QB Mack O'Brien a quick study for Northport
Northport quarterback Mack O'Brien throws a screen pass during a Suffolk Division II semifinal against Lindenhurst in Northport on Saturday. Credit: Peter Frutkoff
It was just his fourth game as the Northport quarterback, but Mack O’Brien looked as poised as a four-year starter at the position.
As he took the reins of an offense that normally focuses on the run, it was his arm that put points on the board for Northport.
“I’ve been getting more and more comfortable every week, better each game,” O’Brien said. “Hopefully, now I throw some more touchdowns next week.”
O’Brien’s three touchdowns and 148 yards passing helped No. 2 Northport defeat No. 3 Lindenhurst, 21-7, in the semifinals of the Suffolk II football playoffs Saturday. Andrew Miller had two touchdown catches and 117 yards receiving. Matt Diaz had two sacks.
Northport (8-2) will move on to the Suffolk II final and face No.1 Bellport at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Stony Brook.
The Tigers got out of the gate quickly, as O’Brien connected with Miller for a big 56-yard gain on the first play of their opening drive. Three plays later, O’Brien floated a pass over two defenders, toward the back pylon and Miller brought in the 7-yard score.
“To be honest, I wasn’t expecting those plays to be called,” Miller said. “I just stood ready and luckily my quarterback put the ball on the money and I just finished the play.”
Lindenhurst struggled to move the ball on its first three possessions, accumulating just 5 yards of offense. On their fourth drive, they put together a 12-play march but Northport’s defense tightened up and took the ball back on downs.
The Bulldogs began their next drive with just two minutes to go before halftime and Christian Capogna found Chris Carson for a 12-yard touchdown to tie the game at 7-7 going into halftime.
On the Tigers' first offensive play of the second half. they had a run stuffed near the line of scrimmage, and immediately fans groaned and pleaded to go back to the passing game. They got their wish as O’Brien found Miler for a 16-yard gain.
On the very next play, the two hooked up again as O’Brien launched a deep ball down the middle of the field that Miller reeled in for a 28-yard touchdown.
“He’s [O’Brien] been working his tail off in practice every day,” Miller said. “He just keeps improving and it’s impressive to see.“
On their next drive, O’Brien found Nick Valenti behind the defense for a 31-yard score and the Tigers held a 21-7 lead after the extra point.
“They did a very good job stopping our run in the first half," coach Pat Campbell said. "Fortunately in the second half, our quarterback and receivers made some big plays. That’s not really our MO but we think of ourselves as a team that can score both ways.”
Once Northport gained the lead, their defense gave Lindenhurst no breathing room. On the Bulldogs' final three possessions, Northport made five sacks.
“It was physical, and our defense met them with aggression,” O’Brien said. “We were able to stop their run and they didn’t have much in the pass all game.”
Christopher Matias covers high school sports for Newsday after spending time in Athletic Facilities and Operation at St. John’s and in Sports Information at CUNY York college.
