Panthers Run All Over Mercy, Headed to Suffolk Champs

The Babylon Panthers are headed back to the Suffolk County Championship for the 19th time in the last 21 seasons after a 49-12 win over Mercy-McGann High School at Coach Walt Williams Field on Saturday afternoon.

Junior Eric Schweitzer, whose big plays and deep carries have provided the spark for the Babylon offense this season, got the Panthers on the board on the first offensive play of the game. Quarterback Nick Santorelli connected with Schweitzer on a 65-yard touchdown pass to give the undefeated Panthers an early 7-0 lead.

"We knew we had to answer early and it worked again," said Schweitzer. "[Mercy-McGann] had a great season, unfortunately they had to play us."

Schweitzer was almost untouchable on the field Saturday. In addition to his 65 yard touchdown reception, he rushed for 95 yards on 12 carries, scoring another touchdown in the second quarter on a seven yard run.

"He's been doing that all year," said Babylon Coach Rick Punzone. "He has a knack that you don't coach – he just makes plays. He's the real deal and he's a junior, so we've got him next year."

Santorelli, whose shown he is one of the league's better quarterbacks, was lights out again in limited passing – 3 of 3 for 105 yards, two of which went for touchdowns. Santorelli also showed off his wheels, rushing 64 yards during the game including two touchdowns.

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Runningback Luke Zappia also provided the Panthers with a big game – rushing 70 yards on 11 attempts with two of his own touchdowns.

Kicker Alex Malhas extended his record of consecutive PAT's with a 5-for-5 day, now with 38 straight extra points converted.

On the defensive side of the ball, lineman Jeann Cruz kept the Monarchs on their toes, sacking the quarterback twice during the game.

Babylon, now 10-0 for the first time in ten years, will move on to play Mount Sinai High School at Stony Brook University's Kenneth LaValle Stadium next Sunday at 4 p.m. for the Suffolk County Division IV Championship. The winner of that game will face the Nassau County Division IV champ for the Long Island Championship.

"It's been two years since we've been there, but our kids played a good game at both ends and dominated the ball," said Punzone. "It's a good win – we'll have our hands full next week."

Babylon defeated Mount Sinai earlier this season in come-from-behind fashion, 22-16, on September 29th.

This game will be televised by MSG Varsity later this week on November 21st at 4 p.m. (Optimum channel 14).