After two season-opening losses by a combined 87–6 score, Southampton’s 44–0 loss to Babylon Friday night was probably not a big surprise for most Mariner fans. But for 24 minutes, the Mariners treated their faithful to perhaps their best half of this young season.
In a first quarter that saw the Mariner defense make two goal-line stands, Babylon took a slim 8–0 lead. But with just over a minute left in the half, a controversial pass interference call went against the Mariners and Babylon took advantage, scoring on an 8-yard run, extending its lead to 16–0, which they carried into halftime.
But the second half was a different story, as a tired Southampton defense gave up 28 points.
“We probably wore down a little bit,” Southampton coach Darren Phillips said.
Southampton generated little offense. Quarterback Teague Florio was constantly under pressure from the Babylon defense. “He was running for his life,” Phillips said. “He’ll never come out.”
Now 0-3, the Mariners will look to regroup against Mercy. That game figures to be much more competitive, given the relative equal size of the schools.
“It’s tough when you're 0-3,” Phillips said. “[Motivation] comes from within. It has to come internally from our players.”
