The Patchogue-Medford High School football team is looking to turn the page on last season when the Raiders went 0-8.

It all starts with the opening game on Friday, Sept. 13, at Connetquot.

“We’re looking to win Week 1. That’s our focus,” senior wide receiver and kick returner Jackson Wustenhoff said during the National Football Foundation Suffolk County chapter’s recent media day at Ward Melville High School.
Lineman Javen Eason agreed.

“We’re looking to make a statement for ourselves and put last year behind us,” said Eason, a junior.

Pat-Med lost several starters to graduation, including Jacob Faison, Hamza Ibn and Kam Sylvestre.

But the Raiders will field a 45-man roster of 45, which is much larger than last season when fewer than 30 players were on the team.

That’s an indication of the level of interest the program has generated in head coach Tom Piccirillo’s second season.

Piccirillo, who succeeded longtime coach Gary Marangi, said that after a productive offseason, he’s excited for the games to start.

The Raiders roster features several returning starters, including Wustenhoff, Eason, lineman Peter Campisi and quarterback Brett Rupolo.

Rupolo will run the no-huddle offense that Piccirillo promises will be fast-paced and balanced between rushing and passing.

“All the coaches and players have been working hard,” Rupolo said. “There’s lots of chemistry. We want to get off to a great start and take it from there.”

In addition to the opening game Sept. 13 at Connetquot, the Raiders’ home opener is Sept. 20 against Central Islip. Homecoming is Oct. 19 against Bay Shore.
If the Raiders make it back to the playoffs, it would be their first appearance in the postseason since 2022.

The playoff quest begins Sept. 13.