On Sunday, Oct. 15, Pee Wee Gray put their undefeated record on the line in a home game in "Our House," as the kids say, against Wantagh. For the first time in four weeks Gray actually lost the coin flip and started on defense. Gray's starting defense consisted of left end Bryan Verbitsky, right end Anthony Ciaramitaro, linemen Chris Nickel, Bryan Peterson, Zack Trimboli, Damien Calderon, linebackers George Athan, Joey Leonard, Mike Rakitzis and safetys Daniel Bartlett and Timmy Michels. Michael James, Davey Grecsek and Dakota Bransfield were rotated freely in and out of various defensive positions and did an awesome job.

As usual Gray's defense had another stellar outing. The defense was led by Athan with two tackles, two assist tackles, one fumble recovery, one forced fumble and one interception. Verbitsky had five tackles along with Peterson who also had five tackles. Next in line was Rakitzis with three tackles and Bartlett with three tackles. Also pitching in on the defensive charge was Nickel with two tackles, Michels with two tackles, Calderon with two tackles. Grecsek and Leonard had one tackle each and pressured Wantagh's offense all game long. Also Trimboli, James, Ciaramitaro and later Bransfield clogged holes on the defensive line preventing Wantagh from running up the middle. Gray's defense held Wantagh to no first downs on Wantagh's first two possessions until Gray was able to get their scoring machine into gear.

Gray used a starting offensive line of George Athan, Chris Nickel, Mike Rakitzis, Davey Grecsek, Zach Trimboli and center Dakota Bransfield. The starting backfield consisted of quarterback Daniel Bartlett (30 yards rushing and one touchdown), and running backs Bryan Verbitsky (139 yards rushing and two touchdowns), Joey Leonard (51 yards rushing and two key first downs) and Anthony Ciaramitaro (53 yards rushing and one touchdown). Gray, striking first, took an 8-0 first quarter lead. Facing a third and long they gave Verbitsky the ball who broke free for a 50-yard touchdown run. Ciaramitaro came on to make the extra point kick.

As the second quarter began Gray used runs by Ciaramitaro, Leonard and Verbitsky to drive down to Wantagh's 21-yard line. With that they ran a quarterback keep with Bartlett who broke outside for a 21-yard touchdown run. Leonard came on to add the extra point kick giving Gray a 16-0 lead. Halfway through the second quarter Wantagh was finally able to get on the board against this stubborn defensive unit cutting Gray's lead to 16-6.

As halftime neared Gray built one more scoring drive. Gray, using a key first down run by Timmy Michels, drove down to Wantagh's 39-yard line. At this point they turned to Ciaramitaro, who broke off a 39-yard touchdown run giving Gray a 22-6 halftime lead.

As the second half opened Gray put their offensive scoring machine to work once again. Sensing that one more score would most likely lock up the game, Gray again turned to Verbitsky, who again gave Gray another clutch run. Facing a second and 14, they ran a reverse to Verbitsky, who scrambled his way to a 64-yard touchdown run. Bartlett came on to add the extra point kick giving Gray a 30-6 lead. At this point Wantagh had to designate four players be removed from the game. This was obviously an extreme tough decision for them as each and every player on this Gray team played outstanding. Wantagh decided to pull Ciaramitaro, Verbitsky, Leonard and Nickel.

As the fourth quarter drew to a close Wantagh was able to mount a scoring drive to make the final score 30-12.

Special mention must be given to linebacker Athan who seemed to be everywhere the ball was. Great job kid.

As the game ended, Gray, like always huddled in the middle of the field. As the cheerleaders sang a cheer for the team you could feel the excitement in the air. This team is pumped up. It is getting contributions from each and every player on the team. As Gray left the field, the fans on the sidelines played Gray's theme song of Who Let the Dogs Out?, further pumping up the players.

Once again the parents, fans and team sponsor, Ultimate Gym of Hicksville, want to congratulate Pee Wee Gray on their sixth straight victory and another well played game. Gray's next game is Saturday, Oct. 21 at 6 p.m. at West Babylon.

In closing, like always, let's go Gray!

On a chilly Sunday morning away from home the Levittown Gold team beat Glen Cove 28 to 7. In the first half the Gold team dominated only yielding one score, a 60-yard run. Then the offense and defense started to roll. To single out one player would certainly be unfair. This game was a total team effort. The defense at one time had eight straight plays where they stopped Glen Cove for a loss of yardage. Way to go, defense! The offense went on scoring strikes from 70-yard runs to running the ball right up the middle. Hats off to coach Ray Lang and his assistants. The 7 and 8-year-old players played with great togetherness, always executing the proper plays. A well-oiled machine. The boys performed like the gold they wear! 20 to 7 half time.

Final score - Levittown Gold 28, Glen Cove 7.

Saturday, Oct. 14 Levittown Gold, coached by Ray Lang, beat Lindenhurst 22 to 6, a warm day brought out the best in the Gold's squad. Levittown started the day with an opening drive of 75 yards. The offense was clicking. The defense was ferocious. The only score by the opposing team came with two minutes to go in the game. Again this was a total team effort. It wouldn't be fair to mention or single out a few players when this unit of seven and eight year olds played as one. A special thanks to Coach Lang and his assistants for doing a fine job. Way to go! The Gold team increased their winning ways. Their record is now five wins, one loss. Their only defeat was to the Bulldogs of North Babylon, 7 to 6, but the way the Gold team is playing, that loss will be avenged!

