Michael Calvacca's 98-yard TD, INT help lead Seaford in Nassau Conference IV semifinals
Michael Calvacca of Seaford rushes against Lynbrook during a Nassau Conference IV football semifiinal at Hofstra on Saturday. Credit: David Meisenholder
With just a one-point lead at halftime, an unsung hero changed the game for Seaford. Backup running back Michael Calvacca was a difference-maker.
In the third quarter, Calvacca burst up the sideline for a 98-yard touchdown to give Seaford a 14-point lead. On the ensuing possession, Calvacca jumped a route for an interception.
Calvacca finished with 12 carries for 224 yards and three touchdowns to lead No. 2 Seaford past No. 3 Lynbrook, 48-20, in the Nassau IV semifinals at Hofstra University on Saturday.
“I’m not the starter, but whenever Brian Falk needs a breather, I’m ready to go in,” Calvacca said. “I couldn’t have done it without my linemen. It started last year in the weight room and everyone was working hard. I waited for my opportunity, I finally got it and I took advantage of it.”
Calvacca added a 2-yard rushing touchdown and a 78-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter to create separation from Lynbrook. He totaled 206 of his rushing yards in just the second half.
“Calvacca is a starter on any other team,” Seaford coach Mike McHugh said. “Unfortunately he’s behind Brian Falk, but the kid is tremendous. He’s shifty, he’s fast and he’s not afraid to go downhill.”
In the second half, Seaford’s defense pitched a shutout and outscored Lynbrook 27-0. The Vikings forced four turnovers in the game. Calvacca, Falk and Jackson Pignatro all recorded interceptions for Seaford. Logan DiFondi recovered a fumble.
Thomas Miranda, Ayden McNamara and Matt Kind helped control the trenches for the Vikings.
“We have the best line in the conference,” McNamara said. “We were just firing on all cylinders, and there’s no stopping us now.”
To start the game, it was the back-and-forth affair people expected between these high-powered offenses.
Lynbrook opened with a 10-play drive capped by a Michael Potash 1-yard rushing touchdown with 8:38left in the first quarter.
It didn’t take long for Falk to get in a groove. On Seaford’s first drive, he had four carries for 59 yards, including a 30-yard rushing touchdown on a pitch to the right side to tie the game at 7 with 5:53 in the opening quarter.
The first half featured Falk and Lynbrook quarterback Chase Samelson exchanging big plays.
Samelson connected with Peter Rhaniotis for a 5-yard touchdown to go up 13-7 with 1:31 left in the opening frame.
Seaford answered with back-to-back touchdowns, the second of which was quarterback Michael Spinella connecting with Falk for a 44-yard score. Seaford led 21-13 with 6:40 left in the half.
Falk finished with 22 carries for 195 yards and added two receptions for 48 yards for three total touchdowns.
“The boys up front have been blocking and helped me execute,” Falk said. “We have size, strength and heart, and it’s just a great feeling to be back in the finals. After a heartbreaking loss last year to Plainedge, we just want to finish the job this year.”
Before the half closed, Samelson ran a two-minute drill to perfection. He ran for 39 yards and threw for 27 more on the drive, capped by his 1-yard rushing touchdown with seven seconds left.
Samelson completed 17 of 32 passes for 226 yards and a touchdown. He added 14 carries for 107 yards and a score.
Lynbrook trailed by one at the half until Calvacca took over in the second half on both sides of the ball.
Seaford will face top-seeded Plainedge on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Hofstra University for the Nassau IV Championship.
“In my first year on varsity, I just feel great,” Calvacca said. “I’m excited to go against Plainedge, keep working hard and possibly win a Long Island championship.”
