Tornadoes Homecoming Loss Doesn’t Break Spirit

By Janee Law
jlaw@longislandergroup.com

Though the Tornadoes football team fall to the Rocky Point Eagles, 20-14, in its homecoming game on Saturday, Harborfields first year head coach Rocco Colucci said fans stayed to support his team throughout the game. He also said the Tornadoes never gave up hope.

“My kids refuse to lose,” Colucci said. “There was never a point in the game where I felt that these kids don’t think we’re going to win.”

He continued, “It’s never an easy game, but these kids, I think, have bought into that whole premises of not giving up until the clock says ‘0.’ ”

Photos courtesy of the Harborfields School District
The Harborfields marching band makes its way down the street during the district’s annual homecoming parade.

Harborfields’ homecoming celebration began with a homecoming parade beginning at the Harborfields Public Library. Homecoming king Koby Cordova and queen Jessica Martino waved and posed for pictures on the senior float. Floats in this year’s parade were based on a “holiday” theme.

Photos courtesy of the Harborfields School District
The Harborfields football team showed persistence and character during their homecoming game, said head coach Rocco Colucci. Above, Harborfields’ defensive line, left, tries to stop Rocky Point’s offense.

During the fourth quarter of the game, senior running back Mark Malico put the first touchdown on the scoreboard for the Tornadoes with a 1-yard run. Senior kicker Thomas Belsity then added the extra point to keep Harborfields within reach of Rocky Point, which led 13-7.

Photos courtesy of the Harborfields School District
omecoming queen Jessica Martino pictured with homecoming king Koby Cordova during Harborfields’ homecoming festivities.

Rocky Point answered with a touchdown of its own, but Harborfields senior wide receiver Andrew Loiacono caught a 70-yard bomb from junior quarterback PJ Clementi for another Tornadoes touchdown. Belsity delivered the extra point once more to bring the game to its final score of 20-14.

Photos courtesy of the Harborfields School District
Harborfields’ junior varsity cheerleaders get ready to cheer on their varsity football team during the homecoming game against Rocky Point.

The halftime celebration brought performances by the varsity cheerleaders, marching band and kickline squad. Former head coach Michael Potter was also given a special thanks for his 15-year span as head football coach. Potter took the field with his family and members of the district as the community showed their appreciation for his service.

As for Colucci, who took over for Potter this season, he said his first season at the helm has been “going very well.”

However, he added, it’s going to take time for the Tornadoes (3-2) to learn a brand new offense and defense under a brand new coaching staff.

“Everybody has stepped up” so far, he added.

Next on the schedule is a showdown with the Kings Park Kingsmen (2-3) scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Saturday at Kings Park High School.

For that game, Colucci said, the Tornadoes hope to limit both the offense and defense of Kings Park.

He added, “We’re going to try to establish our running game, as well as our throwing game and limit the turnovers because you never want to give a good team an extra possession.”

Following that, the Tornadoes are set to host their first ever night game at Harborfields High School on Friday, Oct. 21. They’re slated to take on Comsewogue (1-4) at 6:30 p.m