Bethpage Peanut Blue Football 2013

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Peanut Blue Wins!

Islanders/Rangers. Yankees/Red Sox. Jets/Patriots. Giants/Cowboys. While these are some of the greatest rivalries in professional sports, they pale in comparison to the competition between Bethpage and Plainedge. The rivalry between these two great football programs is the stuff of legends. From Pappardelle’s to Pappalardo’s, from Sweeney’s to Sal’s Place, this is a competition that goes beyond the gridiron, involving the entirety of both communities. Every episode of the “Stewart Avenue Showdown” is one for the ages. Bethpage Peanut Blue added to that legacy on Sunday October 13th, as they captured their first win of the season in dramatic fashion against a very tough Plainedge Bobcat squad.

From the first snap of the ball on the cool October morning, this match had all the makings of a classic Bethpage/Plainedge battle. Bethpage’s offense took the field first, and quickly moved down the field. Peanut Blue’s “Five Blocks of Granite,” comprised of offensive linemen Michael Lacerenza, Anthony Helfrich, Jack Lapertosa, Ryan Tesler, and Nick Morolla provided outstanding blocking for the Eagle backfield. William Lynn, making his first start at quarterback, put the ball into the capable hands of Anthony Guarasci, who took the ball 59 yards to the Plainedge one-yard-line, before being driven out of bounds. Facing a goal line stand, the Bobcat defense stiffened, stopping runs from Max Dominick, AJ Perazzo, and Jack Lapertosa for no gain. On fourth down, Ryan Tesler, running behind blocks from Lapertosa, and Morolla, punched the ball in, giving Bethpage its first lead in a game all season.

Taking the ball on the change of possession, Plainedge answered the Bethpage score, but not before a fierce battle with the Eagle defense. With Lynn, Lapertosa, Morolla, and Mike Gaudio anchoring the D-Line, Bethpage found its way into the backfield on several plays. Linebackers Cameron Graziano, and Ryan Tesler, and safeties Max Dominick and Tommy Lagan put relentless pressure on the Bobcat line. Advancing to the Bethpage 1, a swarming Eagle defense kept Plainedge out of the end zone for three plays, before finally conceding the tying touchdown.

Undaunted, the Bethpage offensive machine went to work, and quickly answered with a score of their own. Matt Cusicanqui, Tommy Lagan, Michael Gaudio and Max Dominick kept up the strong offensive line play, helping spring Nick Mororlla for another run of 50 yards. Anthony Guarasci took a Lynn handoff behind a gaping hole carved by Lapertosa and Tesler to retake the lead. After a Plainedge turnover on downs, Lapertosa would score a touchdown of his own. Plainedge answered with a score to close the half with Bethpage leading , 18-12.

The second half of this battle continued to be a slugfest. Although Nick Morolla scored to extend the Bethpage lead to 12, Plainedge would not quit, and scored twice, tying the score at 24 late in the fourth quarter.

With the score tied, and quarterback William Lynn on the bench with an injury, Bethpage turned to an unlikely hero for the game's final score. Cameron Graziano, Bethpage's defensive specialist, took over at fullback. Taking the ball from Anthony Guarasci, Graziano ran over Plainedge defenders on every play. On his seventh consecutive carry, and wrapped up by three Plainedge players, Graziano kept his legs churning, and plunged into the end zone, putting Bethpage ahead, 30-24.

As fans on both sides of Stewart Avenue can attest, a Bethpage/Plainedge game always comes down to the last minute. Plainedge took over with four minutes to go, and were determined to tie to the score. Bethpage, however, had other plans. On third down, Plainedge nearly broke a play outside, but Graziano, Lagan, Lacerenza, Perazzo, and Gaudio swarmed the carrier to bring him to the turf. Ryan Tesler blasted through the Plainedge line on fourth down, combining with Helfrich, Dominick, and Gaudio to force a turnover on downs.

Although they had stopped the Bobcat offense, the game was yet to be decided. Plainedge’s defense held the Eagles to no gain on three consecutive gains. A turnover on downs would have given the Bobcats one more chance, but Matthew Cusicanqui, on his first carry of the season, secured the win with a long run on what proved to be the game’s final play. With the clock at 0:00, the Bethpage sideline and stands erupted, as Peanut Blue wrote its own chapter in the history of this great rivalry between two great football programs.

