Trojans Finish the Season with a Third Consecutive Long Island Championship

The Garden City Football team faced a barrage of doubts and uncertainties entering this week’s Long Island Championship. Despite crucial injuries, outsiders predicted an end to their journey at the hands of North Babylon, the Suffolk County Champions boasting Long Island’s highest-scoring offense. Yet, Garden City’s team and coaches remained resolute, sticking to their strategy. On November 25, 2023, at Kenneth LaValle Stadium, Stony Brook University, they clinched their third consecutive Long Island Championship with a resounding 38-7 victory, knotting a Long Island record.

Numerous players stepped up to secure this win. Junior standout Blake Cascadden assumed a larger offensive role in the absence of leading rusher Michael Berkery, tallying 144 rushing yards and two touchdowns from 13 carries. Senior Captain Matthew Liberopoulos, usually a defensive asset, made a pivotal offensive debut, snagging a crucial second-quarter touchdown and contributing six tackles and an interception on defense. Despite doubts surrounding his fitness, Aidan Considine exhibited remarkable determination, delivering a stellar defensive performance with five tackles and a sack. He even contributed on offense, garnering 60 yards from 10 rushes and scoring a touchdown. Carson Kraus at quarterback had 8 carries for 92 yards rushing and a touchdown.

Facing Long Island’s offensive powerhouse, North Babylon, renowned for their scoring prowess, Garden City’s defensive unit held firm, limiting them to a mere 78 rushing yards. Kicking off the scoring with a 37-yard field goal, Chris Desiderio maintained his perfect form, nailing all five extra points.

This triumph etched numerous records in Long Island’s history books. Garden City not only secured four consecutive undefeated seasons but also matched the record for most consecutive wins by a program at 42, shared with William Floyd. Furthermore, they stand as the sole program on Long Island to secure an eleventh Long Island Championship.

Reflecting on the victory, Garden City Head Coach Dave Ettinger expressed immense pride in his team’s resilience and unity. “I am proud of the young men on this team and how they handled the adversity, the challenges, and believed in each other. The legacy and tradition of Garden City mean a lot to them, and they weren’t willing to give that up today,” he shared passionately.