On Sunday, Nov. 26, Pee Wee Gray traveled to North Babylon for Superbowl 2000. Not only did Levittown Gray have to compete against a very aggressive North Babylon team, just to make matters worse, the game was played in a driving rain and wind storm. The field appeared to be one big bowl of mud. Upon arriving at the field you could feel the intensity in the air. This team always gets pumped up for games, but this time they appeared to be at a different level. You could see it in their eyes, they weren't leaving North Babylon without taking that Superbowl trophy home.

As the Captains took to midfield for the coin toss the rain began coming down even harder. Gray won the toss and elected to receive. The offense took the field consisting of linemen George Athan, Chris Nickel, Mike Rakitzis, Nicky Bristol, Bryan Peterson, Zack Trimboli, Davey Grecsek and center Dakota Bransfield. The backfield included quarterback Daniel Bartlett and running backs Bryan Verbitsky, Anthony Ciaramitaro and Joey Leonard. Gray, being conservative on their first possession due to the weather conditions, attempted to run up the middle but was stopped by a swarming North Babylon defense. Gray, having to punt, turned to its own swarming defense to attempt to take control of the game.

The defensive charge was led by left end Anthony Ciaramitaro, right end Bryan Verbitsky, linemen Mike Rakitzis, Nicky Bristoll, Bryan Peterson, Damien Calderon, Zack Trimboli, Mike James, linebackers George Athan, Chris Nickel, Joey Leonard and safety's Timmy Michels, Daniel Bartlet and Davey Grecsek. Like usual, when the offense gets off to a slow start, its the defense that usually steps up. Once again the defense set the tone for this game continually forcing North Babylon into third and long situations. The first half was basically a defensive battle as neither team was able to muster up a scoring drive. So entering halftime the game was deadlocked a 0-0.

As the second half opened, Gray's defense sensed they needed to come up get again to get momentum on their side. As Gray's defense lined up, North Babylon tried to catch Gray sleeping, which obviously backfired. North Babylon ran three consecutive, no huddle plays. Gray actually stopped North Babylon for a loss of about 5 yards on their third no huddle play. This fired Gray up to a point that they knew that they had just taken complete control of the game. Facing a fourth and 15, from their own 35, North Babylon was forced to punt.

With that Gray was determined to get on the board now. Facing a 2nd and 10 from Gray's own 45-yard line, they ran a sweep to running back Bryan Verbitsky. Using a perfectly executed handoff from quarterback Daniel Bartlett, outstanding offensive line blocking, and strong open field blocks by left end George Athan and backs Anthony Ciaramitaro and Joey Leonard, Verbitsky was able to break outside for a 55-yard touchdown run giving Gray a 6-0 lead they would never surrender.

Ideally Gray would have liked to put some more points on the board to take some heat off of its defense, but were unable to do so against a very tough North Babylon defense. Fortunately for Gray, their defense was performing at a remarkable level. Time after time stopping North Babylon. Gray's defense only allowed two North Babylon first downs in the entire second half. Gray's defense held North Babylon on their final drive, giving Gray the ball with under two minutes to go. All that was needed now was to run two plays and hold onto the ball. Gray successfully ran down the clock giving themselves a 6-0 Superbowl victory over North Babylon.

Obviously, Gray's well executed touchdown run was a key part in their victory, but no one should be overlooked in this game. Each and every player stepped up and gave 110 percent all game long. Along with that touchdown run other outstanding plays included Davey Grecsek and Timmy Michels with big tackles from their safety positions late in the fourth quarter. Mike James and Damien Calderon on exceptional games from the defensive line. Chris Nickel who rotated from linebacker to defensive line and performed exceptionally well. Mike Rakitzis, Bryan Peterson, Zack Trimboli and Nicky Bristoll (who also had to play center, replacing Dakota Bransfield, who was injured in the game), applied defensive line pressure all game long. Also, Bransfield was performing his duties as well as ever prior to being injured.

