The Thunder White 9's, led by Captains Joey Burdi, David Gage, Cullen Minion and Anthony Velez travelled to Bellmore on Sunday to take on the competitive Bellmore Braves.

The tone of the game was set early when, on successive plays, Danny Miller followed by Timmy Halaby met the Bellmore ball carriers in the backfield for losses.

On the Thunder's second play from scrimmage Joey Burdi burst through the line and raced 55 yards for a touchdown.

Bellmore's next drive was shortlived following a Kieran Byrnes tackle for a loss and a tackle with a fumble recovery by Danny Dolan.

The first half featured several defensive highlights with Jack Connors and Danny Dolan combining for a sack, pass defense by Joey Burdi, superb line play by Jack Reina, Thomas Reina, Connor Riedel, Conor Byrnes, Anthony Velez, David Gage, Albert Soussis and Mike Cassano. The Thunder goal line "NO SURRENDER" defense made a powerful stand when, with the Braves on the two yard line with a first and goal, Conor Byrnes, Jack Connors and Timmy Halaby jammed the line allowing Danny Miller to take down the ball carrier with a touchdown saving tackle for no gain. Kieran Byrnes penetrated the backfield for a 5 yard loss, Miller again for a 3 yard loss, and Anthony Kritis and Cullen Minion combined to stop the ball carrier for no gain.

Garden City took over deep in its own territory but quickly moved the ball downfield with big runs by Burdi, Minion and Halaby, a 29 yard pass from Timmy Halaby to Kieran Byrnes, punishing runs by Jack Connors, culminating in a Halaby 5 yard run for the score. With Liam Byrnes again anchoring the offensive line and Thomas Leggett, Brian Tully, Rob Wotczak, Dolan, Miller, Cassano, Riedel providing block support, the Thunder began to wear down the Braves. The defense through up an iron curtain in the second half with sacks by Jack Connors, a combo safety with Connors, Conor Byrnes and Timmy Halaby all in on the play, a fumble recovery by Jack Reina, a saving tackle by Connor Riedel, fine safety play from Joey Burdi and Brian Tully, and the TEAM swarming to the ball.

The TEAM's hard work in practices and on the playing field is paying off in continued improved play. We look forward to next week's game. GO THUNDER !