Calhoun Defeats MacArthur In Nailbiting Game

Last week, the Calhoun Colts traveled to MacArthur High School in Levittown, to play under the lights at their historic "Pink Out" breast cancer awareness game. The game is a big tradition at MacArthur, and attendance usually doubles that of their own homecoming game. The crowd was daunting, the weather was perfect and the night was set up for a blow out as predicted by the third-ranked Generals; the Calhoun Colts however, had different plans.

The Colts were led onto the field by junior quarterback Nick Turini. He lead the team to the endzone on a 44-yard touchdown run. Like a true team, MacArthur din't back down, and they closed the gap to 7-6. Nick Turini threw a dime on a bootleg pass, which Keith Rosales picked out of the sky for another score.

The Colts offensive line had a tremendous day, blowing back the Generals defense all night. This is where Tommy Casimano took over the game. Casimano is close to being the fastest runner in all of Nassau County, and he proved he was much more than that with every juke and dodge he put on the Generals defense. He ran for 120 yards and two scores on the day, also catching a huge 45-yard bomb from quarterback Turini.

The Colts's Paul Mamay picked off a pass at the end of the first half, adding to their Long Island leading 19th turnover of the season, to take a 21-13 lead.

"We have been here before," Coach Migliano said. "We were leading in Mepham early this year in the same fashion, but tonight was different. The mood was different and the boys were ready to take that next step to becoming a true team."

Mac came out storming in the second half, capitalizing on Calhoun mistakes. But the Colts didn’t back down. Trailing the game 21-26, the Colts never batted an eyelash. Senior Captain Dean Paolilo could be heard throughout the field saying, "Not this one boys, we don’t quit, we never quit!" And the team rallied behind his leadership.

The defense has been the backbone for the Colts all season, and this game was no different. Led by Junior Captain Ariel DeJesus and Senior Noorali Soomro, the Colts made big stop after big stop. Keith Rosales, who made the change from defensive end to linebacker this year, has been nothing short of spectacular.

With the Colts leading 29-26 after a huge return and two point conversion from Casimano, the Generals tried to take the lead on one last drive. The biggest stop of the day was made by DeJesus on a crucial 3rd and 8 play. The Generals had success all night on screen passes, but this time DeJesus shut down the pass by covering the tailback. He then moved on to sack the quarterback for a huge 10 yard loss, forcing the Generals to punt on 4th down. When asked about this play, DeJesus said, "I read my keys and trusted my coaching. I wasn’t going to ever let this team down."

DeJesus was All-Conference as a sophomore last year, as he led the defense and continues to be the anchor this year.

“He is the quickest, smartest linebacker I have ever coached," Migliano said. "He sees things other players don’t and somehow always finds his way to the ball. He has been a leader and two-year captain for a reason, he plays with emotion, brains and heart every time he steps on the field. There is only one Ariel DeJesus and I wouldn’t trade him for the world."

This was the biggest win in Calhoun history, and locked the Colts into a playoff spot for the third time in the last four years.

"It’s a different feel this year," said Head Coach Brian Moeller. "The boys have worked so hard and listened to every ounce of coaching thrown their way. We’re young, fast, talented and motivated to make a big run this year. We are ready to take that next step towards becoming a team to be reckoned with in Nassau County and the game Friday night proved that to everyone."

Photos courtesy Lauren Amerouso and Debbie Curtis