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Eastport-South Manor Jr/SR High School fielded its first varsity football team in the Fall of 2004 under Head Coach Don Nelson who came to ESM from the highly successful Bellport football program. Although that first team lacked numbers, size and experience, they played with heart and desire in spite of their 0-8 record in Division 3. The 2004 team set the foundation for all future ESM Shark football teams with their enthusiasm and pride.

The 2005 team came back with a little more experience and posted a 2-7 record, 1-7 in Division 3. The program's first varsity win came at home in week 1 against Smithtown East, a hard fought 15-14 win. The team finished the season on a positive note with a 48-0 non-league win at home against Wyandanch.

The 2006 team was again undersized and undermanned with only 23 players on the roster at seasons end. They played hard dispite posting an 0-8 record. They did win the Suffolk County Officials Sportsmanship Award and Scholar Athlete Team Award.

The 2007 Sharks started with high hopes, but finished the season with a 1-7 division record. The highlight of the season was an exciting 19-12 victory at Hauppauge in front of approximately 2000 Homecoming Day Eagle fans. The 2007 teams was also named a scholar athlete team. This season marked the end of Coach Nelson's tenure as Head Coach at ESM.

In 2008, the administration hired a new Head Football Coach, Brian Sacks who came to ESM from Stuyvesant HS in New York City. The 2008 season was a learning experience for both the players and the new coaching staff. A new spread offense was installed as well as new 3-5-3 defensive schemes. The Sharks finished with an 0-9 record but with only four senior starters, lots of underclassmen received valuable varsity game experience. The team was named a 2008 Scholar Athlete team.

The 2009 team returned with 14 seniors and many experienced returning starters who spent the off season weight and speed training. With a new turf field and Friday night lights at their stadium, the Sharks were looking to change the fortunes of the ESM football program. The season started with a heartbreaking last minute loss at East Hampton. The team rebounded to finish with a 5-3 regular season record and a perfect 4-0 record at home. Wins against Huntington, Miller Place, Deer Park, Comsewogue, and Harborfields qualified the team for the Division 3 Playoffs for the first time in school history. The Sharks lost to eventual Suffolk County and Long Island Champion Half Hollow Hills West in the first round playoff game. Overall the season was a success and had many first time accomplishments. The Sharks set team records for most wins, most points scored, least points allowed, most yardage gained and least yardage allowed. In addition, team and individual records were set for rushing yards, pass completions, pass catches and pass receiving yards, tackles, sacks and interceptions. This 2009 Shark team can look back and be remembered as the team that helped change the culture and elevated the expectations of ESM Football.

The 2010 Sharks started the season with a lot of enthusiasm and were looking to make another run at the playoffs. The season started with an exciting come from behind win against local rival Westhampton Beach. A toss loss to eventual Division 3 Champion Sayville and a Homecoming win against Harborfields had the Sharks right in the playoff hunt. Unfortunately there were a couple of season ending injuries to key players that would negatively impact the Sharks on both sides of the ball. The Sharks continued to play hard behind the play of several seniors who had outstanding seasons. This team set team records in TD passes caught and receiving yards but were unable to earn a win in their last 5 games. The Sharks finished the season with a disappointing 2-6 record.

In 2011 the ESM administration hired Paul Mastronardi to lead the Sharks football program after Coach Brian Sacks resigned because his teaching position at ESM was excessed. Coach Mastronardi has 20 years of coaching experience and came to ESM from Southside HS in Nassau County. He brought in a experienced coaching staff and a very disciplined summer camp attitude. The players had to adapt to new coaches and a ground and pound Pro Set I offensive scheme and the 4-4-3 defense. The Sharks had wins over Rocky Point, East Hampton and Harborfields to finish with a 3-5 overall record. The Sharks were in the playoff hunt right down to their last game but unfortunately they were defeated by a strong Islip team and eliminated from playoff contention. The Sharks hope to build upon their experience this season to come back strong in 2012.  

 

 

 



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