East Scrimmages Riverhead, Readies for Opening Night This Week

Sachem East is making its final preparations for the 2011 season. After a disappointing run under Brian Harvey, new head coach Mark Wojciechowski, is taking over a group that has only won one game the past two seasons.

Senior Pride

Sachem East has 16 returning seniors in 2011. The class has not had great success on the field, but as far as Wojciechowski is concerned that is bound to change this year.

“The seniors are by far one of the best group of kids - citizen wise- that I have ever been around,” Wojciechowski said. “They’re great, great kids. Always positive and they’re always willing to work. That's half the battle, now we have to get the other half going and see if we can make the improvements and win some games.”

Of the 16 returning seniors, Wojciechowski mentioned a select few among the overall group but praised them all overwhelmingly.

“As a group they are focused on wanting us to get better,” he said. “As a group you can't ask for more than what they've given us, starting in February in the weight room, some conditioning, practices. They group by far is some of the best kids I’ve ever been around.”

Among that group of seniors Wojciechowski singled out both Ryan brothers - Joe and Tom - and Ryan Wellwood. Wellwood broke a few long runs in the second half of the scrimmage. “He’s a great kid,” Wojciechowski said. “He's working real hard for us. He’s a positive, positive kid.”

But Wojciechowski saved his greatest praise for his pair of senior captains.

“The Ryan brothers are really the backbone to our whole team and they're important to us,” he said. “They set the tone for everyone on the team. They're hardnosed, they're throw-back kids. They're old school Sachem kids, that's who they are. Old style Sachem kids - they would rather knock you down than score a touchdown.”

Tom is a center and defensive lineman and Joe is a fullback and outside linebacker.

Game Wrap

Sachem East came from behind to tie the scrimmage with Riverhead but lost on a drive late in the fourth quarter, 20-13.

“We did aright but I’m not happy,” Wojciechowski said. “We have a lot to work with, we have some guys banged up that will be ready to go on Friday. I think our preseason has been good. It's got us in a position to be ready for the season. Kids really bought in and have worked hard so I have no complaints as far as that goes.

Wojciechowski also said that Anthony Riggi will be the starting quarterback Friday night against Central Islip, but added “it’s always competition and nothing is set in stone.”