Four hundred and ninety-seven days. That’s how long since Sachem North football took the field.
Through a pandemic, uncertainty and turmoil, fear and adversity, the Flaming Arrows picked up where they left off in 2019, a victory on the road at Ward Melville. Sachem topped the Patriots, 24-8, during Week 1 Friday Night Lights action on Old Town Road. They beat them during Week 8 of last season too.
“18 months since the last one,” said Cam Lee, who dazzled with 15 carries, 228 rushing yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception. “It was so great to be out here with my teammates, playing with love and grit, and doing everything we were taught to do.”
Chris Kelly hit James Reiderer for an 11-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter. Chris Escalante kicked an 18-yard field goal in the second. Lee had a 65-yard touchdown rush in the third, and Shane Borsari rushed for a 31-yard score in the fourth.
“It feels amazing,” said senior lineman Joe Cruz, “but still a little weird playing football in March. It feels like years since we’ve played. It’s just awesome and could not feel any better.”
Arrow Notes
-Reiderer had 3 catches for 29 yards and 1 touchdown, plus four tackles and 1 interception on defense. “It was great to be back on the field with my teammates after so long,” he said. “I’m excited for the rest of the season.”
-Sachem had three total interceptions in the game: Lee, Reiderer and John Hall.
-Jalen Duval led the team with six solo tackles.
-Lee’s 228 yards are the most in a single game since 2017, and rank as the 10th most in a single game in program history. He is only the ninth Sachem player in 60 years to rush for 200 or more yards in a game.