Suffolk County Team Of The Week: Deer Park Flag Football Star Goes National

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Deer Park freshman Christian Myrick is headed to the national stage, Huntington celebrated 15 senior athletes with Section XI Gold Key awards, and Bay Shore athletes earned recognition for championship success and college commitments.

Deer Park Freshman Selected For Junior National Flag Football Team

Deer Park High School freshman Christian Myrick was selected to the USA Football 15U Boys Junior National Flag Football Team.

Myrick will join 11 other elite players representing the United States at the 2026 USA Football Junior International Cup, scheduled for June 17-21 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles.

The annual competition features some of the top young flag football talent in the world, bringing together 15U and 17U boys and girls teams from countries including Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Panama, South Korea and the United States.

The national honor follows a standout freshman season for Myrick. He accounted for more than 825 yards of total offense and scored 12 touchdowns, finishing with 416 rushing yards, 396 receiving yards and 15 passing yards. He also made an impact defensively with three interceptions.

Myrick earned All-County honors and was the only freshman selected to the All-State team.

“We are extremely proud of Christian and all he has achieved both on and off the field,” coach Cody Ciolino said. “This exciting opportunity will allow him to demonstrate his abilities and represent himself and Deer Park on a national stage.”

Huntington Seniors Receive Section XI Gold Keys

Fifteen Huntington High School athletes were presented with Section XI Gold Key awards during the 58th Blue Devil senior athletic awards ceremony.

The Gold Key is the highest honor a Suffolk County athlete can receive for sports participation.

This year’s Huntington recipients were

• Emma Boyle, Boston University
• Bridget Callery, Quinnipiac University
• Ryan Donovan, SUNY Oswego
• Kymora Dorvilus, Sacred Heart University
• Gueniel Elysee, Nassau Community College
• Henry Gerberg, Indiana University
• Grace Gordon, Lafayette College
• Ruby Hoffman, Villanova University
• Isabella Palacios, University of Michigan
• William Peters, Monmouth University
• Vincent Pupillo, Clemson University
• Jean Riboul, Morgan State University
• Matthew Ross, Nassau Community College
• Banny Soc Concua, University of Delaware
• Jolie Weinschreider, Rutgers University.

Huntington Superintendent Beth M. McCoy presented each recipient with a plaque and a small gold key charm.

The Gold Key is a Section XI award recognizing participation in interscholastic athletics while also recognizing athletic proficiency. It is presented to students who have lettered in eight of nine seasons on varsity or junior varsity teams between their sophomore and senior years.

Huntington had 15 Gold Key recipients this year after having 10 last year.

Bay Shore Boys Basketball Honored For Championship Season

The Bay Shore boys varsity basketball team was recognized by Legislator Steven J. Flotteron and the Suffolk County Legislature for its successful season.

The recognition followed a season that culminated in a Long Island championship for the Marauders.

Bay Shore Athletes Sign College Commitments

Four Bay Shore student-athletes signed commitments to continue their academic and athletic careers at colleges and universities.

The athletes recognized were Abigail Regan, Jacksonville University, sailing; Lindsay Carballo, Point Park University, women’s lacrosse; Layton Avinel, Western Connecticut University, football; and Elianny Jimenez, Molloy University, field hockey.