Lohud Boys Football Player of the Week survey for November 1, 2021
All material from section 1 has been distributed
Before we move on to the NYSPHSAA tournament, we’re taking a break to look back on the previous week and recognize some of the players who have proven to be important in the most important games of the season.
This week’s finalists are four players who won in the league games on Saturday. Vote early. Vote often. The survey will remain open for 24 hours and the winner will be featured on @lohudsports social media accounts.
This fall’s list of winners includes Matt Matera of Carmel, Gianluca Ruggerio of Westlake, Will Peacock of Pleasantville, Chris Kennedy of Stepinac, Rintaro Miyawaki of Eastchester and JP Frucco / George Popovic of Yorktown and Carlo Ricchiuti of Eastchester.
Class AA final: Mamaroneck beats Scarsdale 1-0 to win title
Class A: Somers defeats Eastchester to clinch title in dramatic fashion
Class B: Westlake defeats Irvington to win first Section 1 title in program history
Class C: Hamilton beats Haldane for second consecutive title
Alejandro Londono, Mamaroneck
In a game that belonged to the grinders, the senior midfielder consistently turned the tide, helping the Tigers win the first Section 1 championship in program history with a 1-0 victory over Scarsdale. Londono kept Mamaroneck up to speed by winning 50-50 balls in the defensive third and pushing forward with determination.
Daniel D’Ippolito, Somers
In a back-and-forth game that will be talked about for years to come, the senior forward scored four goals and one assist with a combination of skill and insight. When the Tuskers were down 5-3 against Eastchester, he started the rally with a free kick goal from a free kick in an empty net. D’Ippolito then took a center pass from Bennett Leitner and scored the game-winning goal.
Gianluca Ruggerio, Westlake
In a game where there wasn’t much between the two teams, the senior striker lit the jets and scored two goals in the first half. The first came from a penalty after being shot in the box. The second came on a breakaway and made the difference in a 2-1 win over Irvington. It was the first section championship in the history of the program.
Daniel Alvarez, Hamilton
In a game that demanded big defensive plays, the senior goalkeeper stood tall, helping the Red Raiders to a 1-0 win over Haldane to return straight to Class C. Alvarez finished with six saves, including a worthy of a highlight. Air stoppage of a free kick in the second half.
Mike Dougherty covers men’s football, men’s lacrosse, women’s basketball and golf for The Journal News / lohud.com. He can be contacted at [email protected], or on Twitter @hoopsmbd, @lohudlacrosse, @lohudhoopsmbd and @lohudgolf.
