"You've got a goal in life. I've got a goal. Now all we need is a football team." - Groucho Marx

The Garden City Thunder Maroon 10-year-old football team has far surpassed pre-season expectations as they enter the final week of the 2003 NCYFL regular season. Following last Sunday's tough loss at Farmingdale, head coach Bob Jahelka's Thunder Boys have compiled an impressive 5-2 record. Much of the team's success is attributed to its vastly improved offensive line along with an opportunistic, bend-but-not-break team defense whose wholeness exceeds the sum of its parts. Also of special note is the surprisingly quick and significant contribution of the team's first-year players.

The Garden City Double-Wing offense has been pleasantly productive in averaging a modest 16 points per game. Behind the effort of line coach Bill Bolte, the ever-improving offensive line has consistently moved the chains in each of their seven contests. Coach John Garcia has effectively utilized multiple backfield combinations in maximizing the talents of the Thunder's skill position players. The Tight End platoon of Dan Strief, Ryan Buser, Peter Stoll and Griffin McQuilling has been especially effective in providing consistent and critical downfield blocking.

Defensive mentors Ron LoFrese and John Kufs have continually prodded a Thunder defense that has yielded just 5.4 points per game, while posting four shutouts.

Second-year players Brendan Bishop, Tommy Ryan, Michael Mahramas and John Karikas have exhibited a huge effort and commitment in elevating their play to the next level. Veteran defensive end, Billy Allen has been a season-long defensive linchpin.

Essential depth and Thunder Pride have been provided by rookies Tom Martis, Scott "Big Mac" McElroy, Nick Fiorvanti, Matt Clarkson, Dan McCallan, Matt Calamussi, Stoll and McQuilling. Each has notably earned their stripes, in becoming most welcome additions to the Thunder fraternity.

The Garden City Maroon looked to culminate its season on a high note as they prepared to host the East Rockaway Raiders (5-1) in the season's finale Nov. 9 at Stewart Field.