SSHS Football Opens Camp

South Side High School varsity football opened camp yesterday, and players participated in strength and conditioning drills, as well as individual position training without pads.

Coach Paul Mastronardi said he wanted one thing from his team this year."I want them to play hard in every game," he said.

Mastronardi noted that the team underwent a thorough conditioning program during the offseason, which he said prepared them for the upcoming season. "We have better leadership this year," he said. "We got a strong nucleus of returning players."

One of those players is senior Tyler Donogue. Mastronardi said he expects the three-year starting inside linebacker to be a key cog in their defense. "He's as strong as a house," Mastronardi said. "He brings a lot of experience to this team."

Another player Mastronardi pointed out was senior John O'Connor. He plays outside linebacker for the Cyclones, as well as offensive lineman, and Mastronardi explained that he'll need O'Connor to anchor its inexperienced offensive line. "He had a dedicated offseason," he said. "But the o-line needs work."

Ranked No. 9 in Division III, South Side has several powerhouses on its schedule, including No. 3 Hewlett and No. 5 Sewanhaka. South Side opens this year on Sept. 8 at No. 1 ranked Lawrence, who are the defending Nassau County champions. Mastronardi said he doesn't have any qualms with the schedule.

"There's not a team on this schedule we can't beat," he said.