Sachem North Opens Season with a Statement Win

With many area high school football teams taking the field during the week because of the holiday, Sachem North had no trouble adjusting to the unusual schedule.

The Arrows opened their season in impressive fashion, rolling to a decisive 42-6 victory over Patchogue-Medford. Senior quarterback Luke LaRocca led the way, accounting for five touchdowns in a dominant performance.

LaRocca completed 9 of 13 passes for 179 yards and four touchdowns while also rushing for 49 yards and another score on seven carries.

Senior Gavin Nuzzi immediately set the tone, returning the opening kickoff 75 yards for a touchdown. Nuzzi finished the game with 140 yards on three kickoff returns, two receptions for 45 yards and a touchdown, and an interception on defense.

Senior Lucas Bouchard was another major factor in the passing game, catching three passes for 90 yards and two touchdowns. Joey Vulin added a 15-yard touchdown reception.

The Arrows also made their presence felt defensively. Niko Valenza recorded a sack, while Jake Kuhlman and Vito DePalo led Sachem North with 5.5 tackles apiece.

LaRocca and the Sachem North offense continued to find the end zone throughout the afternoon. LaRocca connected with Bouchard on a 45-yard touchdown pass before finding Nuzzi for an 11-yard score. He then hit Bouchard for a 32-yard touchdown, added a 9-yard touchdown run of his own and capped the scoring with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Vulin.

Sachem North will look to carry that momentum into its next matchup when the Arrows take on William Floyd on September 18. Patchogue-Medford will also be back in action, traveling to face Bay Shore on September 19.

After one game, the Arrows certainly appear ready for the challenges ahead.