Thunder 11 Maroon Lose A Close One

Ladies and Gentlemen - Your 2007 Thunder 11 Maroon

The Thunder Maroon 11's tasted defeat for only the second time this year, to the Buccaneers of Inwood, 12-6 on Sunday. The theme of this game was physical football. Both teams played solid defense, and the tackling was hard and plentiful.

As was the case in the earlier Thunder loss this year, a slow start cost them in the end. Inwood got both of their scores in the first quarter, and the Maroon simply could not climb out of an early hole. Four uncharacteristic Thunder turnovers inside a ten-minute span, gave Inwood too many chances on offense. Offensive guard Mike Keating was asked about the giveaways. "I like turnovers, apple turnovers, cherry turnovers, rum-raisin turnovers. I hate Thunder turnovers." So true.

The Thunder offense came to life in the second half. A big time effort by the offensive line pushed the ball all the way down to the Inwood nine-yard line. Kieran Byrnes ran around the right side to make it 12-6. But at that point it was a race against the clock.

With an excited home crowd behind them, the Thunder defense got the stop they needed. It was now a matter of getting the ball 50 yards downfield with less than one minute to play. Gallant efforts by the offense couldn't produce paydirt.

Byrnes taking it to the house.

The failed last effort didn't deter the spirit of the coaching staff. Strength and Conditioning Coach Moran remains optimistic. "My high school principal, Dr. P. Peapantz, once told me. James, adversity doesn't build character, it reveals it." Sage advice coach.

There was the usual big time effort across the board by these kids. Solid games by Joe Creighton, Joe Leto, Jack Aneser and Jack Kennelly. Impressive second half defense by Kieran Mc Goldrick, JP Moran and Mike Keating. Cullen Minion continued his strong play at defensive end. Brendan Mc Lauglin had some nice runs as well.

The next and last regular season game is home against Massapequa at 12:30. This might not be the end though; we still have a shot at the playoffs. So lets get out there this weekend and support these guys.

Thunder gets ready to rumble.

Go Thunder!