Thunder Football's Friday Night Lights: A "Garden City Thing"

QB John Simmons (43) calls the play in the huddle as Howie Miller (42), Brandon Holloway (73), and Matt Quinn (48) listen up.

Friday night, September 28th was a beautiful, Indian Summer night, and Community Park was teeming with Garden City families enjoying 2 exciting Thunder Football games. But even more exciting was the friendly, festive atmosphere and comfortable feeling of "community" that we all love about this unique Village. Over 200 Garden City folks -- parents, grandparents, siblings, even families who didn't have sons on the field that night -- came out for, and had, a great time!

Oh, yeah, and Paul Muscarella's Thunder 9 Maroon team edged out Hempstead 7-6 in a tight Defensive battle, bringing their record to 3-and-1 for the first 4 games of the season.

After the first game the Thunder 9 Maroon boys joined their families for a side-line "tailgate" celebration, featuring appetizers, pizza, snacks, and lots of the sweet stuff.

No one was inclined to leave the park, as a 10-yr-old Thunder game had started, and the 9-yr-olds played their own friendly pick-up games nearby with numerous siblings and friends joining in. What a great night for everyone! Go, Thunder!

Brian Haeffner and Christian Coppola set up on Defense.

Kyle Thornton's body language says it all after recovering Hempstead fumble. Dan Confort's speed on this TD run caused blurred vision for all who saw him!