Washingtonville Sr)
WR - Dante McNair (Newburgh Sr)
WR - Durralle Cromwell (Washingtonville Jr)
WR - Alex Carnes (FDR Sr)
OL - Eugene Dutton (Monroe-Woodbury Sr)
OL - Todd Wright (Valley Central Sr)
OL - Brett Truncali (Newburgh Sr)
OL - Owen Fraser (Newburgh Soph)
OL - Josh Horowitz (Warwick Sr)
QB - Andrew Downey (Kingston Sr)
RB - Tim Marion (Warwick Sr)
RB - Jesse Callahan (Newburgh Sr)
RB - Gregg Brain (Minisink Valley Jr)
APB- Ray Graziano (Monroe-Woodbury Sr)
K - Matt Miller (Valley Central Jr)
SECOND TEAM AA DEFENSE
DL - Steve Toth (Valley Central Sr)
DL - Terric Harris (Middletown Sr)
DL - Mike Slavosky (Monroe-Woodbury Sr)
DL - Owen Fraser (Newburgh Soph)
LB - Pat Blaine (Washingtonville Sr)
LB - Nick Patterson (Newburgh Jr)
LB - Jeff Jackson (Minisink Valley Jr)
LB - Reggie Carthens (Newburgh Sr)
DB - Jihad Morris (Newburgh Jr)
DB - Derek Hrinya (Warwick Sr)
DB - Tyrell Spencer (Kingston Jr)
DB - Chris Brucato (Middletown Sr)
OFFENSE HONORABLE MENTION: Bryan Wortman (M-W Jr TE), Corey Reed (Mdtn Sr TE), Nick Patterson (NFA Jr TE), Lee Russell (NFA Jr WR), Warren Patafio (Warwick Sr T), Stephen Schwade (M-W Sr G), Marc Gurdineer (MV Jr G), John Canzona (M-W Jr T), John Broughal (PB Sr T), Chris Brucato (Mdtn Sr QB), Jon Quintana (NFA Sr QB), Kevin Foley (Wash Jr QB), Rob Lax (War Sr QB), Matt O'Brien (M-W Sr RB), Steve Prescod (Warwick Sr RB), Weston Powell (Wash Sr RB), Ohkei Brown (King Sr RB), Jim Romano (NFA Sr K).
DEFENSE HONORABLE MENTION: Mike Hayes (MV Jr DE/DT), John Broughal (PB Sr DE), Danny McGraw (NFA Sr DT), Ryan Filipowski (MV Sr LB), Shane Tompkins (VC Sr LB), John Schamarek (War Sr LB), Jermaine Campbell (King Jr LB), Keith Hale (M-W Jr LB), Alex Darcy (War Sr DB), Steve Prescod (War Sr DB), Weston Powell (Wash Sr DB), Joey Siniscalchi (FDR DB Soph).
All-Section Nine All-Stars:
The 2004 All-Section Nine Team By PHIL DUSENBURY
The 2004 All-Section Nine team is bursting with talent, and it does not just from the rosters of the championship squads and the larger schools. While AA Section Nine and Regional Champ Monroe-Woodbury and State A finalist Wallkill each have seven players on the first units, little Millbrook, which finished second in D, has two first-teamers. Class D champ Chester had a squad that was a little better overall than the Blazers, but this is an all-star team. Our all-stars come from nominations made by coaches, fans, players, correspondents and anyone else who wanted input.
All-Section Nine All-Stars:
FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
TE - ROB GOMEZ (Wallkill Jr) - Not a starter at the beginning of the season, he asserted himself in Wallkill's thrilling last minute win against Kingston ... great hands and a fine blocker. 28 catches for 520 yards and five TDs.
WR - TERRIC HARRIS (Middletown Sr) - Perhaps the most feared receiver in the area despite playing for a very young team, his speed and 6'4 frame still allowed him to overcome double and triple teams to make 30 catches for nine TDs.
WR - DANNY QUIRK (Millbrook Sr) - Never heard of him? At 6-3 180 this kid can fly, run great patterns and catch everything thrown his way despite tight coverage. With a soph QB, the Blazers didn't throw much this year, so Quirk couldn't match his 41 snags from last year. Still, he chalked up 11 big TDs in '04.
QB - MATT STACK (Monroe-Woodbury Sr) - This four-year starter could play at just about any position and be a star. As a QB he's a great running back (1,266 yards), ball-handler, passer (as we found out this year- 700 yards) and leader!
RB - JIHAD MORRIS (Newburgh Jr) - 1,226 rushing yards and 14 TDs with a year left for the Goldbacks. The kid is quick.
RB - MIKE GIACOIA (Marlboro Sr) - Combined power and quickness to run over and around opponents. Rushed for 1,518 yards to lead the section, including 131 against the tough Sullivan West 'D' in Class B title game.
