Today in Sports: Playoff time for Riverhead football

Three years after bringing home the Rutgers Trophy and a Long Island Championship, the Riverhead Blue Waves begin their 2011 postseason this afternoon against fifth-seeded Newfield.

The fourth-seeded Blue Waves earned the home field advantage and will host Newfield at 2 p.m. at Coach Mike McKillop Memorial Field.

The two teams met just six days ago in Riverhead and Newfield dismantled the Blue Waves, 37-0. It was the first time all season the Blue Waves were shut out.

The Blue Waves will need to kick their offense into gear this afternoon and hope to get their passing attack. The Blue Waves will be challenged to match Newfield’s physical presence, so they’ll need to work their speed to their advantage. Riverhead never got its passing game going last week against Newfield and winds of 10-15 mph are forecast for this afternoon, which won’t make it any easier.

The offense has been hit or miss this season. In their six wins they’ve averaged about 43 points per game. In the two losses, only three points per game.

The Riverhead News-Review will be providing live updates from the game, so be sure to check back for all the action.