Filardi, Raio, Highlight Hills West Football County Award Winners
After their season was ended in a thrilling back and forth battle versus Sayville in the Suffolk County Championship, a few of Hills West’s star players were given something to smile about as they took home some hardware on Monday night.
2023-24 All Long Island First team members Joseph Filardi and Anthony Raio continued to dominate throughout the 24-25 season, once again earning All Long Island honors, but received a few more accolades to their name. For the first time since JeVahn Cruz in 2009, a Hills West player came away with the glorifying Hansen Award, given to the best overall player in Suffolk County. Filardi led Long Island in passing yards and touchdowns, completing 65% of his attempts for 3,102 yards and 43 touchdowns in the air. On the ground, Hills West’s QB was dominant rushing for 1,204 yards and 12 more scored. Coming into the season, the duel threat quarterback had one of the most anticipated senior years in Long Island football history, and he certainly lived up to the hype that was built around him. And after being robbed of the award last year, Filardi was finally credited with being named best of the county, and repeated as the Boomer Esiason quarterback of the year in the process. Filardi will leave Hills West with one of the best careers in school history, as he will be attending Syracuse to pursue his Lacrosse, Football, and academic career.
As for star route runner Anthony Raio, he was the recipient of the Paul Longo award, given to the best wide receiver in Suffolk County. Raio led Long Island in both receiving yards and touchdowns, with 60 receptions for 1,417 yards and 18 scores. Raio continued to dominate at the high level he brought himself to from his junior year when he led Long Island in every receiving category besides one. He fell one behind in touchdowns to the eventual Longo award winner last year, Jack Melore of Smithtown West. Raio, a five-star UNC lacrosse commit, will now take his focus to defending the Suffolk County crown, with the goal of a Long Island Championship in mind as well.
Other Notable Award Winners for Hills West
Mason Reisch, TE, All County: 19 rec, 349 yards, 3 TDs
Jesse Brooks, WR, All County: 35 rec, 975 yards, 17 TDs
Christian Alfaro, RB, All County: 58 att, 541 yards, 10 TDs