RB - J.J. MALONEY (Wallkill Sr) - Bounced back from his second ACL rehab to rush for 1,247 yards and score 20 TDs. A feared running back with both speed and power.
RB - TREVOR PEDRICK (Wallkill Sr) - How can you not include him on the First Offense? In the Panthers' first seven games, he rushed only 38 times. He finished the 13-game season with 114 carries for 993 yards (8.7 avg) and 13 TDs. Three of those scores came in the state title game. Super athlete - and great, well-rounded young man! Our Player of the Year! As a returning All-State LB, you'll also find his name on the First Defense where he made 136 tackles.
OT - CHRIS CONKLIN (Port Jervis Sr) - A three-year starter who became the section's best tackle this year. A devastating blocker, especially when he pulled to lead the way for dazzling John Foley.
OT - CHRIS WHITAKER (Kingston JR) - His pass and run blocking was one key to the high-octane Kingston offense.
OG - PETE SCALIA (Monroe-Woodbury Jr) - The section's top offensive lineman.
OG - P.J. COLOMBO (Wallkill Sr) - This bruiser was a rugged two-way performer for the Panthers.
C - JOE SCALO (Monroe-Woodbury Sr) - This converted tight end is the best of a sensational group of elite centers.
K - ADOLFO RIVERA (Wallkill Sr) - Mr. Automatic had a state-record 62 consecutive PATs until a 15-yard penalty helped ruin the streak. So he went out and started a new one.
P - JOE MEYER (Sullivan West Sr) - His ability to place his punts gives Meyer the edge. Averaging 37.1 yards per punt, he dropped 17 of his 29 boots inside the opponents' 20.
FIRST TEAM DEFENSE
DE - TOM BEYER (Monroe-Woodbury Sr)
DE - BRETT TRUNCALI (Newburgh Sr)
INT - JEFF PICARD (Millbrook Sr)
INT - DAVE RACINE (Burke Catholic Sr)
INT - CHRIS DOLLBAUM (Monroe-Woodbury Jr)
LB - TREVOR PEDRICK (Wallkill Sr)
LB - JESSE CALLAHAN (Newburgh Sr)
LB - DENNIS JONES (Monroe-Woodbury Sr)
DB - JOHN SCHEPPS (Monroe-Woodbury Sr)
DB - ROB GERBINO (Wallkill Sr)
DB - NEIL INGENITO (Monroe-Woodbury Jr)
SECOND TEAM OFFENSE
TE - Sandy Campbell (Marlboro Sr)
WR - Mike Ashcraft (Port Jervis Sr)
WR - Mike Septh (Monroe-Woodbury Jr)
QB - Andrew Downey (Kingston Sr)
QB - Kyle Auffray (Cornwall Sr)
RB - Coleman Edmond (Kingston Jr)
RB - John Foley (Port Jervis Sr)
RB - Dan Lexandra (Monroe-Woodbury Sr)
APB - Quron Simmons (Cornwall Sr)
OT - Kyle Jung (Goshen Sr)
OT - Chris Bonowski (Marlboro Sr)
OG - Ryan Grosso (Port Jervis Jr)
OG - Tim Freer (New Paltz Sr)
C - Sean Connors (Wallkill Sr)
K - Gerald Jones (Monroe-Woodbury Sr)
P - Dave Magnanini (Wallkill Jr)
SECOND TEAM DEFENSE
DE - Mike Hernandez (Chester Sr)
DE - Gerard Losardo (Wallkill Sr)
INT - Quinton Johnson (Kingston Jr)
INT - Adam Nunnally (Cornwall Sr)
INT - Sean Connors (Wallkill Sr)
LB - Steve Musso (Sullivan West Sr)
LB - Joe Zippilli (Washingtonville Sr)
LB - Tim Marion (Warwick Sr)
DB - Quron Simmons (Cornwall Sr)
DB - Gregg Brain (Minisink Valley)
DB - Jim Drury (Valley Central Sr)
THIRD TEAM OFFENSE
TE - K.J. Geragthy (Cornwall Sr)
TE - Mike Hernandez (Chester Sr)
WR - Brandon Hill (Kingston Sr)
WR - Eric Oates (Red Hook Sr)
WR - Dante McNair (Newburgh Sr)
QB - Joe Truscello (Wallkill Sr)
QB - Brad Ropke (Port Jervis Sr)
RB - Justin Oelgeschlager (Highland Sr)
RB - Scott Peters (Sullivan West Sr)
RB - Danny Knox (Tri-Valley Jr)
RB - Steve Kearins (Millbrook Jr)
RB - Kyle Schneider (Eldred Sr)
OT - Bryan Shauger (Port Jervis Sr)
OT - Marc DeCristofaro (Sullivan West Sr)
