Wantagh Football Ready to Tackle Challenges

While the football team was gearing up for the 2011 season last week with intense double session practices, more than half the team was stuck without power at home following Hurricane-turned Tropical Storm Irene.

Going through pre-season football practices without power is just one challenge the Warriors have faced gearing up for their opening game this Saturday. The Warriors, who went 7-3 last season and to Garden City in the Nassau County Conference II semifinals, have been busy this summer learning a brand new offense and defense.

Wantagh head coach Thomas Casey has switched from a spread offense to a more run-oriented Delaware Wing-T set that features three running backs along with one tight end and wide receiver on most plays. 

"We're probably one of only three or four teams in the county that runs it and I think that is to our advantage," said Casey, a 30-year coaching veteran who served the last two years as offensive line and strength conditioning coach at . "That's the offense I've been associated with for my entire career, that's the one I believe in and that's what we're going to run in Wantagh."

Casey is also instituting new 5-2 and 4-3 defenses.  

While learning a new offensive system is a challenge, running back Matt Balzano is excited about the change since it will be extra challenging for opposing defenses to prepare for.

“It’s very hard for defenses to follow,”  he said.

Balzano will be part of a whole new Wantagh backfield after last year’s starting running backs Mike Scully and John Reicherter graduated. Other key components of the Wantagh running attack in 2011 are wingback Joe Giardina and fullback Joe Brasile.

“Everyone’s expectations is to win a Long Island championship,” said Giardina. “Everyone has to step up.”

Back behind center in 2011 is quarterback Nick Mullen, who is confident his team can quickly pick up the new offense.

“Everyone is just going to have to stay focused,” said Mullen.

An anchor of Wantagh’s offensive line will be guard Christian Labenberg, who is also a key force on defense as a defensive end.

“We have some shoes to fill this year but we’re making great progress,” said Labenberg. “Our line has to step up.”

Wantagh was ranked fourth in the pre-season in the 14-team Conference II behind only Casey, Garden City and Elmont. Wantagh opens the 2011 season at home against Calhoun this Saturday at 1:30 p.m.

Wantagh football 2011 Schedule

Sept. 10 vs. Calhoun: 1:30 p.m.

Sept. 17- vs. Garden City: 1:30 p.m.

Sept. 23- at Carle Place: 7 p.m.

Oct. 1- vs. Mepham: 3 p.m.

Oct. 6- at Carey: 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 15- at New Hyde Park: 2 p.m.

Oct. 22- v. Westbury: 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 29- at Elmont: 1:30 p.m.