On Oct. 1, Pee Wee Gray put their undefeated record on the line, in a home game, against the Bethpage Panthers. Gray once again dominated at home in what the players now call "our house," beating Bethpage 22-6. This victory has set up a first place showdown with North Babylon, also 4-0, for next week in "Our House."
In what was has become common place, Gray, in this week's game, again won the coin flip and elected to start on offense. Gray used a starting offensive line of George Athan, Chris Nickel, Mike Rakitzis, Nicky Bristoll, Bryan Peterson, Zack Trimboli and center Dakota Bransifeld, who unfortunately doesn't get to play much defense, because he has done such an incredible job at center (in his first year), he needs to be kept rested so he stays strong for the entire game. They used a starting backfield of quarterback Daniel Bartlett (21 yards rushing and kicked an extra point) along with running backs Bryan Verbitsky (105 yards rushing and 1 touchdown), Anthony Ciaramitaro (71 yards rushing and 1 touchdown) and Joey Leonard (26 yards rushing, 1 touchdown and also kicked an extra point). In what has become common place, Gray scored on its opening drive once again. On Gray's first possession they used key runs by Verbitsky, Ciaramitaro, Leonard and QB Bartlett and awesome blocking by its offensive line, to move the ball into Bethpage territory. Facing a third down and 2 yards to go, they gave the ball to Ciaramitaro, who broke off a 38-yard touchdown run, giving Gray a 6-0 lead they would never surrender.
Gray then came out all fired up on defense, not allowing even a single first down on Bethpage's opening possession. Gray used a starting defense of right end Ciaramitaro, left end Verbitsky, right guard Chris Nickel (who was in the backfield constantly), right tackle Damien Calderon, left guard Bryan Peterson, and left tackle Zack Trimboli. Mike James was substituted freely on the defensive line enabling Gray to rest players, keeping them strong for the entire game. The starting linebackers were George Athan, Joey Leonard and Mike Rakitzis. Starting Safety's were Timmy Michels and Daniel Bartlett. Davey Grecsek was rotated in at both safety and defensive line and did an excellent job at both positions.
Gray's strong defensive stand allowed the offense to come back out and once again strut its stuff. Gray's offense proceeded to march all the way down to Bethpage's 2 yard line. With that they gave the ball to Leonard who powered his way into the end zone for a touchdown. Bartlett came on to kick the extra point giving Gray a 14-0 lead which they took into halftime.
Gray started the second half on defense. The defense was led by Verbitsky playing left end (5 tackles and a QB sack), Leonard playing linebacker (4 tackles and created havoc for Bethpage's offense), Bartlett (3 tackles from the safety position), and Timmy Michels playing safety who had a drive ending interception. Along with the determined play of those players, came the relentless pursuit by Ciaramitaro and linebackers Athan and Rakitzis and the constant pressure by the defensive line of Nickel, Peterson, Trimboli, Calderon, Grecsek and James. Thus, allowing Gray to again go to work offensively. On Gray's first possession of the second half they again orchestrated a drive into Bethpage territory. This time they marched down to the 16-yard line. Again facing a third down, they gave the ball to Verbitsky who broke off a 16-yard touchdown run for Gray's final scoring drive of the game. Leonard then came on to kick the extra point, giving Gray a 22-0 lead. Bethpage scored on its final possession to make the final score 22-6.
Once again, this was an entire team effort, from outstanding blocking on the offensive line to relentless defensive pursuit. Every member of this team gave 120 percent. Through Gray's first four games thus far, it has become apparent that this team is not just a one man show. Each and every player has played his position with pride and has pulled for and rooted for his other teammates to succeed.
One small area that has unfortunately been overlooked, in the excitement of the team starting 4-0, has been the cheerleading. These girls have worked exceptionally hard and put in many hours of practice to get to where they are. We, as a team, want to thank them for their hard work and dedication. And yes, we do hear you cheering on the team, you girls sound great. Keep up the good work. It wouldn't be football without cheerleaders; we appreciate your efforts.