OG - John Glassel (Sullivan West Sr)
OG - Todd Wright (Valley Central Sr)
C - Danny McGraw (Newburgh Sr)
K - Austin Gerentine (Marlboro Jr)
P - Josh Breitmaier (Highland Sr)
THIRD TEAM DEFENSE
DE - John McGowan (Washingtonville Sr)
DE - Steve Toth (Valley Central Sr)
INT - Pete Jackson (Wallkill Sr)
INT - Jimmy Erlwein (Sullivan West Jr)
INT - Owen Fraser (Newburgh Soph)
LB - Steve Kearins (Millbrook Jr)
LB - P.J. Colombo (Wallkill Sr)
LB - Reggie Carthens (Newburgh Sr)
DB - Lucas Schneider-Veale (J.I. O'Neill Jr)
DB - Justin Oelgeschlager (Highland Sr)
DB - Jayson Millius (Pine Plains Jr)
DB - Joe Tetz (Chester Sr)
DB - Scott Peters (Sullivan West Sr)
HONORABLE MENTIONS: Jimmy Oliver (Wash C Sr), Eugene Dutton (M-W OT Sr), Stephen Schwade (M-W OG Sr), Lee Mauro (Wash TE Sr), Terric Harris (Mdtn DE Sr), Lee Russell (NFA WR Jr), Owen Fraser (NFA OG Soph), Ray Graziano (M-W APB Sr), Andrew Downey (King P Sr), Matt Miller (VC K Jr), Pat Blaine (Wash LB Sr), Duralle Cromwell (Wash WR Jr), Tim Marion (War RB Sr), Derek Hrinya (War DB Sr), Josh Horowitz (War C Sr), Steven Prescod (War RB/DB Sr), John Schamarek (War LB Sr), Nick Patterson (NFA LB/TE Jr), Mike Slavosky (M-W DT Sr), Jeff Jackson (MV LB Sr), Gregg Brain (MV RB Jr), Chris Brucato (Mdtn QB/DB Sr), David Thompson (PJ C Sr), Alex Kaufman (DE/FB Jr), John Foley (PJ LB Sr), Josh Fodrowski (RV OG/LB Sr), John Fanelli (RV DL Sr), Greg Drobot (Wallkill RB/DB), Chris Smith (PJ DB Sr), Brian McNally (Corn DE Soph), Kyle Auffray (Corn DB/P Sr), Joe Diange (Corn Sr WR), George Pagan (Corn LB Sr), Justin Montanaro (Corn RB Sr), Dave Magnanini (Wall LB Jr), Rick Martin (Marl C Sr), Desmond Dederick (Marl OG Sr), Joe Meyer (SW QB Sr), Andre Trujillo (SW DL Sr), John Kitson (SW DE Sr), Mike Crisci (Marl LB Sr), Rafael Bou (Spack LB Sr), Ross Mosher (RH LB Soph), Keith Levandoski (Marl DB Jr), Orion Darder (SW DB Sr), Josh Papka (NP RB Jr), Kyle Blackman (O'N RB Jr), Steve Daley (SW FB Jr), Josh Coon (RH DB Sr), Ryan Stover (Chest OG/LB Sr), Josh Anselmo (Mill OT Sr), Jeff Picard (Mill OG Sr), Joe Tetz (Chest WR Sr), George Fountain (Eld OT Jr), Bryan VanDemark (Chest QB Jr), Mike Schmidlein (Chest RB Soph), Chris Poley (T-V C Sr), Jon Waxman (T-V K Sr), John Pasichnyk (Chest DT Sr), Billy Donato (Chest LB Sr), Owen Williams (T-V DE Sr), Alan Coombe (T-V DL Sr) Shane DePutron (PP TE Jr), Kyle Odell (PP DB Jr), Tim Hallock (Eld LB/OL Sr), Corey Proscia (Eld LB/OG Sr), Taylor Diuguid (Eld Sr K), Danny Browne (Chest DB Sr).
A Look at Monroe-Woodbury's '04 All-State Duo
Saturday, January 22
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| Stack TD v. Saratoga caps a great season | |
| By CHRIS MAYONE
Straus News
STACK NOW HAS MORE TIME TO STUDY
MONROE - Take a walk past Matt Stack's advanced placement English class and you will find his face stuffed in a book.Stack, a senior quarterback, for the Monroe-Woodbury Crusaders has a lot of extra time to study his college accounting and advanced placement biology text books.
It's not like he ever had to waste time opening his play book during the Crusaders run to a Section 9 crown. Being a four-year starter, he can read it in his sleep.
Running the familiar option offense, he accounted for 2,391 total yards and 31 touchdowns earning a him a spot on the New York State Sports Writers Association (NYSSWA) Class AA all-state team. Stack, a fourth-team selection last year, earned a spot on the third-team this season.
