The JV Dawgs traveled cross-town to take on the Seaford Vikings. It was a hard fought battle, but the Vikings prevailed, 26-7. There were a few bright spots for the JV Dawgs on that afternoon. The defense had an incredible goal line stand. LB Steve O'Brien led all Dawg defenders with 13 solo tackles and eight assisted tackles. Offensively, quarterback Kyle Ludwig commanded an impressive drive at the close of the half. Kyle hooked up with WR Dan Haughney and WR Matt Valinoti during this drive that ultimately got the Dawgs into place kicker Jeff Bischoff's field goal range. Jeff attempted a 37-yard field goal that landed just one small yard short. It was an excellent effort by every player involved, especially Kevin Prykuta with the snap, Kyle Ludwig with the hold, and of course, Jeff Bischoff with the kick.

Oh, and one more thing, the officials grabbed me at the close of the half and told me to tell the boys how impressed they were with the whole drive and the field goal attempt. The only score of the day for the Dawgs came from quarterback Kyle Ludwig's 21-yard pass to WR Christian Blauvelt. Jeff Bischoff kicked the PAT. The Dawgs look to get back on track against the always tough East Rockaway Rocks. This is the last road game for the travel-weary Dawgs. They finally return to the new home turf on Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 4 p.m. against the Syosset Indians. Go Dawgs!

The Island Trees Middle School football team proved to be Ram tough in their home season opener against visiting Clarke. In front of 371 screaming fans, the Bulldogs blocked a Ram punt and on their very first play, Will Lopez connected on a 25-yard scoring strike to Steven Frank for a 6-0 lead. Ever Reyes kicked the first of his three, two-point conversions to make it 8-0 Bulldogs. Reyes would score touchdowns on the next two Bulldog possessions on a 5-yard plunge through the right side and on a 65-yard punt return. The first quarter would end with the Dawgs leading by a 24-0 count. Joe Cataldo and Rob Fragoletti would run for 11- and 15-yard touchdowns respectively and Tony Lekaj would add an extra point run to finish the game at 37-0 in favor of the Bulldogs. Ron Modik ran for 68 yards and had an interception and Frankie Baglivo led the offense with precision drives and super aggressive play from the linebacker position. Brendan Spiess ran for 30 yards, while positive yardage was turned in by Dan Hart, Kevin Buonomo, Ray Megliola, David Darcy and Matt Gelormino. Outstanding defensive performances were turned in by Kris Buhagiar, William Caldarera, Jesse Lyons, Jonathan Bartlett, Keith Roman and Edward Noblesala. Great job boys! Next up for the Bulldogs is Herricks.

The White unit of the football team played North Shore. Outstanding efforts were turned in by James Arbelaez (70 yards) and Bobby Montwill (35 yards). John McMahon hit Peter Molino with a scoring strike for the play of the day. Great job boys.

The Island Trees Boys' seventh-grade soccer team won 2-1 for their fourth straight win. The Bulldogs were led by Shaun Rutherford's two first half goals. The team held off a great second half charge by Wisdom Lane. Goalie Kieran Riegel saved 16 of 17 shots in the win. The defense was led once again by Matt D'Albenzio and Daniel Weinman. Jason Martins, Alex Sherry and Daniel Carlson also put out great efforts for the defense. The midfield was controlled by Tommy Willoughby, Nick Butrico, David Valencia and Matt Vilbig. The forwards kept the pressure on late in the second half. Matt Rochon, Paul DelGiacco and Matt Christoforou kept the ball in Wisdom's end to preserve the victory.

A great game was played by the boys eighth-grade soccer team, but came up short, 2-1. The only goal was scored by Paul Manganiello and great plays were made by Kyle Riegel, Paul Fontana, Byron Foong, Dan Fazio, Chris Enders and Brendan Flagler.

A job well done goes out to the Girls seventh-grade soccer team on their tough game against Hicksville. Valerie Ahrens dribbled through the Hicksville defense, putting the first goal of the game in the net midway through the second period. Hicksville put the pressure on and put two more goals in the net, leaving the score 2-1. The Lady Dawgs fought to get possession of the ball throughout the remainder of regular play, but were unsuccessful. Goalies Ashley Alesi and Stephanie Fabis played tremendously, using skill and communication to lead the defense. Kristen Burgos also had a standout game at sweeper.

The Island Trees Girls eighth grade soccer team lost to Hicksville by the score of 3-0. The girls played well, but couldn't come away with the victory. Sarah Burleson, Sam Rooks and Brittany Guerrini all played great defense, while Christine Verbitsky and Rae Rossi played great at halfback.