Seaford Football Looks to Continue Winning Tradition in 2011

For the top-seeded 2011 Seaford Vikings football squad, the challenge and the opportunity is easy to state.

In 2010, the Vikings went 11-1, undefeated in conference play and capturing the Nassau County crown before falling to John Glenn in the LI Class IV title game. But virtually all those players, who contributed to a 44-game winning streak against Nassau County opponents entering this season, are graduated.

With all but three players untested as varsity starters for a team that has gone undefeated in conference play for four years in a row, this year’s crop of Viking gridders has got big shoes to fill. But the opportunity to add to an impressive football tradition is palpable.

“These are a good bunch of kids,“ said Seaford football head coach Rob Perpall. “The names are different from last year, but we’re hoping the performance will be the same.“

Leading the way will be a backfield that is tasked with replacing a group of athletes who reeled off yardage like the best of them. Chris Trotta, at quarterback, is demonstrating leadership qualities and athleticism, noted Perpall.

“He’s going to run this show,” said Perpall, who has led the Vikings program the last 16 years.

At running back, Seaford will field big strong placers who will play on both sides of the line -- Joe Richards at fullback and linebacker, and Joe Anderson as a running back and defensive back.

Linemen to watch for include PJ Ruttera, at 6’ 290 pounds a left side tackle; and James O’Hagan, an offensive and defensive tackle who started last years as a freshman, and measures in at 6’ 2” and 265 lbs.

Look for the possibility of a passing game out of the Vikings this year too, with Brian Gilbert as a wide receiver getting attention. “He’s an outstanding player,” said Perpall. “We might throw a little bit more this year -- and Gilbert will be one of the top receivers in Nassau County.”

As the pre-season pictures begin to emerge, Perpall and his staff are beginning to see the prospects for the season emerge clearly. First of all, every team that the Vikings will face during the regular season this year will bring more returning starters than they have.

And second, with a reputation of being top dog in the conference, Seaford will be playing against teams with a high level of motivation to upset their winning streak.

“Every game is going to be big for us, because everyone is going to want to beat us,” said Perpall. “The other teams will come onto the field sky high.”

While every game will offer its challenges, Perpall sees its an early test in its opener against Cold Spring Harbor, which made it to the playoffs last year; and Roosevelt, perennially a tough competitor, who the Vikings will face in late October.

“We expect a tough game every time,“ said Perpall. “Other teams will have nothing to lose, they‘ll be playing as loose as can be.”

With so many new players in 2011, the challenge will be to get better every day as the season approaches, so that they may make good of their opportunity to make a mark of their own in a long tradition of Seaford football success.

So far, says Perpall, the signs are promising -- due in part to the number one quality that this year’s crop of Vikings gridiron players bring to the field.

“Enthusiasm,” said Perpall. “This is a group of kids who want to keep the tradition alive, and they’re working hard to do that. Our kids are going to come to play.”

Seaford football 2011 Schedule

09.09 7:00 H vs. Cold Spring Harbor

09.17 5:00 H vs. West Hempstead

09.24 1:30 @ Locust Valley

10.01 3:00 @ Clarke

10.06 7:00 H vs. East Rockaway

10.14 7:00 @ Mineola

10.21 7:00 H vs. Roosevelt

10.28 7:00 @ Island Trees