Division IV
Shoreham-Wading River
Head Coach: Aden Smith
The Cats came into last year after just falling short in the championships but had only two returning starters. That didn't stop Coach Smith from bringing them back to the playoffs in an impressive coaching display. Now they have seniors all over the field and should be primed for another big run, but it's his underclassman that he highlighted at media day. He pointed to his two sophomores and two juniors as key players and specifically spoke about the continuity of having a returning center and QB who have played together. Noah Gregorekis young but they are excited for him and if he clicks early this team will be back on top.
Miller Place
Head Coach: Adam St. Nicholas
Shane Kiernan is back, and he comes back as one of the most exciting players on Long Island. The 6'1' 190 pounder has the size and athleticism to take Miller Place to the playoffs. In his past twenty games he has thrown for almost 4,000 yards and 40 TDs. The offense runs through him and he is a team leader that will be able to get this squad to the playoffs. How deep they go into the playoffs will depend on a defense that will have every single starter being turned over. There is a ton of promise, but Miller Place has to get in sync on the defensive side of the ball for things to become a special season.
Mount Sinai
Head Coach: Vinnie Ammirato
Last year this team was excited about the JV kids coming up and contributing right away. The JV team went undefeated and they "have some big, strong lineman that will jump right in and play for us next to the skill kids we have back." said Ammirato. Now those JV players are put into key positions and Mount Sinai looks like a contender once again. Max Sorrentino looked good after taking over last season and now will be the unquestioned starter from day one. Their offseason consisted of the lineman leading team activities, and the line will be the strong part of the team this year.
Center Moriches
Head Coach: Matt Millheiser
Coach Milheiser already has led this team to the best regular season record in school history and made the playoffs again last year. Millheiser won three straight Long Island championships with Shoreham-Wading River before leaving in 2018 and now that is the goal for this squad. He has some interesting playmakers, and they should open up the offense for big scores.
Port Jefferson
Head Coach: Joshua Shields
Coach Josh Shields called last year a "disappointing season" as it was his first year not making the playoffs. But was quick to point out that the team that had a lot of freshmen on it will be in a much better position this season. He said, "that growth will show" and we can't disagree with that when his track record shows nothing but winning. They will play a more old school brand of football or as some called it a smash mouth type and that hard nosed approach should yield more success as the youngsters have grown into their prominent roles.
Bayport-Blue Point
Head Coach: Mike Zafonte
The Phantoms titles are beginning to add up. Coach Zafonte has made Bayport-Blue Point the blueprint in this Division and everyone is chasing their success. The Phantoms won a third straight Suffolk IV title but came just short for back-to-back Long Island champions. They are a senior led team that will have even more experience and championship experience at that. This team has established their strengths on the inside game for years and nothing should be different as they have bulk and power up front on both lines as well as true athleticism on the outsides. There is little reason to think that they can't be back in the title game once again.
John Glenn
Head Coach: TJ Brocking
Coach Shanahan gave the school a great 30 seasons and now gives way to one of his assistants to take over. Head wrestling coach TJ Brocking, who has served as a football assistant under Shanahan for 14 years, is the head man in charge now. Brocking is taking his best WR weapon and putting him under center as the offense will have an entirely different look. The skill position players have a lot of talent, so all eyes are on how they fill the different positions.
Babylon
Head Coach: Rick Punzone
A heartbreaking loss two years in a row in the playoffs last year stings but after two decades on the sidelines coach Rick Punzone knows how to retool quickly. Aidan Winter was a force last year becoming Babylon's all-time leader rusher and will again be the focal point. This should be a playoff team again and with Winter running the way he has they could be in store for a deep run.
King's Park
Head Coach: Mark O’Brien
Coach O'Brien enters his 31st year as the head coach of King's Park and he told me that he believed that was the longest tenure in Suffolk, but certainly the division. They moved into this division last year with a very young team that has just eight seniors. That makes this season's team full of experience and a chance for a big season could be on the horizon as they aim for a playoff berth.
Hampton Bays
Head Coach: Sean Gil
Coach Sean Gil is trying to revitalize this program after two seasons of not having a varsity team and last year he impressed with a 3-5 record. As his program grows so does the record and we could see another step in that direction this season. Offensively they have some weapons and can make it a nightmare on defenses.
Greenport/Southold/Mattituck
Unfortunately, they did not have enough players to field a varsity football team this season and has become the second school to drop out of Suffolk Division IV. The other is ...
Southampton
Last season they fielded their first varsity football team since 2019 but did not have enough players for this season.