Football Preview: Royals Strive For Playoff Success

The Royals football team is looking to go further into the post season than the last few years. The team returns to the practice field with 15 seniors, 10 juniors and two sophomores, with nine starters returning from last year on offense and eight starters coming back on defense.

"One of the goals we have is to make the playoffs this season and then to win a playoff game," said Port Jefferson varsity football head coach Jeff Koutsantanou as he spoke about his team’s aspirations shortly after a scrimmage on Wednesday evening. "We want to go further in the playoffs and after making it to the postseason two of the last three years, we want to take that next step and win there."

Returning key starters include All-County running back Dylan Ernst, a punishing runner as well as the team’s starting safety. His coach describes him as one of the Royals most physical players. Ernst, a senior, is expected to be one of the division’s standout backs once again.

Phil Lanieri, a phenomenal starter on Port Jeff's multiple championship winning basketball team last winter, starts at both wide receiver and cornerback and is a great athlete who gives his opponents a challenge on every play with his speed, athleticism and catching ability. His brother Anthony Lanieri, another outstanding starter on the basketball team, is back at tight end and his impressive height and leaping ability often causes opposing cornerbacks plenty of long days in a feeble attempt to cover him.

Port Jefferson will feature a veteran offensive line this season which includes starters Conner Guerin, Timmy Butera, starting tackle Mike O’Sullivan and Brett Ruggiero, all seniors except for Guerin.

"It’s a real veteran offensive line and we're excited about what they’re going to be able to do this season," Koutsantanou said.

The Royals line will give solid protection to one of the division's top passers in quarterback Dan Serignese, another returning All-County player who helped the Royals offense average better than 20 points per game last season while going 4-4.

"Our passing game is very good and our speed on the perimeter is also asset for us," said Koutsantanou.

Guerin, Butera, O’Sullivan, Ruggiero and Brandon Austin are all key components on Port Jefferson’s defensive line, which will be one of the Royals strengths this season and linebackers Tom Evangelista, a senior and Ryan Woodward, a sophomore are both quick tacklers who show good instincts and a nose for the ball according to Koutsantanou. Port Jefferson’s secondary is secured by cornerbacks Phil Lanieri and Brandon Fabbri along with safeties Ernst and Gerbino. Vinny Antonelli will do the kicking for the Royals this season.

When asked what his team needs to address more, Koutsantanou said, "We need to be better tacklers and improve on our run blocking, making sure we do a better job finishing our blocks and just improving our general execution."

Port Jefferson opens its season at Amityville on Sept. 10 at 2 p.m. The Royals play their first home game of the 2011 season on Friday Sept. 16 when they host a homecoming game against Southampton at 7 p.m.