Thunder 10 Grey Hangs Tough

Aren't they handsome? John Dehler, Connor Tariche, and Brian Goulard take time for a "Photo Op!"

The Thunder 10 Grey played 2 tough opponents in back-to-back weeks and unfortunately came up short in each game. But the Boys of Grey fought hard and really played their all against these clearly bigger, heavier, more experienced teams. vs. Baldwin Bombers - Fri, Sept. 22 "Under-the-Lights" at GC Community Park

To set the stage, the Baldwin Head Coach was 6'7" and looked like he could pull a tree out of the ground! The squad was Baldwin's All Star players, who were also extra-large; this was confirmed by one GC Thunder grandparent who was overheard innocently asking aloud, "Why are our 10 year olds playing against teenagers?"

Thunder Grey said Bring 'em on, and got off to a great start. On a Baldwin first drive 4th down pass attempt, Michael Collins snatched the ball for an INTERCEPTION! Thunder offense looked strong and gave GREAT BLOCKING to Danny Simmons, who promptly ran for a 1st down, and Carney Mahon who made a nice gain. But the Bombers shut Thunder down, then drove relentlessly and scored, 7-0, despite some HUGE TACKLES by Connor Tariche, Chris Connolly, Robert Wotczak, David Gage, John Dehler, and Scott Irwin.

Kicker Nick Giannone with a mighty boot, flanked on his right side by: Brendan McLaughlin, Jack Tigh, Robert Wotczak, Carney Mahon.

Thunder came back with a FANTASTIC 30 yard pass by Jack Tigh, CAUGHT by Michael Collins . . . . Oh, no! The completion was called back by the ref on a rather esoteric, "illegal receiver" penalty which most refs would not call with players of this age.

This call seemed to change the climate of the game as the very-pumped-up Bombers began a driving/scoring frenzy, scoring 3 more touchdowns in the game, but converting the extra point on only one of them.

Thunder refused to be shut out and kept on fighting for every yard. In the middle of the 4th quarter, Thunder took the ball downfield with several 1st down plays and with the help of a 10-yard clipping penalty against Baldwin. Fullback Patrick Gerspach seemed to be sacrificing himself as he plowed into, and a few times through, the Baldwin defensive line! Thunder wound up at 1st & goal, and Carney Mahon ran it in. No extra point, though. The game ended with the score Baldwin 26, Thunder 6.

QB Jack Tigh races past this Defensive Tackle.

The Thunder players and parents enjoyed the rest of a perfect (weather-wise) Fall Friday night as everyone enjoyed pizza and fun on the sideline after the game! GO THUNDER!!! vs. Hempstead Tigers - Sun, Oct. 1 "In-the-Pouring-Rain" at Stewart Field.

The Hempstead team in this division is also an All-Star team and is player-for-player bigger than Thunder, but Thunder Grey ONCE AGAIN played a HARD-FOUGHT GAME and once again REFUSED TO BE SHUT-OUT! The 21-6 loss was disappointing, but the Boys of Grey did not lose heart. The boys have every reason to be proud of themselves!

They continue to make - and catch - some great passes. They recover fumbles. Their running backs gain yards and often make 1st downs. The defense makes some big hits, and the offensive line blocks with all their might and ability. Their kicking team and receiving team is as good as any opponents' we've seen this season.

Matt Greene runs with the ball as Patrick Gerspach and Connor Tariche block for him.

Sometimes the other team is just bigger and more experienced, and has played as the same cohesive team for several seasons. Thunder Grey continues to practice and play hard, and the boys wind up HAVING A GREAT TIME out there on the field, victors or not. GO THUNDER!!

Jack Tigh hands off to Carney Mahon as Fullback Connor Tariche blocks in the backfield.