Kyle Messina scores 4 TDs as Sayville reaches Suffolk Division III title game
Kyle Messina of Sayville dives into the end zone for his second touchdown of the game during a Suffolk Division III semifinal playoff game against Islip in Sayville on Friday, November 12, 2021. Credit: Peter Frutkoff
The moment wasn’t too big for Sayville. Even with an undefeated record and a spot in the county championship on the line, it was business as usual.
Kyle Messina ran for four touchdowns as No. 1 Sayville defeated No. 5 Islip, 35-7, in the Suffolk III semifinal on Friday night.
The Sayville defense recorded four sacks and Benny Sands had an interception.
The rain from before game time had an effect early on, playing a part in Sayville’s first drive. Quarterback Jack Smalley dropped back to pass and the ball slipped out his hand. Islip recovered the fumble.
Sayville's defense then forced its own fumble after a sack and recovered it deep in Islip territory, gaining possession on the Islip 5-yard line to set up the Golden Flashes’ first score. Charlie Sands ran it in from the 2 to give Sayville (10-0) a 7-0 lead with the ensuing extra point.
"The ball was definitely slippery and so were the gloves, so you just have to stay low." Charlie Sands said.
The wet conditions played a factor on Sayville’s second drive. Messina bobbled a snap straight up into the air but was able to recover and take it to the end zone for an 18-yard rushing score.
"The ball was wet, and it hit my chest which was wet too, and it just slipped out," Messina said. "Then I saw a hole and just ran."
Messina scored his second touchdown on a 1-yard run to give Sayville a 21-0 lead. It was more of the same in the second half as Messina scored on a run from 3 yards out in the third quarter and on another run from 15 yards out in the fourth.
The only meeting between Sayville and Islip (6-4) in the regular season took place back on Oct. 23. Sayville put on a strong defensive performance in that game in a 14-7 victory.
"That week was a down week and they understood they could’ve lost that game," coach Reade Sands said. "This is the real Sayville team."
