By Jake White

Sal Cassar breaks through the Carey defense. See this photo on Newsphoto.com Garden City High School's Homecoming festivities this Saturday will be highlighted by the first football meeting with Long Beach High since 1989. The Marines come to Warren King Field with a 2 and 0 record after struggling through three straight losing seasons. They'll face a Trojan squad looking to rebound from a disappointing 20-7 loss to rival Carey last week that left them with a 1-1 mark. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. after the conclusion of the annual parade through the village.

Despite being out gained, Garden City was three and a half minutes from a 7-6 victory at Carey when the Seahawks struck for two late touchdowns. Quarterback Luke Zahradka connected with Joe Gregorio for a 33-yard bomb to give Carey its first lead. It was Gregorio's second TD reception of the game. In the third quarter he caught a 23-yard halfback option toss from Greg D'Arieno.

Trailing 14-7, Garden City mounted a final drive. Quarterback Matt Montgomery completed one pass to Denis Rice, and another to Pierce Bradley who tossed a lateral to Stephen Jahelka on a "hook and ladder" play. Another toss to Rice put the ball at the Carey 36, but an attempted screen pass was picked off by Jason Alvino who returned it 60 yards for the TD which clinched the Seahawks' win. It was just the second time in 16 meetings that Carey defeated Garden City

Matt Nesi stiff arms Carey's Jon Andrade. See this photo on Newsphoto.com The Trojans had taken a 7-0 lead with 45 seconds remaining in the first half when Montgomery tossed a 29-yard pass to Pierce Bradley at the Seahawks' three. Stephen Jahelka bulled into the end zone from there. Jahelka, emerging as a two-way standout, again led GC in rushing with 62 yards on 14 carries. Tom Gordon gained 30 yards on five carries, both are sophomores which supports the thinking that this young Trojan team will gradually improve.

In the opening win over Mepham, Coach Tom Flatley had alternated his quarterbacks. This time junior Matt Montgomery got the nod while senior Denis Rice moved to wide receiver. Rice led the team with four receptions for 37 yards. Montgomery had mixed results, completing 6 of 16 passes for 76 yards and one costly interception.

Pierce Bradley goes high for the ball as Carey's Jake Robison and Greg D'Arienzo defend. See this photo on Newsphoto.com J.V. WIN STREAK HITS 50

Last Saturday morning, the Trojan J.V. football team beat Carey, 42-14 to extend its remarkable winning streak to 50 games dating back to the start of the 2002 season. It was a wild game with the Trojans jumping out to a 24-14 first quarter lead. Halfback Mark Ellis was outstanding with three touchdowns, one on a kickoff return and two others on fine runs. Quarterback Tom Adams had his best passing game with two long TD passes and Conor McDonnell and Rob Savage ran the ball effectively.

EXTRA POINTS: Top-seeded Elmont lost to Calhoun, leaving Carey, Hewlett and Long Beach on top of Conference II with 2-0 marks......Long Beach was Garden City's first public school opponent back in 1934. GC has won seven of the ten prior meetings.....Barry Landers and Ed Ingels broadcast the game to be shown on Cablevision Channel 18 this week. Check listings ....Carey out gained Garden City in total offense with 301 yards to 179. The Seahawks had 229 rushing yards led by halfback Greg D'Arienzo who had 178 on 20 carries.

GC's Chris Stapleford in action for the Trojans. See this photo on Newsphoto.com You can see over 350 photos from this game at www.Newsphoto.com

Chris Connors takes down Carey's Rob Braun. See this photo on Newsphoto.com