Stars of Week 1 in Section XI

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>High school football is back on the horizon in Long Island. Week one brought a packed slate of games from Wednesday to Saturday, and it also showcased the future stars Long Island has to offer on the gridiron. After an exciting opening week of highlight plays, upset wins, and triumphant comebacks. These are some players you want to put some stock in to start this exhilarating season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">It's Miller Time in North Babylon</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>North Babylon started 2026 on the right foot in a Division II clash as the Bulldogs defeated Smithtown East Bulls on Thursday night. It was running back Jack Miller who stole the show as the senior racked up 314 yards and five touchdowns on 19 carries for the Bulldogs.&nbsp; Every time Miller had the ball in his hands, it looked like he could go all the way with it. Whether it was between the tackles or tosses on the outside, Miller's speed through the hole and strength to break a litany of arm tackles was on display all night. His lacrosse background also showed in his shiftiness at the second level, as Miller juked multiple defenders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.tiktok.com/@uzzi_sports/video/7684375487380081950?is_from_webapp=1u0026amp;sender_device=pc","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"tiktok","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-tiktok wp-block-embed-tiktok"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.tiktok.com/@uzzi_sports/video/7684375487380081950?is_from_webapp=1u0026amp;sender_device=pc </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Miller has established himself as one of the better halfbacks in Division II, and North Babylon starts the season 1-0 for back-to-back seasons.&nbsp; The Bulldogs now have their eyes set on Northport Tigers next Saturday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lions Duo Roars Against Whitman</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Longwood was able to put last year's playoff loss behind them by edging out Walt Whitman 37-29 on the road Wednesday. The Lions built an intriguing roster that can make this team a threat in Division I, with quarterback-wide receiver combo <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23996269/691b25e73c1a0134b9bbd4f9">Ryan Greene </a>and <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/20474846/Makai-Jacobs" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/profile/20474846/Makai-Jacobs">Makai Jacobs l</a>eading the way.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The junior signal caller was electric in enemy territory. Throwing for 184 yards and two touchdowns alongside 113 yards and a score on six carries. Greene was able to blow the game open in the fourth quarter with an 82-yard touchdown run that put the Lions up by eight.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/RGreene38167/status/2098100736747786310?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/RGreene38167/status/2098100736747786310?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Greene's favorite target was senior pass catcher Makai Jacobs, who provided five catches for 111 yards and a touchdown. Jacobs was dangerous after the catch as his lone touchdown came from making a defender miss on a quick screen pass for a 51-yard score in the third quarter.&nbsp; Jacobs showcased the fluid route running and afterburners throughout the night and can carve his name out as an All-Division player by the end of the season if he maintains this pace.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Longwood is back in the win column and now has a potential playoff preview matchup next week against county favorites Ward Melville.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Riggs Outshines Impressive Daniels Debut&nbsp;</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Commack and Copiague put on a spectacle that highlighted opening week as the Cougars squeaked past the Eagles 21-19 thanks to [player_tooltip player_id='1649137' first='Lincoln' last='Riggs']' arm.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The senior quarterback completed 16-of-24 passes for 224 yards and made all the right decisions late to hold on to the victory. Coming off an All-County season in 2025, Riggs season debut is providing belief that he can exceed that mark.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Lincoln_r13/status/2099263633016455495?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Lincoln_r13/status/2099263633016455495?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>His touch on intermediate and deep passes has improved since last season, and he looked more comfortable operating in the pocket. His ability to keep plays alive is still there, as he showed poise under pressure while rolling out to either side.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite the loss, Copaigue still left Friday with their heads high as running back Asante Daniels put on an excellent performance. The senior had 210 yards on 19 carries with an incredible 99-yard touchdown. If the Eagles keep feeding the senior, these losses will quickly turn into wins.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->