The James C. Metzger Suffolk County Chapter of the National Football Foundation (NFF) recently named William Floyd High School Colonials senior defensive end Jake Rivera as the Division I Preseason Defensive Player of the Year. Jake was selected by a panel of local coaches and was officially recognized as the inaugural recipient at the NFF’s annual Media Day event in late August.

Jake is coming off of an incredible 2025 season in which he recorded 71 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 16 sacks and one fumble recovery to help lead the Colonials to an undefeated regular season and a fourth consecutive appearance in the Suffolk County Championship game. In recognition of his efforts, he was named to the New York State Sportswriters Association (NYSSWA) Class AA Defensive First Team, received the inaugural Bryan Collins Award for Suffolk County’s best defensive lineman and named an All-County honoree.

“Jake is a leader on and off the field, whether its in the classroom, weight room, practice field or during games; he is a force to be reckoned with,” said Pete Friedman, head coach of the varsity football team. “Jake is someone we can lean on to guide and mentor the newer players as his presence and experience is unmatched.”

In 2026, Jake will be leading a Colonials team that has the challenge of replacing 26 seniors from last year’s team, one that Jake believes he and his teammates are more than capable of overcoming.

“We lost a lot of guys, but our mindset going into this year is next man up,” said Jake. “We know we have a bunch of guys that can go out there and make plays and we’re confident in our ability.”

The Colonials open the 2026 season on the road on Wednesday, September 9 at Connetquot.

Congratulations, Jake, and good luck to the Colonials this season!