Rockland County Sports: Letizia Chases 4,000, Nanuet Football Faces Pleasantville

Tappan Zee senior running back enters the Dutchmen's 7:15 p.m. home game against Port Chester Friday with a shot to go over 4,000 yards rushing for his career. 

Letizia's 231-yard effort in a 27-6 victory at Horace Greeley last week gave him 3,973, making him very likely to become the first 4,000-yard rusher in Rockland County history. He already claimed the county rushing record that Nyack's Jermaine Harris had held since 1991.

"It's great for Joe," Tappan Zee Head Coach Andy DiDomenico said. "He's been the heart of our team for four years. We've had some good players, but Joe is the guy we've built around. It's exciting, having seen him grow from a seventh grader into what he has become. He deserves the accolades. He's a pretty special kid."

Letizia could also pass the county records for career touchdowns and points. He has 52 touchdowns heading into tonight's game. 

Letizia started since his freshman year and has been the primary rusher in Tappan Zee's single-wing offense, but DiDomenico said that his standout senior is an even better defensive player. Letizia, also a key part of two section championship basketball teams at Tappan Zee, will likely play college football somewhere despite a relative lack of size at 5-foot-8.

"Whoever gets him won't be disappointed," DiDomenico said.

Nanuet Faces Playoff Battle at Pleasantville

Many of Rockland County's football teams will be in action this weekend, but only Nanuet and North Rockland made the Section 1 playoffs.

Nanuet (5-2) will play at Pleasantville (5-2) in a Class B first-round game 7 p.m. Friday. when the teams met during the regular season.

Rockland County Coaches Association Meets Monday

The Rockland County Coaches Association will hold its fall meeting 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 29 at the Pearl River Elks Club in Nanuet. The event is open to current and past scholastic coaches from the varsity level to modified.

Bridget Cahill of Seton Hall University will speak about NCAA recruiting rules and academic requirements.

The following assistant coaches will be recognized:

• Matt McGuinness, Albertus Magnus
• John Billings, Clarkstown South
• Bob Syracuse, Nanuet
• Adam Beirlein, Nyack
• Lenny Renaldi, Ramapo
• Joe Lofberg, Suffern
• Chris Robinson, Clarkstown North
• Christine Dunnesy, Felix Festa
• Dave Ziglar, North Rockland
• Shanon Misiaszek, Pearl River
• Barry Tesseymen, Spring Valley
• Chris LoRusso, Tappan Zee

Cost to attend is $25 and $20 for 2012-13 dues will be collected. For more information, contact Kim Cleary at kcleary@ramapocentral.org or (845) 357-3800 ext. 337.

Tappan Zee Boys, Nanuet Girls Win County Cross Country

Tappan Zee won the team title  in the boys team competition in Thursday's Rockland County Cross Country Championships at Bear Mountain. Pearl River's Brian Cook finished first overall.

Nanuet won the girls team title, with Suffern second and Pearl River third. Nanuet senior Megan Young beat out Pearl River's Kelly Hayes for first individually.