It doesn't take long for Delaney Israel to find his target.
Whether Longwood's junior quarterback chooses to launch deep or go for a shovel pass, there's always someone there.
“I was looking for guys. All of my receivers are capable and ready to catch the ball, so I don't have a favorite target,” Israel said. “I like to target different receivers because it confuses the defense.”
In a Suffolk I flag football game Friday afternoon, Israel completed 22 of 32 passes for 177 yards and three touchdowns as Longwood defeated visiting Sachem East 21-0. Ta. Each TD pass was caught by a different receiver.
Longwood (1-0-1) forced two turnovers on downs, but Israel needed just five plays to find sophomore Vinteya Rountree for a 12-yard score with 8:18 left in the first half. . The scoring drive was aided by two big receptions by Aliyah Khamis and Rountree of 18 and 15 yards, respectively.
Longwood WR Vinteya Rountree reacts after scoring a touchdown against Sachem East during a Division I flag football game Friday, April 5, 2024, at Longwood High School.Credit: George A. Faella
“We have a lot of weapons, we have a lot of great leaders on this team — you can hear it,” coach Aiden Smith said. “They are very vocal and communicate well with each other on every play.”
Longwood's Claire Sclafani had an interception on the ensuing possession, and Israel found Gisele Harris for a 13-yard touchdown with 3:55 left, marking the Lions' second score. Israel connected with Rountree again for the extra point and led 14-0 at halftime.
“I'm not used to catching the ball on defense, so it's always very exciting when I catch it,” Sclafani said. “I was in the right place. I knew who it was for and I knew I could beat her if I put my mind to it.”
Sclafani quickly adapted. His second interception late in the second half set up a five-play, 31-yard drive that ended with an 11-yard touchdown pass from Israel to Khamis, the Lions' winning score. Gianna Toney added the extra point.
Longwood held Sachem East to 128 yards of total offense (32 yards rushing). Sachem East's defense was led by Abby Morongello, Reece Malfetuone and Samantha Margiolis with interceptions. Quarterback Alexis Berger completed 13 of 25 attempts for 96 yards.
Longwood had the motivation to beat Sachem East (1-2) after dropping both matchups the past two seasons.
“This is the year I feel like we’re really connecting on the ground and solving problems,” Israel said.
Added Rountree: “We're focused on winning a championship this year, and judging by the communication on the field today, I think that's possible.”
