The Farmingdale Hawks 12-year-old team defeated the Massapequa Mustangs 7-6 in a come from behind victory in the championship game at Newbridge Rd Park on Nov. 18.To qualify for the Super Bowl, the Hawks also had to come from behind to beat the Hempstead Tigers the week before 21-6 in the semi -finals. The Hawks had lost to both teams during the regular season but refused to lose a second time.

These two games were typical for a great team, when they were down they would not quit and realized that if they played great defense they would win. The team has qualified for the playoffs five of six times, been to four Super Bowls and won twice in two different leagues.

After Jack Reynolds scored the tying touchdown late in the second half, but was injured on the play, he had to leave the game for one play. The Hawks set up their extra point team without their kicker anyway and after a great snap by Ryan Boyle to Jimmy Hogan. Hogan rolled right on the fake and hit Matt Kwapisz in the back of the end zone for the conversion. The 7-6 score would hold up in a furious second half.The Hawks defense was awesome against a larger Mustang Team.

The team was led all year by the strong running and backfield of John Olbeter, Jack Reynolds, Matt Kwapisz, Nick Ryan, Shotgun QB Jimmy Hogan, Selvin Barrett and Qasim Ellis. The line play was awesome on both sides of the ball with Line Captain Mike Giordano, Mitch Dittmar, Jo Jo Castranova, center and long snapper Ryan Boyle, Carl Galioto, Pat Ceriello, Justin Forry, Joe Notarfrancesco, Bryan Sutherland, Chris Racioppi, Chris Alfieri and Mario Mascetti.

A special thanks goes to team mom Sue Declemente, who without her the team does not function, her son and captain in spirit Joe Declemente and all the parents for the support through this truly special season. We look forward to next year when the 13/14 year-old-team will travel to Florida for a Thanksgiving tournament.