Malverne led 12-7 at halftime thanks to a 4-yard touchdown run by Hill in a second quarter that saw the defense come up big. “Coach [Colbert] Britt does a great job with the defense,” Lockwood said. “We came up with some key third-down stops.”

The margin swelled to 20-7 after Hill raced 60 yards for a touchdown on the opening possession of the second half and ran in the two-point conversion. The Spartans answered later in the third quarter with a Ruscillo touchdown pass from 23 yards out to Brian Carroll, but Malverne held on.

Richard had eight tackles and an interception, and Young recovered a fumble in the fourth quarter to lead the defensive effort for Mules. Next up is a visit from East Rockaway this Saturday at 1:30 p.m. “If things play out right, we can make the playoffs,” Lockwood said.

The Spartans will try to bounce back at home versus Seaford. “This loss creates a whole new situation for us,” Schiavo said. “We have to look forward to a great week of practice and have faith in each other.”