Friday night football

The Sayville Golden Flashes played against the Harborfields Tornadoes in an opening kickoff of the fall 2021 varsity season last Friday.

To honor the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, a touching pregame tribute ceremony was on display as the Sayville High School band performed “The Star-Spangled Banner,” followed by “God Bless America.” Then everyone joined in a moment of silence to honor the brave men and women who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks, as well as those who continue to serve and fight for our freedom.

Last year’s varsity season, Sayville rose to the top as Suffolk County champions for the 12th time in school history. After a blistering summer, in a matter of five months, not much changed for the Purple and Gold as they continued their dominance, showing off their offensive juggernaut and sturdy defense.

Mac Murtha put an exclamation point on the very first play of the game, taking the opening kickoff all the way down to the Harborfields’ 25-yard line. Kevin Delaney caught a strike from senior quarterback Jack Smalley for a first down to move the chains, followed by another bullet from Smalley to Murtha in the end zone for 6 points, and just 2:44 into their 2021 campaign.

In the first quarter, Smalley threw a touchdown toss to Matt Bonfanti, and capping off the scoring drive was James Gallagher with an extra point, and Sayville led 13-0. On the opposite side of the field, the Sayville defense showed their tenacity, refusing to give up yardage, while Colin Gover made a tackle for a 7-yard loss. In the second quarter, Sayville blocked a Harborfields punt deep in their own territory and it was recovered by No. 20, Kyle Messina. Bonfanti found his way into the end zone again, giving his team another half-dozen and with 7:28 remaining in the first half, Sayville had a commanding 19-0 lead. Prior to the end of the first half, Harborfields scored when Shane Longin connected to Dylan Wolf for a 17-yard touchdown pass, followed by an extra point.

The relentless Sayville offense tacked on a few more with seconds remaining in the half, as Michael Argenziano kicked it through the uprights for a field goal. After two periods of play, it was the Golden Flashes 22, Tornadoes 7. The Purple and Gold took advantage of a Harborfields’ fumble and Tom Cea Jr. punched it into the end zone for a 2-yard rushing touchdown, giving his team 28 points.

Prior to the conclusion of the third quarter, Chad Moccio made a reception for a first down, Cea Jr. caught a screen pass down to the opponent’s 17-yard line, and lastly, Murtha rushed for a 5-yard score to put a whopping 34 points on the scoreboard. No. 5, Jeremy Brett, who coincidentally wears the same number as Baseball Hall of Famer George Brett, used likewise stalwart defense to block a punt to put his offense back on the field and in scoring position. No. 29, Joseph Byrne, concluded the offensive barrage with a 17-yard run for 6 points followed by a Argenziano extra point.

At the conclusion of 48 minutes of football, it was Sayville 41, Harborfields 14. Sayville picked up in familiar territory just like months ago, with another triumph dominating on both sides of the field all evening. The Golden Flashes will travel to Comsewogue for another game under the lights on Friday as The Tornadoes will host Rocky Point Saturday afternoon.