Massapequa Mustangs - 12

North Osceola Panth'ers - 6

The Massapequa Mustangs Cheerleaders beat the North Osceola Panthers by 12-6 at the Fourth Annual Friendship Bowl, Cheerleader Flag Football Game on Dec. 4 in Kissimmee Florida.

It was the first ever victory for the cheerleaders, who practiced for the game for seven weeks.

The victory was accomplished by the great blocking of Alicia Vannatta, Danielle Carlucci, Amanda Sciscioli, Sheryl Holzmacher, Elizabeth Von Felde and Jessica Huber. Running backs Madeline Gialanella and Kristin Buckley (Game MVP) had a outstanding game, with Quarterback Amanda Meloro guiding the way.

The games first touchdown came when RB Buckley ran 35 yards for the touchdown and a 6-0 lead, which was the score going into halftime.

The Mustang Cheerleaders started with the ball in the second half and capitalized quickly when RB Buckley scored on a double reverse, running 68 yards for the touchdown and a 12-0 lead. The North Osceola Panthers came alive though and scored three minutes later, making the score 12-6. But the game was not to be decided until late in the fourth quarter, when the Mustang Cheerleaders defense rose to the occasion. Headed by Guard Danielle Bonagura, Linebackers Nicole Riggio and Casey McKeon, the Mustang Cheerleaders shut down the Panthers.

The final blow to the Panther Cheerleaders came late in the fourth quarter when the Panthers were threatening Mustang territory. Carlucci intercepted a pass to give the Mustangs possession of the ball with 1:21 left in the game. QB Meloro passed it to Receiver Bonagura, for a first down to allow the Mustangs to take a knee to end the game.

The Mustang Senior Team traveled to Florida for the fifth annual Friendship Bowl against the North Osceola Panthers. After the loss in the championship game, the Mustangs came out ready to play on Dec. 5 and so did the Panthers, who were trying to win their first bowl game against the Mustangs. Unfortunately for them, Massapequa put together a great 67 yard drive to win the game 14-12 with four minutes left in the game. This was the fourth time out of the five games the Mustangs came from behind late in the game to win.

The offense was led by John Cornell (who scored both touchdowns) and Lionel Bullard who shared the MVP honor. The entire offense and defense played like MVP winners. The offensive stars were Joe Andrianio, Vinny Bove, Joe Cadalino, Chris Cox, Tom Dejewski, Rashad Farmer, Mike Hanna, Mike LaBella, Roy Ragusa, Jacob LaFond and Hanni Brunson.

The defense probably played their best game of the season. The Panthers were big and quick, but the stellar play of Eric Cole, John Cornell, Lionel Bullard, Rocco Dionisio, Chris Erkens, Tim Melia, Keith Romeo, John Sims, Ronnie Stevens and Chris Wicker held the potent offense to two break away plays. Besides the big plays, the defense stuffed the Panthers.

Not only did the team win the bowl game, the players, cheerleaders, coaches and parents enjoyed two days at Disney World and Universal Studios.