The team has gotten to the point in this season where they can classify a single game as a "big game." Having North Babylon coming to "our house" for a first place showdown can be classified as a big game. This game is taking place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7. So bring your family, your friends, your friends' family, your neighbors, who ever you can muster up, who's willing to wear plenty of Gray, (they see who the faithful have been) and cheer exceptionally loud for our team, Pee Wee Gray. Once again the parents, fans and sponsor Ultimate Gym want to congratulate Pee Wee Gray on their 4th consecutive win and a job well done.
And to the boys, let's remember, "Who Let the Dogs Out." And in closing like always - Let's go Gray!
It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon and Midget Red was ready to take the field to do battle. Their opponents were the Shamrocks of Broad Channel. Broad Channel came into the game with a record of 1-2 but were a lot tougher than their record showed.
Red's defense was able to hold the Shamrocks in check but it was no easy task. Broad Channel's offense converted several key pass plays to keep their drive going but eventually Red's defense stiffened and gave the ball up on downs.
Midgets Red's first possession nothing seemed to work, with the Shamrocks defense baffling Reds offensive plans. Finally Midget Red got a drive going with key runs by Dominique Alexander and a couple of nice pass plays by Frankie Baglivio. With the ball sitting on the 2-yard line Baglivio handed the ball off once again to Alexander. With good blocks up front by Nicholas Thomas, Thomas Taggert and Kyle Perkins, Alexander was able to push it into the endzone. The extra point was blocked and Red led 6-0.
This was all the scoring that would take place in the game and it would take a huge effort by Red's defense to keep it that way. They answered the challenge magnificently. Time after time Red's defense would hold and give the ball back to Red's offense. Red's offense had several opportunities to score but it just didn't happen. Back on the field would come Red's defense and they would again hold. Several fine tackles were made by T. Brian Gill, Anthony Wrightington, Andrew McKiel, and Alexander.
His is what has made this team special so far this season. In last week's game Red's offense was able to put 26 points on the board and made their defenses jobs a little easier. This week Red's offense struggled but its defense was able to step up and hold off the charge of Broad Channel. This is what team work is all about. Whether its running for touchdowns, blocking, catching passes, or making key tackles each player's position is important.
Excellent job Red, way to tough it out. It's on to West Babylon. Go Red!
After a disappointing loss to North Babylon, Pony White quickly regained their composure, putting together a hard-hitting, fast-running game against Plainedge White.
The Devils' defensive line stopped their opponents in their tracks as Plainedge took first possession, with key tackles by starting linebackers Joe Ciaravino, Scott Collier, James Pagliocca, and Brian Meredith.
On first possession, Pony White wasted no time or effort. With outstanding blocking by Frank Draghi, Alex Torrellas, Mike Nuzzi, Bob Forgione, Tyler Lauer, Anthony Hyde, Rob Vitale and Mark Sniffen, the offensive line was able to open up the holes that allowed Vinny Panarelli and Joe Ciaravino to run for first downs. With a quick and precise pitch from quarterback Scott Collier, the speedy Ciaravino was able to run in for Levittown's first touchdown. After a perfectly executed field goal by Rob Vitale, the Devils were on the board early with an 8-0 lead.
The defensive line continued to dominate as Chris Rogienski, Chris Callahan, Alex Zic, Joe Martino, Steven Diaz, Scott Neal, Gabe Macias and Don-Mario St. Paul allowed little gain. Hard hits by Meredith, Forgione, and Sniffen, topped off with a crushing sack by Panarelli putting the ball back in the hands of the ready offense. The Devils managed to control until the end of the half, working in three first downs - the first by Sniffen, followed by two impressive runs by Vinny Panarelli for first and goal. The hand-off to Ciaravino for touchdown number two left the Devils relishing a 14-0 lead at the half.
The third quarter put the ball back in Levittown hands, with a 15-yard kick-return by Sniffen. The Devils were unable to convert, setting up an impressive 25 foot punt by Vitale. Hard hitting in the back field by Diaz, Draghi and Martino forced Plainedge into a short punt, giving the Devils excellent field position.
Getting right down to business, quarterback Collier found Pagliocca, who carried to first and goal once again. Two more attempts by the offensive line opened the door for Ciaravino, who took the ball in for the third time, and a 20-0 score.
