Sachem Football Looking Back: 1986, Week 8

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 8: 7-1

Sachem 18, Smithtown East 7 ... Sachem trailed 7-0 at halftime against the Bulls, but took a 1-point, 8-7, lead in the third quarter after a Dave Shanahan touchdown with 4:30 left in the quarter. Shanahan sealed the victory with a 20-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Jeff Strand also kicked a 28-yard field goal. Shanahan finished with 18 carries, 150 yards and 2 touchdowns. The following week, Sachem played Lindenhurst in the Suffolk County Division I semifinals. Check Sachem Patch next week for the update.