Thursday, October 1, 2026
This is the season of redemption for North Shore’s football team.
Last season, the Vikings slipped out of the playoff race, finishing 2-7.
On Monday night, North Shore surpassed its win total of 2025 by beating Glen Cove, 24-7, in a Nassau Conference IV road win that kept “The Maroon’’ unbeaten at 3-0.
The first meeting between North Shore and Glen Cove since 2019 was originally slated for last Saturday but got postponed by the nor’easter.
“Glen Cove is a crosstown rival,’’ North Shore head coach Bill Madigan said. “The kids were excited to play in the game.’’
Junior quarterback Joey Cristofari ran for two touchdowns, gaining 96 yards on 12 attempts and senior running back Casey Gates compiled 157 yards on 13 attempts and a touchdown run.
This was more of a rushing domination. But Madigan, in his second season at the helm after taking over for Vikings legend Dan Agovino, has diversified the offense, sprinkling in more short passes.
Madigan had been Agovino’s offensive coordinator and the former Georgia Tech offensive lineman was known for his ground-and-pound attack.
“I’ve been happy with the way we’re distributing the ball, rushing well, passing well,’’ Madigan said. “We diversified more where we’re running more quick-passing schemes.’’
North Shore is averaging 37.6 points with prior wins over Carle Place (47-14) and Island Trees (42-27.)
“I’m really happy we came out, after not having a great season last year but with a lot of us returning, we’re an experienced group.’’ senior star tailback Casey Gates said. “We’re putting it together and the leadership has pushed us through. We’re playing pretty good football on both sides of the ball.’’
Defensively, Gates had an interception, as did defensive end Canon Evans.
Last season, eight sophomores were promoted to the varsity, joining a small senior class. Now there’s continuity. Cistofari is back at quarterback and Gates at tailback.
Cristofari, who started as a sophomore, entered the Glen Cove matchup completing 13 of 16 passes 308 yards and four touchdowns. He also now has 243 yards on the ground and five rushing scores.
“He’s throwing the ball better into windows, reading the defense better and getting the ball out quicker,’’ Madigan said.
Gates is also having a big year. He was a receiver as a sophomore but filled in late in the 2024 season at quarterback, doing a lot of rushing. Last year was his first full year as a rusher.
Gates thinks it took time to make the full adjustment from receiver to running back. “My O-Line has blocked great,’’ he said. “It’s all clicked for me this senior year so far.’’
Gates has racked up 395 yards and four touchdowns in three games. He also has over 100 yards as a receiver.
He’s been pretty dynamic,’’ Madigan said. “He’s hitting the hole harder, running more downhill, making the quick cut and following his blockers.’’
The receivers are Tommy Currant and Lukas Jovanovic, who has 130 yards and two touchdowns.
Curran has a touchdown reception and a rushing score He scored on a jet sweep versus Island Trees.
On defense, the Vikings are led by Evans, who has 2 sacks in the last two contests. Also a powerhouse on the line is run-stuffing defensive tackle Mike Laudisio. Against Glen Cove. Pavlos Papantoniou notched two sacks – one for a safety.
“The potential and goal is to get back into the playoff mix,’’ Madigan said. “We have good senior leadership. If we keep doing what we’re doing, we can get back to the playoffs.’’
Madigan was on the staff when North Shore won the Long Island championship in 2021. Now the sparkle has returned to the Sea Cliff/Glen Head program.
