Huntington Upsets North Babylon for First Time in 31 Years

The crowd was on its feet on Homecoming Day 2024 last Saturday afternoon as the Huntington football team staged a last second goal-line stand to stop an attempted game tying two-point conversion as the Blue Devils toppled visiting North Babylon for the first time in 31 years, 25-23.

The game played out in constant light rain before a loud crowd of about 500, including an especially large student cheering section. Huntington quarterback Jacob Guzik ran for 301 yards and three touchdowns on 17 carries in one of the most impressive displays in the Blue Devil football program’s 101 seasons.

North Babylon got on the scoreboard first with a 30 yard field goal. Huntington responded with 38 yard touchdown run by Guzik and an extra point kick by Robbie Campbell. North Babylon went ahead again on a 40 yard touchdown run, but Huntington again came back, this time with a one-yard touchdown plunge by senior Timmy McDonald. The Bulldogs took the lead again with a 45 yard touchdown run.

Trailing 17-13, Guzik took control of the game with a series of long runs. Play after play, Guzik gobbled up huge chunks of yardage. The junior put Huntington ahead for good with a 21 yard touchdown run to give the Blue Devils a 19-17 lead.

After Huntington’s defense held the high powered North Babylon offense, Guzik again broke several long runs culminated in an eight yard touchdown sprint to increase the Blue Devil advantage to 25-17.

But with only minutes remaining, the Bulldogs mounted one last furious rally, marching down the field and scoring on a six yard touchdown pass, which set up the dramatic final sequence.

North Babylon attempted a potential game tying two point conversion, by Huntington senior Thomas Smith made the tackle to preserve the Blue Devils’ 25-23 lead. Huntington then ran out the final six seconds on the clock as delirium erupted from fans.

Guzik’s final stat line included completing six of nine pass for 85 yards. McDonald recorded 13 tackles and one fumble recovery. Keegan Malone had seven tackles and a fumble recovery. Thomas Kline caught four passes for 42 yards.

Huntington plays at Smithtown East at 2 p.m. next Saturday.