1943 Boy’s Varsity Football Team

In the fall of 1943, the Patchogue High School Raiders took to the gridiron under the heavy cloud of World War II. Yet, amidst global uncertainty, this group of young men provided their community with a season of resilience, dominance, and redemption. Led by Head Coach Edgar A. Bright, the squad was driven by a singular goal: avenge the previous year’s heartbreak and reclaim the Suffolk County Championship.

If the season had a heartbeat, it was the dynamic duo of the De la Vergne brothers, Bob and Jack. In the season opener against Babylon—a resounding 27-7 victory—the brothers were involved in all four touchdowns. Whether it was Bob hauling in a 60-yard pass or returning an interception for a score, or Jack executing the quarterback sneak with surgical precision, the DeLaVergne name became synonymous with victory. After battling through early contests against Westhampton and a hard-fought tie with local rival Seton Hall, the team hit its stride. Patchogue unleashed a 49-point barrage against Amityville, then braved terrible wind and rain to paste a 40-0 shellacking on Lindenhurst, driven by Rowland Reich’s three touchdowns and a stifling defense. History was made when Patchogue defeated Riverhead 14-12, the first victory ever for a Patchogue eleven over the “County Seaters.” The victory extended an undefeated streak that buoyed the hopes of a community looking for heroes. 

After a late-season stumble against Bay Shore, the Raiders entered the annual Thanksgiving Day game against undefeated rival Port Jefferson with fire in their eyes. In front of 2,500 spectators, Patchogue delivered its masterpiece. Avenging the previous year’s loss, they dismantled Port Jeff 25-7. The De la Vergne brothers connected for an aerial assault, while Ish Mirabella and Harry Pason added scores to seal the rout. The victory vaulted the Raiders into a three-way tie for the Suffolk County Championship, achieving the title that had eluded the school since 1933. 

The team’s successes came along with the sobering reality of the time. The joy unleashed by the 49-0 Amityville thrashing was tempered by the sad knowledge that standout players Jim Lee and Vern Gilman—who electrified the crowd with a 55-yard kickoff return—had played their last game; the two would leave school to join the military. Their exit reminded all that young people in these times were striving for something greater than personal glory; they were representing a generation called to duty.