On Saturday, Oct. 3, the Mineola Mustang football team defeated their opponents from West Hempstead by a score of 46-22. The annual Homecoming Football Classic was attended by a capacity crowd of students, parents, community members, alumni, teachers and district administration, as the previously undefeated Mustangs continued their unbeaten streak.

Behind power back Brian Bruno, the Mustang offense racked up 382 yards of total offense and scored six touchdowns. Bruno scored an amazing four touchdowns on 18 carries and 182 yards, while Matt Antoniou scored twice and James McQueen rushed for 100 yards and scored a touchdown of his own. The Mustangs have already scored 99 points this year in only their first three games.

Once again, the offense was equaled in its play by the tough Mustang defense, who seem to get stronger and better each week. They play with tenacity, determination, and maturity. Each week they have risen to the job asked of them, and the rewards for the team have been huge. The Mustangs are turning some heads around the county. They have far exceeded the preseason expectations of opposing coaches and league officials alike, not to mention the sports writers at Newsday. Next week they will play away against Roosevelt HS. We wish them well in their quest for another Mustang win. The remaining home games are against Bellmore JFK on Oct. 17 and against Lynbrook on Nov. 7. Come out and join the Mineola community and support the Mustangs in their drive for a playoff berth. Most games kickoff at 2 p.m. See you there.

The 1998 boys varsity soccer team started their season with an impressive performance at the Carle Place "kick-off" tournament on the weekend of Sept. 11 and 12. In the semifinal game, the Mustangs faced a tough Seaford team which competes in Division B-11, while the Mustangs compete in B-IV. The Mustangs handed the Vikings a tough 3-2 loss in double overtime when forward and team captain Liam Wachter chipped the ball over the Seaford goalkeeper to match his second goal of the game. In the final, Mineola faced Carle Place, a Nassau Conference C power. The game was tied at 0-0 until the last 10 minutes of the game when Carle Place broke free on a breakaway and scored the only goal of the contest. Although Mineola did not win the tournament they did win the respect of some of Nassau County's toughest teams.

Under the direction of second year varsity coach Paul Pereira, the young but talented Mustangs opened their season in their new division, having moved up from B-V to compete against tougher opponents. Although the teams league record of 0-4-1 is disappointing, Coach Pereira feels that his team has played well against tough opponents. Although the Mustangs have dominated many of their games a combination of bad luck and lack of scoring power has led to the slow start. Having lost 11 players to graduation (and 24 of last year's 34 goals) leaves Coach Pereira with a young, inexperienced, but extremely talented team. With four starting sophomores (J. Clingo, J. Carlos, J. Debrich, J. Sullivan), and only two starting seniors (L. Wachter, N. Molina), Coach Purrer sees a very bright future for his program. A strong junior class led by midfielder David Jose, sweeper Billy Liakonis, midfielder Leondro Moreira, and newcomer forward Marcelo Pereira will guarantee a solid core of players returning next year. Nine games remain in this year's schedule and the Mustangs hope to turn things around and compete for a playoff spot in the NC playoff.

Head Coach: Paul Pereira

Asst. Coach: Al Cavaluzzo - JV

Captains - L. Wachter, N. Molina

* returning players

Ý players to watch

Positions - M=Midfield; F=Forward; D=Defense; ST=Stopper; SW=Sweeper; GK=Goalkeeper