Seaford's defense plays well in loss to Locust Valley
Seaford teammates, from left, No. 77 Kevin Digney, No. 32 Frank Lauretti, No. 65 Nick Kocienda and No. 24 Thomas Sabatino line up before the coin toss in the Nassau County varsity football Conference IV final against Locust Valley at Hofstra University on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2015. Credit: James Escher
Seaford's defense was the key to the Vikings' return to the county championship game, and it put in another strong performance Thursday night.
The Vikings lost to Locust Valley, 20-6, in the Nassau IV final at Hofstra's Shuart Stadium despite allowing only 235 yards and forcing two turnovers. It was only the second time Seaford (9-2) allowed more than 14 points this season. The Vikings entered having allowed only nine points per game.
Jack Lasher and Kevin Digney each had 41/2 tackles and AJ Cain had an interception. Danny Roell led Seaford's offense, running for 124 yards and a touchdown.
"You prepare and play as hard as you can, and that's all you can do," Seaford coach Rob Perpall said. "That's what we did. Both teams played their hearts out and I tip my hat to [Locust Valley]. Our team played very well, their team played better."
Seaford's defensive performance was particularly impressive, given its opponent. Locust Valley (11-0) came in averaging 37.3 points per game. The Falcons scored at least 27 in each of their previous 10 games and scored at least 40 five times this season.
Seaford's season marked a return to the upper echelon of Conference IV. The Vikings went 9-1 in 2012 and reached the county title game in 2013. Last season, Seaford went 6-4 and lost in the county semifinals.
"They lifted the weights and they did all the stuff ," Perpall said.
Seaford's previous game against Locust Valley, a 33-20 loss on Oct. 16, was the only other time this season in which the Falcons did not win by at least 21.
The Vikings pulled out all the stops early to keep it close, starting with a strong effort on defense. Seaford held Locust Valley to 69 yards and two first downs on 16 plays (4.3 yards per play) in the first half.
The Vikings also made a number of timely plays, stopping Locust Valley on four of five attempts on third and fourth down.
In the second half, the tough running of Locust Valley's Tom Talenti proved to be too much to handle as the Falcons pulled away with the victory.
The Vikings' effort, though, was not lost on Perpall.
"They played their hearts out," he said, "and I'm very proud."
