On the season's final week, Midget Black, with a record of 9-0, played North Babylon, who emerge undefeated. Unfortunately for Midget Black it was North Babylon who emerged with the victory, 25-12. The game was closer than the score suggests. Each team held the other on downs on three separate occasions. The deciding factors of the game for North Babylon were a 60-yard running play for a touchdown, a punt return to the Levittown 2, and a blocked punt which North Babylon recovered at the Levittown 15 yard line. Even with great field position like this, North Babylon had to work hard to score.

Each score, or the proceeding play, came from long yardage plays and not long drives. Like North Babylon, Levittown scored as a result of big plays. A 40 yard run by Jordan Spirou to the North Babylon 10 yard line set up the first score for Levittown, and a 40 yard run by quarterback Jack Sullo produced the other touchdown for Levittown.

Levittown Midget Black finished the season 9-1 as division champions. They have also secured home field advantage throughout the playoffs. The next two weeks will be exciting football, no doubt.

Throughout the year, Levittown Midget Black's potent offense was powered by Jack Sullo, Jordan Spirou, Ricky Enderle, Nick Kostishak, Billy Kochen, Michael Derry, Alex Williams, David Widen, Robert Altadonna, Anthony Piscalli and Matthew McBride.

Midget Black's dominating defense was led by Robert Ward, Eric Janssen, Kyle Dodds, Travis Hahn, Adam Vasquez, Brandon Garland, Anthony Ciaravino, Dominic Orban, Patrick Lada, Richie Caccamo and Jim McNamara.

All of his teammates wish Dylan Vecchione a speedy and full recovery from an injury he suffered before the football season, which prevented him from playing this year.

Levittown Black will be back on the practice field this week preparing for the playoffs with home field advantage throughout, not a bad position to be in.

On Sunday Nov. 19, Pee Wee Gray was at home for its playoff game against Copiague. Gray, having played and beat Copiague earlier in the season knew that they had their hands full coming into this game. Copiague is made up of a majority of 8-year-old veteran players whose defense swarms to the ball. Copiague also had a decided size advantage against Gray, as seen at the weigh in. This didn't appear to faze the Big Gray Machine as the boys appeared to be extremely pumped up. These boys think they are invincible. As Gray's captains took to the field for the coin toss, the rest of the team anxiously waited for the results. Copiague won the flip and elected to receive. This gave Gray's stellar defense a chance to take the field first and set the tone for the game.

As the crowd stirred in anticipation and played Gray's theme song of "Who Let the Dogs Out," Grays defense stormed the field. This battle -tested unit consisted of left end Anthony Ciaramitaro, right end Bryan Verbitsky, lineman Mike Rakitzis, Nicky Bristoll, Damien Calderon, Zack Trimboli, Bryan Peterson, Dakota Bransfield and Mike James. Linebackers George Athan, Chris Nickel (who moved from his starting right guard position to middle linebacker, replacing the injured Joey Leonard, had an awesome game playing an unfamiliar position. Joey Leonard was injured during the final game of the season against Brentwood. He is a 7-year-old who has been a huge impact player for Gray. He will be missed the rest of the way) and Daniel Bartlett. The safeties were Timmy Michels and Dave Grecsek.

The first quarter was dominated by both defense ending in a 0-0 score. The second quarter began with Gray's offense showing signs of coming around after picking up two first downs. Facing a third and 14 from Copiague's 45-yard line Gray ran a reverse to running back Bryan Verbitsky who broke outside for a 45-yard touchdown run giving Gray a 6-0 lead. The second quarter was a mirror image of the first for Gray's swarming defense. They shut down Copiague's offense on every drive and held a 6-0 halftime lead.

As the third quarter began, it was evident that Gray's high-powered offense was ready to rock and roll. Facing a 2nd and 9 from Copiague's 45-yard line, Gray gave the ball to running back Anthony Ciaramitaro who blasted through the middle and broke free for a 45 yard touchdown run giving Gray a 12-0 lead. Gray's defense held Copiague to three and out, quickly turning the ball back over to Gray's offense. Yet again Gray kept it going. Gray drove to Copiague's 40-yard line. Facing a 2nd and 10, Gray ran a pitch play to Verbitsky. Again Verbitsky broke free to the outside for a 40-yard touchdown run and an 18-0 lead. At this point Copiague designated Ciaramitaro, Verbitsky, Nickel and Bartlett to be removed from the game. Although Gray's defense hung tough at that point, Copiague was able to get on the board closing the gap to 18-6. Gray would have none of that, though. After Copiague scored, all players were again allowed back into the game. On their very first play from scrimmage after Copiague scored, Ciaramitaro once again blasted over the middle and broke free for a 60-yard touchdown run. George Athan came on for the extra point, giving Gray a 26-6 lead at the end of the third quarter.

The offensive line who gave the running backs outstanding blocking consisted of Chris Nickel, George Athan, Mike Rakitzis, Nicky Bristol, Bryan Peterson, Zack Trimboli and center Dakota Bransfield. The backfield consisted of quarterback Bartlett (15 yards rushing and a key first down run in the first quarter), running backs Verbitsky (118 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns), Ciaramitaro (124 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns) and Timmy Michels (great run blocking).

Gray's defensive charge was led by Bryan Peterson with five tackles, George Athan with 4 tackles and a fumble recovery, Anthony Ciaramitaro with 4 tackles, Bryan Verbitsky, Daniel Bartlett, Chris Nickel and Mike Rakitzis with 3 tackles each, Damien Calderon with a fumble recovery and Dakota Bransfield with a fumble recovery. Pitching in with numerous assist tackles were Zack Trimboli, Timmy Michels, Davey Grecsek, Nicky Bristoll and Mike James.

As time ran down in the 4th quarter the team couldn't wait to celebrate. When the final whistle blew, giving Gray a 26-6 victory and a trip to the Superbowl, you would see the excitement in their faces. After all, they have worked extremely hard, since Aug. 1, to get here. For the first two months the boy's practices three times a week, cutting down to two times a week as October began. They have been at this for a long time, they deserve to celebrate.

First off the coaches want to congratulate Gray on a job well down. Secondly they want to thank all the parents, fans and whoever else came out to cheer the team on. You guys were definitely louder than the visiting side this time and the team knew you were cheering them on. It really gets them fired up.

Although this is Thanksgiving, and the team wishes all a very Happy Turkey day, let's not forget, they still have one big game to go. They are going to the Big Dance. They will be facing North Babylon in the Superbowl, which will be played on Sunday, Nov. 26 at North Babylon. Time to be announced.

If you haven't worn Gray colors or Red Devil's shirts in the past, make a conscious effort to wear it this week, when they head to North Babylon. Red Devil clothing is sold at the practice field shack, so if you don't own any, try and pick something up for this game. Also bring banners, flags and horns. Don't be bashful for this game. After all this is a big game for the boys. North Babylon's stands will be filled with many, many fans, who will be wearing their colors. Try and get everyone you know to come out to this game, and out number their fans. You guys did a great job of cheering this week, but just as the coaches asked the boys to "step it up" when needed, they are asking the fans to "step it up one more Notch" and cheer louder than the home team this time.

In closing, like always - let's go Gray.