Last weekend was the kickoff of the 2012-13 NFL season. While the Giants fell to the NFC rival Dallas Cowboys 24-17 on Wednesday, September 5, the New York Jets laid a 48-28 smackdown on AFC East opponent Buffalo Bills. And while local Big Blue fans remain confident of Eli Manning regaining his footing, Gang Green fans harbor hopes this opening salvo promises more of the same for incumbent QB Mark Sanchez. It’s all well and good but there is a whole other fan base for which the NFL is a sidelight to the main event—those who live and die with the Garden City High School Trojans football team. Always a source of pride for the local community, last year’s squad gave residents more to swell their chests over. They won their third consecutive County Championship as the only undefeated team in Nassau while possessing the best defensive record. Coach Tom Flatley is returning for his 28th season after recovering from hip replacement surgery and there are lofty expectations for the team as the Trojans have been seeded first going into this season. A 28-12 victory over the New Hyde Park Gladiators at Warren King Field on Saturday, September 8, is an encouraging start for what promises to be another successful Trojans season.
– Dave Gil de Rubio
