Week 3 Preview: Sachem North vs. West Islip

It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years since Sachem and West Islip last played a football game. Of their 17 previous meetings, that 14-0 win for Sachem in the 1986 Suffolk County championship has left a lasting impression on the history and development of the Flaming Arrows.

The storied history between the blue-collar programs dates back to 1967 and was played consistently until that ’86 season when the divisions were realigned and West Islip dropped down.

From 1979 to 1986, the teams played in three county title games, Sachem winning in 1979 and 1986 and West Islip grabbing one in 1985. Overall, however, West Islip has edged Sachem in 14 of their 17 meetings. They’ve also outscored the Flaming Arrows, 274-144, all-time.

This year, both schools enter Week 3 with undefeated records. Sachem (2-0) opened with wins over Bay Shore and Northport, while West Islip (2-0) beat lowly Patchogue-Medford and Connetquot.

Friday is Sachem’s homecoming, and pushing the given lacrosse rivalry aside between these schools, the football contests have always garnered significant meaning. For Sachem coach Dave Falco, his first game as a varsity player at Sachem in 1982 was a 42-12 loss to West Islip.

“I had not lost a football game prior to that,” said Falco, referring to his middle school and JV seasons. “That was a big loss.”

The 42 points allowed are also the sixth most Sachem has allowed in a single game in school history.

The following season, Sachem opened the year with a 10-0 win over West Islip at Hofstra in 1983. The catch, however, is that Fred Fusaro, Sachem’s legendary head coach at the time, was forced to miss the only game of his 32-year career at Sachem, due to the passing of his mother.

Match-up: No. 2 Sachem North (2-0) vs. No. 1 West Islip (2-0)

Time/Venue: Friday, Sept. 23, 7 p.m. at Fred Fusaro Alumni Stadium

In game battles: West Islip has clearly developed into a dynamic passing offense with quarterback Anthony Santo leading the charge. Considering Sachem faced Northport’s Sean Gilroy in Week 2 and learned a lot about its own passing defense, expect the Flaming Arrows to adjust accordingly Friday. Rain, however, might nix West Islip’s passing game altogether. As for the Flaming Arrows, one word: Crossan.

Live Blogging/Tweeting: We'll be live blogging this game starting at 6:30 p.m., so check the top of the site to see how the game is going. Throughout many games this season, follow live updates through twitter with the hashtag #sachemfootball @SachemPatch and @WestIslipPatch

Stay tuned to West Islip Patch for complete coverage of the game.