Sachem Football Looking Back: 1986, Semifinals

Each week in honor of the 25th Anniversary of Sachem's 1986 Rutgers Trophy team, Sachem Patch will give a brief recap of how Sachem faired during that season.

Sachem Patch will be profiling athletes from that team and sharing stories from the memorable season all fall. But to give you some facts about 1986 ... the Flaming Arrows were in the midst of one of their most dominant stretches in program history. In 1985, Sachem finished 8-2 overall, just behind West Islip in Suffolk County League I.

Sachem returned 16 starters from that dominant '85 club, including a stacked line with Gary Beutel (6-4), Marty Cummings (6-2), Curt Giacobbe (6-2) and Kevin Bauer (6-4). Defensive Backs Paul Engelhardt and Ralph Isernia were fierce. Athletes like Gary Comstock, Dave Shanahan, Anthony Gambino, John Walsh, Wayne Wilson, Bob Kohn and others knew how to play.

Season Record After Semifinals: 8-1

Sachem 28, Lindenhurst 7 ... With a sour taste in their mouth from their 15-12 Week 6 loss to Lindenhurst, Sachem came out prepared and motivated more than normal in the Suffolk Division I semifinals in 1986. Dave Shanahan scored three second-half touchdowns and carried 15 times for 75 yards. The Flaming Arrows recorded four interceptions in the win and held Lindenhurst to 129 total offensive yards. Jeff Strand caught four passes from John Walsh in the game for 46 yards. Recording interceptions for Sachem: Kevin Bauer, Ralph Isernia, Jim Crossan and Jim Hackett.