Northport hasn’t had the best of luck against Sachem on the football field since the two schools began playing one another in 1975.
On Saturday, Northport beat Sachem for just the fourth time in 37 years, defeating the Flaming Arrows, 33-10. It’s Sachem’s first loss to the Tigers since 2007 (others occurred in 1991 and 2004).
“We just didn’t show up to play today,” Sachem coach Dave Falco said. “When you don’t show up to play, that’s going to happen. That’s an excellent team, well coached.”
Northport (3-2) scored on its first five possessions of the game leading into the third quarter and only punted one time in 48 minutes. Running back John Trainor, who rushed 22 times for 193 yards and 3 touchdowns, scored on drives of 14, 1 and 18 yards. Tigers kicker Matt Smith hit field goals of 26 and 28 yards in the first half.
RELATED: View photos from Saturday’s loss at Northport
Sachem’s (4-1) lone touchdown was scored on a 62-yard run by Kevin Bragaglia at 11:49 of the second quarter.
Trailing 20-7 at halftime, Sachem opened the third quarter with the ball. The Flaming Arrows ran 12 plays, but settled for a 30-yard field goal by Bryan Morris.
“That was our best drive of the game,” Falco said. “We came out and played Sachem football for about four minutes. That was it.”
Sachem was without junior quarterback Trent Crossan (hamstring) and junior running back Anthony Ross (foot) for the second straight week. There is no set timetable for their return.
“I think right now we’re feeling sorry for ourselves because we dont have our quarterback [Crossan] and Anthony Ross,” Falco said. “We can’t feel sorry for ourselves because this is the result.
News and Notes
- Sachem travels to William Floyd (4-1) next Saturday, October 13 at 2 p.m.
- Sachem stats: Bragaglia had 4 carries for 93 yards and 1 touchdown, as well as 4 receptions for 29 yards. Tyler Andreassi had 15 carries for 88 yards.
- Northport stats: Quarterback Sean Gilroy, who will play lacrosse at Binghamton, was 9-of-15 for 120 yards.
- Northport out gained Sachem, 393-320, in total offensive yards.
- Around Division I: William Floyd (4-1) beat Bay Shore (1-4). Sachem East (3-2) beat Longwood (2-3). Connetquot (5-0) beat Brentwood). Ward Melville (4-1) beat Lindenhurst (1-4).
Scoring Summary
- N: Trainor 14 run, Smith kick
- N: DeCiglia 3 run, Smith kick
- S: Bragaglia 62 run, Morris kick
- N: Smith FG 28
- N: Smith FG 26
- S: Morris FG 26
- N: Trainor 1 run, kick failed
- N: Trainor 18 run, Smith kick
-Words and photos by Chris R. Vaccaro