Hicksville fumbled twice on its first three plays of the second half, with one setting up another Central touchdown as Friscia connected with Falana in the end zone on a 20-yard pass. The Comets picked up their only points on a 41-yard run by Thomas Orlando. Central responded with a 75-yard touchdown run by Jackson.

Eagles head coach Frank Chimenti said his players fed off an energetic crowd. “It was a good win for us,” he said. “We came out real well. The kids were fired up.”

Chimenti said the team is getting big contributions from Castillo, Falana and Friscia, and will need them to continue their level of play moving forward.

“He’s probably the best player I’ve coached since I’ve been here,” Chimenti said of Castillo. “He’s big, He’s physical. He loves to get the ball.”

This Friday, night, Central takes on the Plainview-JFK Hawks on the road, a game that Chimenti said will be crucial in determining where his team stands.