Sachem Football Looking Back: 1986, Week 5

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 Week 5: 5-0

Sachem 20, Brentwood 3 ... Sachem put the game away in the first quarter when Ralph Isernia caught a 3-yard touchdown pass from John Walsh. Dave Shanahan rushed for 112 yards on 16 carries, behind one of the nastiest offensive lines on Long Island. Kevin Bauer picked up a blocked punt in the end zone for another touchdown and Joe Grespin scored on a 4-yard touchdown later in the game. Brentwood's only points came on a 25-yard field goal in the third quarter. Next week Sachem will play Lindenhurst in one of the key moments from the 1986 season.