Division Football Pounds Great Neck North in Opener

In talking to the Division Blue Dragons football team in the lead-up to their season-opening game against Great Neck North, it was clear that they needed to erase the memories of their 1-7 season a year ago.

On Friday night, they went out and did just that, riding the strength of a multi-pronged rushing attack to a 35-13 victory in their season opener.

"It really is something that we needed to do," said coach Weidlein on winning the first game of the season. "I keep harping on it, but last year left a sour taste in our mouth, and we did a good job tonight."

Heroes: All but one of Division's plays on the night were running plays, and the run offense proved effective, as the Blue Dragons scored four touchdowns on the ground. Two were by running back Joe Vanasco, while running back Tim Schweitzer and quarterback Jon Muller each contributed a rushing touchdown.

The team's versatility in the backfield helped contribute to their dominant performance on the ground, according to coach Weidlein.

"We have some pretty good backs this year, so we can put three and four guys out there, which helps people get a rest," said Weidlein. "It showed today.”

Turning Point: Division attempted only one pass on the night, but it was a memorable one. On the play following a 23-yard punt return by Ravon Richmond, quarterback Dylan Cardno found Jon Maldonado in the corner of the end zone for a 35-yard touchdown strike. The touchdown, and ensuing extra point, gave Division a 28-7 lead with just under a minute remaining in the first half.

Quotable: The Blue Dragons came out onto the field with a lot of intensity and took the opening drive down the field, capping it with a four-yard touchdown run by Vanasco. But that intensity, and a little bit of inexperience with a new 4-3 system, worked against them on defense, as Great Neck North needed just two plays on the ensuing drive to tie the game. Division's defense tightened up after that, though, and the team didn't allow Great Neck North to score again until the game was well out of reach.

"There’s some still some kinks in the 4-3 that we have to deal with," said Weidlein. "We were real excited in the first series. We didn’t fill gaps like we should’ve, and they caught us in a couple. I think you saw that after we settled down a little bit, we played pretty good defense the rest of the way."

Upcoming: Division's homecoming weekend is next weekend. The school's homecoming parade is at 11 a.m. on Sept. 17 and will be followed by a game between Division and Glen Cove at 1:30 p.m..