Panther coach Rick Punzone was very happy with the victory over a long time formidable opponent. He said, “The game was won up front. We’re very proud of our offensive line. And the defensive game plan set up by (defensive coach) Mike DeJoseph was excellent. Our special teams performed very well and Steve Loudon was outstanding on offense, defense and with kick returns.”

                Amityville’s excellent attack was led by Gavin Kretz, working as a tailback from a shotgun offense in what used to be called a double wing. He provided plenty of threat for the fine Panther defense. The spread offense was spearheaded by an excellent Warrior line – Raheem Williams, David Kinard, William Hopkins, Jared Williams, Martel Harris and Jon Williams.

                Babylon scored on its first possession, going 44 yards on six plays. Quarterback Dylan Hopkins capped it, firing down the right side to Loudon inside the 5-yard line. The big receiver dove into the end zone carrying a tackler. The play went for 22 yards. Andrew Hurst added the first of his five extra point kicks. Following an interception by Connor Hunter in the second quarter, the Panthers drove 98 yards on twelve plays. Hopkins and Loudon connected on the first play, a deep left fly for 28 yards from the 2 to the 30. Hopkins capped this one on a keeper around the left side from the Warrior 7.

                The Panthers scored on their first possession of the second half going 61 yards on eight plays, capped on fullback Mark Panarelli’s blast over left guard from the 1. They went 36 yards on their next drive with Hopkins gunning 17 yards to a leaping Justin Ciccone for the TD. The Warriors got on the board on the first play of the fourth quarter. Kretz shot a right fly to Willie White who raced it in, a 27-yard beauty. The two connected again on a right hitch for the 2-point conversion. Babylon’s last drive went 55 yards on six plays with Jaquan Pate racing off the left side from the 7 for the score.

                Oddly, the field lights suddenly went blank midway into the final period. An eighteen minute delay ensued before a cheering crowd welcomed the return of the lights. Babylon’s Smurfs took over from there. Quarterback Sam Zamet guided the running game in a successful 13-play time eater to end it.

                Other stuff – The Babylon marching band directed by Charles Lynch performed beautifully for the large Friday night crowd. The Panthers used eight running backs who gained 215 yards rushing. Pate had sixteen carries for 61 yards and Trevor Fudim had twelve for 86. Hopkins was 6 of 8 passing for 94 yards and had 12 yards rushing for a total 106 all purpose. Loudon caught four for 72 yards and had 49 in kick returns for 121 all purpose yards. Andrew Cosby chalked up a sack. For the Warriors, Kretz was 10 of 21 in the air for 102 yards. He carried 8 times for another 45, making 147 all purpose yards. Add to that his 426 from the previous week and he’s totaled 573 yards in two games – outstanding numbers. White had 3 receptions for 50 yards. Raheem Williams had a fumble recovery.

                These rivals are products of two fine programs who have frequently met in recent playoffs. Perhaps another battle in November is in store.

                Babylon’s next game is this Friday night at Greenport. The Porters are 0-2. Game time is listed at 7 pm.