Letter to the Editor: West Front Line is Long Island Football's Best Kept Secret

Well Smithtown, the 2010 football season has come to a close and yes, they did it. 

Friday night the Smithtown West Bulls put on a dynamic showing of a "ground and pound" game in a 42-14 win in Division II. We need to, however, take a very close look at the "pound" in that statement.  This year, not only have the West Bulls team finished with a very impressive and strong 6-2 record, but they did it by putting many points up on the scoreboard - 230 points to be exact (which is the best in Division II).   

But behind every great running game is an even greater line that is so often left in the shadows. Unless you see a flag flying in the air, they very rarely seem to get the glory. And so folks, for the honor and attention that they deserve, I am writing this  for them.

This year the Bulls defense has allowed a total of 61 points scored on them.  This is a Suffolk County best, second only to Garden City in the public school category.  If we include all the private schools on Long Island, the Bulls would be placed third in this category.  A big reason for this is their overpowering, aggressive line and their line coach, 2006 West graduate Anthony "Beef" Shaw. This is one of the biggest lines I have seen in years, especially on the Smithtown squad.   

The line consists of the following: tarting at the Center position is #50 senior Orrie Wolfer who is 6'0" and 200 lbs. At Offensive Guards we have senior #56 Fred Walters 6'2" at 220 lbs. and junior #61 Matt Morganelli 6'2" at 260.  At the Tackle positions we have junior #66 Frankie Mannino 6'1" at 275 lbs. and senior #53 Ryan Mathie 6'2" at 230 lbs. Rounding this off, we have at tight end junior #9 Zach Naja  6'1" at 195 and senior #52 Alfred Diloretto 5'10" at 230 lbs. who runs in rotation on the defensive line along with #67 senior James Weigel who is 6'0" and 250 lbs. 

That is a total of 1860 lbs of 100 percent  muscle that is causing some of the biggest schools to take a look at this team.  This group of boys have stepped up their game and by being leaders on the field, they are shutting down teams each week (0 yards allowed against Copiague last week) and allowing their star running backs to do the damage that they so often do with the football.

Yes folks, this year has been a big year for the Smithtown West Football team, not only in their record, but also in their front line. Next stop is the playoffs next weekend.  Will you be there to support your local team?  I sure will.