Long Island Realignment: Breaking Down Top Teams In New Divisions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the 2025 high school football season approaches, Long Island is seeing a shift in several divisions. A fresh wave of realignments is taking place across both Nassau and Suffolk County. Read about some of the top public schools on the Island, where they'll be playing, and some prospects to watch!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Nassau County</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Conference II</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Garden City</em>: The Trojans have a 54-game win streak, which is the second-longest active streak in the country according to MaxPreps. Garden City has moved back up to Conference II, and they are the immediate favorite to win their fifth straight Long Island Championship. They are led by Harvard commit [player_tooltip player_id='1344705' first='Zach' last='Olson'], who anchors both sides of the line. The QB-RB duo of [player_tooltip player_id='1814212' first='Brayden' last='Robertiello'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1814210' first='Anthony' last='Asaro'] will be a force for the next two years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>East Meadow</em>: The Jets quietly had a nice year in Conference I, picking up four wins and making the playoffs. They graduated some great seniors but return solid talent, as they hope to make a run in a new conference. They are led by an exceptional athlete in [player_tooltip player_id='1207736' first='James' last='Galiano'], who looks to have a monster year running the ball behind the big fellas. Marko Radalj and Yiannis Kakavas will be two of the lead blockers paving the way, just as they did last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Conference III</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Carey</em>: The Seahawks are fresh off their first LIC in 10 years and now find themselves in a highly competitive Nassau III. They graduated a legendary senior class, but the good news is they have their best player, [player_tooltip player_id='1212741' first='Justin' last='DePietro'], for the next two seasons. He will be one of the top RB/LBs in the state. On defense, he's joined by electric pass rusher Christian Anaya and linebacker Theo Andrikopoulos, who made big plays last season. On offense, dynamic athlete Michael Agostino will have a huge role for the Seahawks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Wantagh</em>: The Warriors were in Conference IV last season and came away with a Long Island Championship. They lost some special seniors and now face a rise in competition. But Wantagh is always one of the most well-coached teams in the county. They return several multi-sport athletes who will make a big impact, including Joseph Nicholson, Carter Loughman, and Devin Paccione.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Conference IV</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Lynbrook</em>: The Owls had a great season last year in Conference III, making the playoffs and collecting five wins, led by a strong defense. They also had plenty of weapons who produced on both sides of the ball — and many of them return this year. Jake Brenneis, Michael Potash, and Paolo Palleschi all have valuable experience running the ball and will be counted on to make plays. Miles Storm is a dynamic receiver who can have a big year, however the Owls decide to use him. Now in Conference IV, Lynbrook's depth and talent could help them make a deep playoff run against new competition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Suffolk County</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Division II</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Connetquot</em>: The Thunderbirds had a successful year, winning six games in Suffolk County's largest division. Now, they head into a difficult Division II, but fortunately bring back a very talented group. One of the Island's top QB-RB duos — [player_tooltip player_id='1624538' first='Vincent' last='Feraca'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1340999' first='Javon' last='Barnwell'] — returns. Up front, they also bring back some key linemen: [player_tooltip player_id='1757781' first='Colin' last='Darcey'], who just picked up his first offer from Hilbert College, and Sonny Kowalevich, who had a terrific sophomore season in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Commack</em>: The Cougars are now in Division II and return several key pieces from a year ago. QB [player_tooltip player_id='1649137' first='Lincoln' last='Riggs'] had an impressive varsity debut last season, throwing for over 1,000 yards and 17 touchdowns as a sophomore. He's joined by a strong senior class. Commack returns several standouts from the Class of 2026 who earned All-Division honors: Jon Maio, Keith Abruzzo, Frankie Vaba, and Eric Florentino.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Division III</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Smithtown West</em>: The Bulls bring back a loaded group for the upcoming season. [player_tooltip player_id='805765' first='Nick' last='Zins'], a four-year starter at linebacker, just earned an offer from St. John Fisher. [player_tooltip player_id='805768' first='Michael' last='Cascione'] is one of the most dynamic athletes on Long Island. This large senior class also leads the way on offense. Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='805766' first='Nick' last='Devito'] is expected to have a breakout year and is already garnering college attention. Two of his top targets, Vin Lepore and Colten Ford, are excellent athletes who will make a major impact for the Bulls.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->