GCAA Thunder Maroon 10's Lose Nail Biter

Not today my friend. Football is game of wills. And although the final result was a loss, the Thunder Maroon 10's didn't lose their will to play this past Sunday in Mineola. In a tough loss, these kids played hard until the final whistle.

The Mineola Chiefs played tough once again, in taking the season series 2-0. Coach Blair was asked about the loss after, "This is a tough opponent, I take my hat off to them. Hopefully we see them next year, and we can get some redemption."

Even though the Thunder couldn't push the pill in for a score, they still controlled the clock and moved the ball for most of the game. In a workhorse effort, Anthony Preziosi and Ryan Blair gained big yardage behind the right side of the Thunder offensive line. Running back Richie Mattone ran hard and took some hard hits to gain yards. Clock Management Coach Jim Moran praised the diminutive player, saying, "Richie's tougher than Salisbury Steak." High praise indeed.

Defensive honors go to Joe "the manimal" Creighton. Joe seemed to be in on every tackle. Other defensive standouts included Jack Anesner, Ryan Guarino and Kieran McGoldrick. Defensive lineman Mike Keating recovered a fumble to thwart a Mineola drive.

FUMBLE!! Monster backs Albert Souissis, Cameron Kern and the "Stinga" all made contributions on defense. The "Stinga" also came up with key fumble recovery in the second half.

Defense seemed to be the theme of the day, as cornerbacks Samer Bendery, James Lark and Joe Leto kept any Mineola passes from being completed.

Two Thunder opening offensive drives were long and went deep into Mineola territory, but the Thunder offense came up just short each time. Running backs Kyle Harder, Michael Randazzo, Liam Sugrue and Marty Waters all went for positive yardage. Unfortunately the Mineola defense stiffened inside the red zone preventing a score.

Kicker Chris Hourmouzis put the Mineola offense deep in their own end to start the second half, giving the defense an added advantage.

Right on the doorstep... Offensive linemen Jack Kennelly, Kyle Wein, JP Moran and Tom Leggett played well, pushing the Mineola defenders off of the line of scrimmage. Leggett suffered a minor leg injury, but when asked about leaving the game, Tom snorted, "Stitch me up doc. My teammates need me." That's what we call in football vernacular, guts. Plain and simple.

This week the team travels south to wild and windy Long Beach, for what should be a hard fought game. Game time is 2:30, Sunday October 29.

Hope to see you there, GO THUNDER!

Ready for action - Mike Keating, Joe Leto, Kieran McGoldrick and Chris Hourmoussis