John Wotczak, Sean Knowles, Ian Guarino (54), Chris Halka (74), and Joe Philipas (62) open the hole for Sam Lucchesi. Two Sundays ago, the Hicksville Crusaders came to Garden City to take on the Thunder 9B's and avenge a loss earlier in the season. They were big and had a good plan but the Thunder, like most games, came out focused, executed, and scored on their first possession. Hicksville was ready to play as well and marched down the field a couple of yards at a time, using their size as an advantage to answer with a score of their own to make it 7-6 Thunder. The Thunder knew it was time to break out the Spread Shotgun formation and start tossing it. A pass to the flat and then, in the following series, a jaunt up the middle both resulted in touchdowns, making the score 21-6. That's where it ended up as the D, as they have all year, just snuffed any further offensive threats.

And with that, the stage was set for the championship game against the 7-0 East Rockaway Raiders who handed the Thunder their only loss of the season just a few weeks earlier. A different type of day dawned on game day, as it was colder and more blustery than before with the Stewart field muddy and wet. Something was in the air. The Thunder started with the ball and moved downfield but stalled after a few first downs. It was the first time in a long time that the Thunder did not get into the end zone on their first possession. The D marched onto the field and answered by shutting down the Raiders' high powered offense. Lots of 3 and outs followed as the defenses on both teams ruled the gridiron. Then, with the Thunder in possession of the ball and starting to stall, it was time again to break out the Spread Shotgun formation. A reverse from one side of the field to the other unfolded, as players and spectators alike tried to keep track of the ball. With the crack of a key downfield block the Thunder went up 7-0. The Raiders, in the unfamiliar territory of being behind, were determined to get back on task. They marched back up the field with the ball, eventually breaking off a long run to score and tie it up at 7 apiece. Both teams threatened to score more before the end of the first half. The Raiders had 1st and goal, when the D solved the riddle and pushed back, repeatedly throwing the East Rockaway offense back for sizable losses. After getting the ball back from this gutty defensive stand, the Thunder looked to get ahead before the half and very nearly got it done but for some determined defensive plays by the Raiders. The 2nd half started with the Thunder on defense looking to set the tone and did so with a quick 3 and out. Inspired by the D, the offense went to work and ground it out up the middle. A little headway at a time at first, and then a break out run up the middle to inside the Raider 5. A QB sneak made it 13-7 Thunder...and then it was time for the Thunder D to hunker down, tighten up, and yield nothing. 3 and outs were exchanged the rest of the way. At the final whistle, the Thunder were the champions, but both Thunder and Raider alike knew they had played in a great game that day.

The Thunder 9's Coaches John Knowles, James Atkinson, Stephen Chmil, Kevin Guarino and Chuck Lucchesi are extremely proud of players: James Atkinson, Dominick Avitabile, Jack Capetola, Matthew Chmil, Michael DeSanti, Daniel DeSimpliciis, Brendan Dolan, Ian Guarino, Christopher Halka, Nicholas Jones, Joseph King, Sean Knowles, Conor Lehan, Sam Lucchesi, Peter McCarthy, Kevin McDougal, James Ostrowski, Joseph Philippas, Philip Puccio, Maxwell Sutherland and John Wotczak.

The Thunder celebrate as champions after the final whistle. Congratulations on your championship, Thunder 9B's!

Sean Knowles makes the first hit while the rest of the D come to help.

JohnWotczak picks up the first down as Michael DeSanti and Joe King look on.Jack Capetola turns the corner after Matt Chmil paved the way.Jack goes in for the score.