North Babylon's new No. 14 stars in opener

North Babylon entered the season with a next-man-up mentality after its top two running backs transferred out in the offseason.

Jack Miller wasted little time answering the call.

Miller rushed for 314 yards and five touchdowns on 19 carries in North Babylon’s 42-21 season-opening victory over Smithtown East in Suffolk Division II.

With the Bulldogs trailing, 21-20, entering the fourth quarter, Miller made the difference. He scored on runs of 13, 75 and 78 yards to help North Babylon pull away. Miller represented North Babylon’s special No. 14 in a big way.

“He really took that role seriously,” North Babylon coach John Rowland said. “He took that next-man-up mentality of ‘I have to put the team on my back this year.’ He’s fulfilled that role in every possible way.”

“He’s always been a hardworking kid and a good player for us,” he added. “And the way he’s practiced, led and represented No. 14 has been tremendous.”

Miller accounted for all five of North Babylon’s offensive touchdowns, with the Bulldogs’ other score coming on an 85-yard kickoff return from Kayden Richardson.

“He scratched and clawed for every yard,” Rowland said. “Nobody was tackling him on first contact. He earned it all offseason in the weight room.”

North Babylon also received a strong debut from senior quarterback James Catalano, who made the first start of his football career according to Rowland, and he impressed the coaching staff with his poise while directing the offense.

The Bulldogs entered the year looking for their next players to step forward. In the season opener, they delivered.