For the final game of the 2009 regular season, the 10-year-old Hicksville Crusaders traveled to Burns Park in Massapequa for a match with the Mustangs. Although the final result was not exactly how the Crusaders would have liked it to be, the contest was still filled with a plethora of exciting plays.
With Hicksville in control of the ball, Ryan McBride, Stephen Ketelsen, Thomas Delfino, Connor McPartland and Julian Franco all had a hand in advancing the ball down the field. Their forward progress, did however, stall on Massapequa’s 10-yard line. Throughout the balance of the scoreless first quarter, the Crusaders defense came up big.
The Mustang’s finally got on the board in the second quarter with two rushing touchdowns. The Crusaders, who were not about to capitulate, put on their own impressive drive, culminating in a 15-yard touchdown run. Julian Franco scooted across the goal line making the score 14-6.
The second half opened with another Massapequa tally. Hicksville’s defense then dug in their heels. There were a number of exceptional individual tackles by Jacob Kinnaman, Thomas Fleming, Tay-Veon Johnson and Joe Sarni.
As the fourth quarter opened, the Crusaders began their second scoring drive of the game. Behind the blocking of Thomas Fleming, Alex Pierce, George Krauch and Matt Zwickel, Hicksville drove the field. Once again, Julian Franco scampered in for the touchdown making the score 22-12.
Throughout the game, the play of Nicholas Delaney was exceptional. From the opening game until the present, Delaney has steadily improved all phases of his game.
On Sunday, Nov. 15, the Crusaders will take on East Rockaway in their first playoff game. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. at John Walker Field. Come show your support and cheer on the 10-year-old Crusaders.
