Thursday, October 1, 2026
As the high school football season kicks off, Babylon is once again poised to make a serious run at a county championship.
Under the steady leadership of head coach Rick Punzone, now entering his remarkable 36th year at the helm, the Panthers continue to build on one of the most storied and consistent football traditions in New York State.
Ranked as one of the top teams in Suffolk Division IV heading into the season, the Panthers are loaded with returning talent, especially in the backfield and under center. Senior running back Aidan Winter enters his fifth year as a starter, an extremely rare accomplishment at any level.
“He is expected to be the heart of the offense yet again,” Punzone said. Joining him is senior quarterback Kai Jankow, who is stepping into his second year as the starter. “Kai was phenomenal for us last season,” Punzone said. “We are excited to have him back for another year.”
Both Winter and Jankow earned All-County honors last season and are widely viewed as two of the top offensive players in the league.
With two elite seniors leading the charge, expectations are sky-high in Babylon. But the team’s success will also hinge on the performance of a young and relatively untested offensive line. While there are two senior leaders in the trenches, the rest of the unit consists of juniors and a sophomore, making their development a key storyline to watch.
Fortunately, Punzone said there’s plenty of depth and talent, with Christian Seidenberg and Conor Cavaliere returning, and players like Kai Donnelly, Shamus Cuneen, Myles Varley, Josiah Reid, Jaiden Milner, and Joe Rubendall all competing for starting spots.
On the outside, Babylon features a balanced receiving corps led by senior Christian Molnar and junior Jake Ostertag. Senior Brady Shaw is also expected to contribute significantly, adding depth and experience. Junior speedster Keven Bonilla will play a dual role as a wide receiver and cornerback, giving the Panthers a dynamic playmaker on both sides of the ball.
While the roster is packed with talent, what truly sets Babylon apart is its unmatched stability and tradition. “We have had only three head coaches at this school in the last 50 years,” Punzone said. “The current coaching staff has remained intact for the past 15 seasons which really allows us to stay consistent.” That continuity breeds a culture of accountability, toughness, and pride, a culture passed down through generations. Many current players are second-generation Panthers, continuing a legacy their fathers helped build.
Punzone’s leadership, combined with a highly committed and battle-tested staff, creates an environment where excellence is the expectation. And with a roster that mixes proven senior stars and promising young talent, Babylon is in prime position to contend deep into the postseason.
The Panthers open Sept. 12 at home against Kings Park at 6 p.m. Additional home games are against Mount Sinai, Port Jefferson and Miller Place.
“The goal is always the same for us,” Punzone said. “We are going to play gritty, fast, and are ready to carry on the legacy of this great program.”
