Seaford's Machine Rolls On in Malverne

by Rikki N. Massand, Nassau County Chief Writer / Editor

Malverne, NY - A loud pre-game performance by Malverne High's marching band rallied cheers from the home crowd, but maybe even more so they pumped up the undefeated Seaford Vikings, who built up an insurmountable lead from the opening play of the game. With reporters, cameras and broadcast media from Newsday, News 12 and Verizion Fios Sports covering the game, Coach Rob Perpall's champions displayed their character and leadership in another impressive road win against a tight Malverne Mules' defense.

As Malverne kicked off a young man on Seaford's sidelines said "this kid's got a boot" -- but a long kick turned out to be a good thing for Viking fans. Seconds into the game senior Mike Gallo calmly caught the ball and headed directly up field, knifing through the middle behind great blocking. At 6'2" his helmet went above and past everyone else on his way right into the endzone for an impressive 88-yard touchdown, setting Seaford up for another big afternoon -- in only fifteen seconds. He was just getting started on an afternoon that saw him gain 64 receiving yards before the half and get his 2nd touchdown on a terrific catch.

Gallo's fellow Seaford seniors would succeed off the bat in their own rallying cries from the sidelines, as FB/LB Anthony Gilio immediately instructed his team.

"C'mon boys, go out and hit somebody now! Know your assignments!" he said.

Sure enough the Vikings hit hard on Malverene's first possession. Seaford's QB, Rob Anderson, showed some versatility as he made a play at linebacker by smashing into Mules' QB Brandon Michaels and knocking the ball loose. Although Malverne recovered the ball the game had started to get away from them.

Seaford's Anthony Alba did their dirty work in the first quarter as he tallied 35 yards on 7 carries for the first half. After establishing his running after a 9-yard gain early, Malverene played better D behind cheers from the crowd "Read! Read! Read!'  But it was Seaford's offense that made the right reads. After Gilio gained 7 yards the Vikings' coaches shouted blocking calls for Nicky Napoli, who played very well on both sides of the ball. Behind great blocks Seaford opened up the running back-by-committee attack with Alba, Gilio and junior Justin Buckley, who would gain 66 yards by halftime.

With Malverne's coaches telling the defense "He's standing up!" Alba did more than stand as he carried the ball in for a five yard TD with 4:57 left in the first. Seaford had a quick and efficient 14-0 lead to work with, but they would not get comfortable. They're just too disciplined. The Vikings' coaches kept right on telling their players what they saw and what to watch for from Malverne, including how to get past 6'4", 272-lb Terry Banks, the Mules' senior lineman.

What Seaford did best was make in-game adjustments to cement their early lead. After Buckley had a great 25-yard run down to Malverne's 18 yard line to end the first quarter the Vikings had to contend with added defensive pressure from four quick Mules' defenders: linebackers Brandon Hightower and David Falconer and DB's Christopher Williams and Cory Alexander. While Hightower does many jobs for his Mules he's primarily their best player on defense. But Seaford worked around him.

The Mules were able to stop Alba in the red zone in the 2nd, but Seaford just used another weapon as Buckley got hot. First he drove the ball down to the 6, and shortly after he came through on a big 3rd & goal from the 8 and a half. In an instant Buckley seemed to go straight in for a rushing TD but an illegal blocking penalty negated the score.

With 10:20 left in the first half Malverne's chance to stay in the game hung in the balance, and to their credit they fought very hard. On a deep throw to the left corner of the endzone Cory Alexander blanketed Mike Gallo with great pass coverage and a hand on the ball. A touchdown was prevented...but just for a minute. Seaford was confident and they went for the score. On fourth and goal from the 18 Justin Buckley caught a screen pass and headed for that same left corner where Gallo was denied a TD.

On a great display of athleticism from both players Buckley held the ball out just eough as he dove into the pylon and just made it past Alexander, who lept to stop him but got there too late. A 21-0 2nd quarter lead gave way to a more controlled, steady passing attack to round out the game, leading Seaford on their way to another win.

A three and out for the Mules followed and with 8 minutes left in the half Seaford took over at the 50-yd line after the punt. Just two minutes later Vikings' QB Rob Anderson would make a great throw, finding Mike Gallo up high in that very familiar left corner yet again. Gallo got past Christopher Williams for a 28-yard touchdown and the game was all but out of reach.

Passion and camaraderie makes Seaford a champion and a possible dynasty among Long Island high school athletic teams. Senior Anthony Gilio would later control a drive in the third quarter, rushing for gains of 9,7,5, 35 (20 plus 15 yards on penalty) and 2.... the last being a 2-yard touchdown run with 1:56 left in the third to put the final score on the board.

Just as he did early on, after barely catching his breath Gilio would get up and cheer his teammates Jack Brown, Matt Knudsen and Kevin Glazer. The game was in hand and Seaford's three-headed running attack was taken out of action for the day, but it wasn't a job all-done until the clock hit triple zeros.

The Vikings sidelines, not missing a beat, stayed focused on the game and warned players on the field about the pass as Malverne started the fourth looking to get on the board. Next thing you know, Seaford intercepts the ball and proves their prowess.     

Next week you can catch Seaford in action at Floral Park while Malverne plays a night game Saturday at Mineola.

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