Category Archives: Section XI News

Miller Place’s Shane Kiernan Reaches 6,000 Career Passing Yards

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!

Suffolk County Football Playoff Brackets Released

🏈 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.

Longwood Hosts First Game on New Turf Field

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.

Lindenhurst Football Honors U.S. Military with Powerful New Tradition

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.

Sayville Welcomes New Athletics Hall of Fame Class

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.

Bayport-Blue Point Girls Tennis Captures Section XI Division II Championship

Congratulations to the Bayport-Blue Point Girls Tennis Team … the newly crowned Section XI Division II Champions!

The Phantoms capped off a phenomenal Sectional season with outstanding teamwork, determination, and consistency on the court. From dominant singles play to clutch doubles performances, Bayport-Blue Point’s athletes showcased their depth and resilience throughout the postseason.

Their championship victory marks another proud moment in the program’s history, celebrating the hard work of the players, coaches, and supporters who made this achievement possible.

Join The Marty Lyons Foundation Courage Club

The Marty Lyons Foundation is proud to introduce to you the “” program. This is where YOUR students can be the inspiration to give our kids the COURAGE TO WISH FOR MORE, while they even earn Student Community Service credit.

You’re welcome to review the attached material so your students can be part of this program. Also, feel free to visit our The goal is to help grant the wishes of local children who are enduring a tough time, while leaving an impact of community on the students well after the experience is over…helping them “win in the game of life”.

Ways to become a part of our Courage Club are easy and can be done at any time during the school year! What YOUR STUDENTS can do…

Be a leader of your Own COURAGE CLUB! (We’ll help!)

  • Create your OWN Fundraiser –such as: Movie Nights, Sports Competitions, Walk-A-Thons, Social Media Votes/Campaigns…
  • Lace UP for Wishes!(Utilize our customized MLF shoelaces as a fundraising tool – get creative!)
  •         “CHANGE” into WISHES(collect spare change as a campaign)
  •  Courage Club Badge “Wall of Fame” – see attached and have them be a visual for how close they are getting to grant a wish.
  • Participate/Volunteer in a local MLF fundraiser

CLICK HERE to access the application!