Sachem Football Looking Back: 1986, Week 7

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 7: 6-1

Sachem 23, Ward Melville 0 ... Fred Fusaro told quarterback Bob Kohn he'd start atleast one game in 1986. Kohn, who had an arm, was in the wrong offense since Sachem ran the ball 95 percent of the time. His ability came through against the Patriots as he threw two touchdown passes: one for 15 yards to Ralph Isernia, and another for 12 yards to Gary Comstock. Kohn was 5-for-11 for 82 yards and rushed for 102 yards on nine carries. Ward Melville put up just 59 yards of total offense. Anthony Gambino recovered a fumble in the win.