Sports

Pear River, Tappan Zee Renew Orange Bowl Rivalry

Pearl River and Tappan Zee in football in 2010, when both programs had left Section 1 to play in an independent league. The Dutchmen won both meetings, including one in the playoffs.

The Pirates finally get another shot at their local rivals when Tappan Zee (3-1) plays at Pearl River (1-3) 3 p.m. Saturday.

"We're all ready to go against them," Pearl River senior tri-captain James Linnane said. "We've been itching for that Orange Bowl. We're ready to go against them."

"Obviously, regardless of the sport, our kids love to match up against Pearl River," Tappan Zee Head Coach Andy DiDomenico said.

The teams did face one another during a five-team preseason scrimmage at Clarkstown South in August, with Tappan Zee getting the better of Pearl River, but DiDomenico downplayed the impact of that meeting.

"It feels like a lifetime ago," DiDomenico said. "So many things change in the course of the season. (Pearl River Head Coach) Jeff (Michael) and I talked about it before the scrimmage. Any opportunity to get our kids competing against one another is a good thing.

"They know what we will do and we have a pretty good idea what they will do."

What Tappan Zee will do is run its single wing offense, which has given Pearl River problems in the past, partially because so few teams run it. The offense has put up big numbers in victories over Yorktown (34-33) and Eastchester (28-27) after facing questions coming into the season how they would replace all-time rushing and touchdown leader Joe Letizia. 

"We've just been able to spread the ball around and utilize all of our athletes," DiDomenico said "As coaches, we always had that security blanket with Joe Letizia. This year, we are more reliant on all of our guys. Week to week, it can change who will step up and make a play."

"That single wing is a headache," Michael said. "We will be prepared for them. the kids realize the opportunity they have. The playoffs would be a miracle for us right now, but maybe spoiling their season would be a nice touch for us. That and getting the Orange Bowl back."

Pearl River got its first victory of the season last week against Peekskill, but Tappan Zee is among the top contenders in Class A at 3-1. 

"We needed this going into TZ," Pearl River quarterback Chris Van Houten said. "They are a really good team. WE will play like today and hope for the best."

Van Houten is a key for Pearl River, which features a varied offense that will mix run and pass.

"Their quarterback is a great weapon," DiDomenico said. "He can do things with his arm, but also with his legs. They ahve some good receivers. Defensively, they come right at you and they play hard. That's nothing new. We'd like to get our offense rolling, but they will be right in our grill at every turn."

DiDomenico described his defense as "bend-but-don't break" and talked about how it had come up with big plays late in games. 

"Paul Holder flies under the radar on the defensive line," DiDomenico said. "He is a man among boys at times. He deserves to have his name out there."


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