Ever get the feeling you're being followed? The Garden City Thunder 8's had the opportunity to host "Friday Night Lights" at Community Park against the Baldwin Bombers. It was a beautiful, starry evening, with seasonal temperatures and no wind to speak of. In other words, it was a perfect night for Thunder football. We also welcomed back Liam Curtin, whose season long battle with infections was officially over. Said Curtin, "Hey, if it can happen to Tom Brady, it can happen to anybody".

As this was the only game in town on Friday night, there was a huge, vocal crowd in attendance. They bought their outdoor voices, posters, and pom poms to cheer on the Men of Thunder. The boys were excited to play in front of so many supporters under the glare of the big lights. You could feel the tension in the air as the boys sent their defense on the field to begin the contest. The adrenaline was flowing and the boys were flying to the quick Baldwin runners and drove them to the bench with a quick three and out.

It was now time to see how the Thunder's rejuvenated offense would fare against a tough Baldwin squad. The boys started off strong with power runs inside and outside, while mixing in some misdirection plays to further confuse the fast Baldwin defense. The offensive line of Patrick Kavan, Sean Rode, Ryan Walsh, John McDonald, Michael McCauley, Michael Rush, and Josh Taylor went mano a mano with the Baldwin front six and were winning the battle in the trenches. The focused running by the three amigos of Liam Muldoon, Teddy Dolan, and Luke Connolly and the spirited leadership of quarterback Tyler Wuchte delivered after a time consuming drive for a 7-0 lead.

Now that's what I call a hole!! The Baldwin team was determined not to let one score be the difference on this night. The defensive front of Tommy Poole, Casey Noonan, Alex Campbell, Alex Sutherland, George Cognard, Patrick Boyle, John Campo and Michael Schwanter did their best to slow down the Baldwin attack. The Bombers used their speed advantage to capitalize on a breakaway run of 40 yards to earn their first TD of the game. The boys surged to deny the point after attempt and maintained a lead of 7-6. With less than three minutes left in the half, the Thunder provided another thrill for the capacity crowd when Tyler Wuchte dodged and weaved his way thru the middle of the field while breaking several Bombers tackles to enter the end zone for a 14-6 lead at the half.

Bombs awayyyyyy The second half began with the Thunder offense churning up yardage in an effort to use the clock and deny Baldwin the ball. The strategy was working well as the Thunder scored their third touchdown of the game as Aidan Byrnes pounded the ball in for a 20-6 lead. Unfortunately, the referee denied the extra point despite our player being a full yard in the end zone. This would loom large in the final result of the game.

The Men of Thunder did not have much time to celebrate, as the Bombers struck quickly with another breakaway run of about 40 yards to move within a touchdown and extra point of tying this hard fought contest. The defensive backfield of Eli Pagonis, Liam Joyce, Joe Perrini, and John Griffith never gave up the chase all night. Both teams dug in for the next couple of possessions as the clock ticked away. The Bombers knew they had to pull out all stops to make a play and tie this game. Alas, as the old saying goes "speed kills". The Bombers scored on the last play from scrimmage on a gut wrenching 30 yard breakaway run. The extra point was successful and the result was a 20-20 tie. The defense, which played so hard all night, simply was beaten by the speed of the Baldwin group.

So this horse walks into a bar... While a tie is a victory against a club like Baldwin, the Thunder boys gave a marvelous display of teamwork, effort, and support of each other on this evening. Their family, siblings, friends, and football fans in attendance were extremely proud of the boys. Thanks to all for coming out and supporting these hard working boys.