"It never gets old," said Stack. "I'm honored and proud to be in the top three this year."
He is sure in good company. First-team selection Greg Paulus, of CBA Syracuse, is regarded as the top high school prospect in the country by USA Today. Geoff McDermott, of New Rochelle, is the second-team selection. He is being scouted by loads of Division I schools including Wisconsin and Rutgers, but the 6-foot-6 signal-caller is likely to chose basketball, too. That leaves Stack the most promising high school quarterback in the state. Imagine scoring 31 touchdowns?
"You don't even realize it," said Stack. "If you get two here, and a couple more there, I guess they just accumulate."
But they added up for Stack in about half the time. In nine regular season games, he played took all the snaps just twice. Most of the time, he was relaxing on the sideline just a drive or two into the second half.
So, what could he have done in a true full season?
"I don't know," laughed Stack. "The other guys work just as hard in practice and they deserve a chance to play."
Before this season started, he already held the school record for career rushing yards. But the Crusaders dominance early in games didn't allow him to break the single-game mark. Against Pine Bush, Stack rushed for 160 first half yards, but with the score 42-0, he was forced to come out. Despite the numbers, he says he is not the best player ever to wear Monroe-Woodbury purple. When asked, he said 1998 graduate and New York State Player of the Year Andre Mcloud is the best. The always modest Stack, did say that just being mentioned in that category is an honor.
When August rolls around, Stack will put on a different color jersey for the first time. "It's a new beginning for me," he said. "I'm never going to forget what we did here. We'll see what happens."
Stack is set to start making his official visits and admits he has no clue where he will end up. He does know that all the schools he will visit are currently running the option or will be converting to it once he arrives. One option is Pace University where he would reunite with former center Tom Aspinwall.
"I can't wait to work for it again," said Stack. "The worst part will be learning the new system. If I don't start next year, I won't be disappointed."
Sure, like the kid who needs to pull out a resume to remember all the awards he was won won't be in shock holding a clipboard.
This year the offense aired it out more and Stack says that helped him become more versatile. When he entered his first varsity game as an eight grader, he could barely grip the laces of the ball to throw it, now he just missed throwing for 1,000 yards, while connecting for nine scores.
Frankly, Monroe-Woodbury will miss Stack next year. But no one in Kingston or Newburgh is shedding a tear.
YOUNGER SCALIA AND TEAMMATES TAKE IT ONE STEP FURTHER
CENTRAL VALLEY - Monroe-Woodbury's Peter Scalia is always smiling.
After all can you blame him? The senior offensive tackle has a lot to smile about. His team finally beat Newburgh, it won sectional and regional championships; and most recently, he was named to the New York State Sports Writers Association (NYSSWA) Class AA all-state team. Scalia is a third-team selection, along with his quarterback Matt Stack.
"What can I say it was just a dream season," Scalia said. "I had a lot of heartache on the football field the last three years but to end like this was perfect."
He said that having back-to-back seasons end in losses to Newburgh was the worst experience he felt as a player, but to finally beat them twice this year made up for it. The Crusaders beat the Goldbacks in the Section 9 finals in November. Then they beat Saratoga in the regional before losing to New Rochelle in the Eastern New York finals.
Scalia, a four-year starter, anchored the Crusaders' offensive line that opened the way for for 3,153 team rushing yards in 2004. Scalia credits "great" running backs like fullback Danny Lexandra, Neil Ingenito, Matt O'Brien, Ray Graziano, and of course Stack for some of it. But he's happy to explain how it all starts up front..
"We were all hungry," he said. "Everyone knows it all starts up front."
He describes himself and his line mates (Joe Scalo, Eugene Dutton, Steven Schwade, and Joe Salomone) as "five brothers." But he stopped short of calling the 2004 group the best he was on. If he did, he would be in a world of trouble in the Scalia's Central Valley home.
Peter's older brother, Vito, played on the same offensive line until he graduated when Peter was a junior. In 2003, Vito was named the Section 9 offensive lineman of the year. This year, Peter earned the title. They are the only two siblings to ever share that title.
So who's better?
"We are better at different things," said Peter. "Both of us are into the competition."
Currently, Vito attends Fordham and is on the track team.
Peter plans to play football at the next level and major in either accounting or business management but is not sure where. In the meantime, he can practice his business skills at his father's Little Italy deli, in Monroe. He says it's fun working in the deli even though his father, Vito, Sr., is a tough boss.
Maybe his father will be easier on Peter when he remembers the joy his son gave him on the field this year. After the team beat Newburgh, he was pictured on the Dietz Stadium turf with a cigar in his mouth making a "snow angel."
"It just shows how much it meant to him," said Peter. "We made my dad happy."
 
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Last updated 08/30/12 11:47 PM
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"If you can believe it, the mind can achieve it." - Ronnie Lott
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