Sachem East bounced back from last week’s loss at William Floyd and came away with 27-7 victory on homecoming against Commack Saturday.
Sachem running back Steven Casali totaled 9 carries for 112 yards and 2 touchdowns. After a 68-yard touchdown run to open the third quarter, he did not play on offense the rest of the second half due to a bruised shin, according to Sachem East head coach Mark Wojchiechowski.
“He’s our guy,” Wojchiechowski said. “When he gets it going, it’s hard to stop him. But the other guys have to step up. It’s not just about one guy, it’s about the team.”
Sachem (2-1) overcame Casali’s offensive absence with ease as quarterback Danny Wolff unleashed two touchdown passes to Brian Balsamo for 45 and 75 yards, respectively, in the second half.
“Brian’s been pressing from the beginning,” Wojciechowski said. “He’s been putting a lot of pressure on himself. Hopefully that pressure is off of him playing the way he can play. Hopefully from here on in there’s no pressure.”
Balsamo broke the single-game receiving record and set the career receiving yards record Saturday for Sachem East.
As for Wolff, Wojciehowski said he doesn’t get rattled. He’s calm and cool.
“He’s got ice water in his veins,” added Wojciechowski of his junior quarterback. “He’s good, real good.”
Commack’s only score of the game was an 18-yard touchdown pass from Ryan Heisman to Paul Mauline in the second quarter.
PHOTOS: Click to view more images from Sachem East’s homecoming victory
Scoring Summary
S: Casali, 27 run, no kick
C: Heisman to Mauline, 18 pass, kick good
S: Casali, 68 run, kick good
S: Wolff to Balsamo, 45 pass, kick good
S: Wolff to Balsamo, 75 pass, kick good
-Words by Chris R. Vaccaro / Photos by Bob Sorensen