James Ringer’s three TDS lead Bayport-Blue Point
Bayport's James Ringer (31) with a 66 yard touchdown during the Suffolk High School Division IV football game between Bayport-Blue Point and Southampton held at Bayport-Blue Point High School. Sept. 16, 2017 Credit: Alan J Schaefer
When the ball is in James Ringer’s hands, there’s a good chance the play will finish in the end zone for the Bayport-Blue Point football team.
Ringer’s contributions were felt all over the field, receiving a 40-yard touchdown, rushing a 20-yard score and returning a 30-yard punt for a touchdown in Bayport-Blue Point’s 27-0 victory over Southampton in Suffolk IV football Saturday.
“He just had a great day,” coach Mike Zafonte said. “The kid’s working hard.”
The Phantoms (1-1) scored all 27 of their points in the first half, with Ringer opening the scoring catching a swing pass three yards out of the backfield and breaking free for the 40-yard touchdown from freshman Luke Schartner in the first quarter.
Ringer added his second touchdown of the quarter with a 20-yard run up the middle, which Zafonte said the junior running back “broke about five tackles.” Ringer’s touchdown was set up by Vin Grazidei’s fourth-down run.
Even with Ringer’s outstanding individual performance, Zafonte was more impressed by the running back’s attitude.
“He’s a great team player also,” Zafonte said. “He’s a superstar athlete but he’s a great kid to coach.”
Ringer helped set up Jake Carrabis’ 5-yard touchdown run with a 40-yard punt return to bring the ball to the 10-yard line in the second quarter. For the final score, Ringer fielded a quick punt by Southampton and broke free down the sideline and “probably faked out three or four people,” Zafonte said.
Zafonte was proud of the effort displayed by his entire team, including the defense and the offensive line.
“I know James is getting the accolades because of what he did but there were a lot of guys blocking him,” Zafonte said, “so it was a great win.”
