The Massapequa Chiefs football team faced a tough test in their first round playoff game against Oceanside Saturday. Facing the top ranked team in Conference1, and their awesome aerial attack, the Chiefs found themselves on the short end of a 49-19 score.
Massapequa's defense got out to a strong start in the early minutes keeping Oceanside off the scoreboard. But with five minutes left in the quarter, Sailor's quarterback Tyler Heuer went deep to Gene Garay for a 46-yard reception scoring the first touchdown of the game. The extra point from Travis Feinberg was good making the score 7 to 0. Massapequa then got great field position after a return by Ian Lukaszewicz. The Chiefs drove down the field and quarterback Ryan Neu threw a screen pass to Vassili Grigorakos for a 25-yard touchdown, making the score 7 to 7. After the defense forced Oceanside to a punt, Massapequa got the ball back with a minute left in the quarter. But Neu threw an interception to Nick Sherry who ran the ball 22 yards and scored Oceanside's second touchdown of the game making the score 14 to 7. Massapequa then fumbled giving Oceanside the ball on Massapequa's 32-yard line to start the second quarter.
Less than 30 seconds into the quarter, Garay rushed the ball 23 yards to get even closer to the end zone. Heuer followed with a 9-yard touchdown pass making the score 21 to 7. On their next possession, Heuer connected again with Garay for a 73 yard touchdown, bringing the score to 28 to 7. Massapequa couldn't get their offense going and punted on their next possession, but Heuer threw an interception to Rich Staubitz who ran the ball 14 yards, giving the Chiefs a defensive touchdown. Kicker Adam Ashwami missed the extra point making the score 28 to 13 at the half.
Find out what's happening in Massapequawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The Oceanside wave continued early in the third quarter as running back Chris Flynn ran the ball 76 yards making the score 35 to 13. Massapequa got the ball back at midfield. But Massapequa fumbled and Sherry ran the ball 42 yards for yet another touchdown, upping the score 42 to 13. But another Massapequa turnover on an interception led to Sherry ran the ball in for his third touchdown of the game putting things out of reach 49-13.
Oceanside pulled most of their starters in the fourth quarter which was scoreless until Massapequa scored a late touchdown.
Find out what's happening in Massapequawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
SCORE: 49-19
RECORD: Oceanside (8-1), Massapequa (4-5)
HERO: This was a big year for Oceanside's wide receiver Gene Garay. He is this years Nassau County leader for total yards and leader in touchdowns for a single season (14). In this game he scored three out of the seven touchdowns.
TURNING POINT: The two second half turnovers that led to touchdowns for Oceanside.
THE QUOTE: Massapequa Head Coach Pat Nolan declined comment on the game.
WHAT'S NEXT: This was the last game of the season for Massapequa Chiefs who finished 4-4 in the regular season. The top four teams remaining in the Playoffs will play this Thursday at Hofstra University.
