GCAA Thunder 9’s Jet - Tango - 14 - Purple!

Is this the 32 nd flavor? The newest boy band? The new show on Nickelodeon? No, this is the ultra-secret play Coach Blair called to try to get the Thunder Maroon 9’s into the end zone. Unfortunately, it was just a little too late to pull the game out. “I have only admiration and respect for these kids. They play hard every Sunday,” Coach Blair said after the game.

The defense played tough as usual, keeping the bombers out of the end zone for the first three quarters. Defensive Coaches Harder and Sugrue used a seamless substitution system, keeping the troops fresh and ready.

Kyle Harder made a bone-crushing tackle to knock the ball loose, and had the awareness to recover the fumble. This was Kyle’s second fumble recovery in as many games. Ryan Guarino, moved to Linebacker today, responded with 10 tackles.

Defensive end Mike Keating recorded his fifth sack of the season. When asked if getting the sack felt good, Keating, ever the team player, responded, “I’d give ‘em all back for the win. That’s what we work all week for.”

Sugrue, Harder, Preziosi, Mullin, Moran, Zinga and Holland Jack Anesner (1.5 sacks) also recorded a sack, and had some nice tackles.

Cornerbacks Luke Zeccola and Kevin Mullin knocked down any passes the Bombers QB threw. This was the most an opposing QB had tried to throw on the Thunder defense; they rose to the challenge, not allowing a single completion.

The backfield of QB Ryan Blair, and backs Mike Keating and Anthony Preziosi, made some nice runs. QB Blair hit Richie Mattone, showing no ill-effects from a lost tooth, for a nice pass completion in the second half.

Center Desmond O’Malley and offensive linemen Joe Creighton, Jack Kennelly, Mike Holland and JP Moran made some nice blocks on the Bomber defenders. First-year player Aidan Brown had another solid game on the defensive line. Alex Umland, Anthony Zinga and “Bash Brothers” Sugrue and Moran bear crawled, crab walked and low-line charged into the bombers back field all day.

Will Harrington was asked if he had fun this year. Will responded, “Oh yeah, what’s not to like? My teammates, my coaches, the cheering crowd, it’s all gravy.” This young man has a way with words.

Fan(s) of the Game: It’s a tie.

1. Craig and Cathy Kennelly. For the second time in three weeks, they put on a terrific tailgate party. Craig, in case you want to quit your day job, two words: Food Services.

1A. The Chain Gang. The crew of dads, who volunteer to do the yardage markers for the home games, make moving a set of chains 10 yards at a time look easy. Thanks for your help and dedication to the Thunder 9 - 2005 campaign.

Well, it’s hard to believe, but this Sunday will be the last game of the year. It’s been a fun and exciting year of football. What better way than to end with a victory.

Come out and cheer on Sunday, November 6, at 12:30 p.m., at Mineola.

Go Thunder!