The Mineola High School varsity football team upped its record to six wins and one loss with an entertaining and rousing 31-24 win over Carle Place at Hampton Street Stadium. On a chilly and windy Nov. 2 afternoon, the Mustangs warmed-up the home crowd almost before the fans got a chance to take their seats. While those in attendance were sipping their hot chocolate and coffee, Mineola's Gridders put up 17 points in the opening quarter. The scoring opened when Adam Minsky scored on a four-yard run. Matt Bispo began what would be a great day for him by booting the extra point. Later in the quarter, quarterback Rich Medlock connected with Jerelle Harrison on a 21-yard scoring play. Bispo added the extra point and Mineola had opened a 14-nothing lead. Carle Place struck next when Kevin Smith threw the first of his three touchdown passes on the day. Smith tossed a 66-yard strike. The extra point try by the Frogs was no good. Before the end of the opening quarter, Bispo showed how intimidating a weapon he can be when he kicked a 32-yard field goal. Mineola was up 17-6 after the opening stanza. The second quarter saw Carle Place come clawing back. Smith, a sophomore, threw a 60-yard scoring strike. That was followed by Mike Smith scoring on a 3-yard run. In both cases, the Frogs failed on their extra point tries, but still had taken an 18-17 lead. Junior Dan Medlock then gave Mineola the lead again right before halftime when he scored on a 20-yard run. Bispo's kick was again true and the Mustangs held a 24-18 halftime lead. Carle Place came back to tie the score in the third quarter. Smith found Gary Clay on a 16-yard strike. But, again, the extra point try was no good. The score stayed 24-24 until the final quarter. Carle Place drove into Mineola territory. But, linebacker Jim Holubowich intercepted a Smith pass and returned it 25 yards to the Frogs' 40-yard line. Chris Egner pulled in a 36-yard pass from Rich Medlock and gave Mineola the ball on the Carle Place four-yard line. From there, Minsky plowed up the middle and scored the winning touchdown. Bispo completed his memorable day by booting the extra point for the final margin of 31-24. The Mustangs again showed the grit that has marked their season by holding off the talented visitors. In addition to his crucial interception and return, which helped set up Mineola's winning touchdown drive, Jim Holubowich made 11 tackles to lead the Mustang defensive efforts. Adam Minsky scored the first and last touchdowns while Matt Bispo kicked four extra points and a field goal. Mineola was to close out the regular season on Nov. 9, hosting Locust Valley. The Nassau Conference IV Playoffs will follow. The Mineola High School JV soccer team recently completed a winning season. The Mustangs finished with six wins, three losses and two ties. Coach Al Cavalluzzo welcomed back 9 starters from the 2001 team. With an additional 11 new player, the season began with high expectations. The team got off to a great start by winning its first two games. The Mustangs beat Lynbrook 3-1 and Friends Academy 4-1. But, Coach Cavalluzzo says, "The next two and most challenging games ended in a 1-1 tie with Clarke and a 2-0 loss to Glen Cove. But, we quickly rebounded with a 2-1 win over Roslyn and a 1-1 tie with Floral Park." Next came a narrow 1-0 defeat at the hands (or feet) of Sewanhaka. But, again, the Mustangs bounced back by blanking Friends Academy 4-0. After a 4-1 loss to Clark, Mineola got even with Sewanhaka the second time around, with a 41 victory. The Mustangs completed the season by blanking Floral Park 1-0. In summing up his season, Coach Cavalluzzo said, "on offense, forward Jose Rivera led the team with seven goals, including two hat tricks. Victor Prado's speed added to the team's dangerous offense. Aniello Palumbo, Patrick D'Meza, Dan Esteves, Filipe Rodrigues, and Rodrigo Pinto provided some necessary relief in close games, all adding to the offense with their unique style." The coach also complimented his midfield corps, saying, "George Costa, Captain Mike Skaliotis, John Calvao, Chris Goncalves and Danny Rodrigues controlled and set the pace for many games, as well as adding seven goals." Obviously a successful team has a strong defense. The coach lauded his defenders by saying, "The team's stingy defense provided excellent support for goalie Kevin Franciotti, who earned two shutouts. Led by sweeper Julio Gauto, Mark Lupo, Captain Jimmy Francis and Craig Strein, our defense was difficult to break through. Nick Tonini and Carlos Upton provided impressive defensive support in many close games. I also have to mention back-up goalie Claudio Saavedra, who was an integral part of the team. I expect him to help the team next season."