Game Report: Thunder 7 Comiskeys at Licitras

Brendan Calomussi (23) and James Walczyk (43) force the ball carrier wide where Aidan Ryan takes him down for a loss.

October 15, 2006

The last time these two teams met, they were one. August 7 saw 50 seven year-olds gather in the impossible 6:30pm heat at St. Paul's for their first official Thunder Football practice; friends and classmates, ragtag in shorts and cleats. By dark, two squads were formed and sent their separate ways. But this past Sunday at Stewart, an NCYFL scheduling oddity had the Thunder 7 Comiskeys visiting the Thunder 7 Licitras.

In their road whites, the Comiskey squad started the game on defense. After a short gain on first down, consecutive tackles by Shayne Gallagher left a fourth and four at midfield. Then, a beautifully executed quarterback keeper went the distance. But after a well defended point after, the Comiskeys found themselves in just a 6-0 hole.

On their first possession, the Comiskeys ran their offense to perfection. Quarterback Charlie Comiskey barked signals and moved his team north at will. The drive was highlighted by two first down runs by TJ Michielini, but ultimately stalled at the six.

Charlie Comiskey runs the quarterback keeper.

Back on defense, Comiskey's boys forced a 3-and-out, stopping an attempted repeat of the scoring play from the first drive. Cornerback Aidan Ryan recognized the play and reacted, forcing the play into the backfield where James Walczyk cleaned up.

The seesaw battle continued and the Comiskey offense turned the ball over on downs. The ensuing drive saw a perfectly defended third and 13 pass. Brendan Colamussi pancaked the quarterback at release. The ball landed complete for five yards and when Kiernan Gunn forced the fourth down run inside, the white defense including Jay Iraj, Connor Maloney, and Brendan Coors swarmed the ball carrier and got the ball back into Comiskey's hands.

After a nine yard run by Walczyk on first down, Comiskey quickly got the team to the line for what would be the last play of the half. On a keeper, Comiskey's offensive linemen Christian DeMarco and Patrick Murtagh opened a huge hole allowing Comiskey to sprint 25 yards, falling just short of the end zone but serving notice for the second half.

TJ Michielini sees daylight. First down!

After surrendering another score, the Comiskey defense toughened up against a very deliberate opponent that was gaining some ground and eating a lot of clock. David Pappas and Greg Pustorino plugged the gaps leaving no space to run. Eventually, another pass was attempted but Gallagher was in perfect position and made his first career interception, getting the ball back for the Comiskeys.

Soon after, young Charlie led the team on a long drive culminating in a highlight reel-worthy touchdown run by Walczyk, 30 yards down the left sideline. The Colamussi point after moved the Comiskeys to within five.

With under five minutes left, the Comiskey defensive line exploded off the ball, blowing up four consecutive plays. Cornerback Mason Kufs kept containment and allowed the line to shine. They took the ball back on downs, keyed by a Walczyk sack on third down. The Comiskeys were in position to drive to victory.

For the last drive and with time running down, Coach Comiskey inserted backup quarterback Ryan. The two-minute drill was on. With the offensive line continuing to blow the defense off the ball, the team moved quickly downfield. Linemen Kyle Cortese. Colin Paskewitz, Jack Mahland, Jack Murphy, Elias Karikas, and Matthew Mascola imposed their will - and their muscle - and gave Ryan the space and time needed to get the ball into the hands of Gunn and Michielini. But with the defense on their heels, and again poised to punch in, the Comiskeys were beaten by the clock, and ultimately their friends and classmates. Final score, 12-7.

Nothing but green! James Walczyk going in for six.

As the Comiskeys and Licitras lined up and walked through the ceremonial post-game handshake, observers could only imagine the exchanges taking place; the friendly trash being talked. And those also present on that sweltering night back in August could only marvel at the progress they've made, and the talent they proudly displayed on this perfect Sunday afternoon in October.

Best of luck to both Thunder squads going forward.

"See ya on the bus tomorrow."

Brendan Calomussi applies the pressure. Perfect form. Shayne Gallagher switches the ball outside and readies the stiff arm.