Two exceptional Deer Park High School football players were recently honored by the New York State Sportswriters Association. Senior Hayden Lovinsky, who plays wide receiver and cornerback, was named to the All-State first team. Sophomore quarterback Aaron Smith earned All-State honorable mention.
After being named to Newsday’s All-Long Island Team, Lovinsky had an outstanding senior season, winning the Tom Cassese Award as Suffolk County’s best defensive back. He was one of three finalists for the Rob Burnett Award for Suffolk County’s most outstanding defensive player, and was a finalist for the Paul Longo Award, which is given to the top wide receiver in the county. Throughout the season, Lovinsky allowed only two completions thrown against him, and finished with three interceptions and 11 pass breakups. Offensively, he accounted for 13 touchdowns and over 1,400 all-purpose yards. Lovinsky had 40 receptions for 691 yards and five touchdowns as well as 74 carries out of the backfield for 502 yards and six rushing touchdowns. He also returned two kickoffs for touchdowns. Lovinsky will continue his academic and football career next season for the national champion Red Dragons at SUNY Cortland.
“It was good to get this award in my senior year, to end my high school career,” Lovinsky said. “I went All-County last year, so to go All-State this year was a big goal for me, especially first team. Coaching, working out in the summer and playing with my teammates really helped me get there.”
“Hayden is the ultimate competitor, and is now one of the most decorated football players in Deer Park football history,” head coach Dan Bowker said.
Smith concluded his excellent sophomore year with the fourth most passing yards on Long Island. He went 133 out of 208, completing 64 percent of his passes for 1,843 yards and 15 passing touchdowns. Smith added 155 rushing yards on the ground along with a touchdown. In Deer Park’s playoff game, he threw for 415 yards and five touchdowns.
“I’m honored to be named All-State honorable mention,” Smith said. “I couldn’t have done it without God, my mom, my family, my coaches and my team.”
“The future is very bright for Aaron Smith as he enters his junior season,” Bowker said.
Date Added: 2/13/2024