There’s a new Jets head coach in Matt Castenada and he’s installed a new-old offense – The Triple Option/Wing T.
Castenada, who had been defensive coordinator the past four years, played for former legendary head coach Vin Mascia as a receiver on the last East Meadow squad to win the Nassau County title in 2011.
“We’re going back to the triple option,’’ Castenada said. “I’m East-Meadow homegrown. I go back to the roots of Coach Mascia and the triple option offense I ran when I played for him.’’
The past two seasons, East Meadow ran the spread offense. It was effective in 2025 as it made the Conference II semifinals before being beat by juggernaut, Garden City, 49-0.
Despite its final 6-4 clip, there will be alignment changes to suit the Wing T – an old-school attack featuring two tailbacks and a fullback.
With its strong senior class led by Nick Schwabe, Castenada is thrilled to be in the top seat.
“It’s been great,’’ said Castenada, who becomes the program’s fifth coach in the last seven years. “I’m coming into a large senior class where there’s a lot of leadership in the program. They take accountability. They play and practice hard for us coaches,” he added.
Castenada’s biggest move is switching All-County stud, Schwabe, from receiver to having him alternate at running back.
“He’s going to be a Swiss army knife this year – a threat on the outside as receiver and will get his fair share running the ball,’’ Castenada said.
Schwabe, aiming to play in college, will also start at safety. “His defense is truly underrated as he covers a lot of ground from the safety position,’’ Castenada said.
In another giant move, Castenada is taking returning All-Conference player, Alex Lengu, off the offensive line to play fullback in the Wing T.
“We had a lack of depth on the O-Line (last year),’’ Castenada said. “The guard in a spread offense need to be lighter. I thought he was a running back last year playing on the offensive line. This year this offense gives him the opportunity to showcase his skills.’’
There is belief in new starting quarterback, Mike Petitto, who made two starts in 2025.
“He’s dual threat athlete,’’ Castenada said. “We’re looking to use his athletic attributes as a running quarterback this year as well.’’
In one of his two starts, he had a monster game versus Glen Cove with 283 passing yards and 42 rushing. “His arm is better than his legs but in this offense, he’ll showcase both,’’ Castenada said. “We’ll get some good play-action with this offense so he’ll be throwing the ball around.’’
The quarterback will get good protection from senior offensive /defensive lineman Kalem Calderon, who has started on both sides since sophomore year.
“He’s a game wrecker in the trenches as he has a good combo of strength and footwork,’’ Castenada said. “His get-off on the ball, there’s no stopping the kid. He’s got a motor like no other.’’
The wildcard to the Wing T could be Josh Perez, a senior who played receiver. He’s moving to running back to take advantage of three-back sets. He also starts at safety.
“His instincts on the football field are some of the best I’ve seen in a while, which is why he’ll be a playmaker on both sides,” Castenada said. “Josh will take this offense to a new level with his versatility in the backfield. He’ll be able to catch the ball out of the backfield. But he also can get loose in open space. He’s shifty and an underdog people don’t know about. But people are going to know who Josh Perez is.’’
Noah Garner is another senior contributor spotting at running back and safety. Underclassmen who will help are junior Alex Rosenkrantz (running back/cornerback), and sophomore linemen Vincent Gamer and Peter Rogers.
East Meadow’s comeback triumph over Calhoun in the first round last year was “huge’’ to the program, Castenada said.
“ I knew they were a firepower offense. I did everything I could as defensive coordinator to throw them off with presnap reads,’’ Castenada said.
Now he’s HC. “I know it’s a new offense but the kids have bought into the East Meadow tradition,’’ Castenada said. “We’re going to be tough.’’
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