For the first time in a few seasons, the Center Moriches Red Devils can say they are victorious at homecoming following a 43–14 rout over Islip.
The homecoming game is one of the most – if not the – most important game on any high school football team’s calendar as it is full of events like homecoming court, parade floats, and – of course – football.
This kind of game normally grabs everyone in town’s attention for one night and the stands will be packed with a large portion of the community watching the best their area has to offer.
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| Jeremy Thode, Athletic Director CMHS |
The offense finally came through in the second quarter as quarterback Connor Planz found Xavier Bryant open in the end zone for a touchdown to make it a 7-6 affair.
After falling behind 14-7 after Islip would return a kickoff for a touchdown late in the second quarter, senior running back Matthew Albino began to make his presence felt.
The senior ripped off a long run that set up shop inside Islip’s 5 yard line and he would punch in his first touchdown of the game to tie the game at halftime.
After receiving the second half kickoff, Albino was back at it once again. The running back ripped off another huge run before being tackled just before reaching the end zone and setting up another Red Devils “Goal-to-Go” opportunity.
Just like the game tying drive, Albino would punch in the go-ahead touchdown on a short yardage play and a successful two point conversion run to give the Red Devils a 22-14 lead.
On the ensuing possession by Islip, the Red Devils defense decided to get in on the action. Matt Albino would come sprinting in from his safety spot and make a play on the Islip quarterback resulting in an 11 yard sack to push the Buccaneers back when they were starting to drive upfield.
A few plays later, the unit would force a turnover and Barry Stanek would take the fumble all the way back for a touchdown to make it 29-14 Red Devils.
The next drive would see yet another big play that put the Red Devils in scoring position and it would lead to another Matt Albino touchdown to make it 36-14 Center Moriches.
On the kickoff following the touchdown, the special team’s unit would force a fumble and Xavier Bryant would recover it and return the ball deep into the redzone.
Center Moriches quarterback Connor Planz then led a methodical drive that would eat a ton of clock and result in yet another Matthew Albino rushing touchdown to up the score to 43-14 in the waning moments of the game.
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Center Moriches Players Celebrating a Big Play
during their 43- 14 rout of Islip Jeremy Thode, Athletic Director CMHS
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Albino had another career day as he is having a senior season to remember as he has now had two games with three or more touchdowns in the newly minted 2023 season.
“They (the offensive lineman) have been giving me some nice holes to run through most of the time,” said Albino. “Shout out to them; they have been great all year.”
The Center Moriches Varsity football team now improves to an impressive 3-0 on the year and their next game was on the 30th of September as they took on Southampton on the road to close out the month. They will also play in a high profile matchup on October 14th as they take on Port Jefferson during the Royals Homecoming game that will potentially set up to be a “de-facto” league championship deciding game.
“Last year it was unfortunate that we didn’t make it to the postseason,” said Albino. “This year we are trying to make a run and I think it should end up well for us. (I’m) looking forward to it.”