Knights Conquer Monarchs On Homecoming
/By Jano Tantongco
jtantongco@longislandergroup.com
Knights seniors proudly pose right before their game against Bishop McGann-Mercy High School.
The Elwood-John Glenn Knights chopped down the Bishop McGann-Mercy High School Monarchs at Elwood’s homecoming game on Saturday for a 32-3 win to close up the regular season.
“It was a great homecoming victory on homecoming day,” head coach Dave Shanahan said. “It was a great program day. Everybody played, everybody got a lot of time. That makes me happy as a coach.”
The Knights made a strong push in the first quarter, raking in 19 points, riding their momentum for another 13 points in the second quarter.
Matt Tufano made an 85 yard-kickoff return to open up the game. Brett Ryan made off with 12 carries, gaining 125 yards and scoring two touchdowns. Peter Noonan nailed a touchdown with 2 yards. Kyle Szokoli went 5 of 8 for 73 yards. Damien Caffrey made a sack on defense and caught two balls for 40 yards. Nick Torzilli, caught three passes. Nathaniel Larkins earned an 85-yard touchdown run, as well.
The Knights closed up their season with a 6-2 record. Seeded 4th, they will play against Mt. Sinai on Saturday to begin their run in the playoffs.
The Elwood community gathered for the fanfare and revelry of the school district’s homecoming parade and football game.
Students at the high school created floats based on a children’s books for the parade.
Organizations of all kinds, including the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, joined to march alongside cheerleaders and the marching band.
Elwood Superintendent Kenneth Bossert joined in to walked and waved with the marchers.
“It was wonderful to see so many members of the community come out to support the athletic department,” Bossert stated. “The day's events were a great reflection of Elwood pride.”
Senior cheerleaders and football players were also treated to a special ceremony for Senior Day where each senior was called on with their parents to walk across the track.
During the football game’s halftime, the marching band, kickline and cheerleaders performed for the crowd with a myriad of acts. Glenn Principal Carisa Burzynski also announced the winners of the homecoming floats.
The freshmen class took first place with their “Very Hungry Caterpillar” float. The sophomores took second place for their Dr. Seuss-inspired “Lorax” float.
Burzynski welcomed the nominees for homecoming king and queen to the field. She announced Brett McNiff as the Homecoming King and Julia Rinaldi as Homecoming Queen.
