After a week of biblical rains, the winds of victory swept into Stewart field this past Sunday. the Thunder Maroon 9’s notched another victory with a 6-0 win over the Franklin Square Warriors.

Once again, the Thunder held their opponent scoreless, - this time allowing only one drive into the red-zone. These defenders are stingier than a 1st grader with Halloween candy.

In a game featuring few true scoring opportunities, OLB/C Kevin Mullin produced the only score. In fact, Mullin picked off the first warrior pass of the game and returned it

for a 45-yard touchdown return. Matt Greene threw a key block to get Mullin in the end zone from the Warrior 10 yard line. It proved to be the key play in a hard fought contest. This Guy Mullin has more highlights than a Bon Jovi hairdo.

The defensive line play was fierce and disciplined. Linemen, Alex Umland, Jack Anesner, Will Harrington, and Anthony Zinga stayed in position and made some great tackles. And both Mike Keating (3.5 sacks) and Aidan Brown (1.5 sacks) had QB sacks, crushing any momentum the Warrior offense tried to generate.

The hardnosed Thunder backfield of QB Ryan Blair, Kyle Harder, Ryan Guarino and Anthony Preziosi moved the ball up and down the field. Offensive linemen Desmond O’Malley, Joe Creighton, and Jack Kennelly opened some big holes for some big runs, including a 50 yard QB sweep for a TD that was called back on a controversial penalty call.

Once again Richie Mattone, made some great tackles that got the crowd going. This kid has more grit than Grandma’s spinach. Speaking of grit, RB Luke Zeccola played through a hand injury, and even made it to the tailgate party after the game.

Bash Bros. Sugrue and Moran made some defensive stops to keep the Warriors well out of the Thunder end zone. The Warriors got no closer than the Thunder 20 yard line. As the Warriors drove the field, the tension was palpable, but the Thunder defensive prevailed.

Offensive Lineman Mike Holland was asked after about how he would prepare for the Uniondale game next week, Mike replied, “Uniondale Smuniondale.” This kid has moxie.

Fan of the Game: Craig Kennelly. Craig braved gale force winds, and a mob of hungry Thunder players and siblings to throw a raucous tailgate party after the game. Thanks for organizing a great time. (Next time: more brownies, please.)

The Thunder Maroon 9’s are coming down the home stretch of the season. Our next game is at Uniondale, Sunday at 1:30 p.m. With a post-season berth in the balance, these kids need all of our support, so come on out, and bring some friends.

Go Thunder!