Thunder 11 Maroon Lose A Tough One

Conner Byrnes lays the hit!

Sometimes the final score does not reflect the nature of a game. That is the best way to describe the Thunder 11 Ma-roon game this week. This past Sunday at Hempstead's Lincoln Park, the Thunder Maroon 11's lost a tough one 18-8 against the Hempstead Tiger Cubs.

The weather was once again more like July, but the competition and quality of football was played at October pace. Success or failure in any competition can hinge of a few big plays. Although they played hard, the big plays unfortunately came at the Thunders expense.

Some solid running was helped by offensive linemen James Nardone, Brandon Rosenblatt and Tom Schillinger. Offensive lineman Liam Fitzgerald was asked how he makes run blocking fun, Liam replied, "It's the game within a game. We bring our lunch pals and get to work. It's the only way we know how, dude." This kid has his helmet on straight, that's for sure.

The scoring was quick and sudden, with two Tiger Cubs scores coming on an interception return and twenty-five yard run. With the score 18-0 at the end of the third quarter, it would have been understandable for the team to pack it in and go home. But not this bunch.

Swarming on defense.

Keiran Byrnes hit Ryan Blair on a twenty-yard pass, and got the ball to the Hempstead three yard-line. Blair then finished the job with a QB sneak to get the Thunder on the board. Dale Stasco finished off the scoring with another well-kicked extra point, to make it 18-8.

Coach Ireland was asked about the courage the kids displayed, even though the outcome was determined. Coach replied, "Resilient, is what comes to mind. They might not know the definition of the word, but it's what they are." This coach has quite the vocabulary.

With the season more than half way over, it's down to the stretch run, when the games don't get any easier. The kids continue their road trip against a good Hicksville squad. Game time is 12:30, we hope to see you all there.

Go Thunder!

Ryan Blair brings down the reception.