The 10-year-old Hicksville Crusaders experienced one of their most difficult match ups to date last weekend when they took on the Farmingdale Hawks. This game seemed to be two games in one with the Crusaders winning the first half and the Hawks winning not only the second half but coming out ahead in the end by a score of 25-18.
Hicksville completely dominated the first half both on offense and defense. On the opening drive of the game, the Crusaders offensive line, led by Alex Pierce, Tom Fleming and Matt Zwickel, kept their opponents defense at bay while the Crusaders running backs found holes that resulted in Hicksville’s first touchdown. When Farmingdale failed to get a first down, Hicksville once again behind blocks by Sam Lipien, Jake Kinnaman and T.J. Delfino scored the 12th point of the game.
The second half opened with a completely rejuvenated Farmingdale team. A 9-play drive put the ball into the end zone. Hicksville’s offense bogged down their next drive. When the Hawks took over, they went to the air and scored again.
With the score tied 12-12, the Crusaders fumbled on their own 14-yard line. It took only a few plays for the Hawks to score again. Not to be out done, the Crusaders put together another outstanding drive and Steven Ketelsen ran 46 yards and once again tied the score.
Hicksville’s tired and battered defense, however, could not contain Farmingdale’s last attack. The Hawks took the ball all the way to the Crusaders 26-yard line. A pass into the end zone made the score Farmingdale 24, Hicksville 18. The Hawks converted the extra point.
In the closing minutes of the game, Hicksville valiantly attempted to tie the game with a series of runs and passes but fell just short as time ran out. By the end of the game, players on both sides came off the field exhausted, knowing that they had both taken part in one fierce battle.
