First victory for new ASD head coach Frank DeVenuto

by Ron Busse

Gifted halfback Max Rose scored three touchdowns in helping the Amityville Warriors gain a 34-15 win over Deer Park. It was head coach Frank DeVenuto’s first victory since replacing retired 18-year veteran coach Len Mattera.

One of only three returning starters, senior Rose wasted no time bringing opening kickoff back 95 yards for a touchdown. The extra point, one of two kicked by Rose, gave the Warriors (1-2) an early 7-0 lead...and they never looked back.

Rose returned a 15-yard fumble recovery for his second TD and scored on an eight-yard run for number three, totaling 307 all-purpose yards on the day. Senior tight end/defensive end Danny Heffron led the defense with 14 tackles and caught a second quarter 27-yard touchdown pass to help the offense. Andre Anderson contributed defensively with 10 tackles and two sacks to hold Deer Park (0-3) in check.

Undefeated in 2000, Amityville graduated 17 seniors which included two-time All-Long Island halfback Eugene Nottingham and quarterback Tristan Smith.

This year it’s up to Rose to jump start the offense and direct the defense. Though their chances of capturing a third consecutive Suffolk Division III title are slim, Coach DeVenuto, his players and coaching staff are committed to continue the Warrior’s winning tradition.