So that's a Halaby Wedge The Thunder 8's traveled back to Newbridge Park in Bellmore to play the second of two Bellmore Brave teams. Their first visit earlier this season resulted in a heartbreaking loss in the final minute of play. The boys were pumped to return and avenge their early season blemish.

The Thunder boys won the toss and decided to defer receiving the ball to start the second half. They wanted their staunch defense to send a message early and often that this day would be different. The defense started strong by stuffing the run and great tackling which resulted in a quick three and out. The Thunder offense than blew the Bellmore crew off their feet and Tyler Wuchte carried into the end zone for an early 7-0 lead.

Bellmore countered with a drive of their own, but the Thunder defense stuffed the extra point for a 7-6 halftime lead. The second half started with the Thunder putting together another impressive drive. The offensive line of Patrick Kavan, Sean Rode, Ryan Walsh, John McDonald, Michael Rush, Michael McCauley and Joshua Taylor were dominating the bigger Bellmore group. The running backs, Aidan Byrnes, Luke Connolly, Liam Muldoon, and Teddy Dolan never had bigger holes to run thru in their young Thunder careers. The boys pushed in another score on a mad dash thru a maze of defenders by Liam Muldoon to go up 13-6.

One Bellmore Brave sandwich please The Thunder defensive line including Alex Sutherland, John Campo, Casey Noonan, Tommy Poole, George Cognard, Michael Schwantner, Patrick Boyle, and Eli Pagonis dug in for a fight to maintain their lead. The linebackers and cornerbacks, especially Liam Joyce, John Griffith, and Joe Perrini were flying with abandon. The Bellmore team, which was undefeated last year, was not going to be an easy out. They consumed the majority of the second half with a long drive that eventually tied the score at 13.

The boys rallied around each other for one last charge down the field with the clock an ever present reminder of time slipping away. Energized by their raucous fans, the boys swallowed chunks of yardage while managing the clock to perfection. With the clock under a minute and running the ball was the opponents two yard line. The Thunder 8's ran the "Halaby Wedge" to cross the goal for the go ahead and winning touchdown. It was great to leave Bellmore on the winning end of a 19-13 score. The Thunder 8's played their best game of the year by far and look forward to continuing their second half surge.

Thunder 8's ready to roll

Boys receive well deserved praise of parents