Good teams usually find a way to win. Last Saturday evening, on a cold and windy field, the 11-Year-Old Hicksville Crusaders clawed their way to their fifth victory of the season against the Bellmore Braves. By their intensity alone, it was obvious right from the start of this game that losing was never an option.
The fact that the Braves scored first only seamed to energize the Crusaders offense. Once they got control of the ball, they came roaring back. Julian Franco, took a hand off from quarterback Peter Capel, and exploded through Bellmore’s defense. Thirty-eight yards later, he crossed the goal line. Attempting to take the lead, Connor McPartland kicked for the extra points. His kick sailed majestically through the uprights giving the Crusaders an 8-7 lead.
On the next series of plays, Hicksville’s defense forced a Bellmore’s fumble, which was recovered by Steve Austin. Capel then began to probe Bellmore’s defense for a weakness, and when he found one, he struck. Capel hooked up with McPartland on a short outlet pass and when Steve Ketelesen threw a devastating block for his teammate, McPartland took the ball 23 yards for yet another Crusader touchdown. Once again, McPartland’s leg came into play as he drilled another extra point.
The second half opened with the Crusaders leading by the score of 16-7. The Braves appeared to be a little bit desperate as they tried to force the ball to their receivers. However, the orange and black secondary was equal to the task of stopping them. As the game clock ticked down, the Braves looked frantic in their attempts to score. On play after play, they continually threw the ball only to have it battered down by Ryan McBride, Steve Ketelsen or Connor McPartland. The rest of the defensive unit, including Vincent Falkowski, Pat Rilling, Vincent Barretta, Nick Austin, T.J. Delfino and Peter Capel kept enormous pressure on Bellmore’s quarterback.
These 11-Year-Old Hicksville Crusaders, ended their regular season in the same way that they began it, with a win. Going into the playoffs, their record is 5-2-1. Since game one, this team has improved on both offense and defense. The special teams play has also become a force to be reckoned with. Their entire level of maturation has been truly impressive.
