Game stories are focused on the action. This story is focused on everything else. There is always a ton of news swirling around the gridiron, so why not include it all!
Banks shines in two-way role
With all of the talented upperclassmen on last year’s roster, Jasheem Banks did not play both sides of the ball. He was a gifted defensive back and waited his turn be a key cog on the offensive side of the ball. His time has come. On Friday he recorded 22 carries for 120 yards.
“It’s a big difference from eleventh grade,” said Banks, who is considering attending an Ivy League school next year. “I’m playing a lot on both sides of the ball. I’m happy coach is giving me more carries to help my team and put my team in a better position to win.”
Inside the numbers
- This is the first time since the 1996-1997 seasons that Sachem has beaten William Floyd two games in a row. Sachem beat William Floyd, 28-7, in last year’s Suffolk County Division I final.
- Sachem is now 30-24 in Week 1 games all-time
- Sachem out-gained Floyd, 262-200, in total yardage
D-Rod makes interception
It would be difficult to find the historic significance of linemen making interceptions in two consecutive games, at any level, but Sachem managed to do it. Nick Accurso grabbed an interception last year in the Class I Long Island championship, and Dylan Rodriguez gobbled up a pass against Floyd in the second quarter to give Sachem possession inside Floyd’s 20-yard line.
“Bear of a schedule”
Make no bones about it, Sachem has one of the most difficult schedules in Suffolk County this season.
“It’s a bear of a schedule,” said Falco. “We have to take one at a time and get healthy.”
The Flaming Arrows are through the first game of the gauntlet, but head to top-seeded Connetquot next week, then host No. 11 Sachem East and travel to No. 2 Pat-Med during Week 4.
Coaches make debuts
Sachem alum Tom Pandolf, who has been a varsity assistant at Sachem for a number of years, called his first game as offensive coordinator.
Sachem alum Matt Rickert moved to the North staff from East. Sachem alum Sean Gill coached with the varsity after spending last season with JV.
Pat-med Alum and University of Buffalo product Jimmy Gordon also coached in the first game of his career. His college playing career ended last season.
Championship Banner added
It makes sense that Sachem now has championship banners at the football stadium. With seven county titles and a Long Island championship under its belt, Sachem has the hardware to warrant some bling around the stadium on game day.
New to the field, only on game day, are banners that line the home sideline with all of Sachem’s championships listed.
There is also a new 2013 Long Island champions flag hanging on the flag polls near the stadium entrance.
Alumni appearances for Week 1
The sidelines are always a haven for former players. Friday night featured recent grads Malik Pierre (Post football), Anthony Ross (Stony Brook lax) and George Carrion. James Thompson (Central Connecticut) also stopped by.
Alums Matt and Will Slinkosky, as well as Derek Dale, were also on the sidelines at points of the game.
Slats back as volunteer assistant
Sachem football wouldn’t be the same without Michael Slattery around. He retired his jersey and pads when he graduated and now sports a black polo and khakis on the sideline.
Slats graduated last year. He made headlines when he recovered a fumble and made his first varsity catch against Lindenhurst. He also eventually won the Suffolk County 12th Man Award for his efforts.
He’s a volunteer assistant with the varsity now and is sharing his usual team spirit and support services to the program as an alum.
-Words by Chris R. Vaccaro