The Great American Rivalry Series is the closest thing to a high school football bowl game that exists, and Sachem has had the good fortune to host it three straight years.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the American Rivalry Series, “shines the spotlight on top high school football rivalries across the nation, where long-standing traditions are valued, expectations are sky high, and followers are committed.”
The Sachem-Northport rivalry has existed in Suffolk’s Division I since 1975. The schools have played one another 26 times and Sachem has a 20-4-2 record against the Tigers all-time.
For decades Sachem’s record for most points in a game was 55 scored against Northport in 1977, but that was broke in recent years. Sachem’s all-time leading rusher, James O’Neal, also made history against the Tigers in 1994 by rushing for 320 yards in one game, which still stands as a program record.
Sachem is 3-0 in American Rivalry Series games having beaten Brentwood 56-14 in 2011 and Sachem East, 21-14, last season.
Senior Mike O’Donnell was presented with the American Rivalry Series Scholar Athlete award prior to the contest.
Longtime Sachem coach and alum Tony Petillo was inducted into the American Rivalry Series Hall of Fame at halftime of the game.
Senior Malik Pierre was named MVP of the Rivalry Series game after rushing 17 times for 200 yards and three touchdowns.
The winning team walks away with a championship trophy, championship hats and recognition on a national level on the Series’ website.
STORY: Read the game story from Sachem’s 34-20 victory over Northport
PHOTOS: See more images from Sachem’s American Rivalry Series win
-Words by Chris R. Vaccaro