Smithtown West Football Looks to Build off of Successful 2022 Season

When you think of Smithtown Football, you normally wouldn’t think about anything more than just another Long Island school that happens to field a varsity team. However, there has been a culture change at Smithtown West over the past few years, and the Bulls have been a perennial playoff team in Suffolk County.

The Bulls had a 2022 season that is worth remembering, finishing the regular season with a 5-3 record and clinching a playoff berth while playing in the difficult Division II with teams like Northport, Bay Shore, and Lindenhurst.

The West Siders are led by head coach and ex-Rocky Point High School standout Craig Perrino.

“I think this (past) season was a success,” said Coach Perrino. “I think the kids did a great job in overcoming adversity that came in the off-season. The guy that really set forth changing the culture and put the program on the right track was the previous head coach, and unfortunately he ended up having a stroke and wasn't able to continue as the head coach. I took it over late in the summer and they didn't miss a beat.”

The Bulls had one of the best wide receiver duos on Long Island last year as Jacque LaPrarie and Jack Melore had monster seasons for the Bulls.

“Jack (Melore) had the most receptions on Long Island,” said Perrino. “Our other receiver Jacque (LaPrarie) who graduated had the second most receptions on Long Island. He also had the most touchdown catches on Long Island as well.”

The Bulls will only be returning Jack Melore this fall as Jacque LaPrarie will be moving on to play Division One football at nearby Stony Brook University. The Bulls will also be losing Tim VanderBrink to graduation as well as he was a force on the defensive side of the ball. He will go on to play at St. John Fisher College.

Brian Hope File Photo

“I think we have a bunch of guys that are going to step up,” said Coach Perrino when discussing his current roster. They will have some big shoes to fill at the receiver spot opposite of Jack Melore, but Coach Perrino has faith in the guys he has on the roster.

“Max Nicholas will probably be taking the spot at receiver that was left behind,” said Perrino. “He'll work to replace LaPrarie but I don't know if we can ever replace him. They're different types of players, but Nicholas is a very good player.”

Brayden Stahl will be back under center in 2023 for the West Siders after his most productive year yet. The rising senior had amassed over 2500 yards passing and had 30 total touchdowns (passing and rushing). He also had a monster game last season against North Babylon, posting 462 passing yards and seven total TDs.

Stahl has become something Smithtown West has lacked in previous years, a game-changing quarterback who has the ability to both facilitate the ball and attack on the ground when asked to.

The rising senior will be fielding some college offers as well as his fellow wide receiver Jack Melore, and they will be leaned on to lead the offense at times this upcoming season.

Coach Perrino will also be returning some key pieces on the defensive side of the ball as Carmelo Pace and Brian Hope will be leaned on for their veteran leadership.

Coach Perrino will also be getting an underrated transfer from a school in South Carolina as wide receiver Ethan Alvarado will be returning to Smithtown for his senior season.

The rising senior is the brother of former Saint Anthony’s cornerback Nick Alvarado who went on to play college football at the University of Albany and later transferring to Limestone University in South Carolina.

Brayden Stahl at an official visit at Lehigh University File Photo

“Couldn’t be more excited to have Ethan back,” said Coach Perrino on his Twitter page when the news became public. “His leadership and work ethic has already been contagious throughout the summer.”

Another goal for the Bulls offense this season is to run the ball more to balance out their impressive passing attack.

Jack Melore (Left) Celebrating with teammates after a touchdown File Photo

“We have to be better at running the ball this year if we want to reach our true potential,” said Coach Perrino. “We are to be running back by committee this season and Jason Antunes will be a running back, Isaiah Woodhall will be a running back, Josh Hoffman will be a running back. I'm going to have a bunch of kids play there.”

“Carmelo Pace, who played for us last year, started for us at corner,” said Perrino. “ I think he's going to be big on the defensive side of the ball. I think he's gonna have a big year. Brian Hope led our defense last year. I think Brian will play a big role this season for us, so I definitely think we have pieces to contend for the playoffs and beyond.”

The Bulls will be facing some stiff competition this upcoming season as they will drop down to the highly competitive League III which consists of powerhouse teams like Westhampton Beach and Half Hollow Hills East.

“Yeah, we're looking forward to it.” Said Coach Perrino, “These kids wouldn't have it any other way. I think they're looking forward to it. they're going to go out there and they're gonna play and they're gonna leave it out on the field.”

The Smithtown West varsity football team begins their quest to snap one of the longest county title droughts in Section XI history this year as they begin their season on September 9th at Comsewogue High School.

“I think ultimately though, we wanna be competing to be the last one standing at the end. We think we have a shot.” Said Coach Perrino, “It's not gonna be easy at all and in my opinion. Those guys (the other League III schools) do a great job. But we think we have some kids, we think we got a great shot and we'll take our chance.”