Royals Prepare for Rematch Against Bayport

As the Port Jefferson Royals prepare for their first-round playoff opponent, the Bayport-Blue Point Phantoms, they are reminded of two undeniable facts: they were run over by the Phantoms 48-0 in week one, back on September 11. And they played without eight starters.

On Saturday, we will learn how much of an impact the player shortage had on the outcome.

A combination of an off-the-field disciplinary incident and football-related injuries resulted in the Royals starting their season without many two-way starters. The result: the Royals committed four first-half turnovers, and the opportunistic Phantoms scored 41 points before halftime. Players missing from the Royals lineup included their starting backfield of quarterback Dan Serignese and running backs Zach Powell and Dylan Ernst. Also noticeably missing from the lineup were two linemen projected to play key roles in the Port Jefferson game plan. But now, coaches and players are confident that come kickoff, the Phantoms will see a much different Royal squad.

“We played a little scared because we had eight starters out,” Serignese said. “We’re going to come in and look to stop their run, and we have to throw the ball.”  “We’re confident that we can play with them,” added junior running back Zach Powell, who missed the season opener and most of the season due to a collarbone injury. “We’re putting new [offensive schemes] in.” With Powell out, most of the running game responsibilities fell on the shoulders of Ernst, who, according to coach Jim Mimnaugh “did a phenomenal job carrying the load.” ”

With only four seniors, it might be tempting for Royal fans to sit back and look forward to next season. But coach Jim Mimnaugh believes his team is focused on the job ahead of them. “No one’s talked about that first game,” he said. “We’re looking to go out and prove we’re not the team we looked like.

“Field position will be key. We’re looking to stay close, hopefully getting good field position. That’s hurt us in the past. Special teams will come into play.”

Bayport coach Eric Iberger clearly isn’t taking this game lightly. “It’s been a long time since week one,” he said. “I anticipate Port Jefferson coming out and playing four quarters of hard-fought football.”

Some may view Iberger as simply saying what he’s expected to say, but he’s quick to recall a similar scenario that his team faced last season. After a 2009 regular-season thumping at the hands of Babylon, Iberger’s seventh-seeded Phantoms defeated second-seed Babylon 26-19 in the first round of the playoffs. Fast forward to Saturday, and Iberger finds his team a second seed, squaring off against Mimnaugh’s seventh-seed Royals. “Anything can happen,” Iberger said.

“We have so many players back who didn’t play that first game. That’s a big advantage of us,” said center Brett Ruggiero. “Throughout this week, we’ve all had this great feeling. We’ve had a good week of practice.”

The Royals will look to spread the Bayport defense, testing the middle of the Phantoms’ defense, but hoping to get outside. “They’re strong up front,” Powell said. “I think I can get outside on them.” It’s a confidence not lost on Royal coaches.

“The kids are excited, and we’re very confident in them,” said Royal offensive coordinator Jeff Koutsantanou. “We’ve made adjustments, and we think we match up well with Bayport.”

Kickoff is 2 p.m. at Bayport-Blue Point High School.