L.I.C. High School Dominates Bryant in 2024 PSAL Football Opener

Seniors Josh Canela and Billy Fuiaxis combined to lead Long Island City (L.I.C.) High School’s ground attack with over 200 hundred yards and two touchdowns en route to a 28-0 non-league victory over Bryant on the Battle of Broadway Saturday at L.I.C. Field in Queens to open up the 2024 PSAL football campaign for both squads.

Once the Bulldogs’ season ended last year in the playoffs against August Martin, L.I.C.’s coaching staff and team have been chomping at the bit to return to action in 2024.

“Coach (Brauli) Rod and I are very proud of our boys,” L.I.C. head coach Joe Giardina said. “We’ve been thinking about this game since Mother Nature stopped us at half time last year.”

While the Bulldog offense played well, its defense sparkled, pitching a shutout against a team that went 7-1 last season.

“Our defense did a fantastic job, not allowing Bryant to complete a pass,” Giardina said. “We had multiple guys flying around to the ball and making plays all over the field.”

As for L.I.C’s offense, Giardina said, “Our offense was working all game. We only had one play that went for negative yardage. A few mental errors we have to fix this week, but we’re ready to do so.

“The whole point of a week 0 game is to find out what we need to work on and after watching film, Coach Rod and I know what we need to do to prepare for a good matchup against Lafayette.”

The Bulldogs scored two touchdowns in the second quarter for a 12-0 advantage. L.I.C. put the game to bed in the fourth period after tacking on two TDs with two successful two-point plays in the fourth period.

Canela had 17 carries with 124 yards a TD and caught a touchdown pass. He also made four tackles on defense. Fuiaxis rolled up 81 Yards on the ground with a score.

Junior Tim Hernandez completed three of six passes for 41 yards and touchdown, while running for 30 yards on five attempts and hitting paydirt once.

Additionally, junior Armani Johnson ran for 29 yards on four touches.

Defensively, Canela and Fuiaxis made four stops apiece. Seniors Hatim Barry had an interception and Angel Yearwood picked up a sack.

The Bulldogs kickoff the regular season Saturday at noon with a home contest versus Lafayette.

— Jerry Del Priore