The leaves have gracefully fallen, and a frosty chill fills the air. As the final Long Island Championship football games take place right after Thanksgiving, the fall season bids farewell. Before we shift our focus to indoor sports, let's take a journey back and celebrate some remarkable team and individual performances from this vibrant fall season in Nassau County.

Unforgettable Moments in Nassau County Fall Sports

Football: Manhasset's Magical Season

Under the guidance of legendary coach Jay Iaquinta, the Manhasset football team had a season to remember. Speedy running back Atif Heathington led the charge, while the hard-hitting defense was a force to be reckoned with. Despite losing only one regular season game to Garden City, they faced challenges along the way. Injuries tested their resolve, but they marched into the county title game for the first time since 2021. However, the Garden City juggernaut proved too strong, defeating them 49 - 14 at Hofstra. It was a season filled with highs and lows, but one that will be etched in the memories of Manhasset fans.The Glen Cove Big Red also had a season to cherish. Senior running back Devon Gonzalez carried the team, but an early-game injury to QB Jadyn Johnson hindered their progress. They made it to the Nassau II semifinals but were defeated 34 - 6. At the Long Island Championship level, Wantagh won its first LIC since 2016 by beating Bayport - Blue Point in the Class IV crown, while Massapequa defended its title in Class I with a thrilling 42 - 40 win over Floyd.

Girls Tennis: Herricks' State Championship

Herricks High School senior Angel Walia concluded her high school career in style. With poise and power, she overcame a slipup in the final few games of the match to defeat Olivia Dartawan of Niskayuna High School. Walia had to win five matches at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens to claim Herricks' first girls' state championship since 1981. It was a remarkable achievement that showcased her talent and determination.The Great Neck South duo of junior Madison Lee and seventh-grader Gabrielle Villegas almost joined Walia among Nassau County winners. The South team won four matches to reach the doubles final but were defeated by a Horace Greeley duo in the final round. Still, it was a wonderful result for the Great Neck pair. In the team competition, Port Washington reached the large school finals but fell to eventual state runners-up Syosset. The Vikings had a young lineup and are expected to be strong again next season.

Cross Country: Manhasset's Dominance

It had been 40 years since a Nassau County team won a boys' cross country title. Manhasset ended that drought emphatically. At the county meet, they dominated all comers and, led by junior Blake Sealy, captured the Class B state championship by 49 points. Coach Steve Steiner and his squad shone brightly, while Port Washington's boys won the conference title. On the girls' side, Great Neck South's Isabella Spagnoli took second place individually at the county meet, and Ashley Carillo finished fifth in Class 1. The Manhasset girls team also won the team title at the conference, with North Shore finishing second in its division.

Boys Soccer: Floral Park's Historic Win

Floral Park made history by winning its first state championship in the sport. Under the guidance of their coach, the Knights were stingy on defense all year and finished the season with a 2 - 0 win in the state title game over Schalmont. Mineola, a rival, reached the final four but fell in the semifinals to Lawrence. In Class AA, Glen Cove reached the championship game before losing to Garden City, while New Hyde Park fell in the semifinals.

Girls Soccer: North Shore's Close Call

The North Shore team had an outstanding fall season, advancing to the championship game of Class A. Led by Sam DiBenedetto's 15 goals, they were seeking their first county crown since 2017. However, they fell to Wantagh 1 - 0 in the title match, making it the Warriors' first-ever county title in the sport.

Boys Volleyball: Roslyn's County Triumph

The Roslyn boys volleyball team captured its first county title since 2021 with a dominant four-game win in the Division II county championship match over Lawrence. Senior Zach Kuppersmith, the only senior starter, led the way as the Bulldogs completed a fantastic season with only three losses. In the Long Island championship, eventual state champion Eastport - South Manor ended Roslyn's season in three sets.

Girls Volleyball: Wheatley's Near-Miss

The Wheatley girls team had a successful season, advancing to the championship game of the Class B playoffs but falling to Oyster Bay in four sets. Mineola, fresh off a L.I. championship and state semifinal run in 2023, fell in the semifinals of Class A. In Class AAA, Port Washington fell to Massapequa in the semifinals.

Girls Swimming: Nassau County's Standout Performances

Nassau County swimmers and divers once again shone at the state championships held in Rochester. Manhasset junior diver Victoria Wang won the county crown and came close to a state title, finishing second by 10 points. Teammate Samantha Anderson grabbed two state Top 10 finishes, placing 8th in the 200 freestyle and 6th in the 500 freestyle. Herricks' Natalie Wu had a fantastic state meet, finishing second in the 100 butterfly and helping Herricks get fourth in the 200 medley relay. Teammate Kayra Patan, a 10th grader, was fifth in the 100 breaststroke. Roslyn's Carina Dai was sixth in the 100 butterfly and 10th in the 100 breast.

Field Hockey: Manhasset's Heartbreak

Manhasset had another terrific season, reaching the Class B finals for the third year in a row. However, their dreams of glory were once again dashed by Garden City. This time, an overtime goal by the Trojans sealed their 1 - 0 loss. In Class A, Port Washington made the semifinals but fell to East Meadow 1 - 0 in overtime.

Boys Badminton: Great Neck South's Singles Success

It was another successful year for Great Neck South badminton player Haoran Xia, who won the county singles title. However, in the team competition, Great Neck South fell to Plainview - Old Bethpage 4 - 3 in the team semifinals.