Sports
With Dix Hills Football, it's East Versus West
As the 2010 football season is almost officially underway, the in-district rivalry revs up.
The one aspect of sports that is constant no matter what sport you're playing is rivalry. Half Hollow Hills has one of those rivalries with its high school football teams.
Hills East and West have always been competitive when it comes to football. This past year, however, was different. Hills West has moved up into division II, where Hills East had primarily resided. The rivalry has sparked new levels this summer.
This was especially true during the annual Lift-Off, where the teams' strongest players by position bench pressed as much weight as many times as they could in order to put their team on top.
Hills West went in looking to keep the trophy that was theirs from last year.
"We won it last year, and we are looking to keep it this year and to hold on to it for seasons to come," said junior running back Devante McFarlane.
Meanwhile, Hills East went in to the competition looking to start its own tradition.
"We don't want to be overshadowed by West anymore," said Hills East senior Mike Lee. "We want to start making our own name in Half Hollow Hills as a great football team."
As both teams lifted their hearts out, it was uncertain which team would come out on top. At the end of the day though, Hills East became the new Lift-Off Champions.
Even with East's victory, Hills East coach Hill had only kind words for Hills West.
"You guys had an amazing 2009 season, and believe me Hills East were probably your biggest fans. We will continue to root for you, and hopefully will see you in a Hills East-Hills West playoff matchup."
After the loss, Hills West coach Madden spoke to his own team saying that, "We aren't going to win a Long Island Championship by working hard in the weight room. What truly matters is how we perform on the field. That's what we should be excited for."
With Hills West and East official practices starting August 16th, players and fans alike are beginning to feel that excitement, as the 2010 football season gets underway here at Half Hollow Hills.
