Lawrence Golden Tornadoes sophomore quarterback Joe Capobianco will be one of 25 quarterbacks to compete this Sunday in the first-ever Tri-State Quarterback Showdown.
The competition will take place at New Rochelle High School and will air at noon on MSG Varsity (Cablevision subscription required).
“I’m honored. I didn’t really know I was capable of being in this,” Capobianco told Patch. “When I first learned I was top 25, I was astonished. It’s making me work hard. I like competition like that.”
The showdown will challenge the quarterbacks in a series of drills and events testing speed, strength, accuracy and mechanics, according to MSG Varsity.
It will be judged by sportscaster and former New York Giant Phil Simms; Amani Toomer, an MSG Varsity sportscaster and former New York Giant; New York Jets Quarterback Greg McElroy; and Mike Teel, a former NFL Player and current QB coach for Wagner College.
“I’m expecting to see real deal quarterbacks,” Capobianco said. “If I’m next to one of the best quarterbacks in New York, it shows how good I am to college coaches.”
The sophomore set several records during the Golden Tornadoes’ 2011 season that saw the team . Capobianco holds the all-time mark on Long Island for passing yards in a championship game (541), touchdown passes (seven) and completions (27).
Capobianco hit the baseball field after the football season ended, but he has not stopped practicing.
“Football is nonstop. It’s year-round for me,” he said. “I just can’t wait -- this is as much a learning experience as a competition.”
As part of the competition, the quarterback is bringing along freshman Jordan Fredericks as his wide receiver, whom Capobianco said he has “great chemistry” with.
The QB said he is already focused on next season, where he is looking forward to playing with the same offensive line that helped him put up his big numbers this past season.
“This season we have high expectations,” he said. “We have a great group coming back. Our goal is [the Long Island Championship] and nothing else.”
