Huntington's Demanding Coach
John Pagano is a demanding coach. The Huntington High School boys' soccer mentor doesn't like excuses and he never makes any for himself or his team.
The Blue Devils are in the midst of a rigorous round of early season practices designed to get players in tip-top physical condition and to develop and polish the skills the group will need to successfully compete in Suffolk's large school division.
"We moved up into AA this year and are in the same league as county runner-up Half Hollow Hills East," Pagano said about the jump from the small school Class A to large school Class AA category. "We feel that we have a good young nucleus and can contend for a play-off spot."
Huntington, which finished 6-8 in 2009, has become increasingly competitive during Pagano's tenure and no opponent can afford to take the Blue Devils lightly. How this coming season will shake out is anyone's guess at this point, but it's a given that Huntington will be well-prepared for every game on its schedule.
The Blue Devils return All-Conference Anthony Catarino and All-League Christian Caballero. The two seniors, along with Christian Campos and Carlos Marquez, will provide the team with potent offense.
Catarino scored five goals last fall from his midfield position and Caballero, a strong forward, put the ball in the net four times. Marquez, another tough forward, scored five goals in 2009 and Pagano hopes the talented junior can add to that total.
The Blue Devils will depend on E.J. Connell and Matt Curley in goal. Connell compiled three shutouts last season and has grown into one of the county's best at the position.
Last season was highlighted by the team's three overtime victories. "Seventy-five percent of our games were decided by one goal or less," said Pagano, who will again be assisted by Jason Suarez. "We need to win those games."