Trojans Shut Out Hewlett, Host Playoffs Friday
By Jake White

The offensive line provides blocking for Brendan Carroll (carrying football). GC players L-R: Tom Mahoney, Connor Horl, Brendan Carroll, Billy Sweeney, Drew Sweeney. photo by Newsphoto.com

Two years ago Garden City High's football team led Nassau County in scoring and won the Rutgers Cup. Points haven't come as easily this season, but another fine defensive effort and the best ball control offense they've mounted led the Trojans to a 9-0 victory over Hewlett last Saturday at rainy Warren King Field.

It was a big win since both teams came into the last regular season game with 5-1 records and a second place seeding was at stake. Now 6-1, GC will host seventh-seeded MacArthur Friday afternoon at 3 p.m. The Trojans edged the Generals, 13-6, on October 20. MacArthur upset Elmont, 20-6, last Saturday otherwise GC would have played Mepham, a team they trounced at Homecoming.

"MacArthur always comes out and hits you," said assistant coach Tom Casey. "That is never an easy game."

Looking back on the win over Hewlett, it is hard to believe that the Trojans scored only nine points. Garden City ran 69 plays to the Bulldogs' 38 and never punted. They gained 380 total yards to 120, had 21 first downs to 8, and midway through the second quarter had run 28 plays to Hewlett's one.

Joe Alleva (23) and Steve Hucke combine for the tackle on Hewlett's Andrew Cohen. Photo by Newsphoto.com

Brendan Carroll, GC's diminutive quarterback, had an outstanding game, completing 12 of 18 passes for 146 yards and a touchdown, and rushing for 106 yards on 22 carries. Somehow, all of that added up to just one touchdown.

Garden City's opening drive covered 79 yards in a downpour, but ended inside the Hewlett one -yard line on a fumble. On the next play Bulldogs' QB Andrew Cohen fumbled into the end zone for a safety and a 2-0 Garden City lead. The Trojans then put together an 18 play, 77-yard drive that was stopped at the Hewlett 16 without a score.

Finally, after a 21 yard punt return by Joe Alleva put the ball at the his own 41, GC engineered a successful drive. Dan Savage, who rushed for 100 yards on 17 carries, ripped off a 37 yard gain to the Bulldogs' 22. Three plays later Carroll connected with Kevin Rose for a 20-yard touchdown pass.

Will Manning avoids Hewlett's Nick Mastronardi to gain extra yards for Garden City. Photo by Newsphoto.com

Hewlett (5-2) managed only one scoring threat, driving 74 yards on 16 plays in the third quarter. Garden City stopped QB Andrew Cohen for a four-yard loss on fourth-and three from the three-yard line.

Now the Trojans must prepare for MacArthur which two weeks ago threw 32 passes against them with limited success. The defensive backfield has been GC strength with 13 interceptions in seven games. Last week, the Generals had success against Elmont by moving their fine receiver Brett Tom into the backfield to bolster a weak running game. If GC can win, they would return to Hofstra on Friday, November 10 for a likely re-match with Hewlett.

Tom Mahoney (77), Dan Savage (42) and Gavin Crisafulli (88) take down Hewlett's Nick Mastronardi. Photo by Newsphoto.com

EXTRA POINTS: GC now leads Hewlett 23-7-4 in their series which dates back to 1935.....The Trojans reached the 6 win plateau for the 36th time in their illustrious history....Tom Mahoney continues to excel on defense. Before the season he was given number 77 emblematic of the top senior lineman. The number was worn by Paul Eckna '91 who died in the twin towers attack....The GC JV beat Hewlett, 35-0, in the battle of the unbeaten. It was an outstanding team effort, which extended their amazing winning streak to 47 games. QB Tom Gordon skillfully directed the offense. .

Kevin Rose crosses the goal line scoring a touchdown for the Trojans. photo by Newsphoto.com Declan Fee sacks Hewlett QB Andrew Cohen, ending a Hewlett drive. photo by Newsphoto.com Brendan Carroll scrambles for extra yards. Photo by Newsphoto.com