The previous games rout of Franklin Square Warriors gave every indication that the 11-year-old Hicksville Crusaders had put it all together. This week’s performance against the Syosset Braves confirmed that fact. The 34-0 Crusaders win left little doubt that when you combine their prolific offense with their devastating defense, this team will be extremely difficult to defeat.
A 45-yard touchdown run by Stephen Ketelsen in the first quarter set the stage for this Crusader victory. Before the half was over, Connor McPartland scored twice and Ryan McBride, behind devastating blocks from his offensive line, found the promised land once. Sam Lipien, Tom Fleming, Steve Austin and Taylor Collins kept Syosset’s defense on their heels throughout the second quarter. Connor Dalton’s unexpected onside kick, resulting in a Crusaders recovery, led to McPartland’s second touchdown.
On the other side of the ball, the Crusaders defense, in true workmanlike fashion, kept the Braves offense completely under control. Ty Barone, Patrick Rilling, Nick Austin, Sean Lewis and Alex Pierce forced Syosset into many long yardage, fourth-down situations.
The second half began with the Crusaders leading by 28. Early in the third quarter, Ryan McBride once again broke through Syosset’s line for a 50-yard touchdown run.
It was evident at this point that the orange and black offense decided to tone it down so as not to run up the score. Hicksville defense, however, was able to preserve the shutout. James Zobian, Vincent Falkowski, Jake Kinnaman and Matt Zwickel all contributed mightily to this Crusaders success.
The challenges for the 11-year-old Hicksville Crusaders are on the horizon. In weeks to come, Hicksville’s opponents will be Farmingdale, Uniondale, Mineola and Bellmore. None of these teams can be considered a walkover. However, with the way that the Crusaders have come together, this will be a very interesting rest of the season.
