Sports

Babylon Panthers Football Win Long Island Championship

Varsity football team completes perfect season in record-tying victory over Roosevelt.

The Babylon Panthers can add another accomplishment to their amazing 2012 season – Long Island Champions.

The Panthers took it to the Nassau County Champion Roosevelt Rough Riders at Stony Brook University's LaValle Stadium on Saturday evening, defeating them 48-18, in the Long Island Division IV Championship game.

"There's nothing quite like this," said runningback Eric Schweitzer, a huge grin on his face. "This is an unbelievable feeling."

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The Panthers were up 13-6 in the first quarter when Schweitzer, whose offensive prowess was key to a spread Babylon introduced this season, rushed a touchdown into the end zone, despite being crushed by defenders on three sides.

The score, which eventually gave the Panthers a 20-6 lead after the extra point, turned out to be the game winner and one of a record-tying six touchdowns for Schweitzer. The junior running back was responsible for all but one of Babylon's scores on the day.

Find out what's happening in Babylon Villagewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"I have to give credit to the offensive line," Schweitzer said. "I just knew I had to get some space and make some moves out there."

Quarterback Nick Santorelli had a big day as well, rushing for a touchdown himself some 70 yards in the first quarter to give the Panthers a 13-0 lead at the time.

"This is surreal," he said in an interview after the game. "I don't even – it's the greatest feeling ever right now... we put a lot of work into this season."

Babylon puts the finishing touches on a perfect season – one that will be remembered for a long time – at 12-0 as both Suffolk County and Long Island Division IV Champions. The Panthers were also the only Suffolk County team to remain undefeated in 2012.

The Rough Riders end the season 9-3 as Nassau County Champions.

We will have a more in-depth look at the game later tonight along with more photos and video highlights!


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