GC Defense Dominates As Trojans Head To Semifinals
By Jake White

The seniors got together for a photo after the game. (missing from photo is Greg Meli). Photo by newsphoto.com

If there is one constant throughout Garden City High football coach Tom Flatley's highly successful two decades it is outstanding defense. That quality was evident again last Friday afternoon at Warren King Field as his team recorded its second straight shutout, blanking MacArthur, 21-0, in the first round of the playoffs. The Trojans now advance to the Conference II semifinals at Hofstra Stadium this Friday night against tough Carey (5-3). Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m

The 2007 Trojans have yielded just 50 points in eight games and 27 of those came against Lawrence in their only loss. A look at the numbers shows that GC allows just 2.6 yards per rush and opponents have thrown 116 passes and completed just 69 (43%). Moreover, the Trojan secondary has intercepted 16 passes and returned two for touchdowns.

We have an exceptionally tall, athletic group in the secondary this year, said defensive backfield coach Joe Baccarella who joined the staff on 1990. This is probably the best I've worked with. Among those who see action regularly are Francis McDonough (5 interceptions), Will Manning (3, including two beauties against MacArthur), Patrick Reeves (2, 1 TD), Joe Alleva (2), Dan Savage (1, 1 TD), Rob Fargnoli, and Denis Rice.

Francis McDonough escapes the grasp of MacArthur's Sean Jones. Photo by Newsphoto.com

The return of Declan Fee has strengthened the linebacker corps while sophomore Connor Horl has developed into an excellent pass rusher. Jeff Fell, Will Fuller and Joe Carcaterra have provided solid line play, but the unquestioned defensive standout has been Tom Ma-honey. Mahoney is an undersized, but relentless tackler who seems to be everywhere. He has 48 solo tackles (9 for losses), 32 assists and 9 sacks.

Against MacArthur, the defense was called on to protect a small lead until the offense exploded in the second half. In fact, a blatant error by the referee forced them to work overtime.

Dan Savage takes the handoff from Brendan Carroll. Photo by Newsphoto.com

After GC had taken a 7-0 lead on Brendan Carroll's 15 yard touchdown toss to Kevin Rose on the opening drive, the score remained the same until the final two minutes of the half when the Generals marched to the Garden City 19 yard line where they faced a fourth-and-seven. MacArthur QB Nick McQuail completed a pass to Brett Tom who ran to the 2, but a block in the back penalty at the 11 moved the ball back to the 21 where it should have been 4th and 8. The referee inexplicably and incorrectly awarded MacArthur a first down and despite a vigorous argument from Coach Flatley which resulted in Garden City protesting the game, he stuck with the call. That meant the defense was forced to stay on the field and successfully stop four more MacArthur plays.

After the game, the referee apologized for his mistake a bit late, but the victory cancelled the protest.

Better protection from the offensive line enabled Carroll to enjoy an outstanding second half. He completed a bomb to Francis McDonough who outran defenders for a 59 yard third quarter touchdown. He then put the ball on the finger tips of Ryan Dowling for 26 yards and McDonough for 32 to the one yard line where Will Manning ran it in for the score. Carroll, who now has 10 touchdown passes, completed 9 of 13 attempts for a career best 172 yards. McDonough caught five for 122.

Ryan Dowling makes a catch up the middle. Photo by Newsphoto.com

With Elmont topping favored Hewlett, the playoff picture changed and GC has drawn neighboring Carey as its semifinal opponent. The Seahawks beat Calhoun, 17-7, behind the play of quarterback Sal Intagliata. Garden City came from behind to beat Carey, 21-10, in the season opener, but Intagliata had a fine game. He is an excellent runner with a strong arm who will test the Trojans outstanding defense.

EXTRA POINTS: The JV won a hard-fought 19-0 victory over MacArthur with key touchdowns being scored on fourth quarter interception returns by Brian Fischer and Joe Tursi. The team finished undefeated (8-0) and extended GC's six year JV win streak to 48-0.Kicker Connor Dwyer has connected on 18 of 21 extra points..GC is 26-1-1 all-time vs. MacArthur, but the Generals strong defense has kept many of those games close.

Ryan Lynch gains yards for the Trojans. Photo by Newsphoto.com