"And hopes that were high in the heat of September can wilt and die in the chill of November. November can be cold and gray. November can be surly. With bitter rain upon the world and winter coming early."

The Garden City Thunder 9-year-old football team concluded their 2002 season recently at Stewart Field. On the eve of Halloween, the Thunder Boys traveled to the rain-soaked field of Massapequa's Burns Park to battle the hard-hitting East Rockaway Raiders (5-2). Despite the elements, several turnovers and a myriad of penalties, Garden City executed the classic gut-check in grinding out a "must win" 12-0 victory.

True to seasonal form, the Thunder defense was most imposing as kamikazes Mike Borges, Austin Kufs, Kyle Johnson, Michael LoFrese and Jack Spencer led a Thunder defense that posted its fourth shutout of the season. Offensively, ball carriers Tom Gordon and Charlie Garcia ran with unprecedented abandon behind Thunder Hogs Jeff Bolte, Matt Slovensky, Matt Focella, Evan Heinze and Mike Cohen.

Two-way player Steve Jahelka was his usual force on both sides of the balls while banging in two short yardage Thunder touchdowns. The victory raised Garden City's record to 5-3 and more importantly gave the Thunder boys high hopes of a coveted playoff berth with a win the following Sunday.

In the path of opportunity on this brisk but sunny autumn Sunday morn' was the omnipotent Farmingdale Hawks (6-1-1), the division's second seed, a skilled and physical team that had steam-rolled its way through the season in outscoring its opponents by a combined score of 124-26. Early on, a revamped Thunder defense responded to the challenge with grit and spirit - in giving the team a glimmer of hope. But that glimmer would quickly fade as the defense became unglued via an assortment of Hawks' gadget plays and trickery. In the end, Garden City would be no match as Farmingdale cruised to a workmanlike 25-0 victory and much deserved playoff berth.

Most inspiring was the Thunder Boys' continued high level of enthusiasm and the manner by which each of the 35 players showed signs of improvement as the season progressed from August through November. Coaches Bob Jahelka, John Kufs, Ron Lofrese, Bill Bolte and Jamie Atkinson took the utmost pride in their Thunder Boys and would like to thank and congratulate them on a truly great and rewarding season.

2002 Father & Son Football Classic Rescheduled

Due to a conflict with the village Christmas tree lighting ceremony, the Father & Son Football Classic has been changed to Sunday, Dec. 1 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The entry fee is $25 per adult and $15 per child. Registration will be done on game day commencing at 11 a.m. as listed below:

High School Grades 9-12

Garden City High School; Call Dan Donnelly at 746-5166

Middle School Grades 6-8

Middle School fields; Call Tony DiMasso at 873-0115

Pee Wee Bracket Grades 4-5

Middle School fields; Call Jill Palmieri at 248-1240

Immediately following the tournament there will be a post game reception and trophy ceremony at the Garden City Firehouse, located at 347 Stewart Avenue near village hall. All proceeds to benefit the TMA (The Men's Association of Garden City).