Tonight, two of the biggest programs in high school sports will battle it out in the Division I football semi-finals. On one hand, the reigning Suffolk County Champion William Floyd Colonials, and on the other, the Sachem North Flaming Arrows who were defeated in that Suffolk championship game last year.
Earlier this year, Sachem North traveled to Mastic Beach and were roundly defeated against a Floyd team that was lining up against an injury depleted squad. Sine that lost, Sachem North have not only gotten some starters back, but the backups have filled in the holes incredibly. Without the threat of Trent Crossan or Tyler Andreassi, the team managed to come up big and put an end to Connetquot's bid for an undefeated season. The following week, they dominated Bay Shore in the first round of the playoffs, 24-7. For sure, William Floyd will not be facing the same team they steamrolled a few weeks ago.
We spoke with Head Coach Dave Falco about this upcoming clash of the titans.
On Sachem's seemingly much-improved defense.
We have made some improvements but this will be a big tests...dual threat team with lots of different packages to cover.
On whether there is psychological carry-over from the last Floyd game.
We were down nine starters. I do believe that loss is still in their minds, but we are in a different place now.
Is there an edge to being at home?
No edge against a really good team picked number 1 in the preseason .
On the team's preparation this week against Floyd.
Similar type game plan as the last two weeks. [A.J. Otranto] is a much better runner than the last two QBs.
On what type of game he expects it to be.
I hope we can keep it close early, let the game settle in and outplay them on special teams.
5 keys to victory.
- Weather the storm early
- Great special teams play
- Win turnover battle (we want to be +2)
- Great success inside the 20
- Hold them to under 50% 3rd down success
Semi-Finals: William Floyd at Sachem North: Game Time: 7 p.m.
