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Health & Fitness

Blue Devil JV Savors 6-2 Season

After winning six-of-eight games, the Huntington High School junior varsity football team is savoring its season. The Blue Devils proved to be a very competitive group that was known for giving their collective “all” from whistle to whistle.

The 48-player squad was captained by sophomores Max Polster and Ryan LaBella and coached by Tim Madden and Jim Byrnes. After dropping its first game, Huntington won six of its next seven contests to post a final mark of 6-2.

“I was very proud of how we rebounded from a tough loss on opening day,” Byrnes said. “We won four games in a row following that loss to Harborfields. Football is unique. It takes a lot of preparation and effort, but it is so rewarding on game day when all the hard work comes together and pays off with a victory.”

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The Blue Devils were led by Jahmik Curry, a talented sophomore receiver who dazzled teammates, opponents and fans with several acrobatic catches and rugged play on defense at linebacker. Sophomore Doug Taylor was a standout running back and linebacker and sophomore Will Wright excelled as the team’s signal caller. “He improved each day,” said Byrnes about Huntington’s first year quarterback.

Sophomore Will Thomas “was quick to the ball, with a nose for it” from his linebacker position, Byrnes said. “He’s a fierce hitter and should be a great addition to the varsity.” The teenager also starred at running back.

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Polster was solid at linebacker, where he earned a reputation for his unselfish and high octane performances. LaBella led the team in interceptions from his safety position and also played wide receiver. Sophomore Dan Mavrogian was a tough blocker at tight end and a steady presence among the linebacker corps. Freshman Kei Ron Byrams sparkled at running back and in the defensive backfield. “He has a bright future,” Byrnes said.

Huntington defeated Comsewogue (46-30), Amityville (30-0) Sayville (8-0), Westhampton Beach (30-12), Bellport (20-14) and Islip (38-32). The Blue Devils dropped games to Harborfields (28-20) and Miller Place (20-6).

“We were fortunate to win six games this year,” Byrnes said. “The boys came to work each day, paid attention to details and executed on game day.”

The highlight of the season was the hard fought victory on the road at Sayville. “The last time the JV beat Sayville was in 2003 when Ron [Wilson] and I coached them and we had Zach Howell, Troy Binford, Enrique Hernandez, Pat Coffey, Shamel and Rhamel Braton,” Byrnes said.

With the teams knotted in a scoreless tie and 6:52 remaining in the game, Byrams ran to daylight and scooted 30 yards for the lone touchdown of the contest. Curry outmuscled two Sayville defenders for the successful two-point conversion pass from Wright.

Sayville had a big height advantage at wide receiver and tried exploit the edge against Huntington defensive back Jared Leake throughout the game. Leake picked off a pass early in the game and rose to the occasion again just before time expired. “On fourth down with 10 seconds left in the game and the ball on our nine yard line, Sayville tried to throw a fade route against Jared once again and he once again intercepted the pass in the end zone to seal out victory,” Byrnes said. “It was a great team victory against our rival.”

With so many freshmen on the roster, the 2014 team should again be competitive. “It is tough to predict next year,” Byrnes said. “I do know we will work extremely hard to improve each day and hopefully that translates into more victories for the JV Blue Devils.”

 

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