Sewanhaka improves to .500

Senior Elijah Smith had an interception return for a touchdown that broke a tie, and later scored on a punt return to break the game open as Sewanhaka raced by visiting Division, 35-14, as the Indians celebrated homecoming weekend last Saturday. Senior quarterback Jake Mellen was 8-for-16 for 226 yards and a touchdown.

With the win, Sewanhaka improved to 3-3 in Conference III. Sophomore Elijah Tracey picked off a pair of passes for the Indians. Junior Peter Militano (12 tackles) and senior Audrigue Jean-Louis led the Tribe defense. Senior captain De’Ante Gonzalez scored a pair of touchdowns.

Head coach George Kasimatis believes his team is starting to realize its potential. “We’re starting to gain confidence, and believing that we can go out and play with the stronger teams in this conference,” Kasimatis said. “Our confidence level is higher, and we’re making fewer mistakes. It really comes down to trying to get better each time we take the field.”

After Division jumped out to a 14-7 lead, the Indians got on track when Mellen hooked up with junior Michael Parasconda for a 55-yard touchdown reception. Dominick Roberge, who was a perfect 5-for-5 on extra-point attempts, split the uprights to tie the score.

Moments later, Smith intercepted a Dylan Gruber pass and went 64 yards to give Sewanhaka its first lead of the game at 21-14. It was a lead the Indians would not relinquish. Smith’s 75-yard punt return in the third quarter electrified the crowd, and put the game out of reach.  

The win was the second straight for the Indians. A week earlier, Sewanhaka traveled to New Hyde Park and routed the Gladiators, 53-23. Mellen was 13-for-18 for 292 yards and four touchdowns to lead the way.

Junior running back Brenton Mighty rushed for 140 yards and a touchdown, and Smith caught three passes for 160 yards and a score. Sewanhaka had more than 600 yards in total offense.

The Indians led 39-15 at the half and never looked back. The defensive unit was led by sophomore Vladimir Cange who had nine tackles and a fumble recovery, and Parasconda, who had 11 tackles. Roberge was 6-for-6 on PATs.

“We’re getting contributions from more guys than we did in the past,” Kasimatis said. “It’s a team effort. We have some great leaders, and they’re doing a nice job of bringing the underclassmen along. It’s very important when you have a young team.”

Sewanhaka plays its last home game of the season this Saturday at 1:30 p.m. when Plainedge (5-1) comes to town.