The rivalry between Massapequa and Farmingdale is described by some as silly and immature. However, things start to get serious when the teams take the field. Though Farmingdale has emerged victorious in the last few meetings for football in particular, the competitiveness between these two schools still remains very much alive.

This competitive spirit has led to violence in the past, so Massapequa school administers decided to enforce safety precautions during the September 13 game. Only students were allowed to attend, and of these students, those from Massapequa and Farmingdale were separated to avoid tension.

The first score for the Chiefs came as a result of a blocked punt from Farmingdale, Frank Americo managed to block the kick, and the ball was picked up by Paul Dilena. This led to a touchdown by Paul Dilena in the 1st quarter, and after a completed field goal kick, the Chiefs led with a 7-0 score with 3:39 remaining in the first quarter.

This lead would not remain for very long. unfortunately, as midway through the second quarter, the Dalers managed to intercept a pass by the Chiefs, bringing the ball back onto the 26 yard line in Chiefs territory. Off of this takeaway, Farmingdale scored a touchdown, and tied up the game at 7-7 with 6:52 remaining in the half. Then, with 44 seconds left in the half, the Dalers were successful on a field goal, taking the lead with a score of 10-7.

After halftime, the rain started to pour — this pushed away many fans as well as the marching band. After a relatively uneventful third quarter, and a missed Dalers field goal in the fourth quarter, with 3:30 remaining in the game, the Chiefs fought to a 1st and Goal with 3:30 remaining in the game. However, the rally was stopped as the Dalers had a goal line stand, turned over the downs and with 1:59 remaining in the game, clung to the 10-7 lead.

“The kids played a hard game, but three turnovers told the story…other than that, the kids played well,” head coach Mr. Kevin Shippos said.

The next time these two teams play, it is guaranteed that there will be another tough match on the gridiron. “We had a great game defensively,” offensive guard senior James Yahner said, “but the rain caused some unfortunate turnovers that made us come up short in the end,”