Plainview Batters Valley Stream, Then Walks Against Cancer

On Sunday morning, The entire Plainview JFK football team joined Plainview's cheerleaders in the charity walk for breast cancer at Jones Beach.

The night before, wearing pink socks accenting their white road uniforms, the team walked all over Valley Stream Central, scoring first and never looking back in a 35-0 triumph in a Nassau Div. I game.

"We're like gnats; we just don't go away," said Plainview Head Coach Chris Rogler. "This group and these seniors work so hard and never quit. They are an unbelievable group of kids."

Plainview's gridiron record is now 3-4, with the regular season finale looming against Hempstead next weekend at home.

Because of the conference "power rankings" system, Plainview is in a postion to earn a playoff spot.

Plainview opened the game with a first-possession drive that ended with a 65-yard touchdown run by Ryan Schenck.

As Plainview's defense shut down the Valley Stream offense, Plainview put together a series of long drives during the first half. Plainview quarterback Alex Abramowitz lead one of those sustained drives that culminated with a 4-yard touchdown pass to tight end Steven Napoli.

Running back Danny Brennan later scored on a 7-yard run to make the halftime score 21-0. Brent Epler hit all three extra points.

Plainview opened the second half with an onside kick and recovered. The ensuing drive ended when Valley Stream recovered a fumble at the goal line.

But Plainview's defense was relentless. Nick Laiosa recorded 9 tackles, including one sack and three for offense losses. On the day, Plainview's defense held Valley Stream to 98 total yards.

Schenck rushed for 219 yards and scored again on a 35-yard run in the fourth quarter. Epler added an 11-yard run to close out the scoring. On the day, Plainview's 442 rushing yards represent the most it has recorded in more than a decade, Coach Rogler said.

Rogler, now in his second year as head coach, said some of his players have been deeply impacted by cancer suffered by family members. Watching them at Jones Beach Sunday at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk was evidence of the kind of team -- and the kind of young men -- the Hawks have become.

"This is a group I love," Rogler said.