Northport 2011 Football Preview [Video]

Kip Lukralle’s team walked a tightrope last fall. Northport opened its football season 1-4 and stood at the edge of playoff oblivion.

Then came thrilling wins against , and to salvage the season and earn the Tigers a third straight playoff berth. But the defining moment came in a Suffolk Division I quarterfinal on the road against Connetquot. 

After getting blown out 40-26 in the season-opener to the T-Birds, you could excuse the naysayers predicting a similar outcome for Northport. Yet Lukralle’s team played physical ball and win.

Fast forward to 2011. The Tigers are the No. 4 seed in Division I and are saddled with a correspondingly tough schedule. In fact, six of eight opponents made the playoffs last season. So get ready for another wild ride.

Last Season: 5-5 (Suffolk Division I semifinals)

Coach: Kip Lukralle (26th season)

Top Players:

• John Barry, senior, OT / DT
• Jon Benitez, junior, RB
• Jake Davenport, senior, OT / DT
• Alex Egglinger, junior, OG / LB
• Sean Gilroy, junior, QB
• Ryan Kokel, senior, FB / LB

Position Breakdown: Sean Gilroy steps in at quarterback for graduated starter John Laurine, one of several seniors who must be replaced on offense. Junior running back Jon Benitez saw time last season and has the look of an explosive finisher. Sophomore Ken Ratigan shows promise at receiver.

The O line features three big returners, led by two-way tackles John Barry and Jake Davenport. Their senior leadership will be vital. Junior guard Alex Egglinger should have an impact too.

The defense, a unit that played so well for Northport down the stretch, is raw. Egglinger will start at linebacker alongside Ryan Kokell. As on offense, the D line should be a strength.

But in a division where the spread offense is in vogue, being big isn’t enough. Northport won’t be pushed around, but does it have the athletes to make plays in the open field?

Expectations: Anything less than a playoff berth will be a failure. But a high seed to go with a high graduation rate are not a good combination. The Tigers were clearly pegged with the seed based on past performance and not returning talent.

That said, Lukralle and his veteran staff have some nice pieces to play in this chess match. How they utilize talents such as Benitez and how quickly the team can jell will make all the difference between a 5-3 playoff run and a 3-5 also-ran.  

Schedule:

Patch created a Facebook page where you can follow the Tigers this season as they push for another playoff run.