Sean Tariche finds an opening! Last Sunday the Thunder 7s welcomed the high flying Farmingdale Hawks into the unfriendly confines of Stewart School Field. A crisp fall day was the stage for what would turn out to be an epic battle.

Captains Jack Ryan, Paul Varano, and Sean Tariche led the Thunder on the field for the opening coin toss. Farmingdale won the toss and elected to defer. Garden City started on offense and turned the ball over on the first play. For now the Hawks had their talons gripped around the Thunder. The defense came out and went right to work. Drawing lines in the turf they challenged Farmingdale to cross them. Colin "I've Got" Hart made sure the Hawks did not get off the ground on this drive. The first half was punctuated by strong play from the defensive line of Matthew "Make It Happen "McGovern, Liam "Grind It Out" Griffith, Connor "Let's Have Some Fun" Gunn, Matthew " Creating Chaos" Conelli, Brendan "No Soup For Me" Campbell, and Jack "Always Tryin'" Ryan. As the first half was nearing completion Farmingdale ran one of their patented reverses. Their back broke three tackles and stiff-armed three more Thunder players on his way to the end zone for 6. With very little time left, Thunder sounded when Justin "Crunch Time" Coppola broke free around right end and scampered 45 yards to pay dirt to knot the score at 6 as the half came to a close. Great blocking and perfect form punctuated the first half from stalwarts including Teddy "The Force" Ferzola", Riley "Wrecking Ball" Coughlin-Roberti, Brendan "The Masher" McEvoy, and Dylan "The Determinator" McDonald.

Jack Cobb prepares for the final blow! Halftime adjustments were made and once again the Thunder defense promised not let any Hawks fly into their air space. This was Thunder Time! The defensive secondary was active and physical. Paul "The Virtuoso" Varano covered his side of the field like a blanket. Jack "Teflon" Cobb stuck to defenders all day and Richard "The Pediatrician" Petrone performed dissections of the Hawks' running backs all game. Matthew "When I Hit You're Gloomy" Marooney ensured the defensive backs did not let up another score. The coaches ran out of fingers and toes when counting all the plays that the Thunder "D" forced negative yardage from the Hawks.

Justin Coppola asks "Where is everyone?" The offensive controlled the clock in the second half with hard running from Aidan "You Can Hit Me All Day And I'm Okay" O'Connor, Sean "You Can't Reach Me" Tariche, and Jack "Who Said Quarterbacks Don't Run" Muldoon.

Stuck in a stalemate late in the game Farmingdale decided to launch their air attack. Their QB dropped back and launched a deep pass over the middle. Little did they know the Thunder Defense had restricted air space. Justin Coppola leaped up and retrieved the pass. With tremendous instincts he headed toward the end zone for a 50 yard interception return for a TD. GC Thunder had taken a 12-6 lead. The Thunder "D" got right back on the field and forced another 4 and out. The Thunder offense ran a few plays and ran the clock out. This was a very physical game between two great teams. Football the way it should be played!

Be a part of the next Thunder game as they take on Uniondale on Sunday at 9:00am at Uniondale High School. Get out and support Thunder Football!

Liam Griffith introduces Farmingdale to Thunder Football!