The Sewanhaka Indians are looking to build off of their 5-3 season, which ended with a first round playoff loss to Wantagh. To do so, Head Coach George Kasimatis will rely upon senior quarterback Elijah Tracey, who plays both sides of the ball as a defensive back. In years past, Tracey served as a kick and punt returner, but Kasimatis will look to remove him from that role to keep him fresh during games.
Three keys to victory:
1. Run efficiently
2. Be surer tacklers on defense
3. Play better on third down on both sides of the ball
“We have to be better at converting and stopping opponents on third down,” Kasimatis said. He also wants his team to improve its special teams play.
Key Players this year: Elijah Tracey, QB/DB; Trevor Regnier, DB/WR; Hanza Akram O/D Line
Key Players who left: Brenton Mighty, RB; Justin Alexandre, DE; Peter Militano, DE
Kasimatis will go with a running back by committee earlier on in an attempt to replace Mighty. Shaheim Taylor-White shinned late in the season last year behind Mighty, but will have to earn the job this year.
“It has been a very close competition for carries so far,” Kasimatis said.
Conference: II
Homecoming: Oct. 17 vs. Manhasset
Key Games: Garden City (Sept. 26), MacArthur (Oct. 10), at Carey (Oct. 24), Wantagh (Oct. 31)
Kasimatis is looking forward to a rematch with Wantagh, back-to-back conference champ Carey, and MacArthur, which is moving down from conference one.
“These are all some of the top teams,” he said. “Doesn’t seem like we have a week off all year.”
CORRECTION: A version of this story published in the Sept. 11 issue of the New Hyde Park Herald-Courier and online was a 2014 season preview for Sewanhaka’s varsity football team. It has been corrected here to reflect 2015. We regret the error.
