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.
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.
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.
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