In their semifinals home playoff game this past Sunday, the 9-year-old Mineola Chiefs once again got a solid defensive effort, shutting perennial powerhouses the Seaford Broncos 21-0.
This victory gives the Chiefs a 7-2 winning record as they advance to the championship game this Sunday at Mitchel Athletic Complex.
The Chiefs’ 6-2 Defense, the strength of the team, was lights out, making gang tackles all over the field.
The defensive line of Charlie Villa, Luigi Kaloudis, Michael Nygaard, Luke Ruiz, John Jochym, Zachary Bohringer, Johnny Kessler, Zakria Zulfiqar and Jack McCormack kept the pressure on Seaford’s offense all game long.
The linebackers John Viggiani and Nick Rios attacked the runners and finished off tackles, while safety James Rosellon and cornerbacks Lucas Goring and Nolan Langner were fearless in tracking down opponents.
The Chiefs’ offense was led by the speed and power of running backs James Rosellon (1 TD Run) and Nick Rios (1 XP Run).
The duo ran behind the great blocking by center James Muessig and the rest of the offensive line of Luke Santaniello, Liam Jenal, Dean Aquilina, Frankie Leckler and tight ends Ely Hahami (1 TD Run, 1 XP Catch), Joe Chimenti and Bryan McCleery.
Quarterback Peter Sluka (1 TD Run, 1 XP Pass) controlled the offense throughout the game.
All the boys played and showed great sportsmanship.
Scoring summary:
• Ely Hahami – 15-yard Touchdown Pass from Peter Sluka (Sluka xpoint run)
• Peter Sluka – 39-yard Touchdown Run (Rios xpoint Run)
• James Rosellon – 43-yard Touchdown Run (Hahami caught xpoint Pass from Sluka)
