Community Corner

Sachem Football Players In All-Star Game Tonight

Five Sachem players will take the field tonight against the best of New York City.

When the United Healthcare Empire Challenge football game kicks off tonight at Hofstra University, Sachem will be well represented with five varsity players strapping on their helmets to play for Long Island.

Tonight's game, which will be broadcast live on MSG Varsity at 7 p.m., pits the best of Long Island in a friendly game against the best of New York City with proceeds benefiting the Boomer Esiason Foundation, which funds research to find a cure for cystic fibrosis. 

Playing for Sachem in tonight's game is:

  • Tyler Andreassi: Sachem North
  • Brian Balsamo: Sachem East
  • Steven Casali: Sachem East
  • Ryan Dippel: Sachem East
  • Steven Mills: Sachem North
The Empire Challenge game has raised more than $2 million for the Boomer Esiason Foundation, according to MSGVarsity.com. The tradition began in 1995 originally by pitting Suffolk against Nassau before combining the two counties into Long Island vs. New York City. Since the Long Island/New York City match-up, Long Island leads the series 9-6, including a 31-7 romp in last year's game.


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