Offensive line l-r: John Wotczak, Mike Goulard, Christian Coppola, Thomas Casciano, Ian Guarino, Chris Halka, Max Webster The Thunder boys wrapped up their inaugural season last Sunday vs. Uniondale. The game was a hard fought contest. The first half was a defensive struggle as both teams had difficulty against the opposing defense. The Monster Maroon Defense was true to form making many devastating hits on the Uniondale runners. Late in the half, Mark "boom" Prevete recovered a fumble, giving the ball back to the offense. The Wall of Steel offensive line took over and began opening huge holes for the Thunder runners. Touchdown Timmy Schmelzinger, QB John "flash" Simmons, Max " all world" Webster all had big runs on the drive. Unfortunately the ref blew the halftime whistle as the Thunder offense closed in on a touchdown, ending the first half in a 0-0 tie.

The second half started just like the first half, with both defenses controlling the game. Uniondale finally broke the scoreless tie with a TD, giving them the victory. The Thunder boys game off to a THUNDERous ovation from their faithful fans which included many grandparents. The boys made their coaches and families proud with such a great effort against an always tough Uniondale team.

Backfield L-R: (RB) Luke Mcdaid, (Fb/Nt) Marc Prevete,(Qb/Rb) John Simmons, (Qb/Rb) Tim Schmelzinger, (Rb) Max Webster The Thunder boys finished the season 5-3, but success can not be measured only with wins and losses. These boys first showed up for practice in early August barely able to get their equipment on. They practiced three days a week, learned the game and grew as a team with each passing practice and game. Some of the season highlights were Touchdown Timmy Schmelzinger making the end zone his personal playground during the first 5 weeks of the season scoring countless touchdowns. John "sack machine" Wotczak taking the ball from the Mineola QB and returning it 50 yards for a TD. John Simmons 50 yard dash vs Long Beach for a TD. The Saturday Night Lights game vs. the Baldwin Bombers where Marc Prevete's 6 yard rumble for a score and then followed by the extra point for the Thunder boys dramatic 7-6 come from behind victory.

Max Webster and Luke "catch me if you can" McDaid showing great versatility running the ball for first downs and then making tackles all over the field from their defensive positions.Mark "boom" Prevete running over defenders from his fullback position and always getting the tough yards. Thomas " rock solid" Casciano played the difficult position of center with perfection, making clean snaps to the QB. The charter members of the Wall of Steel offensive line, Christian "crunch" Coppola, Michael "bulldog" Goulard, Ian "bone crusher" Guarino, Christopher "crash" Halka and Patrick "pancake" Plunkett all did a fantastic job blocking and opening holes for the Thunder runners. Timmy Schmelzinger who did an amazing job at QB and also delivered many devastating hits from his cornerback position on defense. John Simmons who played RB and QB while also playing cornerback on D had many exciting runs and was always in the right place on defense.

Back Row, L-R Linebackers Brendan Schick,Patrick Plunkett, Brian Hafner, Defensive Line: Andrew Wood, Bobby Mclaughlin, Peter Larson, Dom Avitable,Chris Halka Matt Musacrella Andrew "bloodhound Wood smashed opposing runners all day from his defensive line position while recovering numerous fumbles during the season. Defensive end John Wotczak made a habit of reeking havoc in the opposing team;s backfield. He had countless tackles for losses and forced numerous fumbles. The Monster Maroon defensive members Dominick "hammer" Avitable, Peter "smash mouth" Larsen, Bobby "just bring it" McLaughlin, Matthew" monster mash" Muscarella all made big tackles and stuffed opposing runners. Brian "big dog" Haeffner made big hits from his linebacker position all season long. Special recognition goes out to Brendan Schick who played the first half of the season and then cheered on and inspired his team from the sidelines after he was sidelined.

Your parents are so proud of the way you 19 Thunder boys played this season. You worked hard, learned the game, played as a TEAM, and most importantly had fun. You grew as the season went along and we can't wait to see you progress next year as Thunder 8's. Congratulaions again to this great group of Thunder boys. Coaches, the parents and boys can not thank you enough for the incredible job you did with these boys. You took 19 boys in August and molded them into a TEAM. You taught them the game and had fun doing so. We are extremely appreciative of all the time, hard work and effort that goes into coaching 7 year olds in football.

GO THUNDER!!!!!!!!!