The maroon 8s lost their first game this season after a hard fought contest at the hands of Elmont. The Thunder played from behind early trailing 12-0 in the first half. Getting behind by 2 tds awakened the thunder offensive and they knotted the score 12-12 late in the first half on a hard nosed run up the middle by Kieran Paskewitz and a James Buckley 50 yard end around. Sandwiched between the TDs were strong defensive stops by Tommy Siler, Patrick Leggett, Kyle Steinbach, Sal Ingrassia and Brian Greene. James Buckley continued his amazing play on defense stopping the quick Elmont runners numerous times for losses. The Thunder had no problems moving the ball behind their enormous front line of Mark Michon, Michael Liberopolous, Conor Clarke, Liam Widell, Matt Flanagan and the Calouri boys, Christopher and Stephen. The 2nd half was more of the same as the Thunder offense, spearheaded by the ever cool QB duo of Cole Dutton and Andrew DeSantis, marched the offense to the 10 yard line twice. Stopped by the Elmont D at the 10, the defense came up big and a fumble recovery by Michael Liberopolous had the Thunder back on O. On the move again behind great blocks by Jack Dignam, Joey Ostapow and Liam Glynn, running backs Sean Leggett, Will Honan and Matty Desimplicis sliced threw the Elmont defense. With time running out the Thunder lined up at the Elmont 10, it was 4th down and 3. Cole Dutton handed to Andrew DeSantis, who followed Matt Desimplicis and Keiran Paskewitz off tackle. A great tackle by the Elmont linebackers. The chains came out and the thunder fell short by one inch with less then 2 minutes left. Five times this day the Thunder were on the doorstep and could only punch it in twice. An amazing cutback run by an Elmont runner shocked the crowd on the last play of the game and left the Thunder with their first loss. All was forgotten quickly when donuts and hot chocolates were brought out by the thunder parents. The Maroons ready for Floral Park this sunday.