Needless to say, Peanut Blue’s coaches, Tony Dominick, Bill Guarasci, Tom Lagan, John Lapertosa, and Mike Tesler, are extremely proud of the boys for their total team effort. They hope they can get on a winning streak, as they take to the road for their final regular season games, against Broad Channel, and Glen Cove.

Monday, September 23, 2013

Peanut Blue News - 9/22 vs. Brentwood

The Mark Twain quote, “it’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog” definitely embodies the Bethpage Peanut Blue Football team. This group never quits, even in the face of an opponent with superior size, speed, strength, and skill. Despite another tough loss, this time to Brentwood, Bethpage’s smallest Eagles gave an effort that would certainly have made both Eagles past and present very proud.

Peanut Blue won the coin toss and elected to receive the ball first. Though they were giving up height, size, and speed to Brentwood, the offensive line, comprised of Jack Lapertosa, William Lynn, Anthony Helfrich, Cameron Graziano, and AJ Perazzo scrapped valiantly with their massive counterparts. The Bethpage backfield, anchored by QB Ryan Tesler, running backs Anthony Guarasci, and Nick Morolla fought tooth and nail for yardage on every play, only to turn the ball over on downs.

Brentwood took possession, and used their size and speed to their advantage. Michael Gaudio, Michael Lacerenza, Matt Cusicanqui, and Tommy Lagan contained the Brentwood offense on their first two plays, forcing Brentwood back to the middle, where linebacker Max Dominick threw himself into the fray, dragging the opposing ball carriers to the ground. A broken tackle on fourth down proved too much for the Bethpage defense to overcome, and Brentwood scored on a lightning strike.

Though they were ready for battle, and refused to back down, the first half was not kind to the little Eagles. Brentwood continued to stifle the Bethpage offense, and their offense struck for two more touchdowns, closing out the half with a long run for a score.

At halftime, the coaching staff gathered the boys on the bench. Coach Mike Tesler channeled his inner Howie Vogts, delivering a speech that fired up the boys, the crowd in the stands, the parents working at the snack bar, the regulars at the deli, and just about everyone in Bethpage on Sunday.

Peanut Blue returned the field, determined to break through on Brentwood. Defensive coaches Tony Dominick, Bill Guarasci, and Tom Lagan made key halftime adjustments, and the Eagles stormed the Brentwood backfield, forcing a turnover on downs.

Just as the defense adjusted, coach John Lapertosa tinkered with the offense. Shifting Anthony Guarasci to quarterback, the Eagles went with their “Diesel” backfield. Jack Lapertosa dragged a swarm of Brentwood defenders with him for a nice gain. Coach John pulled out the “Lombardi Sweep” from the Green Bay Packers heyday, and Ryan Tesler ran the ball 59 yards to the Brentwood 1. Nick Morolla hit pay dirt two plays later, and the Eagles were on the board.

Although Brentwood answered with a score of their own on the next play, Bethpage refused to back down. Setting up his teammate with a score on the previous drive, Ryan Tesler, with a wall of blocks built by Lynn, Lapertosa, Helfrich, Graziano, and Gaudio ripped off a 60 yard run for another Eagles TD, diving over a defender to get in the end zone.

Though Bethpage continued to strike back, unfortunately, Brentwood continued as well. Lagan, Dominick, Perazzo , Cusicanqui and their mates stuffed the Brentwood ground attack, forcing them to take to the air. A desperation heave on their fourth down resulted in another touchdown.

Undaunted, and with time running out, Bethpage returned to the field, determined to close out the game in strong fashion. William Lynn, Tommy Lagan and Cameron Graziano hit the Brentwood defense with a few jabs, setting up the final play of the game. Coach John Lapertosa dialed up the sweep one more time. Taking the handoff from Tesler, Anthony Guarasci refused to be tackled. With a run that left most of the Brentwood defenders grabbing for air, he darted, cut, and weaved 60 yards to the end zone, giving the Bethpage faithful another reason to cheer.

Although their record fell to 0-3, Peanut Blue fought as hard as any Bethpage team that’s ever played on Howie Vogts Field. The coaches are extremely proud of their efforts, and are confident that their hard work will eventually pay off very soon.

