On an unusually warm day in Long Island, the West Islip Lions were excited and prepared for their annual homecoming rivalry game against cross-town foe, the East Islip Redmen. Military Appreciation Day kicked off the event with a parade lead by the United States Marines Corps banner.

MVP

Sean Moller

East Islip

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Andrew Lipschitz

West Islip

Andrew Lipschitz is a two-year starter on the West Islip varsity football team and carries a 90.12 unweighted GPA. His college academic interests include: Business, Medicine and American Studies. Andrew plans on attending either UPENN or Johns Hopkins University. He is escorted by his father Brian Lipschitz.

Anthony Messino

East Islip

Anthony Messino is a senior center and linebacker for the East Islip Redmen Football team. He is the emotional leader and the anchor of the offensive line. His leadership qualities cannot be matched or overlooked. Anthony is the heart and soul of the Redmen football team. He has a 90.7 unweighted GPA. With him are his parents, Gary and Dawn Messino.

HALL OF FAME

Jack Braddish

West Islip

Don McAuley

East Islip

GAME SUMMARY

The first quarter started and ended as a defensive battle. Both the Lions and the Redmen had a tough time getting anything going. The teams focused on the running attack but were unsuccessful. The first score would come in the second quarter off a 2-yard run from East Islip running back, Frank Artura. The Redmen would add to the lead minutes later when the United States Marine Corps Rivalry Series MVP, Sean Moller, caught a 21-yard pass from Mike Rooney. During the halftime festivities, two well-deserving members of both schools were inducted into the Great American Rivalry Series Hall of Fame. Sgt. Flammia presented Jack Braddish, a former West Islip head football coach and Athletic Director, with this prestigious award. SSgt. Bedell followed, by presenting Don McAulay from East Islip with his trophy. West Islip returned to the field down 14 points and looking to turn the tables. To their surprise, East Islip came out with the same intensity they displayed in the first half and pushed the lead to 21-0. The Lions finally got on the scoreboard when Kyle Kerrigan picked up a fumble and returned it 40-yards avoiding the shutout. West Islip, however, just could not stop the Redmen's offense and East Islip went on to win the game 30-7. After it was all said and done, Sean Moller of East Islip was awarded the well deserved MVP trophy. Sgt. Flammia met Sean at mid-field and presented him with the United States Marine Corps Great American Rivalry Series MVP trophy in front of a proud East Islip crowd. The East Islip Redmen would be the spoilers of the afternoon by reclaiming the Great American Rivalry Trophy and ending the homecoming celebration.