Eight-year-old Hicksville resident Tyler Spinosa, a third grader at Trinity Lutheran School, participated in his first youth football game on Saturday, Oct. 4 playing in the National Football League's Youth Organization called NFL Flag Football. The game was played at 5 Towns College in Dix Hills.

Tyler made his debut as Quarterback and led his team, the "Detroit Lions", to a 19 - 6 victory over the Denver Broncos. Tyler engineered three impressive scoring drives completing 11 of 14 passes (to 4 different receivers) for 134 yards, including one touchdown and one extra point.

Snaps were taken directly from the center and the defensive rules allowed for an immediate rush. This type of pressure is difficult to play with on any level and made Tyler's and his teammates' accomplishments that much more impressive.

NFL Flag Football is a youth league comprised of area kids who form teams that represent all the respective NFL professional clubs. The kids are provided with authentic jerseys and footballs and are placed on age appropriate teams where everyone learns the basics of football and most importantly where everyone participates and has fun.

The NFL Flag League's players also play an important role helping others in their community. A percentage of each player's registration fee goes directly to the Boomer Esiason Foundation (BEF), which raises funds in its effort to research, fight and cure Cystic Fibrosis. Through teamwork, sportsmanship, family and community the league brings some refreshing values, which any town would welcome.

Look for further updates in upcoming issues.