 Cheering Section |
For many, the day began at 2:00 PM at Bethpage High School's Howie Vogts' Stadium with a homecoming football game."As I See It"
There was a special block seating for returning alumni from the Classes of the Fifties.
Sparked by 20 and 27 yd. touchdown runs by Jordan Levine, Bethpage steam rolled previously unbeaten Plainedge 48-7. The Golden Eagles were always in control as they raced to a 48-0 lead before a near capacity homecoming crowd. The shutout attempt was averted when Plainedge scored late in the fourth quarter as Howie cleared the bench. The win was the 304th of Coach Howie Vogts' career which began in 1954. Vogts just continues to add to the total as he has compiled a record making him the "winningest coach" in New York State history. Bethpage, in recording its sixth straight victory, has now outscored their opponents by a combined score of 264 - an average of 44 points per game, and have given up only 40. Bethpage plays Glen Cove next week (Nov. 2) as the Bethpage juggernaut continues. There is no way Bethpage will not win the county title as they continue to annihilate anyone standing in their way. No team has come within 40 points of them this season. Grab your coat and hat and jump aboard as the "Victory Train" continues toward Howie's fourth Long Island championship in the past nine years.
"30"
"As I See It"
Season Finale by Dixie Howell
Since the reunion, Bethpage easily beat Glen Cove and crushed Wantagh (including my nephew who plays for Wantagh) 50-7. They entered the playoffs unbeaten and easily defeated West Hemstead in the semifinals. The county finals were a joke with Bethpage beating Plainedge about 40-0 or something close to that score. I was at the game and the Bethpage section was actually somber. When the game ended, giving Bethpage their seventh county crown in the last nine years, there were no wild celebrations on the field. Beating teams by a large margin had become "old hat".
Bethpage played Islip for the Long Island Championship a week later. They jumped to a 13-0 lead early and held Islip's offense to minus yardage for the first quarter. Suddenly, within 13 seconds and from long distances, Islip struck for two touchdowns. In the first touchdown, the ball carrier looked like he was going for a romp in the park. There wasn't a Bethpage defender within 20 yards of him. Islip kicked off and darned if Jason Levine, Bethpage's All County Halfback, didn't fumble the ball on the first play from scrimmage. Islip recovered and their quarterback scored on the next play - running through the Bethpage line like they weren't even there and basically, they weren't. The extra point put Islip ahead 14-13 and the first half ended with Islip leading. I couldn't help but think how crazy the season would be with Bethpage running all over everybody then blowing the Long Island Championship. I felt that Howie would make the necessary adjustments at half time but that doesn't mean that I wasn't worried. Islip never threatened in the second half. Bethpage scored twice and was marching to another score when the game ended. The final score was Bethpage 38 - Islip 14. They finished the season 11-0 with another County and Long Island Championship. The Long Island Championship was the fourth in nine years. Bethpage received the Rutgers Cup, which is presented to the best team in Nassau County. It was also the fourth time they received that award in the last 9 years. The final victory ran Howie's victory total to 306.
It is incredible to me that the man who coached us in 1958 and began his coaching career at Bethpage in 1954 is still going strong. Bethpage loses 8 seniors this year and their team, believe it or not, is expected to be even stronger in 2003.
"30"
Dinner was held at the La Grange Inn
Saturday, October 26, 2002
La Grange Restaurant
West Islip, New York
7:00 pm - Midnight
The La Grange provided a complete full blown buffet with meat carving stations, hot dishes, cheese bar, etc., etc. They also presented their famous ice cream table for desert. The price of $85 per person included an Open Bar Cocktail hour (all drinks free!), a buffet dinner, free beer and wine all evening and dancing. The festivities at La Grange lasted until midnight.For pictures, see the pdf* photo presentation
A refreshing Sunday Morning buffet breakfast was held at the Holiday Inn for those stiff and sore classmates who danced to the music of the 50s from 7pm to 12 midnight the night before. To see pictures taken at the breakfast, go to the photo presentation*
* To view or print photos from this presentation you will need Adobe® Acrobat® Reader™, a complimentary software product. For more information or to download Adobe Acrobat Reader click here.