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Sayville football coach Reade Sands steps down after great 8-year run

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One of Long Island’s most successful high school football coaches is stepping down.

Reade Sands, who guided Sayville football to four Suffolk Division III titles and three Rutgers Trophies in his eight seasons at the helm, has announced he is leaving the post to spend more quality time with his family.

“After much thought and reflection, I have made the difficult decision to step down as the Head Varsity Football Coach at Sayville,” he said in an X (formerly Twitter) post. “The memories and relationships I have built within this community will always hold a special place in my heart.”

Coming on board for the 2017 season, Sands compiled a record of 74-11, directing the Gold Flashes in 2024 to an undefeated season before losing in the Long Island championship game to Garden City. An alumnus of Pace University football, Sands spent nearly 20 years coaching in the Sayville football program.

Sands is married with four sons, including Benny and Mikey who will play college football together next fall at Franklin & Marshall College.

‘Forever grateful’

“Coaching at Sayville for 20 years has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of our program,” Sands said in his X post last Tuesday.

Sayville reached the playoffs in every season with Sands as the team’s head coach. He had previously served on the staff as an assistant coach.

His predecessor, Rob Hoss, congratulated Sands on an “amazing run.”

“Now it’s time for you to enjoy those 4 amazing boys and wife Kerry,” Hoss commented on X. “The Sayville Football Program can’t thank you enough for your dedication and commitment to excellence!”

Before officially stepping away from coaching football, Sands will serve as a defensive coach for the Long Island senior all-stars in the upcoming National Football Foundation’s All-Star Classic on June 21 at Hofstra.

Sands also coaches the girls’ flag football team at Sayville High School. It’s unclear if he will continue in that role, though his X and Instagram profiles note that he is the “Sayville High School Head Girls Flag Football Coach.”

Coach Reade Sands, with three of his four sons (X photo).

Top photo: Sayville High School football coach Reade Sands is stepping down after eight successful seasons (Credit: Brian Harmon).

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