Top Sports Stories 2015: Back-to-back Long Island titles
Daniel De Mato
Talk about an encore.
Following a year straight out of a Hollywood script, the Shoreham-Wading River football team returned to the field this season with its sights set on picking up right where it left off.
The Wildcats did just that.
Starting with a win over Bishop McGann-Mercy in the season opener, the Wildcats proved week after week that they still remained the team to beat in Division IV. A 13-game overall win streak steadily grew until the Wildcats ultimately were crowned as undefeated Class IV Long Island champions for a second straight season. The Wildcats have now won 24 straight games.
The Wildcats dominated throughout the year once again, with contributions coming from all across the field. The offensive and defensive lines set the tone each game, controlling the line of scrimmage and easing the path for the skill position players to shine.
No one shined brighter than running back Chris Rosati. The senior totaled 1,470 rushing yards on 159 carries for the season. His four touchdowns in the Long Island Championship win over Locust Valley raised his season total to 30.
“The focus of this group, and why they’ve been such a special group, has been their ability to just worry about their job,” said coach Matt Millheiser after the team’s final win.
Even when injuries took out key players, the Wildcats never flinched. Starting quarterback Jason Curran suffered an injury late in the regular-season win over John Glenn. As he took a seat, Kevin Cutinella slid over and picked up the pieces. Then, as Cutinella went down with an injury in the county championship, Curran was there.
“I feel like we changed this community with the way we rallied back after last year,” Curran said after the team’s win over Locust Valley. “We changed how football is looked at in this community.”
Photo Caption: Chris Rosati celebrates with Jon Constant after scoring a touchdown against John Glenn. (Credit: Daniel De Mato, file)
Previous 2015 Top Stories
SWR baseball reaches county finals
Riverhead relay team matches record
League champion girls soccer team
Riverhead wrestler wins county crown
A county champion tennis player
Long recovery for Riverhead football player
Three cheers for Riverhead, SWR
