Coach Falco: 'We Will See Floyd in Due Time'

The Sachem North and Sachem East Varsity football teams kick off the 2013 season against, of all opponents, each other this year. The so-called "Nor'Easter" game is scheduled for tonight at 6 p.m. on the turf at Sachem East. 

Patch caught up with Sachem North's Head Coach Dave Falco who answered our Q&A about the upcoming game and the season wide open and in front of them. 

Sachem Patch: Are you glad to see the Nor'Easter scheduled so early? First game of the season and out of the way?
Dave Falco: I wouldn't say "glad." East is a well coached team with a QB with playoff experience and a very capable defense. First games are tough enough but playing your rival on the road with a big target on your back..."Glad?" No, I don't think so.

SP: How is the offense shaping up this season?
DF: We will be very good on offense with very fast and experienced skill players. The key will be the evolution of the offensive line. As they go we will go.

SP: How does the defense look?
DF: Very fast. Our secondary is very good with Bragaglia, Banks and Pierre. They will be tested by East's QB in week one.

SP: Special teams?
DF: Coach Grimm does a great job with our special teams and a quality effort will make a big difference in week one. Bryan Morris is a difference maker.

SP: You guys fell short against Floyd and Hansen Award runner-up AJ Otranto last year. Otranto is gone now. Do you like your chances making a run at Floyd and other top teams this year?
DF: We have not thought about anyone but our opener since it was announced. Our goals and expectations are set very high here as they always are. We will see Floyd in due time but first things first.

SP: What's the most exciting part of your game plan going into the season so far? The running game? Some passing schemes?
DF: Now that would be giving away our secrets. Wednesday night is right around the corner.

SP: What areas do you think the team still needs improvement?
DF: We are still feeling our team out in regards to how they practice, how they handle adversity and how they handle success. We will find out about our team in our first game.

SP: Sachem East is Week One. You don't have to worry about [Steven] Casali [Sachem East graduate, 2012 Hansen Award winner, now playing at UMass]. What did you guys focus on when preparing against East? 
DF: Stopping their pass game is a top priority as is stopping their power down hill run game. Play action pass is also a concern. Defensively we really concern ourselves with what we are doing and how we are executing.

SP: How are you feeling overall about the 2013 campaign?
DF: We should be a playoff team and are taking the season one game at a time. We don't concern ourselves with polls and outside opinions. Nice compliments but we have not accomplished anything yet. That will be determined on the field both in practice and in the games.

Tonight: Sachem North vs. Sachem East; 6 p.m. Sachem East High School, Granny Road, Farmingville