Sleepy Hollow Football: Preview

Sleepy Hollow may have moved up to Class A after making it to the Class B title game last season, but the goal of winning a championship remains the same.

"We go into each game expecting to win," Sleepy Hollow coach Steve Borys said. "We expect to have a very successful year. The goal is always to win the section and from there go to the states."

Sleepy Hollow will get a strong test right off the bat when it hosts perennial power Rye in its opener at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 11.

"We have good teams on the schedule," Borys said. "We have all quality opponents. We would've liked to keep some of our rivals we had in B like Pleasantville and Irvington. We're making the switch without any real concern. We have a tough schedule ahead of us but we are happy where we are right now."

Starting at quarterback for the Headless Horsemen against that tough schedule will be senior Dondrey Sharrock (5-foot-11, 180 pounds).

"I expect a lot of things from him," Borys said. "He's starting to show some leadership qualities. He's a very good runner. He's become a much more accurate passer."

At running back is electrifying junior L.J. Garrant (6-0, 180), who is coming off an all-section honorable mention campaign.

Joining Garrant in the backfield is senior Kayzon Stoval (5-9, 200).

"They are a great combination," Borys said. "L.J.'s a speed guy, very elusive, great moves, great hands, can catch very well. Kayzon is also very fast but he's also a very powerful runner."

When Sharrock is looking downfield, he will have plenty of quality wide-outs to throw to in all-section senior tight end John Martin (6-3, 200), senior wide receiver Jorge Berenguer (6-0, 170) and junior wide receiver Nick Vallo (6-1, 170). Each one has great hands and speed, according to Borys.

 Senior center Nick Fanelli (6-1, 190) and senior left guard Jerea Williams (6-0, 200) both started a year ago and are the backbone of this year's offensive line.

"Nick has great technique," Borys said. "He calls all the blocking schemes. He knows the right spots. Jarea is very good in open space and is a very good trap blocker."

Joining Fanelli and Williams on the line are sophomore right tackle Frank Curanj (6-3, 275), senior left tackle Chris Diaz (6-0, 200) and right guard Mike Segarra (6-0, 200).

"They are a very hard-working group," Borys said. "They are very physical, they lifted weights the entire off-season."

Leading the defensive line is Martin, who had 10 sacks last year, from his defensive end position.

"John is very fast," Borys said. "He has got a nose for the ball and great long arms."

The rest of the defensive line will be members of the offensive line rotating in and out.

Leading the linebackers is senior middle linebacker John Randazzo (5-10, 190).

"John is our big guy on defense," Borys said. "He always finds the ball. He's a great instinct guy. He's an excellent tackler. He's a great leader as well."

Stoval and junior Tyler O'Donnell (5-10, 170) also will play linebacker. They each have great versatility, can stop the run, cover the pass and have very good speed according to Borys.

Senior safeties Berenguer and Damon Davis (6-0, 190) with Garrant and senior Chris Lopez (5-9, 160) playing cornerback, make up Sleepy Hollow's defensive backfield. 

"They are excellent," Borys said. "They have great instincts and speed. They are able to put both together."

Junior Tommy Fahey (5-10, 180) will handle all the kicking duties. Garrant, who returned three kicks for a touchdown last season, will return kicks again this fall.

2010 Sleepy Hollow Schedule

Sept. 11 Rye 1:30 p.m.

Sept. 16 @ Harrison 5:30 p.m.

Sept. 25 Roosevelt 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 2 Eastchester 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 8 @ Nyack 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 16 @ Spring Valley 1:30 p.m.