Head coach Kris Ryan’s mantra for the 2014 Stony Brook football squad is G.R.I.N.D., an acronym that stands for Give 100%, Responsibility creates unity, Intensity is necessary for success, Never give up, Discipline creates opportunity. The boys are certainly feeling the grind as they followed a busy first week of school and last night’s Class Challenges festivities with an early morning scrimmage at Friends Academy. Despite being tired and having had less time to prepare than their two opponents, the Bears looked solid on both sides of the ball in a three-way battle with Friends and St. Dominic’s.
It was a beautiful morning for football that even brought out former NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason for the start of another high school football season. While the Bears had a few lapses, energy, confidence, and a palpable camaraderie belied the little practice time they’ve had thus far. The Friends Academy sideline was also audibly impressed by the aggressiveness brought by the Brook at such an early point in the season.
There were several flashes of brilliance on the day. Here were some of the highlights:
Offense
- A long touchdown run by Ben Walter during which he shook off several tackles
- A long scoring drive engineered by quarterback Erik Holvik
- A touchdown and several long receptions by Hunter Skorobohaty
- Several long runs by Dan Scott
- Jackson Painter’s solid performance at tight end and quarterback
Defense
- Chikwem Ihekweazu’s pick-six
- Ben Walter’s acrobatic, one-handed interception
- Miles Manning’s interception
- A lightning-quick rush and sack by Ihekweazu
- Austin Amadio’s vocal leadership
- The Bears’ consistent ability to stuff the running game of both Friends and St. Dom’s
After the game, Coach Ryan was upbeat about the performance, but reminded his boys that there was still plenty of work to do before they face Wyandanch at home on September 14. He reminded them of the game they let slip away against the Warriors last year, and his desire to avenge the loss. “Keep grinding with me,” he asked them. If today’s energy is any indication, the boys have already decided they will.
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