Hills East Captures First County Title

The Half Hollow Hills East Redhawks had a standout 2024 season in Section XI Division II, capturing their first-ever Suffolk County Division II football championship and finishing with an impressive 10-2 overall record.

Regular Season Dominance

The Redhawks cruised through the regular season with a 9-1 record, highlighted by several dominant shutouts and big wins:

• Opened with commanding victories over North Babylon (39-0), West Babylon (26-0), and Deer Park (60-0).
• Recorded shutout wins against Northport (27-0) and Bellport (21-0).
• Other key wins included a 42-17 triumph over West Islip and a close 21-14 win at Huntington.
• Their only regular-season loss came against East Islip, 33-14, in an early October matchup.

Playoff Success

The Redhawks avenged their regular-season loss to East Islip in the Suffolk County Division II final, defeating the Redmen decisively 41-14 to claim the county championship. Their postseason run was marked by strong offensive performances and a stingy defense.

They concluded the season with a narrow 37-36 loss to Carey in the Long Island Championship game, finishing just shy of a state title.

Key Players and Highlights

• Junior running back Daniel White was a standout, rushing for 2,306 yards and 25 touchdowns, leading the team’s high-powered offense.
• The Redhawks’ defense recorded multiple shutouts and consistently limited opponents’ scoring opportunities.
• The team showed balanced excellence on both sides of the ball, combining a potent rushing attack with a disciplined, aggressive defense.

Legacy and Outlook

Half Hollow Hills East’s 2024 season marked a historic milestone with their first Suffolk County Division II championship. The Redhawks’ combination of dominant wins, strong leadership, and star performances like Daniel White’s rushing prowess set a new standard for the program. With a core of talented players returning, Half Hollow Hills East looks poised to remain a top contender in Division II for years to come.