Solid Defense, Balanced Offense Power 2011 Varsity Bulldogs Football

Expect a solid defensive squad and an offense that tries to define its game as the season progresses for the 2011 Lindenhurst High School Bulldogs Varsity Football team.

The Bulldogs went 4-5 last year - a record that does little to indicate its explosive offensive firepower, particularly on the strength of the arm of Georgetown-bound QB , who continued a long Bulldog tradition of airing out the ball.

This year’s team, said Lindenhurst Head Coach Nick Lombardo, is likely to have a more balanced offense.

“When Steve graduated, we lost the Boomer Esiason Award winner,” said Lombardo. “He was part of a long line of quarterbacks at our school who could throw the ball. But now, we’re more likely to have a multiple set, a number of formations. Look for a spread offense this year.”

Most of the key players returning for Lindenhurst are expected to make an impact on defense, including several who were all-division last year.

Josh Stewart, who led the team in tackles in 2011, will be heading up the defensive unit. “Josh is the strongest player on our team,“ said the Bulldogs coach. “He has a tremendous desire to play football.”

Others to watch for are David Fowler as a defensive back, Matt Colton, cornerback, defensive end Carlos Arguello, and safeties Keith Meisner and Ken Skon.

“That’s an excellent defensive seven,” said Lombardo.

While the offense - particularly QB - has to shake itself out some, expect that Ken Skon will continue to make a splash as a receiver.

“In two seasons on varsity, he’s had 68-70 receptions,” said the Bulldogs’ three-year head coach. “He could have more than 100 before its done. At 6’ 3” and 225 he could probably play at the collegiate level.”

The Bulldogs will be tested early, traveling to play William Floyd and Patchogue-Medford before their first home game on Sep 24 versus Brentwood. They also travel to play Ward Melville in October.

However as a seven seed in a very tough conference, the Bulldogs will need to stay focused for every game of the season.

“Every one of them will be important,” said Lombardo.” Every game will be pivotal for us, if we want to make the playoffs.”

2011 Lindenhurst Bulldogs Varsity Football Schedule

September 10 2 p.m. at Floyd

September 16 6 p.m. at Patchogue-Medford

September 23 6 p.m. H v Brentwood

October 1 2 p.m. H v Central Islip

October 6 4:30 p.m. at Ward Melville

October 14 6 p.m. at Longwood

October 22 2 p.m. H v Sachem East

October 28 6 p.m. H v Sachem North