First off, the coach's want to congratulate all the boys on this team for their Superbowl victory and bringing home the Trophy they went to North Babylon for. They are true warriors and certainly were battle tested in this game. They also want to commend them on their 100 percent effort in every practice and every game. Great job boys.

Congratulations are also in order, to all the coaches who have been working with this team since August 1st. Head Coach George Athan and Coaches Troy Verbitsky, Tony Ciaramitaro, John Bartlett, Bobby Nickel and Donald Leonard. Great job guys.

Special thanks to Glen Michels and Rob Trimboli who charted stats each and every game for the team. Unfortunately, they were unable to do that this game because of the poor weather conditions. Also special thanks to Russ Bransfield and Dave Grecsek, who always volunteered to work the chains.

And let's not forget the hard work of Team Mom Susan Bartlett. She deserves a medal herself for putting up with the coaches. Great job.

And of course a big time thanks goes out to what is known in football as the 12th man. Thank you to all the parents, friends and relatives, who come to all the games and cheered the team on. You really helped get the team fired up. And for making sure the boys were at all the practices. We couldn't have done it without you. Don't forget the team sponsor, Ultimate Gym of Hicksville.

Although it was a great feeling to receive that Superbowl Trophy in victory today, reality did set in. The football season has come to a close. And that means the holidays are right around the corner. Pee Wee Gray football team wants to wish everyone a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year. And yes, they are already counting down the months to next Aug. 1, 2001, to that first day of practice.

Once again, congratulations to Pee Wee Gray. And like always - let's go Gray - you're No. 1.

A week ago on Nov. 19 Midget Red went into the playoffs the second seed in their division. They were to play Plainedge a team they had defeated earlier in the season 8-0. They knew it would be a tough game and they prepared hard for it during the week. They came to the game ready, hoping to move on in the playoffs and meet North Babylon to get revenge for their loss in the first game of the season. Plainedge was ready also, wanting to get revenge for a loss it suffered to Midget Red. The battle was on and what a battle it was. Both teams went back and forth trying to find each others weaknesses. Plainedge scored first and that would be Midget Red's final demise. Midget Red would try to come back time after time, but it wasn't meant to be. Plainedge fought off every attack Red could muster. Plainedge would score once more and the rest is history. Red would go on to lose 13-0 and the dream of a championship was over.

As this will be my final article of the year there are a few things I would like to say at this time. To all the players of Midget Red, hold your heads up high. You had a fantastic year. It was a pleasure to have coached you and been part of your season. You worked hard to accomplish what you did. You have nothing to be sad about. Continue to work hard and you will eventually reach your goal. A championship is nice but it's what you had to do to accomplish that goal that really should make you proud.

To all my 10-year-olds I will see you again in two years. Keep working hard and we will reach our goal together at that time. All of the other coaches as well as myself will miss you. You were great!

To all my 9-year-olds, all I can say is "Fantastic." You accomplished a great deal this past year and will be that much better next year. Your hard work and dedication showed. We are all proud of you.

To all the parents and fans we thank you for being there and supporting the team. Whether it was cold or raining you were always there. Believe me when I say it makes a difference to the kids it does.

To all those dedicated cheerleaders we say "rah rah rah." You girls are the greatest. Thank you for supporting and cheering for Midget Red. We knew you were there and heard you all the time.

To the rest of the coaches I would like to say thank you for your time and effort. It showed on and off the field. You are the glue that kept this team sticking together. I look forward to working with you next year.

There is one special person I think at this time should be mentioned. She was always there for Midget Red. Whether it was bringing oranges to the games, making phone calls for the coaches, or just getting one of the coaches a needed cup of coffee. She did these things no questions asked. She made life easier for the coaches and the kids. Donna Cook is truly what you would call a team mom. All the coaches appreciate what you've done for this team. Thank you. You are a doll.

As always I will close in saying one more time "Go Red." You were magnificent.

