Team Slawson back on top of tight three-way race in high school fantasy football league

The race for the top spot in Newsday’s High School Fantasy Football League is the tightest it’s been. Just 15 points separate the top three teams, with Team Slawson (856) back at the top after four weeks.

Team Matias (844) and Team Sicoli (841) are right behind in a close race.

“This has been a great deal of fun,” Andy Slawson said. “We’re so close in points, and it shows the talent of football players on Long Island. It’s also a great way to showcase players across the Island.”

Northport quarterback Simon Blissett scored 57 points, and Babylon running back Aidan Winter had 46 points to lead Team Slawson to the top of the standings for the first time since Week 1.

Team Sicoli was boosted by Brentwood’s Cris Peralta. He collected 56 points in a monster performance as he continues a strong senior year.

“He’s one of the hardest workers I’ve ever had,” Brentwood coach Rich DeJesus said. “Our line did a great job, and when he gets a bit of a hole, he’s difficult to bring down. His size, strength and speed are rare to see.”

It was also a historic week in the league. Team Hank recorded the most points in a single week this season with 294. His team was led by Kings Park quarterback Brandon Shapiro, who scored 59 points — the week’s highest total.

The Kings Park connection of Shapiro and wide receiver Matthew Corrado has combined for 76 points in back-to-back weeks.

“To get that many points, you have to get something from everybody,” Hank Winnicki said. “I got a lot of points from just about everyone on the team. It’s fun, and I was at the bottom before, but now I’m in striking distance.”

Another standout for Team Hank was Westhampton Beach running back Nic Simone. The Hurricanes faced injuries early in the season, but Simone helped them bounce back for two straight wins. He scored 56 fantasy points in a five-touchdown performance.

“Nic is a really hard runner and a weight room kid,” Westhampton coach Bryan Schaumloffel said. “He’s one of the hardest-working kids on the team, and it’s a combination of him finding a groove and our offensive line finding a groove.”

Team Sarra is the only team to have scored more than 200 points in three straight weeks. Last week, Islip quarterback Jack Rao had 44 points, while Floyd running back Ja’Quan Thomas, Ward Melville quarterback Hudson Philbrick and Wantagh’s running back Luke Martini all scored more than 30.

Team Sarra sits in fourth place with 836 points, just 20 points away from the top spot. Team Lindsay (752) is in fifth place.

Team Ruban is sixth with 740 points. Smithtown East quarterback Antonio Marrone has been consistent, scoring 24 or more points every week.

“The biggest thing with him is that he’s a smart kid and thinks quick,” Smithtown East coach Greg Lauri said. “His football IQ has allowed him to play at a higher level than I even thought, and his leadership skills are shining amongst the team.”