Uncertainty at the quarterback position, uncharacteristic mistakes and a plethora of injuries sunk Riverhead on Saturday afternoon against North Babylon. A game that was as close as 13-10 at half, ballooned to 27-10 in the Bulldogs’ favor before the Blue Waves made a run of it late.
After a Blake Carrara touchdown, the Blue Waves playing on their newly renovated field, were down just 27-23 and needed a stop on defense to have a chance. An unsportsmanlike penalty by Tyrese Kerr gave the Bulldogs good field position and North Babylon (2-0) kept running the rock and eventually ran the clock out for the win, 27-23.
Riverhead (0-2) hasn’t played up to potential thus far but head coach Leif Shay remains optimistic.
“We’ve got to be able to throw the ball,” Shay said. “We have no passing game right now. We’ve been unsettled at the quarterback position and Tristan came in and did a good job for us.”
Sharron Trent, who won the quarterback position in camp over junior Tristan Falisi, was supposed to be a key cog in Riverhead’s new running offense. The Blue Waves wanted to adapt a true run-first mentality where they could maneuver Trent’s running ability. Unfortunately, they just haven’t been able to move the ball. After two interceptions in the first three possessions, in stepped Falisi.
Falisi didn’t pass the ball on the first drive but the offense just seemed different. Running plays transpired to positive gains and Marcus Reid scored a 39-yard touchdown on a scamper to the left side. But it was Falisi’s arm that brought the Blue Waves back. He connected on a pair of 30-yard touchdowns to Ryun Moore and Carrara and put the Blue Waves in position to win.
Shay didn’t reveal who would start next week but chances are Falisi will be under center after his showing.
“We had a kid sitting there that needed a chance,” Shay said of Falisi. “We wanted to see what he could do.”
Don’t get me wrong, Trent could and should be used in the offense. Whether it be as a tailback or as a wide receiver, his playmaking ability needs to be on the field.
“We can definitely use him in other ways but we haven’t gave up on him yet,” Shay said.
Marcus Reid carried the ball 19 times for 115 yards.
It’s been a tough go for the Blue Waves thus far, but the season is far from over. They’ll face Half Hollow Hills East next Saturday at home. Game time: 1:30 pm.
RiverheadLOCAL photos by Michael Hejmej.
RiverheadLOCAL photos by Courtney Blasl.
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