(Photo by Michael Scro)
The Mineola Mustangs varsity football team held their victorious 35-9 homecoming game against the Oyster Bay Baymen on Saturday, Oct. 10.
Senior quarterback Matt Kosowski, protected by junior defensive linemen John Thilbourg and Otavio Olyntho, ran 267 yards for two touchdowns on 27 carries.
The Mustangs now stand 3-2 in Nassau IV Conference.
“We played great today,” Mutangs head coach Dan Guido said. “My guys did everything they were asked to do and we’re getting better.”
Kosowski opened the first quarter running 32 yards into the end zone, followed by sophomore receiver Christian Diaz running a 15 yard touchdown in the second on a 78-yard scamper. With a two point conversion, Mineola led 14-0.
The Baymen struck back with a 74-yard run off the Mustang’s kickoff return and then got a safety when Mineola snapped the ball out of the end zone at their own four yard line, going into halftime at 14-9. With the potential win in the hands of either team, the Mustangs took control and Kosowski ran a 21-yard scored halfway through the third, and a minute later, senior defensive lineman Logan Dunleavy recovered a Baymen fumble at the Oyster Bay 35-yard-line.
(Photo by Michael Scro)
Kosowski then connected with sophomore receiver Nick Natale for a 15-yard passing score before adding another two-point conversion, securing a 28-9 lead. Junior quarterback Doug Hopkins ran a one-yard touchdown in the fourth, capping off the final score.
“Our defense was the whole game today,” Guido said. “Other than that kickoff return, we didn’t let them gain anything.”
The Mustangs are up next against sixth-seeded Malverne (1-3) on Friday Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.
The Mineola High School Marching Band performed an elaborate Halloween-themed 12 minute performance at halftime, featuring stylish costumes and ghoulish artwork displayed on the field.
The homecoming parade marched down Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road, leading into Hampton Stadium prior to the game. The homecoming king and queen were crowned as Chris Alexander and Tara Maloney. Junior princess was Nicole Pereira, sophomore princess was Michela Franz and freshman princess was Maria Martins.
