Nicco Mueller ran for 138 yards and scored two touchdowns to lead Plainview JFK to its first victory of the season and broke in the district's new turf field in style.
Mueller's 21 rushes led gave the Hawks their first win of the season, a 14-0 shutout of Hicksville. Several hundred fans were on hand to see the first football game played on the new turf field, a town-wide effort years in the making.
The field is pristine and includes a new scoreboard. Many on the sidelines commented that walking on the field felt incredibly similar to walking on real grass.
Plainview JFK is now 1-1 in Conference I after a difficult defeat at the hands of Farmngdale last week. That game had to be played at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Middle School field because the new turf wasn't read.
Mueller punctuated a 63-yard drive that lasted nine plays, with a 15-yard run up the middle with 4:39 left in the first. In the fourth, Mueller ran toward the right, broke a tackle and went 11 yards for his second touchdown within the first minute of play in the quarter.
Plainview JFK middle linebacker Max Freidman, who led the team with nine tackles, intercepted a pass late in the third to set up the fourth quarter scoring drive. Vinny Ruggerio made his presence felt at defensive end for Plainview JFK with three sacks and a fumble recovery.
Ryan Schenck added 12 rushes for 46 yards. Quarterback Kevin Pastier rushed nine times for 37 yards. Pastier completed 2-7 pass attempts.
Mueller also made both point-after attempts.
(With special thanks to Coach Chris Rogler)
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