Experience the difference at Greater Long Island Dental, your family-oriented general and cosmetic dental practice delivering exceptional quality of care through advanced technology, concierge-level service, flawless results, and a deep respect for every patient’s needs!
“It’s a pretty good change, in my opinion, for high school football on Long Island that has gotten a little stale.”
Legendary Roosevelt head coach Joe Vito didn’t mince words when discussing a new format set to shake up Nassau County football next season.
For the first time, teams will play a crossover game against a school from another conference. In Week 3, corresponding seeds in Conference I will face Conference II, while Conference III teams will square off against Conference IV.
And right out of the gate, it’s producing a marquee matchup that already has fans buzzing.
Top-seeded Garden City — currently riding the nation’s longest winning streak at 66 games — will take on top-seeded Massapequa, winners of three straight big-school Long Island championships.
“I think the change is good for football. It allows teams to test themselves against other teams they wouldn’t normally see year to year,” Massapequa head coach Kevin Shippos told Greater Long Island. “We are looking at this game as a great opportunity to see where we stand against a formidable opponent.”
“I think that game could be played at a big venue,” Vito added. “It’s a game that everyone will want to go to.”
The idea originated with Carey head coach Mike Stanley, who began exploring ways to create more competitive games after reviewing last season’s scores and noticing a number of lopsided results.
He presented the crossover concept at a football committee meeting in December, and after months of discussion, the plan was approved last week.
“When I came up with this concept, it was to make more competitive games,” Stanley told Greater Long Island. “It’s a cool piece, I think, to make games more interesting.”
Carey, the No. 2 seed in Conference II, is slated to face Oceanside, the No. 2 seed in Conference I.
“Nice to see some different opponents — it brings a little juice to the season,” Oceanside head coach Rob Blount said. “It’s definitely going to be fun.”
Beyond the top seeds, the format is also setting up compelling local matchups. Vito’s Rough Riders will face neighboring Freeport in a clash of two programs with deep football traditions.
“We are very excited to play them,” Vito said. “It will be crazy for both communities.”
Only the top 12 seeds in each conference will participate in the crossover games, which will count toward the regular-season standings.
For now, the format will serve as a one-year test. If successful, it could add a new layer of intrigue to Nassau County football for years to come.
Top: Garden City football coach Dave Ettinger after this past season’s Long Island Championship victory over East Islip. (Credit: Kevin Rogers courtesy photo, used with permission.)
Your Long Island news, delivered.
Subscribe to the GLI Newsletter — its free
