Thunder Maroon 10's Beat Long Beach 13-12

Mean Machine, Mean Machine, Mean Machine

Sometimes it takes adversity to make a team come together. Sometimes it takes a few slices of humble pie for a team to achieve victory. Sometimes it takes the taste success for a team to get it going. As it happens, all of these things have been a part of the Thunder Maroon 10's two game winning streak.

This wet Sunday morning had turned into a beach day by game time but the game itself was no day at the beach. Both teams played and hit hard.

The opening drive for the Thunder featured the same rough-and-tumble running game that's been gaining momentum the last two games. Running back Anthony Preziosi ran the ball well again. QB Ryan Blair got a key first down on a forth-and-eight at midfield, and also scored the first touchdown that put the Thunder ahead.

The key to good running game is blocking, and the offensive line has really stepped-up their play the last few games. The big guys up front, Joe Creighton, Marty Waters, Jack Kennelly, Mike Keating and Kieran McGoldrick have really made the running game go. McGoldrick has been key in making the running game a success. When asked what makes the O-line go, Kieran coolly replied, "the running backs get the glory, but we get the chicks."

Rich Mattone hits em' hard and low

Other key contributors on offensive were, Ryan Guarino, Kyle Harder and Richie Mattone. Offensive ends Tom Leggett and Kyle Wein continued to be a successful tandem, shuttling in the play calls from the sideline.

After the opening drive, it seemed to be a cakewalk, but the Bulldogs from Long Beach answered right back with a score of there own, making it 7-6 at the half.

In the second half, the Thunder defense made some plays, even while the hitting was hard and fierce. Mike Randazzo had some great tackles, none better than a touchdown-saving shoe stringer at the Thunder 10-yard line. Mike might be a rookie, but this kid plays with the savvy of a three-year veteran. Asked his success this season, Mike said, "Stay low, and hit hard. That's what Thunder football is about."

Cornerbacks Samer Bendery and Joe Leto were called on to keep the Long Beach offense from going deep, and they got the job done time and again. Big tackles by Liam Sugrue, Jack Anesner, JP Moran, Anthony Zinga kept Long Beach from gaining the lead late in the game. Monster backs Cameron Kern, Albert Souissis and James Lark constantly disrupted the Bull Dog running game.

Ryan Blair, Liam Sugrue, Rich Mattone, Marty Waters, JP Moran and Jack Kennelly

Kicker Chris Hourmouzis continued to impress with his booming kickoffs. Coach Blair has hinted that Chris might get a shot at a field goal or extra point this year. Let's hope so, because it could be key when the scores are close..

One thing has become apparent about this bunch of kids, as we get further into the season. They have fun and play hard, and that's what you always want to see on Sundays in the fall.

Next weeks' game is 12:30 in Elmont. Let's turn out a big crowd and make it 3 in a row.

Go Thunder!

Another 6 points for Prez Liam "Super-Fly" Sugrue