Jaheim Talford's pass breakup helps seal Bellport's win over Northport in Suffolk Division II
On a day where Bellport’s legendary No. 34 was remembered, the Clippers’ current No. 34 came through with the game’s biggest play in the final seconds.
Sean Chavious, a former Bellport assistant coach, a starter on its 1992 Long Island Class II championship-winning team and a Bellport High School Football Hall of Famer, tragically died on July 29 at the age of 47. This fall would have marked his 20th on Bellport’s staff.
Junior defensive end Jaheim Talford, wearing Chavious’ old number, sealed Bellport’s 7-0 win over Northport in its football home opener Saturday.
On fourth-and-goal from the 2 with 20 seconds left in the game, Northport quarterback Simon Blissett rolled out to his right. He leaped at the 6 and corked back in hopes of finding an open man, but Talford jumped as well and emphatically swatted the ball for the pass breakup. Bellport took a knee in victory formation to secure the Suffolk Division II win.
“It was really intense,” Talford said of the play. “I was pretty scared because if I didn’t get that then they would have scored, and it would have all been on me. So it was really, really intense.”
Bellport coach Jamie Fabian added: “There’s been some little signs here and there throughout our season. A lot of weird happenings happening. It’s always nice to see.”
Talford said he chose to wear No. 34 to represent Chavious. The 34-yard lines were painted red on Bellport’s field. Chavious’ 7-year-old son, Decker, was an honorary captain and participated in the opening coin toss.
In a game that was largely a defensive battle, Bellport (2-1) scored the game’s only points on the first play of its eighth drive. Junior running back Kingston John took a handoff, ran 46 yards down the left sideline and tip-toed into the end zone with 4:21 left in the third quarter.
“(Chavious) was the running backs coach, so he always coached me up and gave me tips and techniques on how to get better,” said John, who had 12 carries for 69 yards. “I think it came a long way now … (it) shows on the field.”
Northport (2-1) threatened for most of the fourth quarter and took a 10-play drive to the Bellport 15 before Trey’von Holland snagged an interception with 4:57 left.
But the Tigers forced a Bellport punt, and Blissett – Northport’s backup quarterback who was in for the injured Enrique Hernandez – marched 82 yards down the field before the Clippers’ goal-line stand.
Both teams made plenty of plays on defense and special teams without capitalizing with points. Drew Schuttinger had a fumble recovery, and Joey Zarcone and Greyson Cabrera each had end zone interceptions for Northport. Bellport’s Nazir Turner blocked two punts.
After a gritty win on a special day, what should the rest of Suffolk know about Bellport?
“Like always, we’re coming,” Holland said. “A different kind of brand of football, that’s what we play.”
Ben Dickson joined Newsday’s high school sports staff in 2023 after graduating from Maryland, where he covered several of the Terrapins' teams.
