UPDATE: The Garden City Trojans are set to defend their remarkable 54-game win streak as they kick off the 2025 season against Long Beach on Saturday. The stakes couldn’t be higher for head coach Dave Ettinger and his team, who have clinched a record-setting 10th consecutive Nassau County title and a fifth straight Long Island championship.
With the pressure mounting, Ettinger emphasized the importance of focusing solely on the upcoming match. “Our only focus right now is Long Beach on Saturday,” he stated. “We’re just trying to prepare as hard as we can to send the seniors off as winners.” As the Trojans gear up for the opener, the legacy of past successes looms large, but the team is committed to carving out their own path to greatness.
The Trojans’ rigorous offseason saw players sacrificing summer vacation for a sleepaway football camp in Connecticut, showcasing their dedication. Senior left guard Zach Olson, who is heading to Harvard, acknowledged the weight of expectations. “Nobody expects to win,” Olson said. “We just try to drill down… and keep the energy up.”
In a testament to their commitment, players like senior kicker Christopher Desiderio aim for personal excellence. “Last year, I missed two kicks, so my goal is to not miss a kick this year,” he declared, underscoring the drive to uphold the team’s storied tradition. As the Trojans prepare, their focus is not just on victory but on honoring those who paved the way for their success.
Ettinger, boasting an impressive 109-3 record, recognizes the lessons learned from past defeats, which have shaped the team’s resilience. “Sometimes you learn more when you lose than you do when you win,” he noted, reflecting on the team’s three losses over the past decade.
As the Trojans transition into a more competitive Conference II, the challenge intensifies. “Some teams are familiar, some are different, and not having that familiarity really matters,” Ettinger explained, acknowledging Long Beach as a formidable opponent.
The urgency of this season is palpable, with players understanding that each game is a step toward their ultimate goal. “We owe it to the guys before us to give it everything in practice every single day,” said senior Merit Ruckh. As the countdown to the opener begins, the Trojans are ready to face the season with tenacity and determination.
Fans and supporters are eagerly anticipating the game, as the Trojans look to continue their legacy of excellence. Will they extend their incredible win streak? All eyes will be on Garden City this Saturday as the team takes the field, determined to uphold their championship tradition. The kickoff is set for 1:00 PM ET, and the excitement is building for what promises to be an unforgettable start to the high school football season.