Coach Collins with Danny Simmons and his son, Michael It was just "one of those games," one Thunder 9 Grey hopes was the last of its kind! Thunder 9 Grey gave up sole possession of 1st Place and is now sharing it with the Hicksville Warriors in a disappointing loss to Hicksville on Sunday after having defeated them in the Season Opener on Sept. 11th. Both teams are now 4 and 1.

Thunder, playing one Defensive Coordinator and one Offensive Coordinator short, made a valiant effort. Hicksville proved itself to be a very tough and talented team who simply played a better game than Thunder this time around, and Thunder lost to them 24-14.

Marty Waters and Jack Tigh get ready to join the offense team Great Thunder defensive tackles prevented Hicksville from getting off any big runs; the Warriors drove slow and steady ( . . . and steady!) for the whole game, scoring 2 touchdowns in each half. Being down 12-0 at the half was completely unknown to these Thunder 9's, but they learned the dreaded lesson, "There's a first time for everything." On the Thunder bright side, they prevented Hicksville's extra point each time!

You have to give the Warriors credit for remembering Thunder's unpenetrable Offensive blocking and the touchdown-scoring agility and speed of QB Jack Tigh in their prior meeting; this time the Hicksville defense seemed to multiply at every Thunder snap.

Michael Collins outruns Hicksville Everyone was devastated when Hicksville got its first big breakaway of the game and scored again. 18-0. OUCH! (Once again the bright side - No extra point!)

Thunder moved the ball well in the 3rd quarter and got on the scoreboard with an outstanding 60-yard run-away by Michael Collins for touchdown. Pat Gerspach ran in the extra point. 18-7.

A Hicksville fumble, recovered by Danny Simmons, followed by a Collins 1st down looked to be the beginning of some big plays for Thunder. It was short-lived. Hicksville got the ball back, and scored again on their next drive.

Nick Giannone scores his first touchdown this season With only minutes on the game clock, knowing the game was all but lost, Thunder continued to fight in true Thunder fashion. Back-to-Back-to-Back first downs by Nick Giannone - Collins - Giannone got things rolling. QB Jack Tigh made a great attempt but was stopped just short of first down deep in Warrior territory.

Hicksville got the ball back near the end zone . . . Wait, FUMBLE! A Thunder recovery at the 7 yard line set the stage for a run-in touchdown by Giannone. Thunder offense made the extra point again.

Thunder tackle by Connor Tariche, Drew Magdich, Brett Stewart, Brian Irwin, Michael Collins, Nick Giannone and Liam McGuiness Despite a losing score of 24-14, the game ended on the UPSWING for Thunder 9 Grey, who have NO plans of making a habit of losing! They're planning a victory this Sunday as they take on Franklin Square!