Sachem East may be ranked No. 11 to start the season, but don’t let that number fool you. A handful of veteran talent, plus some new transfer students has this squad primed to be a playoff team by season’s end.
Remember that exciting championship-run feeling that swarmed through the program a couple of years ago? If things go as planned, role players step up, leaders lead and newcomers shine, Sachem East could turn some heads this season and recapture that spirit.
This team will go as defensive stud Connor Farrell goes. The clear veteran leader at linebacker, Farrell is a protege of Sachem East legend Steve Casali (now at UMass). In fact, Farrell is just 36 tackles away from breaking Casali’s career program mark of 214. Impressive to say the least.
“Connor is a special football player,” said Sachem coach Mark Wojchiehowski. “Not many athletes can transition from middle school to varsity, but Connor did just that as he has been with us since he was a ninth grader. When we had our team vote for captains, he was mentioned on every ballot except his own. That means every single player on our team recognizes his leadership abilities not just as a football player, but as a person as well.”
The other major strength of this team is its offensive line. Known as “5 Strong”, the group consists of five seniors who have been through the trenches for a number of years together. They have all bought in and are serious competitors on the gridiron. They’re also big, physical and play smash mouth football.
Sachem East’s 5 Strong offensive line
- Billy Carrol, OG/NG, Sr.
- Jack Johnson, OG/DT, Sr.
- Anthony Accardi, C/DT, Sr.
- Sean Gallagher, OT/DT, Sr.
- Sean Dee, OT/DT, Sr.
The newcomers: Most people are always intrigued by transfer student-athletes. No matter if it’s college or high school, people get excited even when there is just a little hype. In Sachem East’s case it’s a big deal because the two biggest transfers are skill position players and will have significant roles.
Senior running back Josh Hanna transferred from Newfield. He should make an immediate impact on both offense and defense (defensive back).
“He brings great energy,” said Wojciehowski, “and he has a high football IQ.”
Javon Abraham will play quarterback for Sachem East this season. A senior out of Queens, N.Y., Abraham is a “gifted runner and passer,” according to Woj.
Woj on this year’s group: “The senior class’s leadership has been outstanding. We had our team vote for Captain’s at camp and there was such overwhelming support for each other that we are naming a record seven young men captains this year. Connor Farrell, Anthony Accardi, Billy Carroll, Jack Johnson, Phil Brum, Sean Gallagher, and Ryan Leone all carried enough votes from their teammates to be honored as our captains. This shows that a lot of young men are ready to step into a leadership role, and though we know our captains will lead us, we expect the same thing from the rest of our seniors as well.”
2014 Sachem East Schedule
- Sept. 13: At Ward Melville, 2 p.m. (season opener)
- Sept. 19: Vs. Commack, 7 p.m. (home opener)
- Sept. 27: At Sachem North, 5:30 p.m. (in-district rivalry)
- Oct. 2: At Bay Shore, 4 p.m.
- Oct. 11: Vs. Walt Whitman, 6 p.m. (homecoming)
- Oct. 18: At Brentwood, 6 p.m.
- Oct. 24: Vs. Lindenhurst, 7 p.m.
- Oct. 31: Vs. Central Islip, 7 p.m. (senior night)
-Words by Chris R. Vaccaro