Things have been bright as usual this season for Babylon football, and not just because of the new spotlights at the high school.

Seniors Bryan Schweitzer and Greg Griffo were supposed to come out on fire and run the Panthers into the Suffolk Division IV playoffs for the 12th straight season.

There was a hiccup, however, when Schweitzer started the season with an enlarged spleen and has been inactive since prior to Week 1. Head coach Rick Punzone said he should be back by the time the Panthers play Glenn on Oct. 18.

Jaquan Pate and Corey Rugen have been splitting time at the tailback position to fill the void left by Schweitzer.

Punzone said his passing game has opened up also. JT Pate - Jaquan's older brother - and Alex Grandel have caught most of the balls thrown this year.

"We're running the ball, but we've really been able air to air it out with JT and Alex spreading the offense," Punzone said.

The elder pate had three catches for 45 yards and two touchdowns in a 33-14 Week 2 win over Amityville. Grandel had a 36-yard touchdown reception in their 47-8 season opening win against Greenport.

Griffo, a two-way starter at quarterback and linebacker, threw and ran for 66 yards each in the Greenport game. Against Amityville, he was 6-for-8 passing and threw two touchdowns, while running for another. He's an early-favorite to be an All-Long Island selection.

"He's just as effective running the ball as he is passing it," Punzone said.

Schweitzer rushed for 711 yards and 12 touchdowns last season and his offensive production will give an added dimension to the offense. Babylon plays Southampton Oct. 11 on the road, Shoreham-Wading River on Oct. 25 and Bayport-Blue Point on the road to end the regular season on Nov. 1.