The Manhasset Indians were enjoying their winning steak to start the season, but it came to an abrupt end this past Saturday, as the Roosevelt Rough Riders soundly defeated the Indians, 52-15 at Roosevelt High School.

From the opening kick-off, which saw the Indians start their possession at their own six-yard line, and continuing throughout the day, the Rough Riders kept the previously high-powered Indians' attack under control with a quick, swarming defense.

Manhasset's only score in the first half was a short pass from quarterback Tom Dodge to 6' 3" senior tight end Frank Coughlin, who spun and managed to elude two Roosevelt defenders and race 72 yards down the sideline for a touchdown. Junior Phil Kalagiros kicked the extra point, and helped close a Rough Rider lead to 12-7.

This was the closest the Indians would come to contesting the Rough Riders. Up to this point, the Indians' highlight was supplied by senior John Brugal (a key special teams contributor for the Indians), who made his first of two successful headlong dives into the Rough Riders' backfield to block the extra point.

The Rough Riders promptly scored on the ensuing kick-off and were never to be threatened again on the afternoon. Their offense featured an imposing sweep around either end with lots of blocking and two fast ball carriers, who ran up big yardage on the day. Standout defensive games for the Indians were played by senior tackles John Kessler and Anthony Impellizieri (who also recovered a Rough Riders' fumble), and by safety Matt Sutherland, who seemed to be in every tackle.

The Indians' offense had no luck all day. Even when halfback Terrence Molinari did break loose (40-yard scamper on a screen pass, and a 42-yard run on a draw play), the yardage was called back because of penalties, stalling the offense.

It wasn't until the fourth quarter and the game out of reach, that the Indians' offense came alive. Junior quarterback Dan Kargas engineered a 60-yard drive, with key runs by Shea Licata and Brugal. Licata finally scored on a 11-yard scamper around left end, and repeated the feat for a two-point conversion.

The best news for this game is that the Indians will most likely get a re-match with Roosevelt in the playoffs, and a chance to avenge this defeat.

Next up for the Indians is Malverne, also with a 2-1 record, this Friday, Oct. 7, at 7 p.m., under the lights at Manhasset's Ed Walsh Field.