Third-teamers best from Section 4 on large-school all-state football teams

A couple third-team defenders are highest-regarded among Section 4 representatives on New York State Sports Writers Association large-school all-state football teams.

Backs Bradock Salisbury of Horseheads and fellow senior Liam Nealy of Vestal are recognized as third-team selections in Class A. Their teams met to decide the champion of Section 4’s three-team Class A group, with the Golden Bears 40-14 winners before their state quarterfinal ouster at the hands of Whitesboro.

Salisbury was recipient of the Ernie Davis Award, which goes to a player from one of the three Chemung County football programs based on football accomplishments, academic achievement and character. He had 32 tackles, returned a fumble 65 yards for a touchdown and rushed 77 times for 787 yards and 10 touchdowns. He had 18 receptions for 253 yards and three TDs.

Nealy, acknowledged as Vestal’s finest both-way player, made 97 tackles and rushed for 1,097 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Top billing from Section 4 Class AA goes to Johnnie Garcia, a senior linebacker from Elmira selected to the fourth team. Elmira emerged from the section’s three-team Class AA group and dropped its state quarterfinal against Syracuse CBA.

All-state teams are compiled by the NYSSWA’s Steve Grandin, Saratoga Springs resident who formerly served as sports editor of The Saratogian, following consultation with an extensive network of media members statewide.

All-state teams in Classes B, C and D, released last week, featured three Players of the Year to go with 15 first-team selections.

CLASS AA

Co-Players of the Year: Syair Torrence, Christian Brothers Acad-3 (OE/LB, Sr., 5-11, 200) & Rich Belin, Cardinal Hayes-CHS (QB, Jr., 5-11, 180).

First team offense: QB-Gary Merrill, St. Anthony's-CHS Jr. 6-1, 170; RB-Tyler Villalta, Massapequa-8 Jr. 5-11, 170; RB-E'Ryan Lawrence, Bennett-6 Jr. 6-1, 170; RB-Jamier Handford, Christian Brothers Acad-3 Sr. 5-11, 190; E-Korey Duff Jr., St. Anthony's-CHS      Sr. 6-5, 210; E-Jameer Thomas, Bennett-6 Sr. 5-10, 175; E-Darien Williams, Christian Brothers Acad-3 Jr. 5-10, 165; L-Marcus Harrison, St. Francis-MMA Sr. 6-8, 335; L-Rowan Byrne, Iona Prep-CHS Jr. 6-5, 295; L-Colin Cubberly, Arlington-1 Sr. 6-6, 300; L-Angelo Novello, Tottenville-PSAL Sr. 5-10, 240; AP-Donald Jones, Christian Brothers Academy-2 Sr. 5-9, 170; PK-Sam Bisesi, Iona Prep-CHS Sr. 6-1, 180.

First team defense: L-Jason Kovaluskie, Massapequa-8 Sr. 6-1, 265; L-Anthony DiMenna, Sachem North-11 Sr. 6-6, 285; L-Aaron Fisher, William Floyd-11 Jr. 6-2, 250; L-Zakar Moore, Iona Prep-CHS Sr. 6-2, 280; L-Caden Brown, Erasmus Hall-PSAL Sr. 6-3, 220; LB-Sal Posillico, Farmingdale-8 Sr. 5-9, 180; LB-Ryan Wiezorek, Massapequa-8 Sr. 6-2, 200; B-Caden Lesiewicz, William Floyd-11 Sr. 5-11, 190; B-Jawara Keahey, North Babylon-11 Jr. 5-9, 150; B-Deonte Douglas, Archbishop Stepinac-CHS Sr. 6-0, 185; B-Sam Madu, Archbishop Stepinac-CHS Sr. 6-2, 180.

Section 4 Selections

Fourth team defense: LB-Johnnie Garcia, Elmira Sr. 6-1, 170.

Fifth team offense: RB-James Freeman, Corning Jr. 5-11, 175.

Honorable mention: RB-A.J. Thomas (Corning Sr.), Kayon Flint (Elmira Jr.). OE-Jack Bierman (Corning Sr.), Chris Woodard (Elmira Sr.).

CLASS A

Co-Players of the Year: Ryan Cole, Somers-1 (DL, Sr., 6-2, 210) & Sebastian Regis, East Islip-11 (DL/OL, Sr., 6-1, 265).

First team offense: QB-Joseph Filardi, Half Hollow Hills West-11 Jr. 6-1, 170; QB-Mac Sullivan, Somers-1 Sr. 6-5, 210; RB-Michael Berkery, Garden City-8    Jr. 5-11, 170; RB-Rocco Carpinello, West Islip-11 Sr. 6-0, 180; RB-Mason Kelly, Somers-1 Jr. 6-0, 175; E-Jack Melore, Smithtown West-11 Sr. 6-1, 185; E-Dean Palazzolo, Somers-1 So. 5-9, 165; E-Boakai Veikai, Moore Catholic-CHS Sr. 6-4, 190; L-Hezekiah Mercado, Kenmore West-6 Sr. 6-3, 290; L-Tyrone Davis, Corcoran-3 Sr. 6-4, 295; L-Aqil Meredith-Smith, Moore Catholic-CHS Sr. 6-4, 285; AP-Travis Gamble, A. Philip Randolph-PSAL So. 5-7, 160; PK-Lance Maiberg, St. John the Baptist-CHS Sr. 6-1, 205.

First team defense: L-Bobby Galindo, South Side-8 Sr. 6-3, 295; L-Jack O'Neill, Garden City-8 Sr. 6-0, 215; L-Artin Balidemaj, Harrison-1 Jr. 6-4, 235; LB-Chris Piropato, West Islip-11 Sr. 6-0, 185; LB-Hayden Arrison, Clarence-6 Sr. 6-0, 200; LB-Isaiah Vanterpool, Moore Catholic-CHS Jr. 6-2, 190; LB-Taj Bailey, Boys & Girls-PSAL Jr. 6-2, 175; B-Matthew Liberopoulus, Garden City-8 Sr. 5-11, 185; B-Jack Mulholland, Manhasset-8 Sr. 6-3, 225; B-Matt McIntee, East Islip-11 Sr. 6-2, 180; B-Hayden Lovinsky, Deer Park-11 Sr. 5-9, 175.

Section 4 Selections

Third team defense: B-Bradock Salisbury, Horseheads Sr. 5-8, 170; B-Liam Nealy, Vestal Sr. 5-11, 185.

Fourth team defense: L-Jaylon Yearwood, Union-Endicott Sr. 6-1, 215.

Fifth team offense: QB-Cam Schaffer, Vestal-4 Sr. 5-11, 205.

Fifth team defense: L-Qymani Viera-Powell, Union-Endicott Sr. 5-8, 247.

Honorable mention: RB- Josh McCawley (Horseheads Sr.). OE- J.T. Gannon (Vestal So.). L-Joe Mihalko (Union-Endicott Sr.), Taliq Weigle (Horseheads Sr.). LB-Griffin Stevens (Horseheads Jr.). DB-Cooper Hughes (Union-Endicott Sr.).

This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Third-teamers best from Section 4 on large-school all-state football