Central Islip native and Ohio State offensive tackle Malcolm Pridgeon surprised the middle school football team at his alma mater during their initial team meeting.

Pridgeon emphasized the importance of character and academics as well as being competitive.

He has played in every game at Ohio State the last two years and has taken more snaps from scrimmage than any Buckeye player in that time period.

The West Islip High School stadium field will be named in honor of former West Islip athletic director, teacher and coach Wayne Shierant on Friday, September 20 at halftime of the West Islip varsity football game which starts at 6:00 p.m.

Due to the unprecedented positive impact Wayne has had on his students, student athletes, colleagues, coaches, athletic directors, Section XI, NYSPHSAA, the West Islip School District and the West Islip community and in recognition of all the great West Islip alumni the main stadium will be named ‘Wayne Shierant Field at Alumni Stadium.’

“Wayne’s leadership, knowledge, work ethic, sacrifice, dedication and commitment to excellence provided the template for teachers, coaches and administrators to utilize and implement for decades,” said West Islip Athletic Director Tim Horan. “He created a strategic educational environment centered on student growth and achievement, which allowed West Islip students and staff to obtain levels of success never experienced before. His profound positive influence on educators continues to shape and enhance programs and instruction today…and will continue for decades to come.”

Babylon’s Jake Carlock is still pushing for a roster spot with the New York Giants.

Not the biggest at 6-3, 225-pounds for a defensive end or linebacker, but he has found himself in the right spot at the right time throughout the pre-season.

His interception return for a touchdown against the Jets was enough to keep him on team brass radar. His work ethic has also helped.

The LIU Post product has one sack, and one tackle this pre-season.

We’ll post updates closer to the season as we learn if Carlock makes the 53-man roster, practice squad or is cut.