Hearty defense by Hyde, Meredith, Torellas, Forgione, Hyde, Zic, Callahan, Lauer, St. Paul, Neal and Macias, along with crushing hits by Rogienski, Martino, and Nuzzi put a stop to a final run by Plainedge, clinching the victory and the 20-0 shut out.
Special mention to the outstanding performances of the Pony White Cheerleading Squad. The 11-year-old competition team includes Heather Andersen, Nicole Athan, Jaclyn Balder, Jamie Burke, Melissa Costello, Taylor Courtney, Allison Doll, Kelly Dougherty, Rachel Ford, Brianna Hahn, Kelly Lombardi, Emilie Moscolie, Janice Nussbaum, Deanna Palazzotto, Nicole Rowe, Jenna Schulman, Krystin Shand, Jacqueline Sinacore and Jenna West. Led by coaches Katie Oliveri, Erin Brzeski, Erica Internato and Amanda Costello, this talented group of ladies have out-shined and out-cheered their opponents at every game, and promise to leave their mark at competition.
Pee Wee Red traveled to Lidenhurst this weekend for a showdown with a tough Lindenhurst squad.
At the end of the first half the game remained scoreless. Pee Wee Red started on defense the second half and shut Lindenhurst down on some great defensive tackling by 74 Patrick Higgins, 89 Matt Hegal, 9 Jordan Smyth, 30 Corey Gamblin, 5 Pete Mack, 7 Cyle Delardi, 60 Sean Abbate, and 80 Ken Guzman. Pee Wee Red took over the ball on Lindenhurst's 40 yard line. The great blocking up front by 78 Tom Konalski, 72 Colin Cassidy, 50 Pete Tucci, 73 Mike Valencia, 35 Dylan Cardno, 65 Matt Hickey, made possible the drive started by 15 the Quarterback Sal Sanquini, Running Back 36 Kyle Higgins, and 14 Joe Connors made nice runs and a nice fake to set up 23 Brandon Gamblin for a 45-yard touchdown. Gamblin had a fabulous day both on offense and defense.
Pee Wee Red won 6-0.
Midget Gray defeated Amityville 27-0 on Sunday. Gray won the coin toss and elected to receive the ball. The scoring began early when Gray, with great blocking by the offensive line, including Matt Burmeister, Dennis Lawrence, Joe Fiore, Nick Barber, Ronnie Cardno, Brendan Lorenson, Craig Staub, Michael Cheshire, and Brett Tom began marching the ball down the field. A 42-yard run by Chris Brumber set up a two yard touchdown run by Jack Lang, making the score 6-0. After a quick three and out, Gray's offense took control again. Gray's second touchdown came when Quarterback Tommy Celentani threw a 27-yard pass to Ronnie Modik, who ran 23 yards to score. Gray was set to kick the two point conversion when Brumber threw a short pass to T. Celentani in the endzone, bringing the score to 13-0.
The defense, led by Craig Staub, M. Burmeister, Chris Celentani, Paul Altaro, Danny Dowd, Kyle Kriner, Joe Labruyere, Chris Bauer, Joe Cuccaro, and M. Cheshire continued to dominate and control the line of scrimmage. The defense regained possession of the ball, giving the offense great field position.
Early in the second quarter Gray was on the move again. Michael Drossos ran 38 yards on reverse to score Gray's third touchdown. M. Cheshire was able to run in the extra point. With Gray leading 20-0, T. Celentani, Drossos, Lang and Modik were pulled from the game.
In the third quarter, C.J. Reilly stepped in at quarterback and led the team to its fourth touchdown, when Brumber drove the ball into the endzone. B. Tom scored the extra point, making the final score 27-0.
Special mention goes to Kyle Kriner for excellent pass coverage; Joe Labruyere for two touchdown-saving tackles; Dennis Lawrence for outstanding blocking; Brett Tom for a great touchdown run, even if it was called back; and Michael Cheshire for a beautiful interception.
The team missed Michael Inglese and hopes to have him join the team Sunday when they travel to Syosset and try to extend the streak. Go Gray!