The Ward Melville Patriots are rarely the underdogs but when they faced Longwood this weekend that is exactly where they found themselves.
The #3 seeded Patriots didn't let the rankings determine the outcome of their fate as they took down the higher seeded Lions 14-7 in a defensive battle.
Melville has been relying on defense all season long. They have held 7 of their 10 opponents to 14 points or less and only one team all season has scored more than 21 on this squad.
Offensively Joe Benedetto led the way rushing for nearly 200 yards and got into the end zone for what proved to be the winning score late in the game.
Joe Karpowicz scored the Patriots other touchdown and ended the game with a key interception.
Ward Melville now moves on to the county championship game this weekend.