For the offensive tackles who had the unenviable task of containing Moses Seketawa, there always was a concern that he might bend that corner. Unrelated to LiAngelo Ball’s lyrics, of course, but the defensive end did develop a knack for zipping by offensive lineman around the edge and creating an angle toward the quarterback.
That happened frequently over the last two seasons as the Franklin D. Roosevelt standout became a feared pass rusher. At 6-foot-4 with long arms, quickness and good technique, Seketawa was adept at shedding blocks and racing into the backfield with the speed to close or change direction and chase ball-carriers outside.
It was especially so last fall as the senior had a season for the ages, setting a program record with 19 sacks. And, proving he wasn’t a one-dimensional rusher, the two-time Journal All-Star supplemented the sacks with 104 tackles, including 29 for loss.
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“He worked incredibly hard in the offseason on his strength and conditioning,” Presidents coach Ken Barger said. “He also improved his technique, working with his position coach Joe Kakish.”
Roosevelt won only four games and Seketawa operated without the buzz that follows a title-contending team, but his performance was no less dominant, and that was while being the focus of opponents.
Those talents and his achievements earned him all-state recognition and the Journal’s Defensive Player of the Year.
“He had an awesome year and a great career,” Barger said of Seketawa, who holds the Presidents’ record for sacks and tackles for loss. “He’s also a great kid. Moses was one of the building blocks of our program and he’s been everything we could ask for, and more.”
First team
Robert Bajardi, Red Hook, linebacker, junior: A run-stopping thumper who pursues the ball relentlessly, he earned all-Section 9 honors after a breakout season. Bajardi had 62 tackles, a sack, three forced fumbles and two recoveries, along with three pass breakups.
Kevin Beal, Beacon, defensive line, senior: He dominated the trenches on both sides, but his work on defense fueled a unit that held opponents to 11.7 points per game en route to the Section 9 Class B semifinals. The all-section star had 45 tackles, including 25 for loss, and four sacks while often occupying multiple blockers.
Cruz Calcagni, John Jay-East Fishkill, safety, junior: Described by coach Jim Cancellari as “the heart and soul” of their defense, his range and instincts made him impactful. Calcagni had a team-high 45 tackles, five pass deflections and two interceptions.
Lorenzo Castro, Our Lady of Lourdes, linebacker, senior: He earned all-section and all-state honors after leading the Warriors in tackles, forced fumbles and recoveries, helping a rebuilding squad make the playoffs. Castro also excelled on special teams and offense as an overpowering run blocker.
Brody Corless, Haldane, safety, senior: After a run to the Class D state semifinals, Corless helped lead a young team back to the Section 1 final. He had 53 tackles, including four for loss, and two interceptions. He also was a versatile offensive weapon with five touchdowns.
Conor Drnek, Dover, linebacker, sophomore: He did well as a dual-threat quarterback, but starred as a hard-hitting linebacker. Drnek made 98 tackles and led a turnaround that brought Dover to the Section 9 Class C final, earning all-section.
Fallou Faye, Haldane, cornerback, senior: His speed, technique and 6-foot-4 frame enabled the three-sport star to excel in coverage. Faye often blanketed receivers, limiting their targets, and he was voted Section 1’s Class C/D Defensive Back of the Year. He also had two kickoff return touchdowns.
Samuel Garitta, Marlboro, linebacker, senior: The all-section pick made 102 tackles, including 10 behind the line, and had an interception, starring for a defense that led Marlboro to the Section 9 Class B final. Garitta also helped anchor the offensive line.
Chris Greene, Spackenkill, defensive tackle, senior: A playmaking inside presence adept at shedding blocks and making plays in the backfield, Greene’s dominance helped lead Spackenkill to the Section 9 Class B playoffs. The all-state star had 51 tackles, including 15 for loss, and 4½ sacks despite commanding extra attention.
Jaden Jones, Beacon, cornerback, junior: An electric athlete who dazzled on both sides, the all-Section 9 pick was especially impressive in the secondary. With the speed and fluidity to cover and instincts to make plays on the ball, he came away with seven interceptions and recovered a fumble. Jones also scored seven touchdowns at receiver.
