The Massapequa Mustangs and the N. Babylon Bulldogs are not strangers to each other. These two teams have played each other 6 times over the past 3 years and the games have always been intense and physical. So why was this game any different? The Mustangs, who beat the Bulldogs in their very first meeting ever, lost the next four games they played to the Bulldogs, including a 13-12 loss earlier this season. But the determined Mustangs knew that it was a matter of time before they could pick this previously undefeated team apart and finally win one as they did on Sunday night, November 28th in N. Babylon with a thorough 26-8 win.

The Mustangs, having to start the game kicking off to N. Babylon, kicked off to the Bulldogs but the Bulldogs fumbled the ball and Mike LaBella fell on the ball, recovering the fumble and giving the Mustangs a 1st and 10 on the Bulldogs 40 yard line. The Mustangs then put together a 9 play 40 yard drive, capped off with Geoff Leone's 1 yard dive for the touchdown and with Leone's extra point kick, the Mustangs jumped out to a 8-0 lead.

N. Babylon then went on offense again and once again fumbled the ball this time Jason Mohan fell on it to give the Mustangs a 1st and 10 on the N. Babylon 48 yard line. This time the Bulldogs defense was able to hold and the Mustangs turned the ball over on downs. This stop gave the Bulldogs a little life as they then marched the ball down the field and scored to tie the score at 8-8.

But this would be the last time that the Mustang defense would allow the Bulldogs offense to score, or even come close to it as they shut the Bulldogs down the rest of the game. The rotating defensive line of Ronnie Lanzillotta, Stephen Einig, Jake Lafond, Mo Gordon, Tim Gill, Scott Henry, Pat Pogan, Jason Lombardo and Linebackers Vinny Bove, Mike LaBella, Jason Mohan and Mike Stackpole stuffed the Bulldogs offense the entire game, limiting them to only one touchdown, causing 4 fumbles and 2 interceptions.

The Mustang offense was finally getting on track as they put together a beautiful 10 play 66 yard drive thanks in part to Mohan's 44 yard run and capped off with Akim Richards 4 yard scamper for the touchdown and 14-8 lead. But this was not to be the last score of the half as while playing defense, the Bulldogs attempted a backwards pass that was dropped but was a live ball and Frankie Ingenito picked it up and ran 58 yards into the end zone for a 20-8 halftime lead. But before the half ended, the Bulldogs put on up into the air but Richards was able to out-jump the Bulldogs receiver and came up with an interception to end the first half.

In the third quarter, the Mustangs had another fumble recovery by Mohan but both teams seemed to stall in the third quarter, however the fourth quarter was a beauty. N. Babylon, after failing to make a first down at their own 38 yard line, gave the Mustangs possession and 7 plays later, Richards broke through for the 26-8 final score. But the game was finally over when Ingenito dove in front of a Bulldog receiver to intercept a pass and give the Mustangs possession with 56 seconds left in the game.

This win avenged the earlier loss to the Bulldogs and brought the Seniors final record to 11-1. The Players, Cheerleaders and Coaches would like to thank the parents, family, friends and coaches who came out to support our team in this big game. Thanks to all for a tremendous season!!

HERE WE COME CALIFORNIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The 10 year old Mustangs played for the Championship last Sunday in Mineola. In a hard hitting, defensive battle the strong Mustangs were defeated by the Roosevelt Roughriders by a score of 8-6. It was a great game and if anyone was there they would know that football games don't get much better than this one.

The Mustangs kicked the ball off to the Roughriders to begin the game. A few plays later, the Mustangs forced a fumble and recovered on the Roosevelt 46. The tough Roosevelt defense held their ground and the Mustangs turned the ball over on downs. A few plays later the Mustangs recovered a punt and were able to drive the ball into the end zone. The Mustangs' quarterback was injured on the extra point attempt, and the Mustangs led 6-0 at half.

The second half was much like the first, with both defenses giving up minimal yardage. The Mustangs were trying to hold their lead, behind alot of gutsy players who were playing hurt. The Roughriders scored on a safety late in the third quarter when they forced a turnover on an attempted pass play. The Mustangs still led 6-2 with just 4 minutes remaining in the game. The Roughriders were able to break a 40 yard run, the longest of the day. A few plays later they scored on quarterback keeper. With only two minutes to go, the Mustangs tried to overcome the tough Roosevelt defense but time ran out with the ball near mid field.

It was a great game, and a fitting tribute to the Mustang season. This team that started off 0-3 were able to fight back and almost win the Championship game. The boys played their hearts out and will be back next year in their search for the Championship.

The team would like to thank all the people who came out to support them last Sunday. You have seen the remarkable turn around in a team that could have called it quits after game 3. The Mustangs are very proud of the team and expect them to bring home the Gold next year...

The 10 year old coaching staff say thanks to all......

The Bears defensive front four led by Alfred Casio, Jahmel Spikes, Anthony Cardone, and Ben Willey stop the Saint running game. Except for a great run by Saints quarterback John Furka put the Saints ahead 6-0 in the first half.

It was a tough game in the first half for the Bears, but in the second half they were unstoppable led by quarterback Troy Giretti, running back James Skaats, Dominick Mio, Will Taylor ran the ball and the clock down!!! A great run by Dominick Mio on a reverse play fooled the Saints defense and he ran 30 yards for the touchdown to tie the score.

Great blocking by James Skaats, Jim Montario, Gary Harrison and Marcquise Gordon to lead the way. Troy Giretti scored the winning point with a run up the middle behind Tim Walcott and James Stevenson. This put the Bears ahead 7-6. Excellent defense by Alex Ricco, Daminen FourQuet and Nick Midy to end the game to win the Superbowl!

The Cardinals completed their perfect season (8-0) and defeated the Falcons 32-14 in the 8-year-old Championship game at John Burns Park. The game had everything that a fan would want, long drives, quick scores, controversies, fine blocking and bone crunching tackling.

As they have done all season the Cards scored quickly and took a 13-0 lead. The hero of the game, Dan Stolfi, scored both touchdowns from his wing back position. Stolfi used toughness, smarts and break away speed to dominate the game.

The Falcons shook off their early jitters, settled down and turned the game into a close, nail biting contest. All year they had been a well disciplined, hard working team and their efforts paid off. Using double and triple reverses the Falcons totally confused the Cards. And with their allstars, Chris Dooley and Steve Madard, they punished and bruised the Cards.

As the battle went on, Cardinal coach Mickey Harley and his staff went into their own bag of tricks and put together a win. Using crafty veterans like Rob VonBargen, Cornell Warrick, Jim (Bubba) Peterson, James Moran and mixing in rookies like Anthony Minuto, Dan Divetri, Matt Capolongo, Coach Harley found a way to get George Matthews open in the end zone. Warrick also added 2 late scores as the clock was winding down.

Defensively the Cardinals finally stopped spinning and gained back control. Liam Harley, Dan (Moose) Ebbecke and Jordan Cafarella took over and played like they had all season, tough, smart and overpowering.

Congratulations to the players, parents and coaches of both teams for a fine season!