FALLSBURG – Players, coaches, friends and family gathered in Fallsburg High School’s auditorium on Tuesday afternoon to recognize two Comets signing their letters of intent to play college football.

Andrew Rein Jr. and Mateo Scanna have been playing football for Fallsburg since middle school, with the two each becoming key players throughout their varsity tenures.

Rein, who started the season at quarterback, suffered an injury during the third game of the season that sidelined him for the majority of the season. Despite the injury, Rein was a regular at practice, and his dedication to the program turned into leadership from the sidelines.

Rein, who is ranked fourth in the senior class, will be playing at St. Thomas Aquinas next year, and entering college on a pre-med track.

In just three games this year, Rein netted 494 passing yards and six touchdowns. In his career, he rushed for 965 yards and nine touchdowns. He also had 225 receiving yards and two touchdowns. 

“St. Thomas Aquinas is certainly lucky to have a young man of his high character, and Fallsburg is proud of all of his accomplishments,” Coach Dom Scanna said.

Mateo Scanna, coach Dom Scanna’s son, showed a similar dedication to the Fallsburg football program and his hard work culminated throughout the season. Scanna took the weight room very seriously during the offseason, setting school records for clean (190lbs), bench press (275lbs), squat (455lbs) and deadlift (455).

Although he trained to play a skill position, injuries pushed him to the offensive and defensive line, where he excelled. As injuries continued to pile up throughout the season, Scanna was able to try his hand at quarterback as well, and he compiled 353 passing yards and five passing touchdowns. He also rushed for 543 yards and eight touchdowns in five games.

“Dedication and commitment are other words I use a lot to our athletes that I have the pleasure of coaching,” Coach Scanna said. “Mateo has certainly contributed these attributes by sacrificing his wants for the good of the team.”

The football family in Fallsburg crowded around the two athletes after signing their letters of intent for photo opportunities before celebrating with pizza in the cafeteria.

“Thank you to all of you who have supported us and continue to support us,” Coach Scanna said. “The best is yet to come!”