Brian Leggett carries for Thunder White (maroon jerseys). Teammate Jack Capetola blocks as Thunder Maroon's Max Webster and Brian Haeffner try to tackle. 2 The GC Thunder 8 Maroon and GC Thunder 8 White teams met as football opponents for an in-town rivalry on a gorgeous Indian Summer day this past Sunday, Sept. 17 at Stewart Field. By game's end, there could only be one victor, and it was Larry Schmelzinger's Thunder Maroon, edging out their GC competition by a score of 14-7 in a VERY exciting and well-played game by both teams.

These boys are all good friends in school and in other activities and play at each other's houses . . . but when it comes to playing a football game against the other, these boys and coaches were all business.

Thunder White (who wore maroon jerseys!) won the coin toss and began a very successful drive. Brian Leggett and Jack Capetola had combined runs for a huge first down, then a defensive penalty gave them another 1st down. Timmy Schmelzinger on defense for Thunder Maroon (who wore white jerseys!) tackled the runner as the rest of the defense got him down for 3rd down. But at 4th & goal, Dan Confort ran it in for a touchdown for Thunder White. They scored the extra point for an early 7-0 lead, with Thunder Maroon getting the ball for their first drive.

Outstanding Thunder White blocking helps Matthew Chmil gain some yards. With the Quarterback/Center combo of John Simmons and Thomas Casciano leading the offense, Thunder Maroon was vying for some 1st downs and hopefully a touchdown - but it was not to be. Outstanding Thunder White defense, coupled with a Maroon holding penalty, resulted in 4th down & out at the 15 yard line.

Thunder White (maroon jerseys, remember?) got the ball again, but the Thunder Maroon Defense was determined to shut them down this time. The football gods smiled upon Thunder Maroon, as their linebacker Andrew Wood recovered a fumble. Great job, Andrew! Maroon Ball at the 15 yard line!

On Maroon's first play, Luke McDaid ran the 15 yards for touchdown, and Timmy Schmelzinger got the extra point to tie the game 7-7. Halftime!

"It feels great to get these helmets off!" says Ian Guarino and Thomas Casciano after the game. Thunder Maroon (white jerseys, remember?) got the ball to start the 2nd half - with a Bang! John Simmons swiftly handed off to Timmy Schmelzinger, who was blocked perfectly by his offensive line of Thomas Casciano, Ian Guarino, Ryan Galioto, Philip Puccio, Christian Coppola, Marc Prevete and John Wotczak. Timmy, with his signature stiff-arm, averted the Thunder White defense as he ran outside and down the line for a huge 1st down. Timmy took the ball for another long run for touchdown, and Max Webster plowed through for the extra point. Score Maroon 14, White 7.

Thunder White got the ball, and was not successful in their first play, but then ran 30 yards for big 1st down! With the White offensive team totally pumped up, Maroon "D" got fierce. Defensive End John Wotczak broke through the block for a huge stop for 3rd down. Then Cornerback John Simmons saved a first down with a huge tackle as Marc Prevete helped take down the ball-carrier for 4th down!

Thunder Maroon put Kyle Thornton in as QB for the remainder of the 4th quarter, and Marc Prevete took a turn at 3-Back. Marc ran the ball twice through the middle for gain, but then White defense shut Maroon down for 4th down.

Ryan Galioto, James Ostrowski, and John Simmons pull up the rear of the Thunder Maroon receiving Thunder White got the ball for their last drive as the game clock was winding down, but Thunder Maroon defense was determined to hold the lead. Thunder Maroon made a huge gang tackle for 3rd down and then stopped Thunder White on 4th down to end the game. Final score: Thunder Maroon 14, Thunder White 7.

After the game, the rivalry was forgotten as all of the players, coaches, parents, siblings and guests enjoyed a brunch outside on the Stewart baseball field. Many thanks to Maureen Wotczak, Maura Confort, Maureen Leggett, and Laurie Casciano for organizing a great post-game party! It was enjoyed by all!

GO THUNDER!!

Thunder Maroon (white jerseys) offensive line sets up. Shown are: Center Thomas Casciano, QB John Simmons, Left Guard Ian Guarino, and Lineman Philip Puccio. After a spectacular run, Dan Confort is finally brought down by John Simmons and Luke McDaid as Andrew Wood rushes in to help. Christian Coppola, Max Webster, John Wotczak, and Brian Haeffner wait to shake hands with the other team. James Linehan gets ready to go in. Timmy Schmelzinger carries and Marc Prevete blocks, as Philippas gives chase. Luke McDaid tries to slip past Dylan Hughes and Kevin McDougal, while Brendan Schick blocks Jack Capetola. Andrew Wood and Stephen Moran in the receiving line after the game. Andrew Wood discusses strategy with Scott Kiley. John Wotczak, Brian Haeffner, Luke McDaid, John Fanning and Howie Miller.