Suffolk County Football Playoffs are here!
This week’s Orlin & Cohen – Rockline Wealth Management Game of the Week is the Suffolk County Division I football matchup between No. 6 Lindenhurst and No. 3 Sachem North. Kick off is at 6 p.m.
You can watch it LIVE through the TD Sports YouTube channel.
Congrats to Whitman boys varsity soccer head coach John DiGiacomo on reaching his 200th career victory this season.
This achievement is a testament not only to Coach DiGiacomo’s consistent success on the field but also to his unwavering dedication, loyalty, and leadership within the Wildcats Soccer program. Over the years, he has helped shape a culture of excellence, teamwork, and sportsmanship that extends far beyond the scoreboard.
The entire community celebrates this impressive accomplishment — a milestone that cements Coach DiGiacomo’s legacy as one of the program’s most respected leaders.
The following is a story from Keira Kenny, a member of the Section XI Student Media team.
Though their season has recently ended, the Ward Melville Girls Volleyball Team experienced tremendous success this year. I had the opportunity to interview team captain Chloe Borch before their quarterfinal match against Patchogue-Medford. Borch spoke at length about how the team’s strong bond and unity fueled their achievements this season and last. Having played a key role in the team’s trip to the state tournament last year, she brought those lessons into her leadership as captain.
When asked, “What elements have you tried to carry over from last year’s team into this year’s team as a captain?” Borch explained that she and the other captains focused heavily on togetherness. She emphasized that the friendships and positive atmosphere within the group were essential to their success. Their mutual support and trust, she said, were the foundation of the team’s accomplishments.
Borch also agreed that unity played the most significant role in their success. She elaborated that long-lasting friendships are substantial in a sport like volleyball, where teamwork and communication are vital. It’s crucial, she said, to “rely on your teammates for that next-point mentality” and to have people who “build you up instead of beat you down” in such a fast-paced game. She praised the culture within the Ward Melville program, noting that positivity has been a driving force behind their continued success.
Heading into their match against Patchogue-Medford, Borch expressed confidence in her team’s dedication, leadership, and effort — and that confidence paid off. Ward Melville defeated the Raiders 3–1 to advance to the semifinals against Connetquot. Though their season ended there, the team finished with an impressive 16–1 record in regular-season league play, perfectly illustrating Borch’s belief that teamwork and unity are key ingredients to success.
Suffolk Sports Hall of Famer Paul Kenneth Brodmerkel, 76, of West Islip, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 31, 2025. A true legend in Long Island wrestling and a beloved figure in his community, Paul’s life was defined by dedication — to sport, to education, and to family.
Born and raised in Lindenhurst, Paul was a standout wrestler at Lindenhurst High School from 1964 to 1967, where he captured the Section XI Championship at 130 pounds in 1967 and was later inducted into the Lindenhurst High School Hall of Fame.
Continuing his athletic journey at Lock Haven University (1968–1971), Paul posted an approximate .900 winning percentage, serving as a two-time Pennsylvania State College Wrestling Champion (1970 and 1971), three-time finalist, and two-year captain of the varsity team. He represented Lock Haven in two NCAA Division I Championships and the 1970 NAIA Championships. His remarkable college career earned him induction into the Lock Haven University Hall of Fame.
In 1972, Paul won the Northeast Regional Olympic Trials at Springfield, earning a spot in the Final Olympic Trials before a hand injury sidelined him.
That same year, Paul began a lifelong commitment to officiating and coaching. He officiated NCAA dual meets in New England and USA/USWF national tournaments in both freestyle and Greco-Roman divisions. In 1972, he joined Springfield University as an assistant wrestling coach under Doug Parker, and in 1973, returned home to Lindenhurst as head wrestling coach, succeeding his mentor Jack Stanbro. Later, he served as an assistant coach at Hofstra University under Nick Gallo before returning to Lindenhurst to lead its junior high program until his retirement.
Paul also served as Section XI Wrestling Chairman during the late 1980s and early 1990s, continuing to coach while overseeing the sport’s growth and governance across Suffolk County. His tireless service was recognized nationally in 2009, when he was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame for Lifetime Service to Wrestling.
