Week 2 Preview: Sachem North vs. Lindenhurst

North comes into Week 2 having beat a weak Patchogue-Medford team, 33-7, in its season opener. On a short week's rest, it's now tasked with playing a team that has garnered considerable buzz thanks to quarterback Steve Skon, who is arguably the best passer on Long Island.

Lindenhurst beat Longwood, 27-6, last week and Skon was 11-of-15 for 165 yards and three touchdowns. Reciever Dave George caught six passes for 49 yards, including a 6-yard touchdown reception.

Sachem, meanwhile, was running the ball as much as it could against Pat-Med. The emergence of Dalton Crossan, who finished with 122 yards and three touchdowns (one a punt return of 68 yards), shed light on just how lethal Sachem's ground attack can be with Michael Andreassi and Jesse Scanna also in the backfield.

Match-up: Sachem North (1-0) vs. Lindenhurst (1-0)

Division: I

Venue: Fred Fusaro Alumni Stadium, Lake Ronkonkoma

Game time: 7 p.m.

In-game battles: If it rains Thursday night, then Lindenhurst will have a hard time passing, similar to North's monsoon win over Brentwood last season in which their quarterback was all but useless in the windy and wet conditions. If it's a clear night, however, it will be a battle of Skon against North's secondary, which is speedy and quick. On a short week of practice, however, anything can happen.

On film, Lindenhurst looks to have a very crisp offense packed with four-wide sets, motion at the line and bells and whistles similar to a college style of play. Sachem will have its hands full. It wouldn't hurt to say a prayer for some rain Thursday to keep the game on the ground where Sachem can compete with any team on the Island, Catholic schools included.

Interesting facts

• Sachem is 24-10 all-time against Lindenhurst. Its first game dates back to 1972. Sachem won 11 straight contests from 1976-1987. The Flaming Arrows have also won six of the last 10 games dating back to 1999.
• Sachem has outscored Lindenhurst 663-444, all-time.
• Their last meeting was a 44-7 Sachem loss in 2008.
• Sachem is 28-21-1 all-time in Week 2 games. It has won five of its last 10, but only once in the last six seasons (2009).

Season Preview: Check out it, it's packed with all the information you'd need to know about the 2010 Flaming Arrows.

Coaches Corner Video: See what North head coach Dave Falco had to say about the Pat-Med win and the Week 2 battle coming up.

What's next: Sachem travels to Brentwood September 25 for a game at 1:30 p.m.

*Be sure to check the live in-game blog Thursday night from the stadium

*After the game there will be a game story, photo gallery, video highlight and Friday there will be the "This Week in Sachem Football" column