The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as Patchogue-Medford High School gears up to host Central Islip High School in a highly anticipated football clash. This intense rivalry, dating back decades, has reached its pinnacle, and the 20th season of the Great American Rivalry Series adds an extra layer of excitement to the mix.
Scheduled for September 29, 2023, the Patchogue-Medford Raiders are seeking to maintain their dominance after a convincing 35-14 victory over the Central Islip Musketeers in their previous encounter. The home team’s momentum will be a force to be reckoned with as they take to the field, backed by the roaring support of their 3,000-strong crowd.
Rick Ford, the esteemed founder and CEO of the Great American Rivalry Series, shared his anticipation for this monumental clash, stating, “The Patchogue-Medford vs. Central Islip matchup is a true testament to the passion and spirit that high school football embodies. It’s an honor to witness the 20th season of our series culminate with such a historic rivalry.”
As Friday night draws near, both teams prepare to leave it all on the field. Emotions will run high as the Musketeers aim to avenge their previous loss and reclaim their honor. Meanwhile, the Raiders are determined to extend their winning streak and solidify their status as the dominant force in this rivalry.
Get ready for a night of fierce competition, electrifying plays, and unforgettable moments as these two powerhouse teams collide in the Patchogue-Medford High School stadium. The echoes of past battles and the excitement of the present will reverberate throughout the crowd, for this is a clash where legends are born.
We Know Friday Nights.
MVP
SCHOLAR ATHLETES
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Patchogue-Medford
Central Islip
GAME SUMMARY
After unprecedented rainfall and flooding impacted New York City and Long Island on Friday night, the Patchogue-Medford Raiders rivalry game with Central Islip Musketeers got a little taste of what its like to play on Sundays when the game was rescheduled for a noon kick-off two days later to allow for things to dry out. The fields had dried, and the sun was out on a beautiful football afternoon with both teams eager for their showdown to finally get underway. The Raiders looked to have gotten things started with a long touchdown run in the 1st quarter but multiple flags on the play took the points off the board. The Musketeers responded with a drive of their own getting into the end zone and taking an early 7-0 lead. Undeterred, Patchogue-Medford drove the ball back down the field and tied things up at 7 with a nice touchdown run of their own. Central Islip’s offense retook the lead scoring a touchdown and then stiffened up on defense to stop the next Raiders drive in the 2nd quarter. Following another Musketeer drive deep into Raider territory, Central Islip ran one up the gut from 25 yards out but failed to convert the extra point to take a 20-7 lead. The Raiders answered with a nice reception for a 40-yard touchdown by Jackson Wustenhoff to end the half at 20-14 Musketeers. The 2nd half started with a promising drive for the Raiders, but a costly interception deep in the red zone resulted in a pick 6 for the Musketeers and a successful 2-poin conversion put Central Islip up 28-14 early in the 3rd quarter. Another Central Islip touchdown expanded the Musketeers’ lead to 35-14 going into the 4th. The Raiders weren’t finished and fought back with a touchdown strike of their own to close the gap back to two scores at 35-21 hoping for the 4th quarter comeback. After an on sides kick recovery, they drove into the Musketeer red zone, but the Central Islip defense got stout in the shadows of their own goalposts forcing a turnover on downs to prevent the comeback. It was a hard-fought battle by both teams, but the Central Islip Musketeers took home the win 35-21 in another great addition of the Great American Rivalry Series!
