By The TimesLedger
Bashkim Blaku Sr. OL/DL Bayside
A second-team player a season ago, Blaku receives first-team honors this year for his tenacious play on both sides of the ball. A proficient blocker on offense, Blaku also starred on the defensive line, stuffing the run. His lack of standout numbers belies his consistency and ability to disrupt the opposition.
Justin Capace Sr. NG Christ the King
Whenever attending a Christ the King football game, it was practically a near lock that Capace would have his name blared over the sound-system time and again. Simply put, the linebacker was everywhere on defense, making tackles on what seemed like every play. His play on defense made the Royals a feared team, even among the best teams in the CHSFL.
Michael Fladell Sr. OL/DL John Adams
Big. Fladell stands an imposing 6-foot-8 inchand tips the scales at close to 350 pounds. Already heading to Division I Rutgers University, Fladell was the most visible and, without doubt the most dominant offensive lineman in Queens this season. While many of his brethren find praise hard to come by, Fladell is not one of them.
Courtney Jones Sr. RB Campus Magnet
Jones averaged more than five yards per carry and rushed for seven touchdowns while helping the Bulldogs to the post-season. On defense the senior registered 42 tackles and picked off three passes. Coach Jimmy Ryan has a solid future with Jones expected back for two more seasons.
Robert Knight Sr. LB John Adams
Wearing No. 52, Knight was one of the most dominant defensive players in Queens this season. He led the Spartans in tackles with 69, registered five quarterback sacks and scooped up three fumbles, including one he returned for a touchdown. Knight helped lead Adams to its first playoff berth since 1993.
Anthony Lazarus Jr. RB Christ the King
Quite simply, Lazarus resurrected the Royals’ season with a brilliant second half, including bust-out performances against St. Francis Prep and Iona Prep in helping lead CK to the CHSFL ‘AA’ title. He ran for more than 1,000 this season and rushed for 167 yards and four touchdowns in the championship game.
Tristan Leefoon Sr. RB John Adams
Leefoon was the offense for the Spartans this year. He rushed for 779 yards on 100 carries, had eight catches for 112 yards, ran a kick back for six and scored 10 touchdowns in total. The only pass he threw all year was good for a score. On the other side of the ball, Leefoon had 42 tackles, six sacks and two fumble recoveries.
Peter Mazzurco Sr. QB St. Francis Prep
Mazzurco was as good a passer as there was in Queens, connecting on half of his 154 attempts for close to 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns. A solid punter as well, Mazzurco was presented the Monsignor Peters Award as the top scholar-athlete in the CHSFL with a 97 academic average.
Daniel Michitsch Sr. LB St. Francis Prep
Like Capace for Christ the King, Michitsch was everywhere on defense for St. Francis Prep, often registering double figures in tackles in some games. At 5-foot-9, 195-pounds, this year’s runner-up for CHSFL Defensive Player of the Year is undersized, but as rugged as they come. He is being recruited by Fordham.
Natale Modica Sr. RB St. Francis Prep
Modica is to St. Francis Prep what Tiki Barber is to the Giants. While not the most dominant back in the league, Modica still managed a 5.2 yards per carry and more than 100 all-purpose yards per game. He finished the season with six touchdowns, one through the air and five on the ground.
Brandon Rush Sr. LB/QB/FB Springfield Gdns.
Rush led Springfield to a 5-3 record, playing three positions. As a quarterback, Rush threw for 205 yards and two touchdowns, as a fullback, he ran for 371 yards and three touchdowns, and as a linebacker he had 44 tackles and two interceptions, one he returned for a touchdown. Rush, who has drawn interest from Wagner, also returned a kick 90 yards for a touchdown.
2002 TimesLedger All-Queens Second Team
Michael Conigliaro Sr. FB St. Francis Prep
Kenny Johnson Sr. DL Bayside
Eugene Liddie Sr. DB Campus Magnet
Ian Odom Sr. DB Campus Magnet
Kyle Piccirello Sr. QB John Adams
Almir Pupovic Sr. FB/LB William C. Bryant
Andre Redd Jr. WR Christ the King
Joe Ross Sr. OL August Martin
Shawn Stewart Jr. RB Holy Cross
U. Stowe Youman Fr. RB Bayside
Ron Whittingham Sr. RB/S Long Island City
