Northport Tigers secure Clam Bucket, improve to 6-1

Northport High School claimed the annual Clam Bucket trophy on Saturday, Oct. 24, defeating Huntington 28-9. The victory improves the Tigers to 6-1 overall and 6-1 in Division II play. Huntington drops to 3-4 on the season. The contest marks the 84th iteration of the rivalry, with the winner's name carved into a wooden clam bucket since 1942.

Ryder Maag provided the decisive momentum shift in the fourth quarter. With Northport leading 14-9, Maag intercepted a pass at the 9:37 mark. He returned the ball 69 yards for a touchdown, extending the lead to 21-9. It was Maag's third interception of the season and the first time he recorded two picks in a single game. Maag described the performance as a strong showing on Oct. 24.

The Tigers built a lead through a balanced ground attack in the first half. Al Pehanick rushed for a 23-yard touchdown in the second quarter, making the score 14-0. Quarterback Gavin O'Brien contributed two rushing scores of his own. He carried for a 3-yard touchdown and a 1-yard keeper to put Northport up 7-0 early in the first quarter. Pehanick also advanced the ball to the Huntington 3-yard line in the opening frames.

Northport coach Pat Campbell credited the offense for controlling the early game. He noted that the ability to run the ball initially was a key factor in the result. Campbell also praised the leadership from O'Brien and the defensive effort from Maag. He described the interception return as phenomenal. Campbell acknowledged Huntington as a well-coached and prepared opponent.

Huntington scored on a 40-yard field goal by Robbie Campbell in the second quarter. Quarterback Shates Miller added a 9-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter. Spencer Sturges recorded an interception for the Blue Devils in the third period. Huntington coach Ron Wilson said the team gave up early points, a pattern from the previous three weeks. He stated that the team handed opponents 13 or 14 points before attempting a comeback.

Huntington must win its final regular season game against Deer Park on Friday, Oct. 30, to secure a postseason berth. Northport has already clinched a playoff spot. The Tigers face Copiague, currently 4-3, on Saturday, Oct. 31, to conclude the regular season. The Northport marching band is scheduled to perform at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 27, during a game between the New York Jets and the New England Patriots.