More than 100 boys and girls from Farmingdale's PAL/NFL Flag Football League went on their first ever "road trip" this past Sunday. Their destination: Hofstra University for the NFL's Regional Youth Flag Tournament. Over 600 boys and girls from Albany to Wilton, Connecticut to Mattituck, Long Island participated in the one-day tournament. The NFL annually hosts eight regional youth flag football tournaments across the country with the regional winner in each age bracket (9-11 and 12-14) awarded an all expense paid trip to the national tournament held at Disneyworld in Orlando.

Farmingdale's PAL league was well represented by eleven teams enjoying a day of traditional football weather and playing a minimum of four tournament games. Farmingdale teams fared well in both age brackets against some tough competition while displaying excellent football skills and more importantly a high level of sportsmanship.

Hofstra University, the NFL and the New York Jets were gracious hosts by providing a festive tournament atmosphere with each player receiving a NFL flag tee shirt and a Gatorade water bottle. The Jets also set up many of the big jumping inflatibles that are part of their "Jets-fest" training camp. The players and their siblings had a great time bouncing around on them all day. A number of former Jet players were present to sign autographs including former Jets wide receiver and fan favorite Wesley Walker. Wesley was a big hit with the parents as well as with the players.

The players wish to thank their coaches, parents and fans for their support as they look forward to next year's tournament. Check out the NFL website for youth flag football information and kids activities at www.playfootball.com. For more information on Farmingdale PAL Flag Football please e-mail farmflag@yahoo.com.

On another note, it looks like the chilly weather is here is stay, but so are the boys and girls of Farmingdale's PAL-NFL Flag Football League. Here are the highlights from week 7.

A hard fought battle unfolded this cold Sunday morning between the Peanut Jets and the Giants. Thomas Weber made some sharp moves to fake out the Giants' defense to score a beautiful touchdown. The Giants could not catch the very quick Kevin Costanza as he ran for a touchdown. Matthew Presta also did a great job to run in for a touchdown. Brendon Gallagher played an outstanding defensive game stopping the Giants' advance three times, not to mention a 10-yard run of his own. Julia Presta once again showed the boys that she is a force to be reckoned with. Thanks again boys and girls.

For the Peanut Division NY Giants, CJ Demers scored a touchdown from 15 yards out, cutting back to the middle of the field just as the Jets defenders closed in on him. Nicholas Seyfert added a touchdown of his own. Richard Kevon also had a great touchdown running down the sideline the length of the field on a reverse.

These touchdowns led up to the final play of the game. CJ Demers scrambled away from the pressure of the Jets rusher and finally got an 8-yard pass away to an open Justin DiLeonardo. Justin then took off for a touchdown. The score ended the Giants' most exciting game of the season. The Giants had fun and played a game to remember.

The Peanut 49ers and Panthers squared off the second time this season and as expected it was a high scoring game for both teams. The 49ers won the coin toss and on the very first play Michael Simmons threw a perfect strike to Nick Cappellino. Nick ran it all the way for the touchdown. On the very next 49ers possession, Vincent Fisher ran the entire length of the field for the 49ers second touchdown. The 49ers had a very impressive goal-line stand to stop the Panthers from scoring after they marched from deep in their own territory to end the first half.

The 49ers continued to play well in the second half. Great runs by Jeffrey Lopez and Andres Martinez while Trevor Clark threw a deep pass to Vincent Fisher for the 49ers last score of the day. The 49ers missed two of their star players, James Grassi and Brandon McGill who were out for family reasons.

Coach Cappellino and Coach Simmons were proud of all of their 49ers performance.

The Jets' defense played their finest game of the year sparking the team to 32-0 win over the Panthers. All their hard work on defensive and flag pulling drills at practice really paid off as they limited the strong offensive game of the Panthers. The Jets' defense was led by Gregory Maghjakian, Kevin Gallagher, and Marc Dittmeier, who played tight man-to-man coverage throughout the game.

The Jets' offensive game also exploded with fireworks. Five Jets' players scored touchdowns including Matthew D'Antonio, Bryan Kaufman, Sean Timmons, Jonathan Ascatigno and Ryan Psinakis, who scored his first touchdown of the year. All eight Jets' players had the chance to take a snap or two at QB. The Jets strong offense is based upon teamwork and sharing the ball. All the coaches (and parents too!) have been impressed with their ability to learn a growing playbook consisting of reverses, halfback options, and down field passing. J-E-T-S, JETS, JETS, JETS!

The JV Raiders took a break from their PAL season last Sunday to play in the NFL's Regional Flag Football Tournament at the New York Jets' training camp at Hofstra University. After losing to Albany, the Raiders fought back to finish the tournament with a 3-1 record. Playing in the 9-11-year-old division, competing against teams from all over the Tri-state area, the Raiders routinely faced older and larger opponents. But despite the tough competition, the Raiders just missed the Divisional Playoff round. The Raiders were led offensively by Joe DePalma, TJ Knight, Anthony Legotte, Frank Lettieri and Zack Yashnyk. On defense, William Hassett, John Ragno, Lucas Sall, Rob Tempesta and Ray Webb led the way. The Raiders used their legs to offset their opponent's size and age advantages. The team also demonstrated great team effort throughout the tournament and is looking forward to next year, with the hopes of improving on this year's performance.

The JV Bengals also participated at the regional tournament. They also faced older and more advanced teams, but the Bengals kept fighting for every second of every game. Congratulations to Billy Pickett, Kyle Garry, Matt Ingordo, Frank Pelligrino, Vincent Mavaro, Denis Donovan and Brian Mazza who turned in our play of the day with a long touchdown run. Great job guys, the parents and coaches are proud of you.