Veteran Players, Sophomore Standout Expected to Lead the Way for Clarkstown North Football

Even with the official start of training camp weeks away there is cause for optimism regarding the Clarkstown North High School football team.

Under the charge of veteran coach Joe Trongone, who is beginning his 11^th year here following seven seasons as an assistant at Clarkstown  South, the Rams are expected to be led by two veterans and a well-regarded sophomore Billy Delay. The veteran tandem in question is Tareek Turner, a halfback/defensive back, and Dan Macalena, a fullback/linebacker.

"They never get off the field," Trongone said with a certain degree of satisfaction. As for the budding sophomore star, the coach has high praise for his work ethic especially, and adds that Delay is a three-sport athlete (he also competes in lacrosse and basketball).

North (4-5 last season) gets the new campaign (football seasons are always "campaigns") under way at Gorton on Sept. 11, but already no one can avoid the obvious question: When does South meet North?

The storied Clash of Clarkstown is scheduled Friday night, Oct. 15, at North's home field in New City.

"Every year we meet it's a big game," said Trongone. "Being a South grad is the toughest thing. Last year we squeaked it out in an atmosphere that was unbelievable. We had to have more than 1,500 in attendance. It was great."

Trongone knows that South is well-coached by another South grad and also a longtime friend,  Mike Scarpelli. "They have the spread offense and the kids always come to play," observes Trongone. "This year? It will depend on who makes the fewest mistakes and, it will also be a league game. It could be a VERY big game."

Another big game on the schedule is against perennial powerhouse North Rockland, which benefits from a large feeder system. With budget cuts in place in Clarkstown, sending players to two high schools from one middle school, the gargantuan task looms even bigger.

"I don't remember when we ever beat North Rockland. It will be interesting," Trongone said. "But let me tell you, the kids are excited and having a new weight room is great for us, it's great for all the athletes at the school."

The Rams play in a five-team league, thus each of the four league games will be critical in determining a playoff berth. "Every game is big but North-South is still big. North Rockland's always big, we're already amped up for them. It's the second game at home on a Thursday night."

If the veteran coach sounds excited it just might be because he is excited, even before the first football is thrown, kicked, or dropped in earnest."

2010-2011 Schedule:

9/11 @ Gorton
9/16 vs. North Rockland
9/24 vs. Mahopac
10/1 @ Suffern
10/8 @ Ramapo
10/15 vs. Clarkstown South