Nine-Year-Old Mineola Chiefs Win Second Championship

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Nine-Year-Old Mineola Chiefs Win Second Championship

Friday, 07 December 2012 00:00

The 9-year-old Mineola Chiefs football team repeated as the Nassau County Youth Football League Class A champions, beating the Rosedale Jets 6-0 on Nov. 18 in overtime.

After posting a record of 7-0-1, the Chiefs, led by head coach Mike Cavallaro, advanced to the Class A playoffs. They beat the Bellmore Braves 14-0 and advanced to the championship game, against the previously undefeated Jets. Both teams ranked at the top in scoring during the regular season, but this game turned out to be a defensive battle.

Coach Paul Selhorn’s defense held the Jets to minimal yards for the entire game. Led by Tyler Burke, James Kapralos and Joe Iadevaia, the Chiefs were able to hold the Jets high-powered offense in check.

The 9-year-old Mineola Chiefs attained its second consecutive championship. Even when the Jets took the air, the Chiefs had solid coverage by Tommy Sluka and Luke Orbon, who also had a crucial interception. On the other side of the ball, the Chiefs were able to move the ball with positive runs by Caleb Johnson and Patrick Selhorn. However, they were never able to reach the end zone for a score.

Regulation ended in a 0-0 tie, and for the second consecutive year, the Chiefs would have to win the championship in overtime. After winning the coin toss, the Jets received the ball with four chances to score from the Mineola 10-yard line.

As the ball was snapped on third down, Robert Dimilia was able to knock the ball loose for a fumble. Henry Villa recovered the ball, giving the Chiefs four chances to win the championship.

Down to their last chance on fourth down from the one-yard line, Sluka handed the ball to Caleb Johnson, who was able to break through the defensive line for the touchdown and seal the championship.

The players and parents thanked Cavallaro, Selhorn, Dave Burke and Mike Bencivenga for their service.

News

Hofstra’s Annual Dutch Festival

Friday, 24 May 2013 00:00

President Tony Da Silva and the Mineola-based Folklore groups Ranchos Juventude (Youth) and Sonhos de Portugal (Dreams of Portugal) performed before a crowd of over 350 during the “Spotlight on Portugal” segment at Hofstra University’s 30th Annual Dutch Festival. The traditional dance groups, representing the region of Portugal known as Minho, were introduced by support from a wide-array of Portuguese community leaders, including event guest-M.C. and Hofstra alumnus Gabriel Marques, New York State Senator Jack Martins, Village of Mineola Deputy-Mayor Paul Pereira as well as civic group presidents Frank Teixeira (Mineola Portuguese Center), Manuel Rodrigues (Portuguese Heritage Society), Fernanda Aguas (LI Portuguese Lions Club) and Rosa Leal (Daughters of Portugal).

War Dogs In Mineola

Thursday, 23 May 2013 00:00

Almost everyone has heard the expression; a dog is a man’s best friend. These great animals guard, protect and shower people with their affection and undivided attention. They love unconditionally in good times and in bad. The strength of the bond between man and canine was put on display at the Mineola Library on Saturday, May 11 in JoAnne Raskin’s, ‘War Dogs’ exhibit.

Sports

Chiefs Defeat Garden City

Thursday, 23 May 2013 00:00

The sixth-grade Mineola Chiefs (Maroon) defeated a very tough Garden City on the road 6-4 on May 12. With three players on injured reserved Mineola’s reinforcements played with all heart on Mother’s Day.

The Mineola defense controlled the game. Joe Carr grabbed the rock out of the air on crease slides at least three this game, Zach Koerber stopped ball on fast breaks while defensemen Evan Eberlein and Alex Marchiselli locked down the remaining attack men.

Winter Sports Wrap-Up

Thursday, 23 May 2013 00:00

The Wheatley School announced that 15 student athletes have been recognized by Section VIII-Nassau County Interscholastic Athletic Association for their performance in athletics, scholarship and leadership qualities for the Winter 2012-13 season. The Boys Indoor Track team was crowned NYS State Scholar Athlete Team Champions. The Boys Varsity Basketball team won the Nassau County Class B Championship.

Below is a list of Wheatley athletes who attained various All-County/Conference honors.