Big stop of the Uniondale extra point “We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails” – B. Calloway

After enduring last week’s bitter defeat, the team resolved not to give up, but came back determined to avenge the loss. This week the boys practiced late into the evening with a fierce determination to improve. Their effort was evident on Saturday when the boys ran drills and plays while being deluged by rain from Hurricane Ivan. With renewed optimism, the boys were not going to come up short against the Uniondale Knights.

Busting thru the banner Prior to taking the field, it has become a strong Maroon tradition, to fire up the team by running through an 11-foot Thunder banner. With an intense force, the boys charged through the banner ready play!

At the start of the Uniondale game, Maroon found themselves behind in the first quarter (12-0). Then with two touchdowns by Michael Comiskey, the tables started to turn. Matty Schmelzinger gave new meaning to effort as he dodged Uniondale’s defense twice for a touchdown run. Garden City’s special teams came up big with a fumbled recovery by Christian Morreale on the kick off. Maroon’s defense kept Uniondale’s offense grounded. At halftime, Garden City led the Uniondale Knights by 7-points (12-19).

Thunder pushes thru for the TD During the fourth quarter, the Knights tried to regain their stride and fought back with two touchdowns. Uniondale’s coaching staff’s lack of composer resulted in a 15-yard penalty at a crucial point in the game. This gave Garden City tremendous field position for their final drive. Eugene Berkery scored a touchdown and Garden City received the extra point. The Maroon 10’s fought a hard battle and won the game. The final score was (24-26).

Garden City’s key element was a potent ground game. They utilized misdirection plays, gained yardage and ate up the clock. The boys have a bye next week, but they will continue to work hard and try their best. GO THUNDER!