Eric Prevete and Ryan Dooley Give Chase Surrounded by canals, waterfowl and wetlands, the Thunder Maroon Nine-Year Olds finished their regular season with a win over the East Rockaway Raiders 26-0. Going into the game, a Thunder win was thought to have cemented one of the four spots in the playoff bracket. The Gods of Chance had different plans.

The Thunder was fighting with two other teams, Bellmore and Franklin Square, for the final two spots. Each playoff spot being determined by the controversial Power Ratings system. The system allocates points for each win based on the ranking of their opponent. The four teams with the highest ratings at the end of the season are seeded accordingly. Massapequa and Baldwin had already locked up first and second place respectively but a stunning upset of previously undefeated Massapequa by Hempstead threw the final ratings up in the air. The Bellmore Braves earned the final spot behind Massapequa, Hempstead and Baldwin. The final Power Ratings were Bellmore 123.5 and Garden City Thunder 122.8. Notwithstanding that the Thunder beat Bellmore in the regular season. The final ratings may have been decided by a Bellmore victory over Farmingdale earlier in the season (the Thunder had tied Farmingdale 0-0). Thus, the season is over. Just like that. It’s said that football is a game of inches and that every play counts but in this rough and tumble game those axioms are usually overlooked. This turn of events makes them seem truer that ever.

Another Tackle By John McDaid The Thunder finish their impressive season with a record of 6-1-1 comprised of 5 shutouts, 161 points scored and only 49 against! While missing the playoffs was disappointing it could not overshadow the excellence, heart and determination of this very special group of boys and coaches. Led by Head Coach John McDaid, coaches Jamie Cortese, Rich Muller, John Walsh and Bob Keogh worked tirelessly week after week to prepare the boys and inspire them with the concepts of team work, dedication and to help foster the bonds of friendship that only a precious few get to experience. The boys never failed to impress and, sometimes, pleasantly surprise their coaches. The Men Of Thunder Maroon Nine-Year Olds are Dan Bonchonsky, Mike Caravello, Lucas Clay, Tim Confort, Matt Cortese, Nick Croce, Ryan Dooley, Cory Fallon, Brendan Fitzsimmons, Chris Gallic, Sean Gavigan, Pat Keogh, Pete Kerantzas, John McDaid, Jack Metzler, Tim Muller, Eric Prevete, Vin Scheppa, Joe Stone, Eric Sundius, Chris Thomas, John Walczyk, Mike Walsh and Sean Walsh.

Coach Cortese To you young Men of Thunder from all of us who have witnessed your passion, desire and effort, go forth and use this experience to help shape another outstanding season next year and in all that you may do from this point forward…Godspeed.

Chris Gallic and Lucas Clay Pound Out Yardage Chris Thomas, Jack Metzler and Tim Muller Close In

Cory Fallon Controversy Stirs Over Playoffs

Coach Muller Giving Direction John McDaid Leaves Them In the Dust Mike Walsh Runs Down Another Tackle Nick Croce Speds Around End Eric Prevete and John McDaid Stop'em Cold Peter Karantzas Scores! Joe Stone