Monday, September 16, 2013

Practice/Game Schedule Week of 9/16

Peanut Blue Practice

Tuesday Night - @ BHS 5:45 PM
Friday Night - @ BHS 5:45 PM

GAME SUNDAY 9/22- vs. Brentwood 9:30 am at BHS

Peanut Blue News - Week 1 and 2 Game Reports

While the Bethpage Peanut Blue team is off to an 0-2 start, the statistics, and scoreboard do not accurately reflect the story of a group that has played with tremendous heart, determination, and courage this season. Playing tough matches against their cross-town rival Plainvew, as well as their friends and classmates on Bethpage Peanut Gold, to a player, Peanut Blue has fought hard to the last play of each game.

Peanut Blue opened the season on September 9th at home against Plainview. From the opening series, this contest was a classic heavyweight battle, with both teams trading scores throughout the first quarter. Deferring the coin toss, and giving possession to Plainview, the Bethpage defense stuffed the opposing ball carriers on the first three plays. The defensive front four, comprised of Jack Lapertosa, William Lynn, Anthony Helfrich, and AJ Perazzo blasted through the offensive line. Linebackers Nick Morolla, and Anthony Guarasci cleaned up the mess, making tackles for losses. On fourth down, a broken play, and a few missed tackles led to a Plainview score.

Undaunted, the Bethpage offensive machine went to work, and quickly answered with a score of their own. Lapertosa, Lynn, Helfrich, Cameron Graziano, and Tommy Lagan, with help from Michael Gaudio and Michael Lacerenza anchored an offensive line that blasted through the Plainview defense. Making his debut at quarterback, Ryan Tesler provided stability and leadership, barking out the signals, and getting the ball into the hands of Morolla and Guarasci. On third down, Tesler handed to Guarasci, and the speedster darted around the end for the touchdown.

Plainview struck again on their next possesion. However, the defense had solid contributions from Matthew Cusicanqui, and Max Dominick, who, from his safety position, saved a touchdown on more than one occasion.

Returning to offense, Tesler and Guarasci flip-flopped at quarterback. Tesler provided some “thunder” to Morolla’s “lightning,” ripping off chunks of tough yardage. With the defense reeling, Morolla took a handoff, and, assisted by great blocks from the line, ran untouched into the end zone for a 30 yard score.

Following a scoreless second quarter, the Bethpage defense held fast against the Plainview offensive attack for most of the third quarter. Unfortunately, the J-Hawks’ size, and depth proved too much for the little Eagles. Plainview scored twice on successive possessions. Despite strong runs from Lynn, Perazzo, and Lagan, Bethpage couldn’t solve Plainview’s defense in the second half. A desperation pass by Tesler to Perazzo fell short on the last play of the game, as Blue fell, 24 to 12.

Week Two for the Peanut Blue gridders saw them in a battle for Bethpage bragging rights. As the “away” team, Blue stepped on to the turf at Howie Vogts field, determined to win. Unfortunately, the defense was stung for three quick scores, and Peanut Blue was forced to play from behind the entire game.

Although they spotted Peanut Gold an 18-0 lead, the boys kept fighting. William Lynn had another strong game on both the offensive and defensive line, and even ran the ball for a first down. The “Mikes,” Gaudio and Lacerenza, were all over the field on both ends of the ball, providing key blocks and tackles. Jack Lapertosa played a solid game at center, and added some “ground and pound” as a running back, at one point carrying three defenders as he blasted into Peanut Gold territory. AJ Perazzo contributed at numerous positions on the O-Line, including center. Max Dominick, and Tommy Lagan anchored the safety position, and kept the game competitive. Cameron Graziano, Anthony Helfrich, and Matt Cusicanqui made several key blocks as well, leading to long touchdown runs by Anthony Guarasci, Nick Morolla, and Ryan Tesler.

In this first round of the “Peanut Bowl,” Peanut Blue fell short, 36-18. Despite the 0-2 start, the coaching staff of Anthony Dominick, Bill Guarasci, Tom Lagan, John Lapertosa, and Mike Tesler are extremely proud of the boys for refusing to quit, and playing hard in both games.

Peanut Blue looks to get on the winning track this week, with a 9:30 game at BHS vs. Brentwood.