Seven-Year Old Braves Face Off Against Bellmore

Friday, 21 September 2012 00:00

The Syosset Braves 7-year old football team rolled into Bellmore looking to avenge last year’s loss by one touchdown to the Bellmore Braves “A” team. After an opening possession touchdown run from Braden Sosnik, it looked like Syosset was well on its way. The extra point was punched in by quarterback Kyle Joe, and Syosset led 7-0.

However, Bellmore took advantage of a broken play scrambling down field to answer back with their own touchdown. Syosset was able to stop Bellmore’s extra point attempt by stuffing the run up the middle, and Syosset still led 7-6. Syosset’s second possession saw a systematic offense bring the ball down the field and end with a scoring run by Jack LaBianca. However, Bellmore was able to stop the extra point attempt run by Avery Kurtzer, stopping him just short of the goal line. Syosset led 13-6.

Bellmore refused to roll over for Syosset and used excellent downfield blocking to answer with a score of their own. Again, Syosset was able to stop the extra point, holding the lead 13-12. Bellmore was able to force Syosset to punt with minutes left in the first half.  Bellmore took advantage and was able to score for a third touchdown of the day. Once more, Syosset stopped the extra point attempt and Bellmore took an 18-13 lead into halftime.

The second half showed defensive adjustments from both sides. Syosset held Bellmore and caused a turnover, taking over the ball on the Bellmore 20-yard line. Syosset took the ball all the way down to the Bellmore 6-yard line where they were stopped on a fourth down and goal with a great pursuit of Matthew Donaldson, knocking him out of bounds on the Bellmore 2-yard line. Syosset held tough on defense only to have time run out. The final whistle blew, giving Bellmore ‘A’ the win, 18-13. Despite the loss, the Syosset team played tough on both sides of the ball with determined and gutsy play.

Syosset would like to thank the fans that came out to Bellmore to support the team, especially the cheerleaders: Taylor Buongiavanni, Sienna Campise, Ava Ceglia, Ayesha Chandnani, Natalie Maser, Emily Munoz, Karina Munoz, Paloma Papageorge, Diya Pindiprolu, Katelyn Rose Stefanich, Samantha Weingarten, and Zoe Vogel.

This weekend, the 7-year-olds hope to bounce back while traveling to Franklin Square at 11 a.m. Please come out to support the team.

Meanwhile, the 9-year-old Braves traveled to East Rockaway to take on the Raiders and came away with an impressive 31-6 victory in their second game of the season. The Braves set the tone for their offense on the very first play from scrimmage. Quarterback Stephen Destefani handed off to Matt “Speedy” McPhee for a 45-yard touchdown run. The Braves’ strong defensive play held the Raiders scoreless in the first half.  

The Braves continued their defensive dominance in the second half with the aggressive play of Jayson Singer, who was credited with multiple sacks. Ari Chananya pulled down a pass for an interception with some heads up play as well.  The offensive onslaught continued for the Braves with a pair of great 45-yard touchdown runs from Joseph Bueti and McPhee. Christopher Harris and Darius Coleman followed with powerful touchdown runs of their own. Chananya also got into the scoring action with a carry to convert an extra point play. The team will be home next week to face Mineola.