A beautiful sunny Sunday was the backdrop on Oct. 14 for the opening of the newly renovated Lions Field and opening day of the junior tackle football program (fourth and fifth graders) co-sponsored by Port Washington Youth Activities, Inc. (PYA) and Manhasset PAL.

The first game saw the Harbor Deli Raiders in black defeat the Franks Pizza Broncos in navy blue by a score of 25-6. The Raiders touchdowns came all on the ground with runs by Connor English (45 and 30 yards), Duncan Clancey (42 yards) and Jeff Molinari (45 yards). The lone extra point by the Raiders came on a run by Timmy Pond. The Raiders' defense also snatched two interceptions, one by Jeff Molinari and one by Jay P. Rinfret.

The Broncos touchdown came on a 12-yard scamper by quarterback Mac Galvin.

The closest game of the day saw the Port Washington Community Chest Eagles in green outpoint the Port Washington Fire Department Bucaneers in red, 13-12. The two touchdowns scored by Bryan Kallenberg (32 and 8 yards) were matched by touchdown runs by Kevin Heenan of 42 and 5 yards.

The margin of difference in the game was an extra point scored in the first quarter by Eagles runningback Marlon "The Fridge" Williams.

In the third game of the day the Manhasset Sports Shop Ravens in purple went to an early 6-0 and 12-6 lead on a spectacular run by speedster Dylan Sinnickson of 65 yards, and on a 6-yard touchdown catch by Nick Perni. The Manhasset Community Chest Colts (royal blue) scored one touchdown in the first half, on a one-yard run by Tony Frocarro.

Inspired by the half-time pep talk of Coach Neil Jester, the Colts rallied for 26 points in the second half on runs by Tommy Jester (9, 35 and 35 yards) and a 25-yard run by Noah Todaro. Two extra points were added by Cody White.

The three games were preceded by a brief ceremony naming the newly renovated football/lacrosse field the "Harvey Cohen Field." The field was named after Harvey Cohen in recognition of his 38 years of service to the youth of Port Washington and Manhasset in teaching football and lacrosse. Amazingly, the town was able to keep the naming of the field in honor of Harvey Cohen a secret until game day, and Harvey Cohen was genuinely surprised and touched. Players and spectators were treated to a full day tailgate cookout during the day.