Suffolk Football: 2010 Division I Preview

After a dominant regular season, Sachem North rolled through the first two weeks of the playoffs in equally potent fashion. The Flaming Arrows signaled a return to prominence with a 22-point win over Central Islip followed by a 36-point blowout of Brentwood. 

Then came a showdown with Floyd. The Colonials have played in the Division I title game eight times since 1998 and won five Suffolk championships between 2001-07. Make that six titles in nine seasons. Floyd, upset by Lindenhurst in the 2008 semifinals, showed off its postseason muscle with an upset of its own, a 27-6 knockout of Sachem North.

Now Sachem North is out to prove its body of work in 2009 was no fluke and win its first Suffolk title since 1995. Coach Dave Falco will turn loose a stable of backs, led by Michael Andreassi. The fact is Sachem North has been building toward this season ever since the school district split into two high schools earlier in the decade.

But there are plenty of other programs with timelines and aspirations of their own. Whoever seizes the opportunity can crown themselves the kings of Suffolk. Here's a look at Suffolk Division I:

 2010 Seeds

(with 2009 records)

1. Sachem North (10-1) 

2. Floyd (10-2)  

3. Lindenhurst (5-5)  

4. Northport (7-2)  

5. Connetquot (4-5)  

6. Longwood (4-5)  

7. Patchogue-Medford (2-6)  

8. Bay Shore (5-4)   

9. Brentwood (5-5)  

10. Central Islip (3-6)  

11. Sachem East (1-7)  

12. Whitman (2-6)  

13. Commack (2-6)  

14. Ward Melville (2-6)

Team Watch

 Sachem North: Hard-running Michael Andreassi and QB Angelo Armine lead a dynamic backfield. This is an offense which churned out 358 points a year ago. Cha-ching! All-Suffolk LB Jesse Scanna and All-Suffolk two-way tackle James Thompson give this team some punch. The pieces are in place for a championship run.

Floyd: Coach Paul Longo has built the most consistent public school powerhouse on Long Island over the last decade, winning three straight Long Island Class I titles from 2005-07. Freeport dashed the Colonials' shot at a fourth title in five seasons with a 38-14 loss last November. But the kids from Mastic have gotten used to winning. Floyd is the team to beat until Sachem North proves otherwise.

Lindenhurst: This town has been on a roll. The baseball team won a state title in the spring and the football program reached the county final in 2008. Can strong-armed QB Steve Skon deliver another deep playoff run? These Bulldogs will be in the hunt to the end.

Northport: After a combined 13-3 record the last two regular seasons, the Tigers are no longer an afterthought. And yet coach Kip Lukralle reportedly wanted a lower seed. There's talent on both sides of the ball and a strong turnout from an energized community. Northport will be competitive, but the schedule is brutal.  

Longwood: The Lions, winners of four straight games to end the regular season after an 0-4 start, are an interesting team. Running back Anthony Marone transferred in from Mercy and Darius Greene is a big presence up front. There's talent here, and six straight trips to the postseason suggest another is in the works.

Player Watch

Michael Andreassi, Sachem North, RB/LB: Both lightning quick and physical, the 5-10, 190-pound Andreassi spent his summer winning gold playing Empire State Games lacrosse. He ran for nearly 900 yards and was a leading tackler in 2009. The senior is committed to play lacrosse at UMass.

Stacey Bedell, Floyd, RB/DB: A 5-8, 165-pound junior athlete, Bedell developed into an offensive force a year ago. He rushed for 869 yards and 10 TDs to lead Floyd to a Suffolk title. He's got legitimate 4.4 speed. So Bedell is not only on the Big East radar, every LB in Suffolk will also be on the lookout.

Jack Delahunty, Northport, WR/DB:  A rare combination of size and speed, the 6-3, 190 senior spent the off-season burning up the track in the 100 meters. He'll keep defenses honest for a run-first team.

Mike Pellegrino, Connetquot, RB/DB: The 5-8,  175-pound senior twice rushed for 240 yards in a game last season and had 17TDs to earn NYSSWA second-team All-State honors. The Under Armour All-American has committed to play lacrosse at Johns Hopkins.

Steve Skon, Lindenhurst, QB:  An all-state shortstop who helped win a state Class AA title in June, the 6-2, 190-pound senior passed Lindenhurst into the playoffs last fall, tossing 22 TDS. That's a clutch athlete who knows how to win.

Game Watch

Lindenhurst @ Floyd, Oct. 1: The ultimate Friday night lights showdown. Can Lindenhurst's air attack beat the always-tough Floyd defense? This one will shake up the Division I race either way.  

Sachem North @ Connetquot, Oct. 2: Call this the battle of Ronkonkoma. Different school districts and cultures co-exist in the same town. Connetquot has been a playoff team in recent seasons. Here is a chance for the T-Birds to declare themselves a threat once again.

Bay Shore @ Central Islip, Oct. 2: A pair of surprise playoff teams from a year ago square off. No one opened more eyes than Bay Shore (5-4) winning for the first time in recent memory. We'll see if Bay Shore, which moved up from Division II, can play with the big boys.

Floyd @ Sachem North, Oct. 15: Rematch of the Division I title game won by Floyd. Both teams will have something to prove. But with so many returning starters, Sachem North will have more of an attitude and a home-field edge.

Lindenhurst @ Brentwood, Oct. 30: Two of the worst defenses from a year ago must make a stop Week 8 in what will likely be a must-win game for each team. Passing records might be in jeopardy with Skon on the field. Seriously.

2009 Playoff Results

 Quarterfinals

Floyd 15, Longwood 6

Sachem North 28, Central Islip 6

Lindenhurst 27, Connetquot 14

Brentwood 33, Northport 26

 Semifinals

 Floyd 42, Lindenhurst 19

Sachem North 42, Brentwood 6

 Division I Championship

Floyd 27, Sachem North 6

 Long Island Class I Championship

Freeport 38, Floyd 14