Half Hollow Hills High School East 2023 Football Awards

Coaches, players, parents and everyone associated with Thunderbirds football at Half Hollow Hills High School East in Dix Hills recently gathered for a celebration and the presentation of awards following another successful season. Though the team didn’t win the 2023 Suffolk County Section XI Division II semifinal game, the 8-2 season won-loss record (league 7-1) placed more spotlights on ongoing offense and defense improvements that now consistently transfer forward to each new season.

“We had a good year,” said Head Coach Alex Marcelin. “Our league record was the best in school history, and we did this with young starters. Eight were sophomores and the remainder were juniors. Though we are losing key players to graduation, about 90 percent of the team is returning. This includes the entire offensive line along with running back Daniel White (all-state and all-region) and receivers Lucas Martin (all-county, all-state and all-region), Logan Solar and Tyler Sanders. As always, our goal is to bring a championship to Hills East.”

The Hills East coaching staff includes Braddon Brightman (offensive coordinator) Brian Hanover (line coach) and John Ruggerio (defensive coordinator) along with Vinny Deriso, Cameron Jordan, Matt Lederer and Cole Montalvo. Deriso is owner of Revolution Fitness gym in East Northport, site of the team’s off-season training.

2023 Football Awards

• Scott McLam Team MVP Award -- Lucas Martin
• James C. Metzger Offensive MVP Award -- Jordan Heyman
• Fred O’Meally Defensive MVP Award -- Max Kulberg
• Joel Hammond Lineman of the Year Award --Rafael Hernandez
• Ed Howard Scholar Athlete Award -- Tyler Sanders
• Joe Marotta Coaches Award -- Daniel White
• Jim Miller Coaches Award --Logan Solar
• Morton Simeon Bouchard III Coaches Award -- Brendan Tills
• Matt Dunigan Coaches Award -- Treyvon Cole Jekins
• Joe Maehr Coaches Award --Max Futter
• Sal Naro Coaches Award -- Noah Chlap
• Thomas Teresky Coaches Award -- Gianluca D'Amico
• Mike Everret Coaches Award -- Sebastian Damis

2023 Scholarship Awards

• Jaiden Green - Hills East Booster Club
• Semaj London – James C. Metzger Scholarship