Bellmore's 9-year-old Police Athletic League football team struck first, but the Mineola Chiefs got the last laugh, snapping a two-game losing streak in defeating the Braves 20-6 on Sunday.

The Chiefs were led by a dynamic running attack spearheaded by fullback John Carnavale and tailback Kevin Wilkins. Wilkins led the team with two touchdowns, while Carnavale added the other.

However, after gaining 63 yards on his first seven carries, Carnavale was stripped at Bellmore's 30-yard-line and the ball was returned 70 yards for the score, giving Bellmore a 6-0 lead with about 3 minutes left in the first half.

Wilkins picked up the slack on Mineola's next drive, carrying the ball three times for 60 yards and the Chief's first touchdown in two weeks. Wilkins added the extra point and put the Chiefs up 7-6, which stood until halftime.

Linebacker Patrick Delventhal led a stingy Chiefs defense by recovering two fumbles, setting the stage for Wilkins' second touchdown of the day, a 46-yard jaunt on the first play of the fourth quarter. Linebacker Tommy Glynn led the defense with six tackles.

Carnavale's score put the icing on the cake, giving Mineola its first victory since opening day against Inwood.

The Chiefs will play on the road the next three weeks, against Baldwin, West Hempstead and Garden City, before finishing off the season at home against Uniondale.