The Fall sports season is officially underway in West Hempstead. Here's a look at three of the Rams teams who are off to great starts and hoping to go far this year.
West Hempstead
- Football
2011 Record: 6-3
The Rams had one of their most successful seasons in recent years last fall with a 6-3 record and a loss to East Rockaway in the Conference 4 quarterfinals. They will be looking to equal or do better this year with the return of some key players.
They will have a dual threat at running back this season with the return of senior Tayvon Hall and junior Enrique McFarlane. The dynamic duo will look to gain plenty of yards on the ground for West Hempstead. Returning fullback Ousmane Camara will help the Rams pick up yards on the ground.
"We will be competitive in our conference again this year and hope to be one of the eight teams to make it into the playoffs," said head coach Dom Carre.
So far, West Hempstead has had a strong start to the 2012 football season with victories over Cold Spring Harbor (34-0) and Clarke (28-16).
- Boys Soccer
2011 Record: 6-5-1
The Rams bring back a a veteran group on defense and a nice mix of young players at some key positions. "We should be able to build off of last year's success if we stay healthy, follow the blueprint and continue to improve," said head coach Chris Van Kovics.
Some key returning players include 2011 All County Honorable Mention Award Winner Marco Flores (sweeper) and 2011 All Conference Award Winners Luis Polomo (keeper) and Kevin Macario (defense/midfielder.)
New additions to the team include Carmine Fuschetto, Robert Grogan and Woodie Cheu.
The varsity Rams won their season-opener against Seaford (2-0) but lost to Island Trees (1-0) on Thursday.
- Girls Soccer
2011 Record: 3-8-2
Despite a rough 2011, West Hempstead's Lady Rams are also starting the 2012 season off with a winning streak after back-to-back victories over Oyster Bay (1-0) and Hewlett (2-0). Leading the way is Nia Jones, who has scored all three goals so far this season, and in net, Jackie Christenson has kept the opposition scoreless with 11 saves.
Check back all throughout this week for profiles on high school teams from Malverne, West Hempstead and Lynbrook.
