Port Football Hopes to Turn Program Around

The Port Washington Vikings aim for a competitive football season in 2011 under the leadership of new head coach Jamel Ramsay.

2010 Record : 0-8

Head Coach : Jamel Ramsay (1st year)

Standings : 14th (Conference I)

Key Players : “It’s a collective effort. All 11 have to play well,” Ramsay said. “So if we have a top athlete as far as running back or quarterback or receiver, but if we don’t have anyone on the same page, the [offensive] line isn't blocking or the [defensive] line isn't getting off the block and making tackles – its very hard for everyone else to play.”

Position Breakdown: This season, Ramsay is expecting a lot from his seniors. He is relying on their experience to boost the team. As last year’s junior varsity coach, Ramsay still made it to the varsity games as a spectator, so he knows the seniors' capabilities.

Since Shawn McKoy had a very productive year last year, Ramsay hopes he can bring that same kind of productivity to this year’s squad. As the running back and one of the fastest players on the field, the Vikings are looking to McKoy to score. “He plays hard, he practice hard and that’s one kid that if we have him playing well and everybody else helping him out, he should definitely carry the ball and score a lot of touchdowns,” Ramsay said.

At the center position, the Vikings need someone who can think on his feet and help control line. “Tommy Weil is one of the smartest guys on the field. He is the center so he has to tell the rest of the line which way they're going to protect and block,” Ramsay said. As long as Weil continues to communicate to his team and keeps his eyes open, he can have a tremendous year.

Another player who must always stay on on his toes is quarterback Tommy Maruscak. “The quarterback has to be smart, bottom line," Ramsay said. "He has to read the coverage and know who’s open.” 

Expectations: Ramsay didn’t inherit many of his predecessors, but that also means he has a blank canvas to work with. This year’s team will set the standards for Ramsay’s future teams that follow. “I also want to teach them the game of football, the ins and outs, not only how important it is to win, but also how important it is to be a competitor everyday,” Ramsay said. 

Ramsay is taking what he learned from playing collegiate football at C.W. Post and infusing it into his new system. “At Post we like to compete and we like to win so that’s the same type of mentality I want to instill in these guys,” Ramsay said. That should be easy enough considering the majority of Ramsay’s assistant coaches are alsofrom Post. This year’s team is surrounded by coaches who not only love the game, but know it well. This alone should help the team achieve one of their goals: do better than last year.

Schedule :  Sept. 10 – Port Washington @ Central High School, 1:30 p.m.; Sept. 17 – Uniondale @ Port Washington, 1:30 P.M.; Sept. 24 – Hicksville @ Port Washington, 1:30 p.m.; Oct. 1 - Port Washington @ Plainview JFK 3:00 p.m.; Oct. 6 – Massapequa @ Port Washington, 4:30 p.m.; Oct. 15 - Port Washington @ Hempstead, 2:00 p.m.; Oct. 21 - Port Washington @ Baldwin, 7:00 p.m.;  Oct. 29 – Mac Arthur @ Port Washington, 1:30 p.m.

News and Notes :The atmosphere in the varsity practices is one in which athletes can strive. They are being pushed to become better athletes but they can feel the positive attitude, motivation and confidence coming from their coaching staff.

“The attitude is different because we have new coaches to give us confidence,” said senior Shawn McKoy. The team already has a taste for success; they have won their preseason scrimmages and can use that as motivation.

“I want my kids to play hard and collectively, we will be one star,” Ramsay said.

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