Lions Open Season Against Top-Seeded North Babylon Bulldogs

Opening up a season against a formidable opponent is a difficult task for any team, especially when it's on the road.  That is what West Islip Lions will do Saturday when they make the short trip to North Babylon to take on the preseason top-seeded  Bulldogs.

The defending Division II Suffolk champs return two stars to their lineup; RB/DB Preshod McCoy and OT/DT Golden Ukonu. Both players were NYSSWA second-team All-State selections a year ago, and both look to anchor a scary rushing attack. 

"We know they're real athletic, and they'll be a bunch of different schemes that we're going to have to do," West Islip head coach Steve Mileti said. "They're gonna push us.  We'll bend but we won't break."

Part of the Lion's plan is to stack as many defenders in the box as possible in order to stop the Bulldog's run game.  Talented junior linebackers Mike Aniboli and Pat Ryan will play closer to the line and SS Mike Sagl will also have to pinch in.  

But Mileti is confident his group is ready to play, and looks forward to matching his team's speed with North Babylon's size.

"We're gonna spread them out with our spread offense, and hopefully they have a couple of coverage busts and we stay on our blocks," he said.  "We'll run some option and we're not afraid to throw the ball."

Mileti expects a few different looks from the Babylon defense, from zone to man coverage.  Junior QB Anthony Santo will have to make quick decisions, as the Bulldog's line will produce steady pressure.  Mike Sagl will be the primary rusher for the Lion's and he'll need burst through openings because they'll close up in a hurry.

"North Babylon has had a lot of success because their size and they've had real good athletes," Mileti said.  "Coach [Terry Manning] does a real good job and they buy into what he's trying to do.

"We always tell our kids it's four quarters.  Last year, we played strong halves, but we know now we have to execute for the whole game."

News & Notes:

• KR/CB Drew Federico has been cleared to play after battling mono in the preseason. 
• The Bulldogs edged out the Lions last year in North Babylon 22-15.