Who let the dogs out?! You block your opponent - you win the game. A simple, but accurate football truth. In what could be described as a clinic in run blocking, the offensive line pushed back the Long Beach defenders like they were on heelys. all week the coaches kept telling the squad that the offensive line is where the game must be won. And judging from the final score, you could say mission accomplished.

The “men” in the trenches - linemen Jack Kennelly, Ryan Blair, Mike Keating (1.5 sacks), Ryan Guarino (1.5 sacks), Mike Holland, Kyle Harder and Joe Creighton gave the running backs more open lanes than the Clearview Expressway.

Halftime Adjustments The first score came on a QB keeper from Kevin Mullin (2 td’s). Once Daredevil Mullin saw some daylight, it was six points for the Thunder. The backfield of Richie Mattone (1 fmble rec.), Anthony Preziosi (2 extra pts) and Luke Zeccola all kept the Long Beach defenders guessing and off-balance. Luke Zeccola scored his second TD of the season with another picture perfect counter-play off the left side of the line. With a key block by Desmond O’Malley, Luke waited for the lane to open. Then it was off to the races.

But not to be outdone by the offense, Thunder defense secured its second shutout of the season. In all three games they have allowed only six points (that’s .5 points per quarter, mathematicians). And they got some great play from new addition, Aiden Brown. Coach Blair said after the game, “the new kid plays with guts.” Bash Bros. Sugrue and Moran once again lived in the Long Beach backfield. Defensive signal callers Kyle Harder and Ryan Blair made enough tackles for two games. D-lineman Will Harrington, Anthony Zinga, Jack Anesner and Alex Umland swarmed any ball carrier that made it past the line of scrimmage.

The Fruit of Victory Three big highlights were made by one player - Matt Greene. The first play was a bone crusher of a tackle; the second was an interception; the third was a 50-yard TD run to put the game away. This kid hits like Lambert and runs like Rice.

With Massapequa coming into town next Saturday night, these guys needed the positive energy of another win - and got it. Coach Blair and the rest of his staff promise razzle-dazzle under the lights. Lets hope the final result is another step toward the postseason.

Fan(s) of the Game: Thunder Players Joe ‘The Manimal” Creighton and Mike ‘Train’ Keating. These guys have more dance moves, hi-fives, pile-ons, cart-wheels, chest bumps, moonwalks, log-rolls and dog-piles than a Milli Vanilli video. Gotta love that enthusiasm!

Our next game is Saturday night October 1, at 7:30 at the Garden City Community Park.

Go Thunder!