Bethpage opened its Nassau Conference III football season with a moving tribute to those lost on September 11, 2001. It also honored those who died in the wars against terrorism, including reading the names of the 13 service members who perished last month during the evacuation of Kabul, Afghanistan.
On the field, the Golden Eagles used a strong running game to convert four fourth down situations and beat defending conference champs Manhasset 32-21.
The visiting Indians had pulled within 19-13 at halftime, but in the fourth quarter Brian Luzzi responded with an 18-yard run for his third score and Anthony Cucurullo added an insurance TD with 8:10 left.
Luzzi ran 13 times for 84 yards and quarterback Luke Galgano contributed six carries for 88 yards. He also added 52 passing yards, completing four of nine attempts.