A Season of Records
Samantha Heyman, a senior quarterback from Half Hollow Hills, capped her high school career with a perfect 19‑0 season and the program’s first state championship. She finished the year with 4,369 passing yards and 70 touchdowns, adding to career totals that exceed 12,800 yards and nearly 200 scores.
Junior quarterback Gina Iannuzzi of MacArthur emerged as a complementary force, guiding her squad to county and Long Island titles. She amassed 3,189 passing yards and 45 touchdowns, underscoring a rapid rise that mirrors her team’s historic run.
Both achievements were shaped by dedicated coaching staffs. Mike Lupa, the architect of Half Hollow Hills’ unbeaten run, secured two consecutive Class A Long Island championships, while Steve Fazzolari led MacArthur to its first county and Long Island crowns under his guidance.
Other Notable Performers
The season also spotlighted a host of defensive standouts and playmakers. Lia Bono of Herricks recorded 163 flag pulls and eight interceptions, helping her team clinch the Nassau Class A championship. Hazel Carlson from Northport added 154 flag pulls, while Leah Calderone of Syosset contributed 88 pulls and six interceptions. Zoe Franks from Half Hollow Hills caught 135 passes for 1,682 yards and 27 scores, and Kate Franks of Plainedge logged 33 sacks alongside 81 flag pulls, serving as a primary ball carrier.
Additional contributors included Meghan Farrell of West Islip, who intercepted 15 passes, and Joeyce Forero of Valley Stream District, named Nassau Class A Player of the Year. Taylor Garro of MacArthur delivered the game‑winning touchdown in the Class B championship, while Emma Gould of Half Hollow Hills topped Long Island pass rushers with 62 sacks and 105 flag pulls.
The depth of talent extended to players such as Taylor Mileti of Hauppauge, a two‑way standout with 125 flag pulls and 10 interceptions, and Gianna Ponticello of Plainedge, who posted 2,825 passing yards and 45 touchdowns. Vinte’ya Rountree from Floyd rushed for 758 yards and five scores, complementing her 152 flag pulls and nine interceptions. Claire Sclafani of Longwood added 107 flag pulls to a defense that proved difficult to penetrate.