Earlier in the week, Kevin Lathan joked that he was Sachem’s own Rudy Ruettiger.
At 5-4 and 160 pounds, slotted low on the depth chart and not mentioned at all in pre-season write ups, he isn’t far off.
But unlike America’s favorite Notre Dame success story, Lathan actually got significant playing time, and Friday night he proved how being in the right place at the right time pays off.
After Sachem lost Tyler Andreassi and Anthony Ross to injury, Lathan was the next man on the depth chart at the full back position. He played brilliantly in Sachem’s, 24-7, quarterfinal victory over Bay Shore at Fred Fusaro Alumni Stadium, seizing the moment en route to a career night, rushing 20 times for 187 yards and one touchdown.
“He’s shining in the moment,” said Sachem coach Dave Falco. “We always talk about being one snap away and being ready for your moment and he’s been ready for his moment. I’m very happy for him.”
Perhaps his best stretch of the game was during the third quarter when he opened a drive with a 20-yard rush and finished it with a 22-yard touchdown to put the second-seeded Flaming Arrows (7-2) ahead, 17-7.
“He runs hard for a little guy,” said Sachem lineman Steve Mills. “When he runs into the open field, he does his thing. I love it.”
Later in the game following an interception by Chris Biryla, Lathan again led Sachem downfield, this time with a 47-yard carry that set up Kevin Bragaglia’s 11-yard touchdown run.
Bragaglia, only a sophomore, is making a habit of strong performances. Aside from his rushing touchdown, he caught a 23-yard touchdown pass from Mike O’Donnell in the second quarter and grabbed an interception, increasing his team lead to seven on the season. He rushed 10 times for 58 yards and caught 3 passes for 73 yards.
The defensive story
If Lathan’s story was the entre, then Sachem’s defensive performance was the dessert. The Flaming Arrows recorded two interceptions and two fumble recoveries, holding one of Suffolk Counties more potent offenses to just 7 points. It was a far cry from the 125 total points scored when these teams played one another in Week 2 of the regular season.
“Our defense really stepped it up,” said Bragaglia. “We had four turnovers and that really helped us. I think since we had more games under our belt, that really helped us.”
Falco praised Sachem defensive coordinator Dave Caputo and his personnel for executing their game plan.
“They put together a great plan,” he said. “That’s a great football team. It’s all about the defense tonight.”
Fourth and Long
- This was Sachem’s 24th straight victory on the turf at home. The Flaming Arrows are unbeaten there since it was installed in 2009.
- In the first quarter, Bryan Morris kicked a career-best 37-yard field goal. He also added three extra points, meaning he is three away from breaking the Long Island PAT mark of 121.
- Sachem advances to the county semifinals for the fourth straight year. The three other Suffolk Division I playoff games will take place Saturday and Sunday, presenting a more clear picture of the semifinal round, which will take place next Friday night at home for Sachem.
- Falco on Ross injuring his foot again after just a few plays: “Anytime you’re out that long, it’s very difficult to play at your best. It was probably a shot in the dark to begin with, but we’ll just keep moving forward.”
- Relive the action from Friday with the MSG Varsity game playback
- Photos: Check out Newsday.com’s gallery from the game
- Check The Sachem Report this weekend for more analysis and historical highlights
Scoring Summary
-S: Morris 36 yard field goal
-S: O’Donnell to Bragaglia, 23 pass, Morris kick
-B: Eato 34 run, kick good
-S: Lathan 22 run, Morris kick
-S: Bragaglia 11 run, Morris kick
-Words by Chris R. Vaccaro