As the fall sports season comes to a finish, the playoffs are finally here. Port worked hard all season, and they were rewarded with the opportunity to host their first playoff game since 1984.
“It was really special knowing that this team made history. It was clear that it meant a lot to the school and the community,” said junior Harry Eynon.
Port earned this opportunity by going 5-3 on the season, as they placed fourth in their conference. The Vikings earned impressive victories over other playoff teams like Plainview Old-Bethpage and Freeport. These victories over other playoff contenders and the Port’s home field advantage gave many fans hope that the Vikings could beat Syosset and move on to the next round of the playoffs.
The atmosphere was electric, as fans were nervous, yet excited for Port’s first home playoff game. The Vikings started out strong in the first quarter as junior quarterback Harry Eynon threw to junior receiver Teddy Behan for a touchdown, snatching the early 7-0 lead. The teams battled back and forth until a blocked punt by the Braves allowed their special teams unit to grab the loose ball and take it into the end zone to tie the game. The Vikings responded with a long touchdown drive to regain the lead, as Eynon ran into the endzone for the score. WIth a 14-7 lead, momentum building, and the home crowd really getting into it, the Vikings looked like they were taking control of the game early on.
However, Syosset had other plans, as their running game became unstoppable. Syosset tied the game in the middle of the second quarter on a drive filled with long runs, broken tackles and almost no passing attempts. After a few series of consecutive run plays by Syosset and their running back seemingly wearing down Viking defenders, carrying them down the field, they soon flipped the scoreboard. In a blink of an eye, Syosset was leading 21-14. It wasn’t until 1:36 left in the first half, when the Braves designed a play Port hadn’t yet seen. This trickery gave Syosset a 28-14 lead going into halftime.
“Before the game started, we knew we were going to face adversity, and at halftime we knew it was time to overcome it. Although things didn’t go our way, we kept our heads up and came out with more energy in the second half,” said senior Jonah Nadboy.
After halftime, Syosset kept their momentum, as they extended their lead to 21 on their first drive of the half. However, the Vikings finally started looking like themselves again, as they marched down the field to cut the lead to 14. Unrelenting though, another touchdown drive by the Braves on a long run by their running back gave them another 21 point lead. In the closing minutes of the third quarter, hope was slipping away on the Vikings side line.
Just as thoughts were turning dim, a passing touchdown to senior wide receiver John Mayou in the final seconds of the third quarter brought new life to the Viking sideline with Port now trailing 28-42 heading into the fourth quarter. Immediately, it was visible that a switch had flipped for Port, as Syosset was finally stopped on offense. The Vikings had figured out the run game, and Syosset couldn’t move the ball. The Vikings offense regained possession and looked urgent because they knew they didn’t have many chances left. Eynon threw another touchdown, but the Vikings failed a two point conversion, so the lead stayed at eight. The Vikings had brought this game back to a one score contest.
Another big defensive stop brought the Viking offense back onto the field. Port’s offense continued to amaze, as they drove down the field and scored again, this time through an Eynon to Jimmy Gannon connection. Now, down by two points, in the closing seconds of the game, the Vikings needed the two point conversion to send the game to overtime. Eynon passed to junior Joe Fox out of the backfield and it was caught, sending the game to overtime, tied at 42. The crowd was going crazy, as they knew they were witnessing something special.
“It was great feeling the energy from the fans. It really motivated us to keep grinding and push for the win,” said senior Dylan Buckley.
Both teams would get the ball starting on the 20 yard line. Syosset got the ball first, and their offense regrouped for a long drive resulting in a touchdown, taking the seven point lead over the Vikings. Port needed a touchdown to keep their season alive, and they did just that with a rushing touchdown for the quarterback Eynon. The Vikings opted to go for two points and the win. This play would decide the season, as a successful conversion would send them to the next round while failure would cut their season short. The ball was snapped and unfortunately, an incomplete pass into the end zone ended the season for the Vikings. Syosset advanced with a 49-48 victory.
Despite the somber emotions of the fans, families, and players, this was an amazing game and one that will be discussed for a very long time to come. Port football proved themselves as a top team on Long Island, and their younger talent is set up for a bright future.