Justin Mitchell, Pawling, linebacker, sophomore: His emergence helped propel a young roster to the 8-man football final. The all-Section 9 standout made 74 tackles, including six for loss, leading a defense that held opponents to 14 points per game in a high-scoring league.
John Macri, Pine Plains/Rhinebeck, linebacker, junior: He offered a glimpse of his potential as a sophomore then established himself this season, putting to use his athleticism and smarts as a rangy playmaker. Macri earned all-Section 9 after starring as a linebacker, running back and special teamer.
Xavier Realmuto, Arlington, linebacker, senior: The standout wrestler brought remarkable toughness and tenacity to the field and earned all-Section 1 honors after a stellar season. Lauded by coach Michael Morano for his leadership and smarts, Realmuto also was productive. The inside linebacker made 71 tackles, including four for loss.
Sean Robertson, Marlboro, linebacker, senior: His track and field talent was showcased as Robertson made sideline-to-sideline plays. He earned all-Section 9 after posting 100 tackles, including 15 for loss, and 10 pass deflections, leading a defense that held opponents to 12.1 points on the way to the section final.
Jaden Turner, Ketcham, safety, senior: He received all-Section 1 honors after an outstanding season in which he contributed to all three phases. Turner shined in the secondary and on special teams with 39 tackles, four recovered fumbles and four blocked kicks.
Second team
Nick Burda, New Paltz, LB/RB, Jr.
Harrison Crandall, Pawling, RB/LB, Jr.
Chris DeNatale, Marlboro, CB/WR, Sr.
Logan Ellison, Highland, LB/TE, Jr.
Zach Farber, Lourdes, DE/TE, Sr.
Cashmier Jackson, Beacon, DB/WR, Sr.
Mason Meilleur, Dover, LB/FB, Sr.
Joe Mignone, Ketcham, LB/TE, Sr.
Malachi Moore, Roosevelt, LB/FB, Sr.
Giorgi Partsvania, Marlboro, LB, So.
Wayne-Daniel Russell, Spackenkill, LB/TE, Jr.
Nixon Salinas, Beacon, DL/OL, Sr.
Bret Shott, Pine Plains/Rhinebeck, DE/TE, Sr.
Nate Stickle, Haldane, DL/OL, Sr.
Honorable mention
Arlington: Jonah Beaudoin, So., DB/RB
Beacon: Mercer Jordan, Sr., DL/OL; Morgan Varricchio, Sr., CB; Rayan Wandji, Sr., LB/RB
Dover: Cole Jordan, Jr., OC/DE
Franklin D. Roosevelt: Andrew Caprioli, Jr., S; Darren Garrett, Fr., CB
John Jay: Nicholas Procaccino, Jr., DE
Marlboro: Daylon McKenzie, Jr., S/WR; Dylan Sanchez, Jr., DL/OL
Our Lady of Lourdes: Dane Bryan, Jr., LB/RB; Connor Wilson, Jr., LB/RB
Pine Plains/Rhinebeck: Joey DiCarlo, Sr., LB/TE; Edelthom Pulido Palma, So., DT/OC
Red Hook: Ty Smith, So., LB/RB
Roy C. Ketcham: Aiden Forbes, Sr., FS; Austin Deler, Sr., CB
Spackenkill: Bryan Hoyt, Sr., DB/QB
Co-Coach of the Year
Bryan Hogan, Ketcham: The Storm benefited from Section 1’s establishment of a power league, moving the perennial contenders to their own division, but Ketcham did also elevate itself and secured a hard-earned playoff berth in Class AA. Hogan led them to a 6-3 mark, following a two-win season, and that run included signature wins over Arlington, White Plains and Mount Vernon.
Gerald Ryan, Beacon: The first-year head coach led a remarkable turnaround in which the Bulldogs more than tripled their win total from the previous season. With an explosive offense and opportunistic defense, Beacon went 7-3 and had its best season in a decade, reaching the Section 9 Class B semifinals.
Stephen Haynes: shaynes@poughkeepsiejournal.com; 845-437-4826; Twitter: @StephenHaynes4
This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: Football: FDR’s Seketawa leads the Journal’s 2024 defensive All-Stars
