BY JIM FURLONG

All in all, the Eastport South Manor Sharks have produced a successful season. For the first time in school history, the Sharks earned a berth in the Suffolk County football playoffs. On Saturday, eighth-seeded ESM (5-3) will challenge an undefeated opponent. Top-seeded Half hollow Hills West (8-0) hosts a Division 3 quarterfinal in Dix Hills.

"The team is very happy," said ESM senior Jim Kennedy. "Obviously, we didn't end the (regular) season the way we wanted to. We wanted a higher seed."\

The Sharks slumped offensively in their regular-season finale. ESM had its three-game winning streak stopped by a 23-6 loss at Westhampton  Beach on Oct. 30.

Second-year head coach Brian Sacks has directed a big boost in ESM's fortunes. The program went 3-30 the previous four seasons, including an 0-8 record in 2008. The Sharks started the 2009 season listed last among 14 teams in the coaches' preseason ratings for Division 3.

While ESM did much better than the preseason prediction, Half Hollow Hills West fulfilled its preseason rating as the No. 1 team.

Sacks said the players' collective unity and offseason dedication to get stronger and improve their skills has paid off. The Sharks also saw much more fan support from the student body and the local community.

The ESM players, about a dozen seniors, and coaches feel proud they created a major change in the program's image, and gained the first playoff berth.

"There is a sense of happiness for these kids, They deserve it," said Sacks. "This is the first time it has ever happened. Everyone is excited. We are excited to play Hills West, but I tell them not to be intimidated."

Speedy tailback Alan Henderson ranks as one of Suffolks's top rushers and scoers. For eight games, Henderson averaged almost 10 yards a carry. He totals 19 touchdowns and gained 1,305 yards on 132 carries.

"Alan is explosive and quick," said Kennedy, a lineman-linebacker. "He blocks and he runs hard. He can juke or he can lower his shoulder. He is such a hard worker and he gives a lot of credit to everyone. He doesn't think he is a one-man team."

Quarterback Luke Combs takes the snaps and versatile Ryan Prokesch has scored five touchdowns and also is an aggressive linebacker.

Other solid contributors to the winningest season in ESM history are:  Patrick Fabian, Colin Flaherty, Ryan Cutler, Mike Granville, Nick Gonzalez, Connor Minogue, Gregg Reutter and Matt Moore..

Kennedy knows the Sharks are a definite underdog on Saturday.

"We are looking to shock Hills West," said Kennedy. "Our 3-5 defense is more geared to stop their spread offense."

Half Hollow Hills has won 13 of its last 14 games for Coach Kyle Madden. Quarterback JeVahn Cruz has proven one of Long Island's most valuable offensive players, throwing 18 touchdowns passes and running for 11 TDs.

The Colts scored 27 or more points in all eight regular-season games, Their season total of 280 points is the second-highest for all 54 public school teams in Suffolk County.

Only undefeated Sachem North, with 282 points, has scored more points than  Half Hollow Hills West.