Thunder 9's White Take On East Rockaway

Sam Lucchesi is determined to get to the end zone!

At high noon on October 6th, many of the Thunder 9's White players were about to play their hardest and best game of the season as they approached their opponents, the undefeated East Rockaway Raider team. The Thunder 15 were up against 34 Raiders, so coaches John Knowles, Jamie Atkinson, Chuck Lucchesi and Kevin Guarino knew the boys had their work cut out for them.

The Thunder were outmanned but not outgunned. Quarterback Jamie Atkinson led the offensive team on executing their plans. Along with Chris Halka at center, the first-time duo mastered their snaps and set the plays in motion. Sam Lucchesi was outstanding as the Thunder's key offensive weapon, gaining significant yardage and "near touchdowns" while also shutting down his corner on defense.

Philip Puccio and Sean Knowles each made their debuts as starting running backs, hitting the holes and racking up yards, while throwing blocks as necessary throughout the tense game. Nicholas Jones, Ian Guarino Joe Philippas and Maxwell Sutherland worked hard along the offensive line to open holes and create opportunities for their teammates.

Coach John Knowles discusses strategy at half-time - with a tight 6-0 game underway.

At half-time the score was 6-0, but Thunder had banged on their door, creating a very exciting game to watch and a lot of encouraging chatter from the fans. The seesaw battle continued into the second half with most of the action taking place at midfield. Peter McCarthy did an excellent job roaming the defensive backfield at safety, while anchoring his part of the offensive line at end. Throughout the game, Dan DeSimpliciis demanded a lot of attention from the opponent's offensive line, while Joe King repeatedly crashed into the Raider backfield from the middle linebacker position. Defensive tackles James Ostrowski, Michael DeSanti and Dominick Avitabile held the line against their opponents with grit and determination throughout the game.

Two late Raider scores made the final 20-0. As the boys walked off the field at the end of the game, the coaches and parents couldn't be prouder. They are looking forward to a rematch against East Rockaway later in the season.

Running back Sean Knowles carries the ball through the pack, with blocking support from Joe Philippas, Joe King, and Nicholas Jones.

Come cheer Thunder on this Friday at 6:00pm at the GC Community Park as they face Bellmore in their next game. Go Thunder!

Peter McCarthy did a terrific job covering the field at safety.

Dan DeSimpliciis demanded a lot of attention of the opponents nose guard.

Joe King continually crashed the centers from the middle linebacker position.

Nicholas Jones worked hard to open holes for teammate Sam Lucchesi to take advantage of.

Sean Knowles and Philip Puccio debuted at running back and did an excellent job executing plays and gaining yards.

1st things 1st. Sunday was a very good day. Yes, the score was 20-0 in E. Rockaway's favor, but we banged on their door, it was 6-0 at half, and they added 2 late scores...on an unfortunately hot day. The point that we will take away from this game is that the boys, given new opportunities and responsibilities in most cases, played their best football that they have ever played...and when they were exhausted...they still played. Walking off the field, you could tell the boys felt good about what they had done. And they are right, it was very impressive and gutty. Coaches John Knowles, Kevin Guarino, Chuck Lucchesi, Jaimie Atkinson and Steve Chmil are extremely proud of the boys' teamwork and accomplishments to date.... Go Thunder!

Quarterback Jamie Atkinson runs the ball - while teammates Sam Lucchesi, Joe King, Maxwell Sutherland cover defense...as James Ostrowski is busy blocking his man.

Peter McCarthy and Sean Knowles take a Raider down, as Dan De Simpliciis, Chris Halka, Joseph King and Mike DeSantis handle the rest of them! Dominick Avitabile is determined to stop the play. Running back Philip Puccio takes a handoff from quarterback Jamie Atkinson, as Joe Philippas, Chris Halka and Ian Guarino create opportunities up the line.