Whitman Wildcats Run Off Sixth Straight Win

Whitman forward Colin O’Neill, right, runs past a Connetquot defender in a game earlier this season. Photo Courtesy of South Huntington School District

By Andrew Wroblewski
editor@longislandergroup.com

The Walt Whitman Wildcats have won six straight games, and eight of their last nine, securing themselves a spot in this year’s playoffs.

Whitman clinched the berth with a 3-1 win over Connetquot last Thursday, and then followed that effort up with a 4-2 win over Lindenhurst on Tuesday.

In the most-recent win over Lindenhurst, the Wildcats actually found themselves in a 1-1 deadlock in the first half. The two teams were then tied again, 2-2, late in the second half.

However, Whitman’s Nik Cerrito broke the tie with 10 minutes remaining to put the Wildcats ahead, 3-2.

Both Cerrito and Fernando Hernandez scored two goals each in the win. They were fueled by Jefferson Saravia, who recorded three assists, and Anthony Paredes, who dished out one.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Alec Wurtz recorded three saves to preserve the win.

Against Connetquot, in the game that secured Whitman’s playoff spot, Hernandez scored twice and Jordan Perez scored once. Perez also recorded an assist, as did Saravia. Wurtz also made three saves in the win.

Through 11 games this season, both Hernandez and Saravia find themselves among the best offensive threats in Suffolk.

As of deadline Wednesday, Hernandez’s 18 goals are the second most in Suffolk. Saravia, meanwhile, has recorded 14 points (five goals, nine assists), which tied for 16th most in the county.

Next up for the Wildcats is a scheduled trip to Northport on Saturday for a 2 p.m. kickoff against the Tigers.

Northport (10-1) is the only team to defeat Whitman (9-1-1) so far this season; the Tigers beat the Wildcats, 1-0, in a Suffolk League II matchup on Sept. 14.