Mepham splashes past Calhoun

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No one has been able to slow down Mepham running back Michael Valentino yet this season. And after last Friday night, you can add Calhoun and Mother Nature to the list of those who have tried and failed. 

Valentino ran for 140 yards, and found the end zone four times, to help lead the Pirates to a 29-7 Conference II football victory on a miserably wet and windy evening in Bellmore. It was his third game with at least three rushing touchdowns this season.

“(Valentino) is one of the premier players in the county,” Mepham head coach Anthony Cracco said. “We thought we did a great job up front, got good movement and opened up holes for him. Definitely a good win.”

With less than ideal passing conditions, both teams rode their rushing attacks most of the way. While Valentino put forth a dominant effort, the Colts had trouble sustaining drives. Calhoun also struggled in the special teams’ department, handing the Pirates’ offense favorable field position on multiple occasions. 

“We didn’t execute on our side,” Colts head coach Brian Moeller said. “We handed them 14 points with bad punts, and it’s hard to overcome that against a good quality team.”

Mepham struck early in the game on a 10-yard touchdown rush from Valentino. The Pirates had an 8-0 advantage, after junior quarterback Michael Proios connected in the end zone with senior wide receiver Tristan Saade on the two-point conversion attempt. 

Senior halfback Thomas Cummings provided a quick response for Calhoun, breaking off a 45-yard run for a touchdown. The Colts trailed by just a point after one.

In the second quarter, Mepham added to its lead, thanks to a highlight reel score by Valentino. The Pirates were about 25 yards shy of Calhoun’s goal line, and Valentino tried to rush the ball to the left side of the field. He was met with heavy resistance, so decided to change his course of direction.

“I didn’t really see anything on the left, so I cut it back to the right side of the field and it was wide open,” Valentino said. “My receiver gave me an awesome block, and it just worked out.”

Valentino ran all the way to the right side of the end zone, putting Mepham back up by eight. He rushed for another touchdown before the end of the half, allowing the Pirates to enter the locker room up 22-7. 

The senior struck yet again for seven points in the third, effectively putting the game out of reach. Valentino was quick to give his teammates plenty of credit for his big day.

“We have a great line up front, and great receivers that block on the outside,” he said. “They were able to give me lanes to work with. And ultimately, if I get a lane that is all I need.”

Mepham has won two games in a row, and seemingly put its disappointing defeat to Long Beach behind. The Colts stand at 1-3, and will look to rebound at home against Great Neck North.