Garden City Wins Long Island Class II Title

There were several big questions coming into this match-up of powerhouse programs, Bellport and Garden City. Could the Bellport Clippers continue their dominance of Garden City in championship games? Could Garden City capture their first LI title since 2018? Could Bellport’s stout defense stifle a Trojan offense that has dominated games? Could the Garden City defense stack up against a powerful and physical Clipper offense?

Garden City answered those questions with two long second half touchdown passes from senior Luke Schmitt and a defense that wouldn’t give up the big play to the Clippers. The result was a 14-6 victory securing an undefeated season and a Long Island Class II Championship, their fourth in five years. The first score of the game came via a Schmitt pass that went for 74 yards to Aidan Considine on the second play from scrimmage to open the second half. Then it was a 45 yard reception for Robert Votruba early in the fourth quarter, the touchdown was Schmitt's eleventh touchdown pass of the playoff season matching his total for the season.

The Trojans received some good news before the game when Jack Cascadden was cleared to play. And although he played predominantly on the defensive side of the ball, his presence on the field not only lifted the spirits of his teammates but also gave Bellport something to think about. Although playing with a brace on his knee, Cascadden teamed up with fellow senior captain Brendan Staub to continually pressure Bellport quarterback Jack Halpin and stuff the Clipper offense.

Garden City held an advantage in field position in the first half thanks to two Schmitt punts that were downed inside the one yard line. The first looked to set up a safety for the Trojan defense but the line judge felt differently as he spotted the third down run at the one foot line. But with the good field position the Trojans couldn’t capitalize as the Bellport defense made sure tackles before any Trojan runner could get to the second level.

The first half also saw an overly zealous referee crew throw their flags numerous times, mostly at the feet of the Trojans, to disrupt the flow of the game and limit the offensive output.

After the Garden City score on the second play of the second half, Bellport got on the scoreboard with a long 14 play drive. The Clippers scored on a Halpin to Riley Murphy six yard pass but the point after was missed and GC led 7-6 with a little over four minutes remaining in the third quarter.

The Trojans added to their lead on the Votruba 45 yard reception on the first play of the fourth quarter and Michael Fargione's second PAT of the game. With the 14-6 lead Garden City coach Dave Ettinger implored his defense to finish the game strong. With Staub and Cascadden leading the way, the defense came up with key fourth quarter stops paving the way to the title.

The Trojans finish the season undefeated at 12-0, with a record ninth Long Island Championship in 19 appearances. And their first win in five tries against Bellport.