Lineman Michael Chaparro scores on three-yard fumble recovery for historic touchdown.
Sachem North football’s victory against Brentwood Wednesday wasn’t just special because it was the team’s first win of the season, but they achieved a rare feat of reaching the plateau of 10,000 points scored in program history.
The number took 509 games over 57 seasons and was reached on the most unassuming play imaginable, a 3-yard touchdown off a fumble recovery by defensive lineman Michael Chaparro.
Sachem has now outscored its opponents 10,012 to 7,687 all-time. There is little to no historic data like this for other football programs in Suffolk County or Long Island to see where Sachem stacks up against other schools for all-time scoring.
“It’s a great honor and it means a lot to me,” said Chaparro. “I got past my guard, the QB rolled out and the ball popped out. As soon as I grabbed the ball I got a cramp and hobbled into the end zone.”
Sachem coach Dave Falco reminisced about the program’s greats and countless players and coaches who helped reach such a lofty number.
“I think about all the great running backs that have played here from Vinny Clarke and Jerry Figgiani to Walter Carey and Jimmy Fox, to Jimmy O’Neal and the Crossan’s [Dalton and Trent], and all those guys who have scored touchdowns; receivers, quarterbacks,” he said.
Jason Mendes led the Flaming Arrows (1-3) with 13 carries for 101 yards and 2 touchdowns. He was awarded the Richard “Spider” Westervelt Trophy for his performance. The honor is presented to a player for each team every time Sachem plays Brentwood in honor of Spider, the late great public address announcer of Sachem football.
“Getting the win breaks the ice for the whole team,” said Mendes, “this is a great step forward. From now on it’s just uphill from here.”
Javal Stanton had 11 carries for 90 yards and 1 touchdown, and Josh Walker caught 1 reception, a 19-yard touchdown. Nick Davide stripped a ball from a Brentwood player and ran 70 yards for a touchdown also.
-Words by Chris R. Vaccaro