Sachem has waited 18 years, but it’s finally back in the Class I Long Island championship. For some, their dance with Lawrence in 1995 seems like yesterday, for others, not so much. But the past is the past and this year’s group is focused on Saturday’s game, the biggest game they’ve been a part of to this point.
After defeating William Floyd in the Division I Suffolk County championship last weekend, the Flaming Arrows (9-2) were granted one more game, the crown jewel of Long Island football, a chance to play for the Class I Long Island title. Their next hurdle is Nassau County’s Farmingdale, an undefeated bunch that packs a strong athletic punch.
This week’s theme for Sachem is “not done yet,” because with all the celebrating a week ago it’s easy to lose track of what’s at stake. Not this group, however. They’ve brought their hard hats and lunch pails to the practice field everyday. This includes Thanksgiving morning, where the team froze on the field at Fred Fusaro Alumni Stadium, but experienced the honor of having yet another practice together during this extended season.
“I can’t even remember Thanksgiving practice in 1995,” said Sachem coach Dave Falco.
That’s how long it’s been for Sachem. That’s how difficult it is to get to this level of play.
Farmingdale knows all too well the feeling. The Dalers (11-0) have managed to play in eight Long Island championships under legendary head coach Buddy Krumenacker, but have only walked away with one crown and that was 12 years ago in 2001.
The Dalers bring stud running back Curtis Jackson and talented quarterback Vinny Quinn and receiver Tom Kennedy to the party. They won’t overpower you, but they’re all highly effective and athletic. Jenkins is a favorite to win the Thorp Award as Nassau’s top player.
Sachem has hit its best defensive strides of the season with its masterful performance against William Floyd last week. It’ll need another game like that to take care of Farmingdale.
Most of the previews will read about Malik Pierre since he’s been the best player in Suffolk County over the last month, but don’t forget about Trent Crossan, who is coming off his best game of the season after an injury-plagued senior year, or Anthony Ross, who is quietly effective and dangerous from his half-back position, or Kevin Bragaglia, who will beat you any number of ways on offense, defense or special teams. How about Justin Rivera, George Carrion or Chris Biryla? If you were at last week’s game you’ll know 22, 38 and 39 well, and you’ll play those numbers in the lottery.
And the unbelievable line play should not go unnoticed. Anthony DiMatteo, Chris Fasano and Dylan Rodriguez, not to mention Bryan Gresalfi, Nick Accurso, Phillip Koehler, Michael Kearns and Matthew O’Leary, among others, have been stellar down this home stretch of the season.
Then there’s the quarterback tandem now at Sachem between Anthony Service and Michael Licata. You’ll have to wait until game day to see who starts, since Service is coming off an ankle injury, but either way both are capable of leading the offense.
Game Details
- Location: Stony brook’s LaValle Stadium
- Time: 4:30 p.m.
- Weather: 32 degrees
- Admission fee: $7
-Words by Chris R. Vaccaro