2011 Preview: Sachem East Football

It's been a slow and daunting journey to the depths of Suffolk County's Division I for Sachem East over the past two seasons, going 1-15 and carrying one of the worst records on Long Island at the time.

But that's the extent of the program's negatism and as far as this group of players and coaches are concerned, that's in the past. The new look, highly motivated Flaming Arrows have joined together to make one of the most cohesive group of young men the program has offered on the field since its inception in 2004.

The big question is not leadership or how hard the program has worked, according to new head coach Mark Wojciechowski, but whether or not they can put together enough football talent to finally get a win.

“That’s going to come eventually," he said. “Everyone has to stay healthy.”

Record Last Year: 0-8

Division I Pre-Season Ranking: No. 13 of 14

Head Coach: Mark Wojciechowski, First Year (0-0)

Venue: Sachem High School East Field

Top Players

• Steven Casali TB/LB
• Mike Marchello G/DT
• Billy Merone TB/DB
• Joe Ryan FB/DE
• Tom Ryan C/NG
• Anthony Vaccaro FB/LB

Position Breakdown

Quarterback: Anthony Riggi, a senior, will see his first varsity action this season. He’s been a mature leader through the entire off-season portion of the year. Sophomore Dan Wolff is pushing Riggi everyday, but the starting job is Riggi’s right now.

Running back: Steven Casali is only a junior, but built like a college football player. Expect a monster season from him if he can stay healthy and get help from his offensive line to open holes and block. “He’s a beast,” Wojciechowski said. “He’s got a chance to be a premier back.” Senior Billy Merone, who was slightly banged up in pre-season with a shoulder ailment, is healthy now. Ryan Wellwood is a third tailback on the depth chart.

Offensive Line: CJ Everson and Nick Fierro will anchor the line. Fierro, who had Tommy John surgery last year, will be seeing a lot of action. Tom Ryan will play the center position, and look for Mike Marchello and John Vigh at guard. Vigh is a converted full back. “He has eaten it up,” Wojciechowski said. “I expect big things from him.”

Tight End: They moved Eric Poppito from the backup quarterback position to end. Others on the depth chart at that position: John Carroll, Steven Descalso, David Foster and Brandon Fierro.

Wide Receiver: Junior Brian Balsalmo is the go-to receiver. Wojciechowski said he runs great routes and has good catching ability. Ryan Mellon and Ryan Dippell will get some balls as well.

Defense

Defensive Line: Much like the offensive line, it’s Fierro, Tom Ryan, and John Carroll with David Foster and Joe Ryan playing defensive end.

Linebackers: Casali and Anthony Vaccaro will lead the middle linebacker core. They’re physical and have solid football sense.

Secondary: Key names this year are Rob Neubert, Billy Merone, Ryan Mellon Brian Dippel.

Special Teams: Punting and kicking off is Poppito and kicking extra points is Dippel.

Key Loses

• Lucas Brum, lineman playing at Stonehill College

2011 Season Schedule

• Week 1: Sept. 9 vs. Central Islip, 7 p.m. (home opener)
• Week 2: Sept. 17 at Bay Shore, 2 p.m. (road opener)
• Week 3: Sept. 24 at Commack, 2 p.m.
• Week 4: Oct. 1 vs. Ward Melville, 6 p.m.
• Week 5: Oct. 6 at Patchogue-Medford, 6 p.m.
• Week 6: Oct. 15 vs. West Islip, 3:30 p.m. (homecoming)
• Week 7: Oct. 22 at Lindenhurst, 2 p.m.
• Week 8: Oct. 28 vs. Brentwood, 7 p.m. (regular season finale)

Related Coverage from Sachem Patch

Check Sachem Patch all season long for major coverage of Sachem football. There will be countless profiles, notebooks, stories, photo galleries, videos and historical look-back pieces about the program every week.