Aidan Byrnes tiptoes thru the tulips. The Garden City Thunder 8A Team traveled to a hot and steamy Hempstead this past Sunday for its first game of the season. The "Men of Thunder" had been rewarded for their great season last year by being placed in the ultra competitive "A" division. The boys had worked long and hard during August and early September to prepare for their elevated league status.

The Thunder boys quickly capitalized on their opening drive by running a little "razzle, dazzle" using a misdirection strategy to fool the overaggressive Tiger Cubs. The result was an opening play 50 yard dash by Liam Muldoon. The extra point was good and the boys jumped out to an early 7-0 lead.

The following drive saw the "Rode" graters of Sean Rode, Ryan Walsh, John McDonald, John Griffith, Alex Campbell, Michael McCauley, and Patrick Kavan drive the Tiger Cubs back to open holes for Aidan Byrnes, Liam Joyce, and Luke Connolly. The drive was culminated in another TD, this time by Tyler Wuchte.

Teddy Dolan runs outside to remind his dad to shave. It was evident by the third drive of the day the Tiger Cubs were no match for the Thunder 8A squad. As they wilted in the hot sun, Teddy Dolan capped off the half with the first Thunder touchdown of his career. In the second half, the Thunder made sure the Tiger Cubs had no chance of catching up by driving down the field for their final score behind the punishing inside running of Joshua Taylor, a recent transplant from Virginia. Welcome to GC Josh.

The Thunder defense was also up for the challenge. The line play of Casey Noonan, Tommy Poole, Michael Rush, Alex Sutherland, Michael Schwantner, Patrick Boyle, and John Campo forced the Tiger Cubs to abandon any thought of running inside. When they went outside, the capable group of cornerbacks, linebackers, and safeties including Eli Pagonis and George Cognard were waiting with open arms.

While a much more difficult schedule awaits the boys, it was a great start to the season. Thanks to all the parents and siblings that came out to support the boys. Next week, Bellmore!!!

Liam Joyce mauls a Tiger Cub.