Golden Tornadoes QB Named Best Player in State

Lawrence Golden Tornadoes quarterback Joe Capobianco has been named the Class A Player of the Year by the New York State Sportswriters Association.

The junior played a huge role in leading the Golden Tornadoes’ undefeated 2012 season and eventual victory at both the Nassau and Long Island championships. The accolade comes from the 45-year old group, which compiles rankings and statistics on scholastic athletics in the state.

“It’s an honor to be named Class A Player of the Year and I owe this all to my coaches and my teammates,” Capobianco told Patch. “Working hard all year paid off and I’m looking forward to another great season next year.”

Golden Tornadoes Coach Joe Martillotti said he didn’t find it surprising that his quarterback got the nod.

“He’s a hell of a football player,” said Martillotti, who nominated Capobianco for the award. “He’s the best quarterback in New York State. He threw one more touchdown pass (38) than incompletion (37) -- that’s insane.”

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Capobianco wasn’t the only Golden Tornado to be recognized by NYSSWA. Wide receiver Ed Robinson, a senior, was also named to the group’s first team.

“He’s an amazing athlete and did great things,” Martillotti said of Robinson. “He’s going to have a very successful career."

Robinson has verbally committed to play at Colgate next year.

Martillotti said that the current team may be the best yet and pointed to its amazing numbers throughout the season.

“These kids were focused all year. It was never about awards or accolades, it was about winning the Long Island Championship,” he said. “It’s great to see these kids awarded for what they’ve done.”