John Marino, strong in goal, helps Center Moriches hold on for first Suffolk Class D title
Center Moriches John Marino (21) follows the play in the third quarter during the Suffolk High School Class D Boys Lacrosse final between Center Moriches and Babylon on Saturday May 31, 2025 at East Islip High School Credit: Bob Sorensen
After two heartbreaking losses in the county championships in 2021 and 2022, the Center Moriches boys lacrosse team finally got over the hump.
“These kids never quit,” second-year coach Mike Vitulli said with tears of joy in his eyes. ”We had a seven game-losing streak in the middle of the year and they just came back. We finally got over the hump.”
And they did just that. The program that was formed in 2010, had some ups and downs throughout the years, now they finally see themselves on top.
John Marino had the game-sealing save to lead the second-seeded Red Devils past top-seeded and reigning champion Babylon in a 7-6 thriller to capture the program's first-ever Suffolk Class D championship Saturday afternoon at East Islip's Sal Ciampi Field. Marino finished the game with a season-high 15 saves.
"In my mind it’s always the last game . . . it’s do or die, keep going, keep pushing, don't stop,” Marino said. “All the adrenaline was building up, it was just a relief. We did it, we won our first title in history.”
Marino and sophomore Mason Walsh led the defensive charge early in the first half, with Marino making eight saves and Walsh causing five forced turnovers to prevent Babylon from scoring in the first half.
"I was following their eyes the whole time, I saw where they were going and put my stick in the passing lane,” Walsh said. “I heard everyone cheering, and it just lit me on fire. I was hyped and ready to go.”
Caden Leslie and William Jordan led the team in scoring two goals apiece. Leslie scored both his goals to extend the lead in the fourth quarter.
Kai Jankow had a goal and two assists for Babylon (8-8) in the fourth quarter in a late scoring push.
The two teams faced off against each other earlier this season, with the Panthers getting the 7-5 victory on April 23. But Vitulli knew this time would be different.
"Babylon was the county champions and they have a heart of a champion,” Vitulli said. “But we work extremely hard and we believe in each other.”
Center Moriches (9-8) isn't done chasing history. On Wednesday, the Red Devils will face No.1 Cold Spring Harbor in the Long Island Championship at East Islip.
"We are excited to have this opportunity,” Vitulli said. “We are going to take some days to prepare but then we will get right back to work.”
Jonathan Ruban covers high school sports for Newsday after graduating from St. John’s.
