And then there were two. It’s been a quick off-season. It always is. The summer for football players is non-existent as workouts, mini camp and training camp take up a bulk of their time away from the school year.
Sachem East is coming off two straight playoff appearances and is looking for a third. Sachem North comes into the season having played in three of the last four county championship games. They’ll square off on Wednesday at 6 p.m. to open the season.
In sticking with the numeric theme, here are two difference makers for each team this season:
- Sachem East: 1) Danny Wolff: The senior quarterback will have to be on in every game, every series and every play. He’s capable having led the Arrows all last season. Just remember that historic pass to Ryan Dippel against Connetquot in the county semifinals and that’s enough to know he’s got ice water in his veins. 2) Connor Farrell: There’s no replacing Steven Casali, but Farrell will step up as the main linebacker at East. With 91 career tackles, he’s capable of leading the defensive front.
- Sachem North: 1) Anthony DiMatteo: He’s only a junior, but he’s a stud on the line. At nose guard he has an important role and this year he’ll emerge as one of the best linemen in the county. He already has two important years of varsity experience under his belt. 2) Bryan Morris: The senior kicker is a four-year varsity member and will graduate as one of the top kickers in Long Island history. Aside from a plethora of extra points he’ll make this year, he’ll also be called upon for field goals and key special teams plays throughout. He is a difference maker.
Check back every day for pre-season football content as the season gets underway, and to see who we feature for the remaining countdown images.
Countdown Images
No. 5: Steven Casali, Sachem East, Class of 2013
No. 4: Jasheem Banks, Sachem North, Class of 2015
No. 3: Angelo Armine, Sachem North, Class of 2011
No. 2: Frank Castora, Sachem, Class of 1967
No. 1: ?
-Words by Chris R. Vaccaro