The Thunder 10 Grey had a well-fought and well-played game against Hicksville under the lights at Hicksville's turf field last Saturday night, Sept. 16th. Unfortunately, our boys lost 19-13, despite some TRULY GREAT plays: GC rushed well and made many long runs, 3 pass completions, a pass interception, and a fumble recovery. Add to that tight Offensive blocking and hitting, and hard, tough-as-nails Defense. But sometimes the other team just wins, and it's not always easy for these 10 year olds to accept, especially coming off a 7-and-1season last year. (Their only loss was to Hicksville)

Even though Thunder defense had Hicksville down to 4th down on their first drive, Hicksville came back with a long 1st down run and then scored on the next play. It was 6-0 as Thunder began their first drive. QB Jack Tigh ran for a 1st down. 4-Back Danny Simmons ran for 6 yards, but then an offensive penalty took back 5 yards. The offensive line and the backs all blocked for Tigh as he made a mighty pass . . . CAUGHT by Brett Stewart for 1st down!

Hicksville got the ball on an unfortunate GC turnover, but Hicksville's 1st play, a pass, was INTERCEPTED by an aggressive Michael Collins! With the ball on Hicksville's 35 yard line, 2-Back Carney Mahon ran 5 yards. Jack Tigh attempted another pass . . . CAUGHT by Michael Collins for 1st down on the 8 yard line! Unfortunately, Thunder's glory ended without a touchdown.

Hicksville seemed unstoppable as their huge kick-off return and subsequent running play ended with another Hicksville touchdown; they made the extra point to make it 13-0.

Thunder offense knew they had to make things happen - and they did! Back-to-back 1st down runs by Danny Simmons and Carney Mahon put Thunder past mid-field. A pass completion by Carney Mahon on 3rd down and one gave Thunder another 1st down. Simmons and Tigh combined runs for yet another 1st down. On 4th down and three at the 15 yard line, Tigh ran it home for a Thunder touchdown! No extra point, however, on an oh-so-close pass to Bryan Irwin, who made a great attempt. 13-6, Hicksville.

After a Hicksville holding penalty, they fumbled the ball on 2nd & 15 . . . RECOVERED by Danny Simmons! Thunder drove again, but despite another beautiful pass completion by Brett Stewart, GC couldn't convert to score.

Hicksville ran for a long 1st down on the first play. Even though a thoroughly crushing tackle by Brendan McLoughlin lost them yards, Hicksville made a great pass completion and run for another touchdown. Thunder defense prevented the extra point. 19-6.

Thunder knew they HAD to come back tough - and did! After a nice kick-off return, Thunder was ready. Carney Mahon got the ball and got outstanding blocking by the offensive line: Brian Goulard, Liam McGuiness, Nick Giannone, Cullen Minion, Thomas Schillinger, Michael Collins, Bryan Irwin, and 3-back Patrick Gerspach. A key hit by Danny Simmons to the Hicksville Cornerback got him out of Carney's way as Carney broke through with a long touchdown run! Jack Tigh threw to Michael Collins for the extra point to make it 19-13 at the 2-minute warning. Time simply ran out for Thunder as they took the loss.

GREAT and EXCITING and TOUGH game, boys! GO THUNDER!!