Sophomore Joey Capobianco, Lawrence’s starting quarterback, broke a 41-year-old Nassau County playoff record on Saturday throwing 333 yards, leading his team to a 64-34 win over Plainedge for the Nassau conference III title at Hoftra’s James Shuart Stadium.
At the start, all eyes were on Lawrence’s Fredericks brothers, and while Junior Tyler Fredericks rushed 114 yards and scored three touchdowns, Lawrence’s quarterback turned the field into a passing clinic, throwing 11-18 by the end of the day.
“I knew I had to come out big today,” Capobianco said. “They thought the Fredericks were going to take the game over, but our whole line blocked.”
The Golden Tornadoes defense had two sacks and held The Red Devils' running backs to just more than 100 yards.
“We just had a hell of a game all around,” he added.
Plainedge came out strong, stopping Lawrence’s opening drive and answering with the first touchdown of the game on a short run from their sophomore running back Gianfranco Soriente.
Plainedge was within five at the end of the first half, following a Jordan Fredericks late second quarter touchdown with just one minute left on the clock.
The Red Devils were held to just one touchdown for the remainder of the game while Lawrence interceptions and offensive missed opportunities ultimately decided their defeat.
Plainedge head coach Rob Shaver watched his starting quarterback, Nick Frenger, pass for an astonishing 271 yards but still falling short to a superior Lawrence offense.
“We didn't make plays when we needed to,” Shaver said. “We had a couple opportunities where we had some great things done, but we just dropped some balls and didn't execute.”
Receiving a total 147 yards with two touchdowns, junior Ed Robinson stepped up under pressure to help his team make a triumphant return after at the championship game against Lynbrook.
“We knew they were going to come out a little bit to stop the run,” Robinson said. “ Even if it's third and long, I truly have faith in our offense that we’re going to get the first down no matter what.”
By the end of the game, both teams combined for 990 total yards and the top-ranked Golden Tornadoes won their fourth championship in six years.
Lawrence will next play in the Long Island championship on Sunday, Nov. 27, at Stony Brook University.
“Right now, all I’m worried about is the LSC,” Robinson said. “We’re more of a family now.”
