Westhampton Beach Juggernaut Keeps On Rolling

Frankly, it wasn’t pretty.

Under the lights Friday, September 21, the Long Island champs, playing before an adoring crowd on Homecoming Weekend, faced a rebuilding squad with a lot of missing pieces, Harborfields. The result was a 49-8 drubbing. The mighty Hurricanes, ascending to the top of Division III, took it easy, using its magnificent multi-pronged running attack to eat up yards and move the clock.

Liam McIntyre, the bruising fullback, was the early beneficiary. Last season, the team held its breath when he went down to an injury: In addition to being the key blocker for tailback Dylan Laube, he was also one of the best middle linebackers on Long Island. He still is, but now he’s inherited some of Laube’s ball carrying duties as well. McIntyre finished with 85 yards on 12 carries and his two first quarter touchdowns gave the home team a 14-0 lead.

Then there is Jaden Alfano St. John, who shares some of Laube’s explosiveness. He rushed for 134 yards on only 12 carries and also scored twice, one a 47 yarder. The highlight of the game, though, was Alfano-St. John opening the third quarter with an 85-yard kickoff return that ended any upset hopes Harborfields (0-3) might have harbored. Matt Leotta also scored as the Hurricanes ran for 319 yards to dominate the affair. The finale was 49-8.

Next week should prove interesting. Perennial champion Sayville comes to Westhampton Beach for a Friday-nighter and the Golden Flashes (2-1) are a dangerous opponent indeed.

Riverhead, playing in Division II, lost to Smithtown East (2-1) 35-19 to drop to 1-2 on the season. The Blue Waves get Deer Park (0-3) Saturday, September 29, at 1:30 PM.

In Division IV action Glenn upended Southampton 35-14 (1-2) Friday night to run its record to 3-0. The Mariners, playing at home, could not cope with the Knights, who opened up a 28-0 lead and have to travel to the North Fork on September 28 to take on Greenport/Southold/Mattituck.

The Porters enjoyed one of the greatest wins in the program’s history Friday night, besting Hampton Bays at home 52-0. Ahkee Anderson, the basketball sensation who led Greenport to the state finals earlier this year, can tout the football as well: He rushed for 93 yards on four carries including two touchdowns and broke a 50-yard punt return for another score. Tyrus Smiley also scored twice. The Porters won their first game of the season after suffering two losses.

rmurphy@indyeastend.com