Jack Rao leads Islip football to best season since 2013
Jack Rao #3 of Islip scrambles looking for an open receiver during a Suffolk Division III football game against Westhampton at Islip, on Saturday, November 1, 2025 Credit: David Meisenholder
Islip had an opportunity to secure its best regular season finish since 2013, and quarterback Jack Rao and wide receiver Alexander Morales made sure of it.
The Buccaneers notched their seventh win of the season, and their prolific passing attack continued to impress to close out the regular season.
Rao completed 28 of 39 passes for 315 yards and two touchdowns — both to Morales, who finished with nine catches for 110 yards and two scores — in a 21-7 win over Westhampton in Suffolk III on Saturday.
“It’s just a great group of kids,” Islip coach Jamie Lynch said. “I knew Jack Rao was going to be a good quarterback, but I didn’t know he’d be at this level. He’s a great player but an even better kid. And Alex, Jake and all the receivers have had a great year. This group plays for each other.”
On the first drive of the game, Islip came out firing.
Rao completed four passes to help guide his team downfield. On the fifth play, he delivered a dime to the back of the end zone to Morales, who came down with it in-bounds to give Islip a 7-0 advantage with 7:19 left in the first quarter.
“I think we had one of our best practices all season leading up to this,” Rao said. “The chemistry I have with my receivers is great. We hang out off the field, have the same classes — we’re never not with each other.”
Westhampton responded with physicality on the next drive. Nic Simone carried the ball seven times for 44 yards, including a 1-yard touchdown to tie the game at 7 with 2:01 left in the opening quarter.
“We played tough football,” Westhampton coach Bryan Schaumloffel said. “It’s been a tough season for us, but I’m proud of our guys. We didn’t back down, but we just didn’t capitalize.”
While tied at 7, Westhampton drove right down the field again. The Hurricanes were in the red zone, but Patrick Fay’s pass was deflected by Elijah Lewis, and Louis Tuorto came down with the interception.
“The momentum changed from there,” Tuorto said. “Our offense scored right after, and all week we were just locked in at practice. Communication was key to our defense.”
On the next drive, Rao connected with Jack Gardner three times for 47 yards, eventually setting up a 1-yard rushing score from Rao to take a 14-7 lead at halftime.
On the opening drive of the third quarter, Westhampton went for it on fourth-and-one from its own 43 but was stuffed by Lewis and the Islip defense.
On the tenth play of Islip’s ensuing drive, Rao found Morales for an 8-yard touchdown to take a 21-7 lead with 5:56 left in the third quarter.
“It felt amazing,” Morales said. “It was great ball placement, and just to get that dagger and take the win — it’s a great feeling. 7-1, man.”
In the fourth quarter, both teams traded stops. Westhampton faced fourth-and-seven from the Islip 47 with just under six minutes remaining, but the pass fell incomplete.
Four plays later, Rao connected with Morales for a 36-yard pass downfield to put the game on ice.
Islip (7-1) will be the No. 3 seed and face East Hampton/BH in the first round.
Westhampton (2-6) earned 106.950 power points and just edged Rocky Point to make the playoffs as the No. 8 seed. The Hurricanes will face top-seeded Sayville in the first round.
“I’m just thrilled,” Lynch said. “It’s a great group of kids to coach. My assistants do an amazing job, and it’s been a fun year. Now the second season starts.”
