Northport Downs Ward Melville for Sixth Straight Win

Cody Swing called it an all-around great win: solid offense, solid defense, and always good to pick up a win on the road, as the Northport Tigers defeated Ward Melville 49-19 on Saturday in the final game of the regular season.

"Up front we had great blocks," he said. "Our whole line did a great job today and our defense helped us out a lot. You couldn't ask for a better win."

Swing scored three of his team's touchdowns: first, a 7-yard run in the first quarter, and another score in the second to give the Tigers a 21-7 lead at halftime. In the third quarter, an interception by teammate Ken Radigan set up a first down on the 20 yard line, and Swing ran it in one more time for a 28-7 lead with 11:35 left in the quarter.

Less than a minute later, another Northport interception and then an 18-yard run by Nick DeCiglia were the perfect setup for a 17-yard touchdown by John Trainor. Brett Hall scored on a 79-yard run for a 42-13 lead with 3:51 left in the third, and Connor Quinn added a 59-yard touchdown in the win.

The Ward Melville offense had been averaging more than 33 points per game this season, but Northport's defense held them to 19 points. Ward Melville (5-3) will still make an appearance in the playoffs, its first in more than 20 years.

If there was any way to undo the team's 0-2 start this year, the six straight wins that followed would be it. Swing said the win was just what Northport (6-2) needed as it prepares for the playoffs.

"We've had a rough history with Ward Melville," he said, referring to the lacrosse season. "During football season we normally come out on top, but they seemed pretty good this year, so this win makes us feel good."