Phantoms are Suffolk County Champions!

The Bayport-Blue Point Phantoms varsity football team won the Suffolk County Championship for division IV on Saturday, Nov. 18, against Shoreham-Wading River with a final score of 49-14.

Head coach Michael Zafonte said that with their over 30-point lead in the first half, scout team players were put in the game, which led to the two scores by SWR. “They really deserved that time on the field, to play in this championship, because they have been phenomenal this season and the reason we were able to beat the other teams.”

The Phantoms continued their undefeated streak, harkening all the way back to last season’s first game.

“We were firing on all cylinders, we came to play, it was nice to see everything executed the way the kid prepped in practice,” said Zafonte.

While Zafonte said that “you never expect to be up 49 points,” he “wasn’t surprised” by the score.

The teamwork, which seemed musical and telepathic, was the result of “lights-out defense,” according to Zafonte. “Not only were the kids in the right positions, but they were making the plays.”

“You hear the NFL guys always talk about ‘complementary football,’ and that’s what we had. The offense is feeding off the defense, and the defense is feeding off the offense,” said Zafonte.

“We’re in the flow state. Super synergistic,” said Zafonte.

With coaching staff varying from two, “You can’t have a program without the assistant coaches showing up for work.”

Zafonte said coaches typically lead three-hour daily practices and then spend an additional two or three hours watching film of opposing teams.

The Phantoms will play Seaford on Saturday, Nov. 25, for the Long Island Championship at Stony Brook University.

“They’re a great team—they’re very physical,” said Zafonte. “They like to run the ball. It’s going to be a challenge, but we’re looking forward to it.”