Chris Hourmouzis fights for control with a Rockville Centre player. Photo by Newsphoto.com Speed. Skill. Determination. On Saturday, September 30, these factors were all present on St. Paull's field as the Centennial U-11 Blazers hosted the Rockville Centre Rebels. Players on each of these two very evenly matched teams possessed these factors. But only one team would go on to win the game.

The game opened with Rockville Centre making a speedy breakaway and shot on goal, which was saved with equal speed by Patrick Mohan who started in goal for the Blazers. The Blazers also speedily responded with a skillful play by Justin Gong, who with great footwork, brought the ball to the net and passed to Zach Miner who scored for a 1:0 Blazers lead.

Chris Hourmouzis also took a skillful shot on goal that went slightly wide.

Jonathan Castoro made some aggressive plays keeping the ball away from the center while Brian Tully as forward and Chris Stumpf as middie kept the ball under control for the Blazers. Both teams were playing great and were very competitive. Rockville Centre scored one very high in the net to end halftime at 1:1.

Chris Stumpf(#6) prepares to take a shot. Photo by Newsphoto.com Second half opened with a yellow card on the Blazers for tripping. Not a great start, but the Blazers were determined and made a succession of fast plays, starting with Zach kicking a shot on goal which just rolled over the top of the net. Rockville Centre came back and nearly scored until Joseph Giarraputo on defense prevented a goal by kicking the ball out of bounds. Almost immediately, Patrick Mohan playing forward scored a very skillful goal for a 2:1 Blazers lead.

The Blazers kept pushing as Rockville Centre kept on the pressure.

Aidan Logan, in goal for the second half, made many great saves. The Blazers set up a successful play with Brendan Harney passing to Drew Pascale who chipped the ball to Zach Miner who scored for a 3:1 Blazers lead. Adam Davies on defense prevented Rockville Centre from scoring with a block and big kick of the ball out of play. The Blazers skill was very evident in the smart plays throughout this game.

Justin Gong showed great control as he maneuvered his way through the defense. Photo by Newsphoto.com Game final was a 3:1 win for the Blazers. Speed. Skill. Determination. The Blazers just had more.

Drew Pascale goes shoulder to shoulder with a Rockville Centre player. Photo by Newsphoto.com