Gridiron Greats - Quarterfinals
CLIFTON MELHADO
West Babylon, Junior, QB/DB
5-11, 170
Credit: Joseph D. Sullivan
CLIFTON MELHADO, WEST BABYLON
The senior quarterback completed 20 of 31 passes for 211 yards and two touchdowns, including the winner as time expired, in the Eagles' stunning 20-19 victory over top-seeded West Islip.
MARQUELL SAUNDERS, ROOSEVELT
He rushed for 183 yards on three carries and a touchdown and also caught a 72-yard touchdown pass in the Rough Riders' 44-0 victory over Island Trees.
MELIJAH PURVIS, NORTH BABYLON
The senior ran for a career-high 317 yards and three touchdowns as the Bulldogs defeated Smithtown East, 35-14.
NICK FRENGER, PLAINEDGE
He completed 19 of 25 passes for 278 yards and four touchdowns in the Red Devils' 54-41 victory over Lynbrook.
KEVIN LATHAN, SACHEM NORTH
The senior fullback rushed for 187 yards, more than he had totaled for the season entering the game, to lead the Flaming Arrows past Bay Shore, 24-7.
BRANDON WATSON, WANTAGH
He caught caught five passes for 114 yards and three touchdowns, threw a 37-yard touchdown pass and also had an interception in Wantagh's 33-7 victory over Mepham.
TYLER ANDERSON, SHORE.-WADING RIVER
He rushed for 271 yards on 21 carries and four TDs in the Wildcats' 35-12 victory over Stony Brook.
RAY CATAPANO, CAREY
He completed all seven of his passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns in the Seahawks' 35-13 victory over Long Beach.
ERIC SCHWEITZER, BABYLON
He returned two interceptions for touchdowns in the first quarter, on plays of 26 and 76 yards, as Babylon beat East Hampton, 55-14.
PAUL BENTZ, MASSAPEQUA
The senior quarterback was 10-for-17 for 210 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 67 yards in the Chiefs' 42-29 victory over East Meadow.
