Sachem North hosts Connetquot Friday night in a game between Division I powerhouses.
The Arrows are coming off a 35-6 win over Sachem East last week. The Thunderbirds defeated Patchogue-Medford in their season opener 44-23.
Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. at Fred Fusaro Alumni Stadium.
Patch caught up with Sachem North's Head Coach Dave Falco who answered our Q&A about the upcoming game.
Patch: How are the players feeling? Any injuries?
Falco: None, getting Anthony Ross back after an ankle sprain missing last week.
Patch: Connetquot doesn't look to have dropped off from their 7-1 record last year; they took care of Pat-Med last week pretty good. Any concerns facing them tonight?
Falco: Yes ,well coached spread team that runs the ball very effectively. Aggressive packed box defense that tackles and runs to the ball very well.
Patch: Connetquot's lone loss in the regular season last year was to you guys. Is that a confidence builder, or do you worry the guys getting complacent?
Falco: We have talked all week that Connetquot is looking to take revenge after last year's win ending their undefeated season. If you are not ready to play any week in Division I you run the risk of getting beat and beaten badly.
Patch: What did you guys focus on during practice this week?
Falco: Our practice is fairly consistent week to week in all three phases of the game. Fundamentals, scouting report, conditioning, tackling and blocking.
Patch: Five keys to victory against the T-birds tonight?
Falco:
- Win the turnover battle
- Win The special teams phase of the game (field position)
- Tackling and being physical has to come out on our side when game is over
- How well do we make adjustments as the game goes on
- Playing the game all the way through four quarters
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