East Islip is heading back to the Suffolk County championship — and a two-minute burst before halftime is the reason why.

East Islip led by seven with 2:12 left in the half, Jake Simmons ripped off runs totaling 31 yards. On the next snap, Aidan Ierardi hit Niko Meyers in stride for a 49-yard touchdown.

East Islip’s defense then delivered. On Northport’s second play of the ensuing drive, Dylan Bayer pressured quarterback Simon Blissett, and defensive back PJ Gannon intercepted the pass. Four plays later, Ierardi found Eddie Simonetti for an 18-yard score. All of a sudden, EI had a 21-point halftime lead after two touchdowns in just 2:05

Ierardi went 5-for-8 for 148 yards and three touchdowns to lead host East Islip past Northport, 28-0, in the Suffolk II semifinals on Friday night.

“My

See Full Page