Floyd Defeats Lindenhurst 41-7 in Season Opener
Bedell scores five first-half touchdowns.

BY JIM FURLONG

 

Spectacular Stacey.

The 2011 high school football season started with Stacey Bedell already a well-known, well-publicized standout. After his record-setting performance in the season opener on Sept. 10, Bedell is sure to gain more headlines and much more attention from college recruiters.  The speedy senior scored five first-half touchdowns to propel William Floyd to a 41-7 romp over Lindenhurst.

"That was one of the most-dominant halves I have ever seen by a player," said long-time Floyd head coach Paul Longo. "Stacey is a great player and he makes the other players look better."

On his home field in Mastic Beach, Bedell sprinted to the end zone on runs of 21, 74, 12, 52 and 61 yards. In addition, he ran for a two-point conversion.  His 32 points in one half set a Colonials' single-game record.  Bedell, who did not play in the second half, finished with 265 yards rushing on only seven carries.

"I'm amazed. That is my career high (for points)," said Bedell. "The (offensive) line blocked great and the wide receivers block great downfield. For most of my plays, it seems like I was wide open. . . . A lot of people are expecting big things from me."

The Colonials, the No. 1 seed in Suffolk Division I, built a 41-0 halftime lead and collected 432 yards total offense in the first two quarters.  Junior quarterback A.J. Otranto directed a quick-striking offense. The Colonials needed only 17 plays to score their first 35 points.

"It was a mixture of our line blocking amazing and, I have respect for Lindenhurst, but they  just didn't show up," said Otranto. "Stacey can be the best running back in the world, but he can't do much without a line. He said the holes were there all day."

Floyd's starting linemen -- Brandon Winters, Frank Summers, Evan McCarthy, Denis Feise and center Dylan Brown -- dominated the visiting Bulldogs.

"We executed everything we went over in practice and the coaches really made us focused on what we had to do this week, and we got the job done," said Winters. "This makes us trust ourselves a little more."

Lindenhurst head coach Nick Lombardo was obviously displeased after the game.

"I am disappointed in our team effort," said Lombardo. "We did not perform on the defensive side of the ball."

On Floyd's first possession, the Colonials moved 53 yards in two plays. Otranto connected with wide receiver Kenny Grimm for a 32-yard pass play. On the next snap, Bedell aimed to go up the middle, but swiftly darted to the outside and dashed 21 yards to the end zone.  The Colonials went ahead 13-0 at 4:13 of the first period. Otranto dropped back and found junior wide receiver Vantrell Nash completely wide open down the middle for a 47-yard TD strike.  Early in the second quarter, Floyd moved 80 yards in two plays. After Otranto ran for six yards, Bedell zipped around left end, eluded some defenders and accelerated 74 yards to the end zone.  On the next possession, Otranto ripped off a 38-yard run, and Bedell went the last 12 yards to the end zone. Dylan Munster kicked the extra point for a 28-0 lead.  Bedell erupted again, a 52-yard TD burst with 3:51 remaining before halftime.  He added another highlight with 19 seconds left on the scoreboard clock. The record setter appeared to advance untouched for a 61-yard TD.  Otranto, who also did not play in the second half, showed he's stronger and smarter and a talented runner. He completed three of his four passes for 86 yards and rushed five times for 81 yards.

"There was excitement," said junior conrerback Devante Smith. "We have a lot f offensive weapons and a lot of defensive experience. I think this (victory) showed we are a very strong team and definitely contenders for a (LIC) championship."

Bedell, who started a free safety, also contributed a first-half interception, which came prior to his fourth touchdown.  Also stopping Lindy's offense were steady defenders Miguel Brennin, Matt Allen, Mark Coles, Alex Borsari (a sack), Allan Jones, Rajiv Heron and Smith.

"I think everybody did their job and Stacey, obviously, is at an amazing level," said Longo.

 The Colonials gained confidence as they seek their third-consecutive county crown.

"This (opening victory) boosts a lot of peoples' self-esteem," said Bedell. "Some people were nervous."

Longo used many reserves during the second half, including sophomore quarterback Brian Iannone and running backs Vincent  Labate, Ronnie Brumsey and D.J. Slater.  Lindenhuurst, the seventh seed in Division I, avoided a shutout setback with 4:25 remaining. Versatile Kenny Skon threw a 15-yard TD pass to Carlos Arguello.  The Colonials now turn their attention to next Saturday's home game against the Longwood Lions, their biggest rival.

"A big thing to take out (of the opener) is not to have a big head and not to be cocky going into next week," said Otranto.

NOTES -- Third-seeded Longwood won its season opener, beating Connetquot 28-6.

Bedell confirmed he reversed his verbal commitment to Villanova University. He said he is now undecided on his college choice.

Sachem North, which may be Floyd's biggest challenger for 2011 Division I supremacy, won its opener 27-13 at eighth-seed Bay Shore. Senior running back Dalton Crossan, who may be Bedell's biggrst rival for post-season individual honors, scored four touchdowns.