The Bobcats of Plainedge came into Saturday night's game unbeaten and looking for win #6 against Midget Red. Midget Red was on a four game winning streak of its own and were looking to keep their streak alive. The battle would now begin and what a battle it was. This would be an important game for both teams as they looked to stay close to an unbeaten North Babylon team in the standings. With only four games remaining in the regular season neither team wanted to fall further behind and possibly lose home field advantage in the playoffs.

It was obvious right from the start Red's offense was ready to go knowing that their defense has been tenacious all year. Red's offense moved the ball down the field methodically, continually changing formations to keep the Bobcats on their toes. Each time Red had the ball they drove down the field only to be stopped by untimely penalties and turnovers.

The defense stood tall and met Plainedge's charge head on, each time turning the Bobcats back, giving the ball back to the offense. It was a back and forth battle with neither team giving an inch. This game would truly be won in the trenches. Red's defense was phenomenal. Plainedge got into Red's territory only once and that was stopped at the 30-yard line. At the same time they kept giving the ball back to Red's offense.

The only score of the game was set up by the defense and on the last play of the first half Dominique Alexander slanted off tackle and put it in the end zone. The extra point would be important as this would not be a high scoring game. Red decided to kick for the extra point and with beautiful blocking up front Nick Ferrara split the uprights to make it a 8-0 game.

The second half was controlled by Red's offense. Although they did not score Plainedge wouldn't get the ball on offense until the fourth quarter. Stopped by Red's defense the few times they had the ball, Red was finally able to close out the game by running out the clock. Final score, Levittown Red 8, Plainedge 0.

Although special congratulations should be made to Brian Herold and David Williams for their fumble recoveries, this was truly a "team" win. Every one of these kids played their hearts out. No one ever gave up and they all did their job to earn this victory. They played whatever position was needed of them and gave it their all. All of them should be proud of their effort.

Red's team consists of 9 and 10 year olds that work hard each week to prepare for each game. They are: Dominique Alexander, Mike Cook, Nick Ferrara, Brian Herold, Joe Licitra, Kevin McKenna, Andrew McKiel, Kyle Perkins, Don Polite, Nicholas Thomas, David Williams, Anthony Wrightington, Frankie Baglivo, Justin Burger, Frank Cutrone, Frank De'Lia, T. Brian Gill, Ben Hoose, Nick Pedersen, Thomas Taggart and Thomas Whitfield.

And in closing, "Who let the Devils out?" Go Red. You're on your way.

Midget Gray defeated Lindenhurst Green Saturday night, 19-0, for its fifth straight shutout.

Gray's defense, led by Michael Cheshire, Craig Staub, Ronnie Modik, Brett Tom, Matthew Burmeister, Jack Lang, Paul Altaro, Chris Celentani, Kyle Kriner, Joe Fiore, Joe Cuccaro and Joe Labruyere, totally dominated the game, holding Lindenhurst to only three first downs the entire game.

Gray's first touchdown came on their second possession behind great blocking by the offense, including Nick Barber, Chris Bauer, Ronnie Cardno, Danny Dowd, Michael Drossos, C.J. Reilly, Burmeister, Staub, Cheshire, Modik, and Chris Celentani. Modik had a 36-yard run that set up a 9-yard touchdown run by Chris Brumber. Gray tackled the two-point conversion and Brumber threw to Tom Celentani in the end zone for the extra point. On their next possession Gray's marched the ball down the field and Brett Tom ran the ball in for Gray's second touchdown, making the score 13-0 at the end of the first half.

Gray continued to dominate in the second half with Quarterback T. Celentani calling his own plays, Gray ran a fake reverse and Brumber scored his second touchdown of the game with a 43-yard run. With the score 19-0, Brumber, T. Celentani, Modik, and Tom were pulled from the game. Gray controlled the ball for most of the fourth quarter but was unable to score again. The final score was Gray- 19, Lindenhurst- 0.

Special mention goes to Nick Barber and Danny Dowd for great blocking, to Michael Cheshire and Craig Staub for outstanding defensive play and to Tom Celentani for calling the offensive plays.

Gray has scored an unbelievable 113 points in six games, while giving up only 13 points. Can the streak continue? Come and see for yourself when Gray hosts Bethpage, Saturday at 6 p.m. Go Gray!

On Sunday, Blue showed up to play against Big Red, their only defeat of the season, to even it up with each other.

Blue's offense was powered by Quarterback Bobby Caccomo and touchdown-scoring runs by Petey Greene, Derek White, and Caccomo.

Blue's giant defense was on all day with contributions from center Anthony Stimpfel, Ryan Purcell, Chris Perez, Tim Harris, Justin Maclay, Joey Vanasco, Bryan Weber, Austin Quiroz and a big defensive tackle by Matt Szilagyi, preventing a tie-scoring touchdown late in the second half.

Helmets off to both teams for a great game. Go Blue!