Catherine Piccininni has found her groove, and so has Smithtown’s offense.
The quarterback showed off her versatility in host Smithtown’s 33-7 victory over Copiague in Suffolk I girls flag football on Friday night. Piccininni completed 20 of 25 passes for 110 yards and two touchdowns and had seven carries for 93 yards and three scores.
The 33-point outburst was a season high for Smithtown (4-3), which has won three of its last four games.
“It took us a while in the beginning of the season,” Piccininni said. “But this feels good. After every loss, it was a lesson for us. Now we’re looking to go on a roll and make the playoffs.”
On the fifth play of the opening drive, Piccininni spun past two defenders for a 21-yard rushing touchdown to help make it 7-0.
Later in the quarter, Piccininni connected with Lucia Rappa three times on the same drive. The third completion went for a 2-yard touchdown, and Smithtown led 14-0 after a quarter.
“We’ve played good defense all year, but offensively we’re starting to click. The girls are getting the concepts. I’m understanding it more — it’s different from the fall,” said Smithtown’s Craig Perrino, who also coaches boys in football. “The girls are working hard and getting better. That’s all you can ask.”
Copiague was in Smithtown territory before halftime, but Isabella Paliwoda recorded an interception to preserve a 20-0 lead. Juliana Gandarillas and Ella Murray added interceptions in the second half.
“This year is the year we’ve had the closest, tight-knit group, and it shows on the field,” Paliwoda said. “We’ve been locking in pregame, and we know our teammates will have each other’s backs on defense.”
Copiague got on the board when eighth-grader Gianna Lewis leaped and hauled in a 20-yard touchdown pass from Ja’Nyah Martin late in the fourth quarter. After winning one game last season, the Eagles are 5-3.
“We had a better offseason. The girls turned into football players, and they enjoy the game,” Copiague coach Philip Fortuno said. “Gianna is a special talent. I also have her in class, and she’s a great kid. I’m looking forward to having her for a couple more years.”