The Seaford Vikings are preparing for another shot at the Long Island Championship, aiming to complete their title run after a narrow 20-19 defeat last November. The team, which fell to Bayport-Blue Point on a last-second field goal, is entering the Conference IV playoffs with a 5-3 record.
Head coach Mike McHugh highlighted the team's dedication, noting, "I see a lot of commitment off the field, and a lot of personal commitment. Working out on their own … doing all the extra stuff … knowing their plays." This commitment is crucial as the Vikings prepare to face 6-seed North Shore on Friday night.
Junior quarterback Finn Curry expressed confidence in the team's progress. "I would honestly say our defense has stepped up every week. Our offense has been getting better every week — and just playing as a team," he said.
Despite losing a dozen players to injuries throughout the season, Seaford has adopted a "next-man-up" mentality. "Everything from dislocated elbows to concussions to shoulder injuries, knee injuries," McHugh stated. "But this is Seaford … as soon as somebody went down, there was somebody else to fill that slot."
The team's strong defensive performance has been a key factor this season, with junior linebacker Brock Conway reporting, "We’ve been getting shutouts a lot more than last year — three more than last year — Even with a bunch of guys hurt and new guys playing in position."
Senior left tackle and co-captain Anthony Foglia emphasized the team's unity. "It brings us all together," he said, referring to the team's tradition of bleaching their hair blonde in August, a symbol of their bond that typically lasts through the season. Foglia added that it's been an "easy task to lead everyone to go the right way, to push everyone to get better every day."
Senior running back Mikey Kofod expressed his desire to secure a Long Island title in his final season, stating, "Anything can happen, and every possession matters. Having the ball, not turning it over, is definitely going to be a big factor."
Conway also looks forward to potential rematches against strong opponents like second-seeded Lynbrook, who defeated Seaford 24-21 in week one, and top-seeded Floral Park, which narrowly won 14-13 in October.
"I like our chances, and I think this is a great group," McHugh concluded. "I think they’re all in, and we all believe."