BY BOB HERZOG
It’s a little tricky for a visitor to get a close-up view of the Babylon football team during practice these days. That’s because a couple of entrances to the field are blocked off with yellow “crime scene” tape.
Other than routinely obliterating opponents – Babylon has reached 12 straight Suffolk County championship games – there have been no crimes committed at the field hard by the Babylon train station. No, the yellow tape marks off areas of dirt still being filled in around the new light stanchions. Yes, Friday night football has come to Babylon.
“We’re playing three night games there this year and we’re very excited about it,” coach Rick Punzone said of the permanent fixtures. His school had played the occasional Friday night game in the past using portable lights, but now can make that a regular portion of future schedules.
Babylon should again be in the spotlight in Suffolk Division IV this season. They will be led by returning All-County star Bryan Schweitzer, a running back/middle linebacker, and 270-pound fullback/defensive tackle Sean Melow (above in orange shorts, shedding a blocker during drills on Wednesday). Quarterback/defensive back Greg Griffo and wide receiver/defensive back Alex Grandal also are veterans.
“We are very experienced and very good at the skill positions,” Punzone said. “We inexperienced but big and strong up front.”
With three Long Island championships and seven Suffolk titles in the past 12 years – and just one losing season in the last 29 – those Friday night games ought to be the talk of the town.
Next stop: Wyandanch.