Port Jefferson has been experiencing quite a bit of upheaval lately.
Things took a dramatic turn when parents and community members discovered that Earl L. Vandermeulen High School wouldn’t have a varsity football team this fall due to a lack of players—something that several small schools around Long Island have faced recently.
“It was really hard to take,” said junior lineman Sam Fabian, who previously played varsity for the Royals. “I want to play at the college level, and so do some of the other guys.”
The unexpected news that Port Jeff didn’t have enough players—falling below the 16-player minimum—left Fabian and his fellow juniors with a tough choice: either play junior varsity with the nearby Rocky Point Eagles or miss out altogether.
“It was definitely surprising,” Fabian remarked. “You put in all this work to reach varsity football… the JV coaches were great, but it just felt disappointing.”
After the discouraging announcement in late August, the district aimed to find a better path forward for its students.
The district worked to secure permission from Section XI for the 2026 season to join forces with Rocky Point, a request that was initially turned down and risked affecting the Eagles’ playoff eligibility.
Still, the efforts didn’t stop there—an appeal was made all the way to New York State Commissioner of Education, Betty A. Rosa, who approved the merger last Friday without any postseason concerns.
“I think my whole house heard me scream when I got the news,” said a beaming senior guard, Maklyn “Big Mak” Mejia, during Monday’s practice.
Gonna fly now
The Eagles welcomed five new players from Port Jeff, along with another six joining the junior varsity team.
Coach Anthony DiLorenzo noted that their varsity team of 22 came together just when they needed it most, as injuries had begun to impact their already limited numbers.
“It all fell into place at just the right time,” he commented.
“This wasn’t just charity; it was a mutual need. Together, we take on the challenges ahead.”
Despite wearing practice pants in a different shade of blue—the only ones available—the Port Jeff players are blending in and enjoying the camaraderie, according to senior quarterback Peyton Reisinger.
“We think everyone should have the chance to play football, especially these guys who have worked so hard,” Reisinger said, excited about the added depth to his offensive line.
“We’ve just started practicing together, but we treat them like family.”
In a nice touch, these new players will soon sport Philadelphia Eagles-style wings on their helmets, aligning with the rest of the team.
Fabian, who was so thrilled he shouted on the bus when he found out the varsity situation was resolved, is fine with donning a different school’s colors instead of his usual purple.
“I think blue looks good,” he joked. “You just take the new team name and keep going. I can’t wait to hit some people with my new friends.”
Senior lineman Henry Collins also expressed his excitement about getting his wings and continuing to bond.
No man is a failure who has friends
DiLorenzo has been impressed with the attitude of the Port Jeff players during this transition, as well as with his own team, whom he described as model players throughout the process.
Port Jefferson’s head coach, Craig Perrino—who once played under DiLorenzo—has embraced the change. Now an assistant with the Eagles, Perrino helps out with both varsity and junior varsity.
“He’s been incredibly flexible, helping wherever we need him,” DiLorenzo remarked. “He embodies selflessness, and that’s been the way he’s approached everything.”
This combined team now has one clear aim: to win football games after an 0-1 season start.
This goal is particularly significant for junior wide receiver Kemp Jarrett, who hasn’t experienced a varsity victory while at Port Jeff.
“It’s been tough,” he admitted.
All attention is focused on the upcoming game against Eastport-South Manor as Fabian and the new players strive to create a successful atmosphere at Rocky Point, marking their first game of the year.
“It would be amazing to kick off this new chapter with a win and set a positive tone for the future,” he noted.
“We really want to show what we’re capable of.”
