Inside Suffolk Division IV
Bayport-Blue Point quarterback Brady Clark rolls out to pass during a Suffolk Division IV football game against host Babylon. Credit: Peter Frutkoff
GAMES TO WATCH
Sept. 17, Shoreham-Wading River at Bayport-Blue Point, 1 p.m.
These two teams met in the Suffolk IV championship last season with SWR scoring with just over a minute left for a 26-23 win. BBP won the regular season matchup, 34-14.. Star quarterbacks Brady Clark (BBP) and Dylan Zahn (SWR) are back for their senior seasons.
Sept. 23, Bayport-Blue Point at Miller Place, 6 p.m.
There were plenty of fireworks in last season's meeting as the teams totaled 97 points. The Phantoms came away with the 55-42 win.
Oct. 1, Babylon at Glenn, 2 p.m.
Once powerhouses of Division IV, both teams are hopeful they can earn a playoff spot this season.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Ethan Wiederkehr of Shoreham-Wading River was a key cog for three straight Long Island Class IV championships from 2014-16. During that time, he was named New York State Defensive Player of the year, earned the Zellner Award as Suffolk's top lineman, and a three-time Newsday All-Long Island selection. The NFL prospect is the starting offensive tackle at Northwestern, earning Academic All-Big Ten honors.
GOOD VENUE
Home to the Porters since 1926, Greenport’s field possesses a quaint charm. Lines of trees with color-changing leaves make the perfect backdrop to a seat in the purple and gold stands.
GREAT ENTERTAINMENT
What could be better than watching a few state champions? Well, at Mount Sinai that’s exactly what you get: an opportunity to see the reigning Division II Small School State cheerleading champions.
WHAT A CHARACTER
When it’s game time, Miller Place’s Panther is always on the prowl. Catch this feline amping the crowd and rooting on Miller Place at every opportunity.
COACHING SPOTLIGHT
Aden Smith was handed the keys to a Shoreham-Wading River program that made four straight Long Island Class IV championships and won three of them. Since then, he has led the program to a Long Island Championship win in 2019 and four consecutive county championships. With a team that is once again expected to perform well, a fifth consecutive title could be right around the corner.
Christopher Matias covers high school sports for Newsday after spending time in Athletic Facilities and Operation at St. John’s and in Sports Information at CUNY York college.
