The William Floyd varsity football team is preparing for the 2025 season under the leadership of head coach Paul Longo. The Colonials will open their regular season with an away game against Sachem North on September 12 at 6 pm. Last year, William Floyd defeated Sachem North twice, including a playoff semifinal.
Coach Longo, who has led the program to 15 Suffolk County Championships and five Long Island titles over his 31-year career, credited his players for their dedication during offseason training. He said, “Our team being recognized as one of the top teams in the county by Newsday right out of the gate, puts big pressure on us,” adding that he expects the team to meet expectations and compete for a Long Island Championship.
Senior captain Jayden Johnson expressed optimism about maintaining the team's tradition of success. "We put in the time this offseason and this is going to be our year,” Johnson told Newsday. “We’re the top seed for a reason. We came up a little short last year and that’s our motivation.”
Key returning players include running back Ja’Quan Thomas, who rushed for nearly 2,600 yards and scored 37 touchdowns last season. Thomas received several honors such as co-recipient of the Joe Cipp Award for Suffolk County’s best running back, selection to Newsday’s All-Long Island First Team, Division I MVP, and New York Jets/Gatorade High School Offensive Player of the Year. The offensive line features returning linemen Jeru Hall and Joe Melecio.
On defense, Coach Longo highlighted Jayden Johnson along with David Gonzalez, Jake Rivera, and Aisays Wallace—who also contributes as a running back.
Matt Benjamin, a two-way lineman committed to LIU, spoke about offseason preparations: "We were told after last season to get into the gym and get stronger - and there would be more opportunities," he said. Coach Longo described Benjamin as a "difference maker."
William Floyd has won four of the last six Suffolk County Championships—including in 2023 and 2024—and aims for its third consecutive title this fall. The Colonials are also seeking another chance at a Long Island Championship after narrowly losing last year's final against Massapequa.
The team's first home game will take place on Homecoming Day against Brentwood on September 20 at noon.