Sports

Seaford Football Triumphs in 2011 Opener

Vikings defense and offense step up big in fourth quarter during 19-7 home win over Cold Spring Harbor Friday night.

The football team got off to a rusty start in its 2011 opener Friday night against Cold Spring Harbor, but the four-time defending Nassau County champions stepped up when the game mattered most.

With the Seaford leading 19-7 early in the fourth quarter and Cold Spring Harbor approaching the end zone, the Vikings defense, which had given up a 59-yard touchdown run on its first play of the game,  stuffed the Seahawks fourth down quarterback keeper attempt at the two yard line. Seaford then proceeded to put the game away with a 98-yard yard scoring drive that took up over seven minutes off the clock capped off by a Nick Fischetti nine-yard touchdown run.

“We responded when we had to,” said Seaford football head coach Rob Perpall moments after his team’s 25-7 win, the Vikings’ 45th in a row over a Nassau County Conference IV opponent dating back to 2007. “Winning teams make big plays.”

Find out what's happening in Wantagh-Seafordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

During Seaford’s game-clinching drive, Fischetti made several key first downs both on the ground and as a receiver out of the backfield. Prior to Fischetti’s touchdown run with 2:02 left, the junior running back hauled in a first down pass at the nine yard line.

“Nick Fischetti stepped up huge,” said Perpall of his 5’7 175-pound running back and defensive back. “He played his heart out.”

Find out what's happening in Wantagh-Seafordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Fischetti gave praise to his teammates for his successful game saying, “It’s a credit to my line and my quarterback throwing me the passes.”

Seaford senior quarterback Chris Trotta, who is filling the void left by the now graduated Joe Kirincic, threw two first half touchdown passes, one a 29-yarder to running back Joe Anderson to open the Viking scoring and the other to tight end Bryan Podmeyer. Trotta finished the evening 5-7 for 98 yards.

“He played a solid game,” said Perpall of his quarterback play from Trotta.

Also stepping up large on offense for the Vikings was running back Joe Richards, who rushed for 89 yards including a 17-yard touchdown run to break a 7-7 tie in the second quarter.

While happy with the win, Perpall and Fischetti stressed the importance of the team getting in better shape as the schedule heats up. “We have to get in better condition and work harder at the end of practice when were running sprints and hitting the sled,” said Fischetti.

Seaford is next in action against West Hempstead on Sept. 17 for its annual homecoming game kicking off at 5 p.m. West Hempstead is in its first year competing in Conference IV after being re-classified due to declining enrollment.

Prior to Friday night's kickoff, nine former Viking football players who have served their country during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq were recognized. Prior to kick off against West Hempstead, the Seaford football program will honor the and their many volunteers.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here