John Calabria's four goals lead Sachem North boys lacrosse to first county title
Sachem North celebrates a win over Northport in the Suffolk Class A final at Stony Brook University on Saturday, May 30, 2026. Credit: Elizabeth Sagarin
The year was 1995. Sachem High claimed a Suffolk title in boys lacrosse. Seems like a long time ago now, doesn't it?
Then the search for another title was on, continuing to the split into Sachem North and Sachem East in 2004 and beyond.
Finally, Sachem North was in its first final Saturday, and it didn’t waste the opportunity.
John Calabria delivered four goals and two assists and goalie Patrick Gandley made 14 saves, and second-seeded Sachem North won its first county championship, beating No. 1 Northport, 12-7, at Stony Brook’s LaValle Stadium to take the Class A crown.
“Since 1995, I mean, that’s something bigger than this team,” Calabria said. “But I feel like this team has done a lot of losing to Northport specifically, and it feels very good to get them in this game.
“This team locked in. Our defense was able to stop their absolute powerhouse of an offense, and our goalie stood on his head.”
Now, Sachem North (16-3) will chase its first Long Island championship. It will play at 5:30 p.m. Saturday back at Stony Brook against the winner of Tuesday night’s Nassau A title game between Syosset and Massapequa.
Syosset is coached by John Calabria, the dad of the Sachem North junior attackman.
“It’s been our dream together since I’ve been born to play in that Long Island championship game against each other,” the younger Calabria said.
The elder Calabria’s team lost to the younger Calabria’s team 10-9 back in March.
Rematch?
“Hopefully, we can make that happen,” said the elder Calabria, on hand to watch.
Northport (16-3), which got two goals and an assist from Ryder Maag, trailed 5-1 in the second quarter, then rallied to go up 7-6 in the third.
And then Calabria fed Lucas Bouchard, who triggered a 6-0 closing run. Tyler Jerome scored for the lead. Gavin Nuzzi made it 9-7 after three.
Jerome scored again and Stephen Castellano delivered the final two of his three goals.
“It’s incredibly frustrating,” Tigers coach Billy Cordts said after they fell in the final for the third straight year. “I’m super proud of this group. But it’s tough to have your worst game in the biggest one.”
Sachem North picked a good day to play a great game.
“To win it today against a great Northport team is just unthinkable right now,” coach Anthony Muratore said. “The boys stuck to the game plan.”
