Babylon in 'drive for five' mode

Postseason time is on the horizon which means the Babylon boys’ soccer team is gearing up for what it hopes is another deep run.

The four time defending Suffolk County champions have started this season 11-1 overall with a perfect 11-0 record in league play.

Coach Dennis McGovern has been coaching soccer in Babylon for a long time and has been at the helm of the boys program for 10 years, following a 12-year stint coaching the girls’ team.

Due to his extended time at Babylon, he knows his players very well. “I have been coaching this year’s senior class since they were in eighth grade,” McGovern said. “They have won the county championship four times which shows that they all have tons of experience.”

McGovern has built the program in a perfect way. “Our culture here has been outstanding,” he said. “Everyone knows what it takes to win around here.”

What has allowed Babylon to keep this culture year after year is the success. “The tradition of us winning has allowed new guys to look up to that when they arrive,” said McGovern. “I would say that’s a big reason as to why we are well on our way to yet another league title this year.”

One of the Panthers’ four captains is Michael Burke, who McGovern called the best player in the league. “He’s everything to us,” McGovern said.

Another captain is two time All-State midfielder Ciaran Stein. Aidan Krollage, who leads the balanced attack with 13 points, and Aidan Kistner are the other two captains and all four have done a great job leading the charge. “We would not be this good without the four of them,” McGovern said.

Another key contributor has been Charlie Murphy. The senior currently leads the Panthers with 9 goals. “We are so glad to have Charlie back from Chaminade,” said McGovern. “His goal scoring ability has been huge for us.”

In the box, Trace Cerrone has been keeping opponents at bay all season long and is a huge reason why the Panthers have an impressive eight shutout victories. “Trace is one of the best goalies in the league,” McGovern said.

Even with all the winning for Babylon over the last few years, there is still so much motivation. “We have lost the last two years in the Long Island championship game,” said McGovern. “The motivation to win both a Long Island and State title, which is very much in reach this year, is what keeps our players humble.”

That motivation has led to a team motto this year of “stay humble and work hard,” and the hope is that this year’s Babylon team will get over the hump.

The Panthers still have regular-season games against Greenport, Pierson/Binghampton, and Center Moriches before the Class B playoffs open.