Championship Week Preview
The latest Newsday top‑10 rankings spotlight a handful of teams that have turned the Long Island flag football season into a showcase of dominance and surprise. From unbeaten streaks to dramatic overtime victories, the race to the Suffolk and Nassau championships is entering its most thrilling phase.
Half Hollow Hills remains the only unbeaten squad, having dispatched Smithtown and Floyd to secure a spot in the Suffolk Class A final. Their flawless run has placed them at the center of attention as they prepare to defend their title against a hungry opponent.
Meanwhile, Hauppauge rolled past East Islip with a 26‑0 victory in the Suffolk Class B semifinals, a performance that underscored their defensive prowess and offensive efficiency. The team now eyes the Class B championship with a clear path to the podium.
In Nassau, MacArthur captured its first flag football crown, edging Plainedge 13‑9 in a tightly contested final. The win marked a milestone for the program and highlighted the competitive balance across the county.
Sachem East also advanced to the Suffolk Class A championship after defeating Patchogue‑Medford and Northport, while Deer Park fought through double overtime to overcome West Islip and claim a berth in the Class B final. Both teams have demonstrated resilience in high‑pressure situations.
Herricks, an unranked squad at the season’s start, shocked many by defeating Massapequa and Plainview‑Old Bethpage JFK to seize the Nassau Class A title. Their unexpected rise added a compelling narrative to the tournament.
The county final saw Plainview‑Old Bethpage JFK fall to Herricks, while Syosset’s season concluded with a 12‑6 loss to the same opponent. Both teams showed flashes of brilliance, but the championship bouts proved decisive.
Teams such as Massapequa, East Islip, West Islip, Northport and Wantagh remain on the cusp of contention, promising further excitement as the final games approach. The upcoming matchups will likely reshape the rankings and set the stage for next year’s competition.