Thunder 11 Maroon Win 8-7 In Hicksville

Not so fast fella.

Games can be decided by big plays, or by a few little details, but sometimes just by the nose of the football. The latter was the case, in a heart-thumper this past Sunday. This one had it all, big runs, big passes and big stops on defense.

Hicksville got on the board first with an impressive fifteen-yard pass. It seemed they would get another score just before the half, but Kieran Byrnes made a stellar tackle on the Thunder one-yard line to hold the score to 7-0.

Maybe the biggest single event in the game was the second half turnaround that the team showed after a lackluster first half. Coach Harder was asked, how he mentally regroups at halftime. Coach replied, "I mentally go to a happy place, which for me, was an epic China Cat-Rider from 1981 at the Garden, then I get ready for some smash mouth football." Whatever it takes Coach.

Whatever was said to the team at the half, it seemed to have a dramatic effect. The opening Thunder drive went sixty-five yards, before it stalled on the Hicksville thirty-yard line.

Holland with the pick.

After the defense held Hicksville to only seven yards, the offense got the ball back and went to work. Using a combination of runs to the left and right, as well as using different running backs, the Thunder pushed it all the way down to the Hicksville two-yard line. Once again Kieran Byrnes came up with the big play, punching a QB sneak over the goal line for the score. Next came what to do on the extra point.

There are moments that can define a season; that extra point decision could be that moment for this team. Instead of going for the one point conversion, the Thunder relied on Dale Stasco's trusty right foot to get the lead. The ball just squeaked over the cross bar, but the result was a key two point conversion and an 8-7 Thunder lead. Dale was asked if he thought going for the win was the right call, Dale shot back, "Hey man, a ties like kissing your sister. We play to win the game!" Love that attitude kid.

The final defining play was a pretty interception by Safety Mike Holland. With Hicksville needing to gain some big yardage, Mike thwarted their last ditch effort. Mike was asked how it felt to seal the victory, Mike happily replied, "Nothing left to do but smile, smile, smile."

Yeah Baby!

Next game is home against the Buccaneers of Inwood, with Big Time playoff implications. There will be a tailgate after the game, with more juice boxes and munchkins than you can shake a stick at.

Hope to see you there.

Go Thunder!

Prez cuts it up field.