You could feel the excitement in the air on Sunday, Nov. 19 when Midget Gray played host to Copiague in the first playoff game.

It was easy to see that both teams came ready to play. The first half of the game was a defensive battle. Late in the second quarter, with Copiague driving the ball down the field, Gray's Tommy Celentani intercepted the ball and ran 31 yards to set up a touchdown run by Ronnie Modik. Jack Lang's kick was good for the two point conversion, making the score 8-0 at the end of the first half.

In the fourth quarter, behind great blocking by the offense, including Chris Brumber, Brett Tom, Michael Cheshire, Craig Staub, Matthew Burmeister, Paul Altaro, Danny Dowd, Michael Drossos, Ronnie Cardno, and CJ Reilly, Gray was able to score again when J. Lang punched the ball in for a touchdown. Gray's defense, led by Staub, Cheshire, Burmeister, Tom, Brumber, Chris Bauer, Nick Barber, Chris Celentani, Joey Cuccaro, Joe Labruyere, Kyle Kriner, and Joe Fiore, was able to hold Copiague scoreless throughout the remainder of the game. The final score was Gray 14, Copiague 0. This victory was due to a total team effort. Every member of Midget Gray played an outstanding game.

Gray would like to thank its cheerleaders for their support throughout the season. Gray's great cheerleading squad included Jayme Elia, Christina Johnson, Natasha Kinder, Siobhan McNamara, Kellie Murphy, Shannon Oringer, Samantha Traenkle , and Samantha Jorgensen. Congratulations on taking second place in your competition.

From Copiague, Gray went on to play N. Babylon in the NFC East Championship game. During the regular season Gray defeated N. Babylon 12-0 and the question was, could they do it again?

The horrible rain on Sunday may have squashed the pre-game activities, but it could not squash Midget Gray's spirit and determination. As the players were announced and ran out through the pouring rain the crowd went wild. From the first play of the championship game, it was clear that Gray came ready to play.

On Gray's first possession, behind outstanding blocking by Matthew Burmeister, Chris Celentani, Brett Tom, Paul Altaro, Chris Bauer, Danny Dowd, Dennis Lawrence, C.J. Reilly, Craig Staub, Michael Drossos, and Michael Cheshire, quarterback Tom Celentani was able to hit Ronnie Modik on a 54 yard pass play to score Gray's first touchdown. Late in the first quarter Gray drove the ball down the field and Modik was able to score his second touchdown of the game, making the score 12-0.

In the second quarter both teams went on a scoring frenzy. North Babylon scored early, bringing the score to 12-6. Gray answered back quickly, when Jack Lang ran the ball in for a touchdown. With four minutes remaining in the half , Gray called a pitch pass back to the quarterback, and Lang threw a beautiful 36 yard pass to T. Celentani who ran 21 yards to score. With the score 24-6, C. Brumber, T. Celentani, J. Lang, and R. Modik were pulled from the game. N. Babylon scored on their next possession, making the score 24-13 at the half.

The second half was all Gray. The defense, led by B. Tom, C. Staub, M. Cheshire, M. Burmeister, Nick Barber, Ronnie Cardo, Chris Celentani, Joey Cuccaro, Kyle Kriner, Joe Labruyere and Joe Fiore, totally dominated the second half, holding North Babylon scoreless. T. Celentani scored his second touchdown on a quarterback keeper late in the third quarter. Gray's final touchdown came when C. Brumber punched the ball in from the 2 yard line, making the score Gray 36, N. Babylon 13. With the score 36-13, Paul Altaro, Chris Bauer, Matthew Burmeister, and Kyle Kriner were pulled from the game.

Gray completed a perfect season with a 12-0 record. Gray has scored an amazing 262 points this season, while giving up only 57 points. This season has been a total team effort. The coaches would like to thank all the boys for giving 110 percent all season long. In closing, remember- "All the way with Midget Gray- Go Gray!"