Football Preview: Experienced Tigers Prepare for Title Run

There's no grey hair under their helmets and Social Security is still 50 years in the future, but the 2010 Tuckahoe High School Tigers football team has an impressive group of seniors waiting to pounce on the opposition this fall.

The Tigers, a power in Class C-D small school competition over the last 20 years, went 5-4 in 2009 and fell to Eldred High in last fall's New York Public Schools playoffs. Many of the players from last year's team return to pursue the next level in state championship play this season.

Beginning with a visit from league rival Hastings in the September 11 home opener, the senior-laden Tigers hope that maturity and on-field experience have been the best teachers—along with instruction and preparation from a staff led by head coach John D'Arco.

"We're in a good place with so many returning players who know what it takes to be successful," said D'Arco, whose youthful Tigers struggled to a 5-4 record in 2009. "I've got a good group of coaches who I trust–I'm just here to coordinate. The kids have a lot of experience, so it is a matter of working hard and executing." 

Jonathan Jubilee, an imposing but quiet senior, leads a team of confident players who have three years of on-field experience to understand what it takes to succeed.

"Our team's strengths this season are going to be our team experience and our speed in the backfield,' said Jubilee. "With the experienced line that we have and that backs that we have to run the ball this should be a good year for the Tigers. Running backs like Jarett Sommer, Dalton Passeri, Gary Jennings, Luis Esquilin and Jorden Lewis are all hard runners and can score the football."

The coaching staff hopes last year's 5-4 record was a teaching tool—the lesson learned. Just a few more big scores and some big defensive plays might put the Tigers on par with the rival Bronxville Broncos who went 12-1 last year.

"With 17 seniors this is a very experienced group," Tigers assistant coach John D'Arco Jr. said. "Some of these players have been starting since their freshman year. We have depth at the running back position going a solid two deep at all positions without missing a beat."

Sommer is the leader of the ground attack, having compiled more than 2,400 yards over his last three years in the backfield. He will hold down a linebacker spot on defense and will approach the Tigers' all-time rushing record. The senior back had 945 yards and nine touchdowns last season. Senior quarterback Kevin Garabitos, who has improved as a throwing signal caller and has speed, will get plenty of help and protection from offensive lineman Jubliee, center Kevin Chen and 6'5" Joe Jacapino.

Jubilee says the Tigers will need some extra scoring punch.

"As a team I would say our offensive game needs to improve from last year because we need to be able to put points on the board. With the people that are returning from last year that shouldn't be much of a problem," he said.

Freshman quarterback Mike Castracucco is another Tigers' weapon and can be used in a running attack from his QB slot. D'Arco said that summer camp workouts at Archbishop Stepinac in White Plains and Valhalla helped get his team tuned and ready to go.

Chen, who is on defense and was a strong factor in last year's five victories, is joined this season by defensive end Gary Moss and linebacker Dalton Passeri. The Tigers will be quick to the ball and quick on the offensive pedal. Add those natural talents to experience and a mature leadership and Tuckahoe can expect good things in 2010.

"We worked hard all summer and gave up a lot to be a better team," Garabitos said. "Now we can use our experience to be better."   

Top Offensive Players

Running Back - Jarett Sommer

Quarterback - Kevin Garabitos,

Offensive Lineman --  Jonathan Jubilee

Top Defensive Players 

Defensive Tackle - Kevin Chen,

Defensive End -- Gary Moss,

Linebacker -- Dalton Passeri

Tuckahoe Tigers Varsity Football Roster

Jersey         Player                              Year        Position    Height     Weight

1                    Ryan Mitchell              12th        WR/S             6'0            165

3                   Kevin Garabitos          12th        QB/DB           6'0             175

4                   Jorden Lewis                 12th        RB/DB          5'6            140

5                   Jaime Maldanado        12th        RB/DB          5'8             170

6                   Vince Moore                  12th        RB/DB           6'1             160

8                   Dalton Passeri              12th        RB/LB            5'8            185

12                 Michael Castracucco        9th        QB/S           5'11          165

21                 Brad Broncati                 12th        RB/DE          5'8            155   

24                Luis Esquilin                 12th        RB/DB            5'8              160

28                Gary Jennings              12th        RB/DE            6'1           205   

32                Gary Moss                     11th        TE/DE              5'11          190

33                Kayvon Reid                 10th        WR/DB           6'2           165   

34                Jason Feuer                   12th        TE/LB              6'2            185   

35               Jarett Sommer              12th        RB/LB              5'8           175

40               Naiim Flowers             11th        RB/DE               6'1            175

44               Peter Costa                   12th        WR/DB             5'9            160

50               Bryan Madden             10th        G/LB                 5'10           165

51                 Kevin Chen                    12th        C/DT                5'10           240

52                Joey Bellantoni           10th        G/LB                 5'9             145

54                Nick Reisman               10th        G/LB                 6'2             190

55                David Paez                     12th        G/LB                 5'9             205

60               Ralph Zappetti             11th        G/LB                  5'7        165   

64                Sean Byrne                   10th        G/DT                 5'8            160

69                Luke Madigan              11th        T/DT                  6'0        185

70                Max Bovin                    10th        G/LB                  5'4             125

73                Jonathan Jubilee        12th        T/DT                 5'4        240   

74                Roy Alexander             10th        T/DT                 5'8         235

75                 Christian Goewey       10th        T/DT                 5'10        180

76                 Joe Jacopino                 12th        T/DT                6'2        240

77                 Jamar Harrison           10th        T/DT                6'0             180

80                Mike DiLago                 11th        TE/DE               6'0             185

91                 Matthew Miller           12th        WR/DB            5'7              150

99               Bruno DeStefano         9th        K                           5'9              155       

2010 Tuckahoe Football Schedule

September 11: vs. Hastings

September 16: at Rye Neck

September 25: at Haldane

October 2: vs. Lincoln Hall

October 9: vs. Dobbs Ferry

October 16: at Valhalla