Patriots Stun Floyd, Surge to Section Final

The 2024 season was a memorable campaign for the Ward Melville Patriots, who emerged as one of Suffolk County’s most resilient and exciting teams in New York State Section XI Division I football.

Strong Start and Statement Wins

Ward Melville kicked off the season with a string of victories, quickly establishing themselves as a contender in Division I. The defining moment of their regular season came in a dramatic showdown against perennial powerhouse William Floyd. In a clash of unbeatens, the Patriots edged Floyd 22-21 in front of a raucous home crowd, thanks to a last-second defensive stand by cornerback Matt Hubbard, who broke up a two-point conversion attempt that would have given Floyd the win. This victory snapped a decades-long home losing streak against Floyd and underscored the Patriots’ grit and defensive prowess2.

Sophomore quarterback Hudson Philbrick emerged as a breakout star, connecting on big plays with receivers Joe Benedetto and Joey Karpowicz. Philbrick’s poise was evident in the Floyd game, where he threw for 277 yards and two long touchdowns, helping Ward Melville build and protect a late lead2.

Playoff Push and Key Contributors

Ward Melville carried their momentum into the postseason, notching a thrilling 21-20 win over Lindenhurst in the opening round and following up with a hard-fought 14-7 victory over Longwood. The Patriots’ defense, anchored by linebacker Liam Cronin and a relentless front, consistently delivered in high-pressure moments, while playmakers like Benedetto and Karpowicz powered the offense14.

Season Finale and Final Record

The Patriots’ impressive run ended in the Section XI Division I final, where they fell to William Floyd 34-6. Despite the loss, Ward Melville’s journey to the championship game was a testament to their growth, resilience, and team-first mentality. They finished the season with a strong overall record-reported as either 9-2 or 7-3, depending on the source-with a 6-2 mark in division play145.

Legacy and Outlook

The 2024 Ward Melville Patriots will be remembered for their tenacity, the emergence of young talent, and their ability to deliver in clutch situations. Their thrilling victory over Floyd and deep playoff run have set a new standard for the program and generated excitement for the future in East Setauket12.