Thunder Maroon 10's End Season with Soggy Victory

Thunder Coaching Staff and their "go to" guys

The conditions were anything but pretty, but the result was another nice looking win by the Thunder Maroon 10's. A tough Elmont squad came to Stewart field hoping to avenge an early season loss, but this Thunder team would not relent.

On a soggy, sloppy pitch that made running and tackling difficult, the Thunder running attack and running defense were on full display. Coach Harder commented on the conditions, "there was more mud slinging than a Jersey election, but the kids persevered."

As has been the case all year, the run blocking was stellar. Offensive Linemen Tom Leggett, JP Moran, Kieran McGoldrick, and Marty "soap'n" Waters hit the tough Elmont defense with all they had. Offensive lineman Jack Kennelly was asked how he excelled under the sloppy conditions, Jack explained, "my father was a mudder, my mother was a mudder, that makes me a mudder." That explains it Jack.

The only scoring of the day was a 10-yard scamper by Richie Mattone. Solid running by the backfield committee of Ryan Blair, Ryan Guarino, Kyle Harder, Mike Keating and Anthony Preziosi kept the chains moving for most of the game.

Sugrue goes airborne

This game was really about defense, and there where lots of hits to go around. Joe Creighton continued his strong play with a key tackle for a loss that stopped an Elmont drive. Another drive stopper was a fumble recovery by Joe "Nacho" Leto.

Other defensive standouts were Desmond O'Malley, Liam Sugrue, Samer Bendery, Cameron Kern and Jack Anesner. Cornerbacks James Lark, Michael Randazzo and Kyle Wein kept the speedy Elmont wideouts from going deep.

Kicker Chris Hourmouzis continued to impress with his booming kickoffs, keeping the Thunder in good field position throughout the game.

On a day when one mistake could turn the tide, Albert Souissis recovered an Elmont fumble, giving the Thunder the ball back deep in their own end.

Anthony 'the stinga" Zinga was asked if months of practice, travel and effort was worth it this year, Stinga replied, "Heck, yeah it's worth it. I just need to take some time, have a bowl of mac'n cheese and recharge the batteries." You deserve it Stinga.

Anesner and "The Manimal" celebrate

As the last leaves fall off the trees, and cold wind of winter blows stronger everyday, we can all look back on the fun and excitement these kids brought to us every Sunday. They say football season goes fast. Maybe that's due the excitement and anticipation a perfect, crisp autumn football Sunday brings. Whatever the reason, it always seems go by in a blink, but the memories last a lifetime.

A final thanks to the coaches and especially the kids for all of their hard work and dedication.

See everyone next year.

Go Thunder!

Another gang tackle for the defense Your 2006 Thunder Maroon 10's