Garden City Trojans Make History with 63-Game Winning Streak
Garden City has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in New York high school football. The Trojans secured their place in history this year by defeating Baldwin 31-0 in the quarterfinals, achieving an impressive record of 63 consecutive wins dating back to 2020. This remarkable streak follows a setback against Lindenhurst in the Long Island title game the previous season.
Coach Dave Ettinger’s Winning Mentality
Head coach Dave Ettinger has been at the helm of this successful program, guiding the team to nine Nassau County titles and five Long Island championships. “To be at the top of New York State is something that the program deserves,” Ettinger expressed, illustrating his commitment to developing a winning culture.
Focus on the Future
While the team has achieved considerable success, Ettinger emphasizes the importance of focusing on the next challenge. "We need a clean, focused game… trying to make them do some different things to beat us and executing on offense," he stated, shedding light on the team’s preparation strategies.
A New Challenge Ahead
As the Trojans set their sights on game No. 64, they will face East Meadow in the semifinal match. This matchup is critical for reasons beyond merely continuing their record streak. The objective is to secure Nassau title No. 10, as the team adheres to a one-week-at-a-time philosophy. “I don’t think that they’ve gotten ahead of themselves,” Ettinger remarked about his players’ focus.
The Trojans’ Unique Team Culture
The Garden City Trojans distinguish themselves not only with their performance on the field but also through their remarkable maturity. Unlike many high school teams, they have fostered a culture of discipline, focusing on the game rather than engaging in typical adolescent antics. “We’re pretty boring,” Ettinger joked, highlighting the team’s no-nonsense approach to preparation.
Key Matchups in Long Island Football
In addition to Garden City’s high-stakes semifinal, the Long Island football landscape features other crucial games this weekend:
- Long Beach (7-2) vs. Mepham (7-1): A semifinal clash scheduled for Sunday at 10:30 a.m. at Hofstra University. The winner will face the victor of Garden City vs. East Meadow in the Conference II finals.
- Massapequa (9-0) vs. Syosset (5-4): Another semifinal matchup in Conference I, taking place at Hofstra at 4 p.m. on Friday.
Looking Ahead
As the playoffs progress, all eyes will be on Garden City as they aim for another title, underlining their dominance in New York high school football. Stay tuned for updates on their quest for success and the continuation of their historic winning streak.
For more information on high school football in New York, visit NYS High School Sports.
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