The flicker of hope the Hills East Football Team had to make the playoffs in its new division was dimmed when star quarterback RJ Nitti went down with a season ending injury with four minutes to go against Lindenhurst in the last home game of the season.
Hopes were completely extinguished in Commack on Oct. 27 as backup wildcat quarterback Rasheed Williams was injured on the third play of the game and did not return. The T-Birds did all they could, but with limited resources, could not overcome Commack and fell to the Cougars 35-0. The T-Birds finished their season 3-5.
Quarterback RJ Nitti, with only seven of the season's eight games played, still managed to rank number two in passing yardage on Long Island, compiling a staggering 1863 yards. He was 101 of 175 attempts, for a 57.7 percent completion percentage. Nitti also led the team in rushing, carrying the ball 74 times for a total of 361 yards.
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The T-Bird receivers were the beneficiaries Nitti's air skills. Senior receiver DJ Paul had 29 receptions for 630 yards and 8 touchdowns. Senior receiver Devin McDonald followed with 18 receptions for 542 yards and 6 touchdowns, and senior receiver Michael Morris had 12 receptions for 177 yards and two touchdowns. Additionally, running back Rasheed Williams caught 26 passes for 217 yards and 1 touchdown.
On the ground, junior running back Quentin America ran hard, gaining 347 yards on 63 carries for the season. The versatile running back Rasheed Williams followed close behind with 300 yards on 44 carries. Sophomore running back Blaise Spinelli ran with power and added 161 yards.
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Defensively, senior linebacker Maleik Henry impressed, leading the team with 57 tackles and 6 sacks. Additionally, junior linebacker Mike Dwoskin was outstanding, compiling 45 tackles and one sack. Outside linebacker DJ Paul had a great season on both sides of the ball, recording 41 tackles and 1 sack.
Hills East Football would like to thank everyone for their support during this season.
*Article and photo by Shari Morris.
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