Wantagh Football Rolls to County Semifinals over New Hyde Park

The all time football series between Wantagh and New Hyde Park was as close as can be entering Saturday’s key Nassau County Conference II quarterfinal game with the Warriors holding a 6-5 edge in the matchup that was first played in 1963.

However Saturday was a far different story with second-seeded Wantagh (8-1) jumping out to a 27-0 halftime lead enroute to 40-7 romp. The convincing victory over the seventh-seeded Gladiators (5-4) advances Wantagh to the Nassau County Conference IV semifinals this Friday against Elmont at Hofstra University’s Shuart Stadium.

Two of Wantagh’s now seven total wins against New Hyde Park have come in the last month. The Warriors spoiled the Gladiator’s Homecoming celebration on Oct. 15 with a 35-8 win.

A major reason for Wantagh’s domination Saturday was the play of senior Brian von Bargen. The senior tight end/running back hauled in three touchdown receptions and also reached the end zone via the ground. Von Bargen, who has committed to play lacrosse at Hofstra, finished with 184 yards receiving, 36 yards rushing and recorded six tackles on defense.

“He does it all,” said Wantagh head coach Tom Casey of the play of von Bargen.

Delivering those key receptions to von Bargen was senior quarterback Nick Mullen who finished 7-8 for 202 yards and four touchdown tosses. Other offensive stars for the Warriors were running backs Gerard Roche and Shaun Charowich, who recorded touchdowns on a 70-yard reception and 49-yard run, respectively.

New Hyde’s Parks lone points came courtesy of a Jimmy Savva 88-yard kickoff return to open the second half that cut Wantagh’s lead to 27-7.

Despite a disappointing end to the 2011 season, New Hyde Park head coach Kevin Dolan said he was proud of what his team left on the field.

“The body of their work this season coming to practice and the things that we demand have been outstanding,” said Dolan. “They conducted themselves like gentlemen and they did very, very well.”

Since a to Garden City in the second game of the season, Wantagh has won seven in a row. Coach Casey said the key for Wantagh to continue its winning ways in the playoffs is remaining focused for an entire game with no let up.

“The message I always give them is I want a complete four quarters,” said Casey.

Wantagh is seeking to win its first Nassau County title since 2004. The next challenge in that championship quest is third-seeded Elmont, who Wantagh defeated 21-8 last week in a game played in snowy conditions. Elmont advanced to the Nassau County Conference II semifinals with a 14-7 win against Mepham.

The Wantagh-Elmont Nassau County Conference II semifinal game at Hofstra is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. Friday night.