A Night of Breakout Performances
The Rising Stars Football Bowl took place on May 16, 2026 at LIU, bringing together the region’s top senior prospects for a showcase matchup between Team Long Island and Team NYC.
From the opening drive, Long Island’s offense quickly asserted itself, with Elias Entizar of Commack converting an extra point and Lucas Eagleston of Mepham snagging an early reception that moved the ball into scoring range.
Dominic Prestano of North Babylon added a burst of energy in the first quarter, charging forward on a rushing play that set up a short field.
AJ Magaraci of South Side capped the first quarter with a touchdown celebration, underscoring the team’s early momentum.
The third quarter saw a flurry of activity, as Justin DePietro of Carey and Brody Juan of Long Beach combined for a tackle that halted a drive, while Lincoln Riggs of Commack escaped the pocket and kept the offense alive.
Later in the same quarter, DePietro surveyed the defense before the snap, demonstrating poise under pressure, and the team’s linebacker corps, including DePietro, shifted with the play.
In the fourth quarter, Brody Riedel of Long Beach broke loose for a long run, giving Long Island a crucial boost, while Mikey Russo of Lindenhurst attempted a pass on the move, showcasing dual-threat ability.
Jovan Greenhill of North Babylon celebrated a second‑quarter touchdown and later maintained control on his way to another score, highlighting his consistency in the red zone.
The leadership on the field was evident as Ryan Solomon of MacArthur and Christopher Biondi of Kellenberg led the team onto the field, orchestrating the offense and defense with veteran composure.
Beyond individual highlights, the bowl served as a barometer for Long Island’s football pipeline, with scouts noting the blend of size, speed, and tactical awareness that could shape the next generation of college and professional talent.
Future Implications
The performances not only entertained but also provided a clear signal to recruiters and college programs about the depth of talent emerging from Nassau and Suffolk counties. As the high school season concludes, many of these players are expected to attract scholarship offers and could become key contributors to future collegiate successes.