Beyond the mat, Paul dedicated his career to education as a physical education teacher in the Lindenhurst School District. He cherished his summers as a lifeguard at Cedar Beach, where his energy and humor became part of the community’s fabric.
Paul was the beloved husband of Susan Brodmerkel (née Zere), devoted father of Jaymee Gagliardi (George) and Christopher Brodmerkel (Kathy), and adored grandfather of Alexandra, Kaileigh, Makenna, T.J., and Reed. He is also survived by his loving siblings Billy, Diane, John, Ricky, Kenny, Jeanne, Mary, Susan, David, and Dennis. His parents, William and Regina (Vogl) Brodmerkel, and his brothers, Donald and Bobby Brodmerkel, predeceased him.
Paul loved traveling, hiking, and spending endless hours by the ocean, but his greatest joy came from time spent with his family — especially his grandchildren, who were his pride and joy.
Those who knew Paul will remember his warmth, humor, and ability to make everyone feel like family. His presence filled every room, his encouragement lifted countless athletes, and his friendship enriched countless lives. Paul’s life was one of purpose, generosity, and love — and his impact will be felt for generations to come.
Miller Place senior quarterback Shane Kiernan reached a major career milestone during Week 8, surpassing 6,000 career passing yards. The accomplishment caps an impressive regular season and highlights an outstanding high school career as a Panthers’ offensive leader.
He also has 68 career touchdown passes.
But Kiernan isn’t done yt. Kiernan has been one of Suffolk County’s most consistent and dynamic passers, helping guide Miller Place into the Suffolk County playoffs once again.
For context, the Long Island and Suffolk County all-time career passing record is 9,787 yards, set by Sayville’s Jack Coan from 2013 to 2016.
Congratulations to Shane Kiernan on this epic achievement … and best of luck to him and the Panthers as they continue their playoff run!
A huge congratulations to our 2025 Section XI Game Day Cheer Champs:
Class A: Ward Melville
Class B: Hauppauge
Class C: Shoreham-Wading River
Incredible energy, spirit, and teamwork on display from all the teams who brought the crowd to life at this year’s competition!
🏈 The playoff brackets for Section XI high school football are officially out! You can view the complete brackets here: https://sectionxi.org/playoff-bracket/football-2/
📆 Important note: Games begin Friday, November 7.
📊 Division IV data is still on the way — stay tuned for updates.
🎫 Get tickets here: https://gofan.co/app/school/NYSPHSAAXI
📣 Be sure to check the bracket link, mark your calendars, and get ready for playoff action.
The following is a news story from Ryan Katz, one of our Section XI Student Media representatives.
Longwood High School hosted its first game on the brand-new turf field on Saturday, October 25, 2025.
This state-of-the-art facility is part of the district’s ongoing capital improvement projects, made possible by the continued support of the Longwood community.
About the New Field
Installation Company: LandTek Group
Project Duration: Approximately 14 weeks
Funding Source: District Bond
Longwood is excited to see its student-athletes take the field and create new memories on this beautiful new surface.
This year’s Lindenhurst football seniors have introduced a meaningful new tradition that connects the team’s pride with military service. Over the summer, players reached out to elite military units across the country, requesting permission to have their units’ insignia displayed on their helmets for the Homecoming game.
Each player selected a unit whose mission and values they deeply admire, proudly carrying those symbols onto the field as a tribute to the men and women who serve our nation. The initiative reflects not only respect for the military but also the character and unity that define Lindenhurst athletics.
The display of patriotism and teamwork added a powerful layer of meaning to Homecoming, uniting the community around shared values of service, gratitude, and pride.
The Sayville School District recognized exemplary figures in its athletics history, as the Sayville Athletics Hall of Fame’s class of 2025 was inducted in a ceremony on September 20th. The 11 newest members of the Hall of Fame span nearly 9 decades of Golden Flashes history across various sports.
The new inductees include student-athlete alumni Mike Buck (class of 1985), Joseph Gugliotta (class of 2007), David Jackson (class of 1973), Kristy Longman (class of 2007), Matthew Messina (class of 2005), Craig Orski (class of 1999), Bob Peiser (class of 1969), Louis Verspoor (class of 1955), and Anne Wolstencroft (class of 1935). The inducted coaches were cross country and track coach Glenn Drago and softball coach Jennifer Wittman-Cahill.
