The air was clear, the wind was nonexistent, but on Friday the 13th anything can happen. And, it did on the most recent of "bad luck" days, and it took the form of a third-seeded New Hyde Park Gladiators win over the second-seeded Carey Seahawks in the Nassau Conference II playoff semifinals at Hofstra Stadium. The first time these two teams met, the outcome favored the Seahawks. Senior running back Andrew Okolski rushed for the winning score late in the game, but things didn't turn out that way in the semifinals and the Gladiators won 10-6.

The Seahawks didn't go down without a fight; they played on until the very end. It was an exciting game to watch. Okolski ran for a game-high 158 yards on 26 carries and one touchdown. Junior Brian Baebler brought down a key interception in the first quarter. Baebler's interception led the Seahawks to the Gladiators' two-yard line aided by a 40-yard run from sophomore Matt Daddino. Then an unexpected pass on second down was picked off in the end zone by the Gladiators. After the game, Carey Coach Matt McLees said, "I'll regret that call [to attempt to pass] until next year."

On the ensuing possession, the Gladiators scored the first points of the game, making the score 7-0 in their favor. The Hawks came back on defense; Mickey Parris (sprained fingers and all) and Andrew Papadoniou combined for a sack, forcing the Gladiators to punt. On offense, right tackle Geoffrey Carr showed Sal Monastero the way on a 15-yard run to the Gladiators' 29 yard line. However, the Hawks couldn't get into the end zone and lost possession on downs.

When NHP marched to the Carey five, Coach McLees called a time out to tell his players to "make a play." Someone was listening and the Gladiators were denied on three consecutive plays, thanks to the efforts of defensive back Massimo Giugliano. The Gladiators settled for a field goal.

Carey's don't quit attitude showed as they tried to score some points before the half. On a flea flicker play, Okolski connected with Tom "T-Bone" DeBonis for a 32-yard pass, but time ran out before they could score.

The halftime show as terrific as usual, but there was some competition for Joseph Palotta's Marching Band. Six Carey seniors went bare-chested (left me remind you it was November) and each painted one letter of CAREY! on his chest. Chris Ruppert even painted his face black and orange to show his school spirit.

They must have done a good job because Carey's defense forced NHP to go three-and-out on their first possession of the second half. Then Carey started an impressive 87-yard touchdown drive capped by a 7-yard Okolski run. Seventy-eight of those 87 yards were gained by Okolski, about half his game total. On New Hyde Park's next possession, linebacker John Caraccia sacked the Gladiator's quarterback, forcing them to punt. Carey's last possession started strong--they converted a fourth-and-one, but later missed on a fourth-and-four.

After a great regular season and a great team effort, the Seahawks have nothing to be ashamed of. In the words of Andy Okolski, "I thought sure we'd score again. Everything we did was working. But you have to give NHP credit. They came up with big plays when they had to. They're a quality team." So is Carey.