8 Year Old 2004 Garden City Thunder Maroon The last football Sunday for the Thunder Maroon 8s was a rousing finish to a great season. Playing maybe their best all around game, they beat the spirited Floral Park Titans 26-6.

When asked about the effort of the team today Coach Blair said, “These guys played hard every practice, and every game. They should be proud of themselves, I know I am.”

Although the game was their last, the Thunder had several firsts on this sunny Halloween Sunday. The first play from scrimmage was a 38-yard TD scamper by Anthony “Sweetness” Preziosi. “Sweetness” has taken it to the house before, but never on the first play of the game. Great blocking from Alex “Make Way” Umland, Jack “O’Lantern” Kennelly, Jack Aneser and Brian Goulard opened holes for the Thunder backfield.

Thank You! Coaches (L-R) Connolly, Goulard, Harder, Guarino, and Blair. Quarterback Ryan Blair added another score with a QB sweep that went for 29 yards. Another first for the Thunder was Ryan’s battery mate center Mike “Webster” Holland getting some much deserved applause with a QB sneak for the extra point.

The defense played its stingiest all season allowing only one score and keeping the Titan offense on its heels. Led by linebacker Liam McGuiness the Thunder defense was in the Titan backfield all day.

Richie Mattone being chased by the Titan’s defense. Players such as, Desmond O'Malley, Anthony Kritis, JP Moran, Daniel Romero, Peter Luglio and Marty Waters ran down the Titans with reckless abandon.

Richie “All Heart” Mattone had himself quite a game on both sides of the ball. Scoring the third TD of the game, and making a TD saving tackle. Another first for the day was done by Richie, catching the first completion of the season with a screen pass that went for a first down. The very next play was a highlight reel catch by offensive end Mike Keating. Anthony Preziosi rolled right and threw a perfect strike on a halfback option pass which Mike hauled in and stayed in bounds for the completion. After running the ball for the entire season, the Thunder had suddenly become “Blair Coryell.”

Team Captains Anthony Zinga (89), Marty Waters (64) and Alex Umland (28) call it in the air! Running back Kevin Mullin scored the 4th and final touchdown of the day. First time runner Ryan “No Quit” Guarino pounded the ball up the middle on 4 consecutive runs that wore out the Titan defense.

Pass!!! With game in hand the defense kept the Titans out of the end zone with key tackles by Anthony Zinga, Matt “Gang” Greene, Drew Magdich, Chris Connolly, and Kyle “Nobody Hits” Harder. Joe Burdi made a fumble recovery keeping the Titans out of Thunder territory.

Fans of the Game: The Thunder player’s siblings

The sisters and brothers of the players were out in force for every game. They rooted hard and were ready to help finish off the post-game snacks when called upon.

Coach Blair addressed the team for the last time after the game telling them “Boys, great job this year, I hope you had as much fun as I did. I hope to see all of you at the off-season minicamp.”

Thunders offense rushes up the middle. Go Thunder!

Thunders defense holds the line! Thunders defense catches a Titan. Some ghoulish fans were at the game.