Two teams across the Port Jefferson School District had much to celebrate this past week. The newly appointed head coaches of the boys’ varsity soccer team and the varsity football each took home their first victories at the helm.
“I’m proud of our student-athletes to this point,” said Bryan Vaccaro, Port Jefferson’s varsity boys’ soccer coach. His club defeated Smithtown Christian 2-0 last Wednesday,
September 14 – marking their first win of the season, and improving their record to 1-4.
“From the first day of practice, we’ve worked towards our goals of changing the perception and the culture of the program. They prove on a daily basis that’s the case. We hope that more winning days are ahead and return to our program’s history of winning on a consistent basis,” Vaccaro added.
“[Coach Vaccaro] brings enthusiasm and excitement to the field every day,” said Port Jefferson Athletic Director Adam Sherrard. “His positivity is definitely having an impact on the team as they continue to improve throughout the season. Whether in the classroom teaching social studies or on the athletic field, coach Vaccaro is always pushing his students and himself to perform at their best.”
Not too long after that on Saturday, September 17, the Royals’ football team captured their first win on the season as well. Per the newcomer Josh Shields’ direction, Port Jeff’s boys of fall locked down a nail-biting 13-12 for the Royals over Mt. Sinai.
Senior Anthony Pipia began the scoring for the Royals with a 65-yard touchdown. Their come-from-behind victory concluded with sophomore quarterback Ryan Filippi finding Ciaran Laffey in the endzone with 1:10 left in regulation. This tied the game at 12 apiece, with kicker Daniel Owens splitting the uprights to take it home.
“I’m beyond excited to be coaching at Port Jefferson, and even more proud of the efforts of our student-athletes,” said Shields. “From day one we’ve worked towards elevating the culture of the football program. We will continue to work towards a future with more winning days ahead,
and more importantly a future in which our student athletes continue to learn lessons that prepare them for life.”
After serving as assistant coach, PJ Shields took over as the head coach of the varsity football team late last spring. Vaccaro shared similar sentiment on Shields: “The passion and care that coach Shields has for our student-athletes is incredible,” he said. “It goes way beyond football; whether it’s helping them with social, emotional, academic or athletic situations, coach Shields is there to support the team. I am happy for all the coaches and our student-athletes for Saturday’s win. I look forward to seeing them celebrate more victories throughout this season and beyond.”
Vaccaro and Shields were determined to prove themselves as the next generation of trusted heads of their respective programs, and they did just that. Port Jeff Football will next play at Babylon, 2:00 p.m. on Saturday. Boys’ soccer will head into Center Moriches to take on the Devils later that night at 6:30 p.m.
The Messenger congratulates both Coach Vaccaro and Coach Shields on their victories and wishes them continued success the rest of the way.
