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Suffolk Division IV preview

September 14, 2008

Babylon may be classified as the smallest team in Suffolk, but when it comes to a winning tradition, no one is bigger. Not even Floyd can say it is trying for its 12th consecutive county championship game. "We're very proud of what we've built here," said Babylon coach Rick Punzone, entering his sixth season with a 43-10 record. "The coaches before me built this program and we're keeping it going." Babylon has won three Long Island championships and seven Suffolk titles in the past 12 years.

There are at least two serious challengers - Glenn and Amityville - that feature high-powered spread offenses with returning 1,000-yard runners. Both will play under the Friday night lights at Babylon and those games may determine if the Panthers are back in the county championship game again this year. -- BOB HERZOG

1. BABYLON (8-2)

Coach: Rick Punzone (sixth season).

Key players: Sr. RB/LB Bryan Schweitzer (6-0, 190); Sr. QB/DB Greg Griffo (6-1, 180); Sr. FB/DT Sean Melow (6-0, 270); Sr. WR/DB Alex Grandal (5-8, 170); Sr. TE/LB Cory Rugen (6-0, 180); Sr. OL/DE Pat Peitrowski (6-1, 210).

On the Panthers: Those might as well be spotlights that were newly erected at Babylon High School because it seems like this team is always on the big stage. The Panthers will play three home night games this year, which is something new. What they hope will be old is their final destination - a 12th straight appearance in the county championship game. A solid group of seniors makes Babylon the favorite in a top-heavy division. Schweitzer ran for 711 yards and scored 12 touchdowns last year. Griffo, Melow and Grandal fill out a skilled and experienced backfield. Melow and Schweitzer are also outstanding defensive players. "We are very experienced and very good at the skill positions," Punzone said. "We're inexperienced but big and strong up front." The Panthers have won three Long Island titles and seven Suffolk crowns since 1997. It won't be surprising if they add to that total this year.

2. GLENN (4-4)

Coach: Dave Shanahan (14th season).

Key players: Sr. QB Mike Massa (6-0, 185); Sr. WR/DE Malcolm Eugene (6-5, 210); Jr. RB/DB Austin Cohen (5-10, 175); Sr. OL/LB Evan Wickstrom (6-0, 140); Sr. OL/DL Nick Capobianco (6-1, 230); Sr. WR/DB Randall Exantus (5-11, 175).

On the Knights: Even though Shanahan's spread offense gets a lot of attention, defense might carry Glenn deep into the playoffs. Eight of 11 starters return from a unit that allowed 84 points in eight games last season, led by Eugene, Cohen, Wickstrom and Capobianco. Hofstra has already offered Eugene a scholarship. He had 340 receiving yards and 40 tackles last year. QB Massa, a pass-run threat, had 500 yards passing and seven touchdowns. Cohen ran for 1,025 yards while Wickstrom made 36 tackles and Capobianco added 22, including four sacks. "Our defense is our strength," Shanahan said. But even though the quarterback-receiver combination of Dennis Gannon and Sean Kessler is gone, Shanahan likes what Massa brings. "He can run, he can throw and he can read the defense," the coach said.

3. AMITYVILLE (9-2)

Coach: Chris Taylor (fourth season).

Key players: Sr. RB/LB Cornell Warrick (5-8, 165); Sr. TE/DE Steven Medard (6-4, 260); Sr. RB/LB Tyler Heller (5-8, 180); Sr. OL/DL Darnell Benjamin (6-2, 260); Jr. WR/DB Chris Allen (5-8, 155); Sr. OL/DL Eventz Francois (5-8, 190).

On the Warriors: Last season, they scored in the final minute to defeat Babylon in the Division IV championship game then shut out Seaford for the Long Island championship. Several veterans return, but one who doesn't is All-LI quarterback Marcus Gardner, who excelled in the big games. That's a big hole to fill, as are those left by the departure of the entire offensive line. It's up to Warrick (1,104 yards rushing and nine TDs), Medard (a fierce pass rusher who had 36 tackles and four sacks) and Heller (512 yards rushing, five touchdowns, four interceptions) to assume even larger roles. Quarterbacks Gavin Kretz and Chris Allen can both run the offense. The defensive line looks strong, anchored by Medard. "We'll be competitive," Taylor said. At least.

4. SOUTHAMPTON (4-4)

Coach: Darren Phillips (fifth season).

Key players: Sr. TE/DE Alex Antilety (6-4, 220); Sr. OT/DT Julius Anglickas (6-3, 215); Jr. QB/LB Donald Williams (6-0, 190); Sr. WR/S Kyren Miller (6-1, 165); Jr. RB/S Jon Strumph (6-1, 175); Jr. OL/DE Jeff Bergenti (5-11, 190).

On the Mariners: They've got several players with a nose for the football on defense. Antilety made 70 tackles, had three sacks and forced three fumbles. Anglickas had 54 tackles with one sack and missed two games because of injury. Williams, who replaces Troy Pender at quarterback, made 53 tackles and had one interception. Strumph made 42 tackles with two sacks and two interceptions. On offense, Williams will spread the ball around to Strumph, Miller and a couple of fleet newcomers.

5. MOUNT SINAI (6-3)

Coach: Vin Ammirato (11th season).