Seaford impresses in playoff opener

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The Seaford football team’s drive for its first county title since 2010 is off to a flying start.

The second-seeded Vikings (8-1) jumped out to a 41-point halftime lead en route to a commanding 47-6 victory over Friends Academy in the Conference IV quarterfinals last Saturday night. The dominant win moves Seaford to the county semifinals against third-seeded Clarke Thursday night at Hofstra’s Shuart Stadium in a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.

“To be one of four teams left with a chance to win the county championship is exciting and we can’t wait to kick the ball off on Thursday night,” Seaford senior fullback Frank Lauretti said. “The county title would be the culmination of the hard work and dedication that myself, teammates and coaches have put in throughout the season.”

Seaford set itself up to play under the lights at Hofstra thanks an explosive rushing attack led by junior running back Danny Roell, who amassed 230 yards on the ground in just one half of play. Roell is one of the leading rushers on Long Island with 1,820 yards and 22 touchdowns on the season despite missing one game due to injury.

“I thought he would be good coming into the season, but not this good,” Seaford head coach Rob Perpall said of Roell. “He’s unbelievable.”

Nick Couvaris also showed explosion out of the backfield with 160 yards and a touchdown in seven carries. He also ran for 197 yards in a 48-6 win against Island Trees to close the regular season that included a 94-yard touchdown. “He can break off those runs,” Perpall said of Couvaris. “He has great speed.”

Perpall credits the success of his running game to an experienced offensive line as well as solid blocking from the backfield. The veteran line unit is comprised of seniors Jack Lasher, Nicholas Kocienda, Peter Couvaris, Kevin Digney and junior James Poole.

While the Vikings’ offense has been mainly run-driven, junior quarterback A.J. Cain gives Seaford the ability to put the ball in the air when needed. Cain is also a capable runner and gained 80 yards in Seaford’s 26-7 win against Clarke on Sept. 19. “He is as good as any quarterback we have ever had,” Perpall said of Cain. “He’s a big time player.”

The Vikings are extra motivated to win the program’s first county title in five years after tight end Ryan Lynch suffered a serious concussion and neck injury against Malverne on Oct. 24 that forced the senior captain to the sideline. While Lynch will not be able to return to the field for the playoff push, he has remained a leader and provided inspiration to his teammates.

“Losing Ryan was a severe blow to the team as he was a leader and someone the younger players have looked up to,” Lauretti said. “Ryan on the sideline has given the team focus and the drive go guide us to the county championship.”