A championship decided in the final seconds
Cold Spring Harbor and East Rockaway met on May 23, 2026 at Long Island University’s Brookville campus for the Nassau Class C flag football final, a contest that would hinge on a single play in the closing moments.
Ciara Luparello of Cold Spring Harbor orchestrated the offense, delivering precise passes that moved the ball downfield, while Ava Caradonna of East Rockaway opened the scoring with a swift touchdown that set the tone early in the game.
The climax arrived when Serena Glantz, also representing Cold Spring Harbor, leapt for a contested catch in the end zone with just two seconds remaining, securing the winning score and sparking a roar from the crowd.
Coaches and camaraderie amid the competition
Head coaches Jon Mendreski of Cold Spring Harbor and Fred Cange of East Rockaway watched from the sidelines, their presence underscoring the community’s investment in youth sports and the respect that transcended the rivalry.
The victory marks Cold Spring Harbor’s first Nassau Class C title in recent memory, a milestone that will be celebrated in local schools and inspire future teams, while East Rockaway’s spirited performance highlighted the growing competitiveness of the league.