T-Birds Dominate Homecoming For First Win
/By Andrew Wroblewski
awroblewski@longislandergroup.com
The Thunderbirds varsity cheerleaders pump up the crowd moments before kickoff on Saturday.
Junior quarterback Kenny Chavez rushed for three touchdowns, including a 35-yarder in the second quarter, to lead High School East on its homecoming day 27-7 over Smithtown East. The win was the Thunderbirds’ first this season.
Chavez scored all three of his touchdowns in the first half, vaulting Hills East (1-4) to a 24-0 lead over the Bulls (0-5) at the break. Then, after a performance by the Thunderbirds varsity cheerleading squad, Hills East named its homecoming king and queen as Ethan Udell and Theresa Bitetto.
On the football field, Chavez was king, as he broke through with a 1-yard touchdown run during the Thunderbirds’ first offensive possession of the game. Then, in the second quarter, Chavez broke free for a 35-yard touchdown run, but was topped a few minutes later by teammate Seth Garvin, who exploded for an 85-yard score.
After Evan Fermoselle blocked a Smithtown East punt late in the second quarter, Hills East took over from the Bulls’ 7 yard line and Chavez managed another touchdown run.
Tyler Spellman added a 30-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to round out the Thunderbirds’ offensive production.
On defense, Eric Davis led Hills East with eight tackles. Dante Jarvis, a junior, recorded one sack for Hills East.
Chavez finished the day with 95 yards rushing and 25 yards passing on one completion. Seth Garvin managed 105 yards rushing on five attempts while Josh Garvin added 50 yards rushing on eight attempts.
With their first win of the season in their pockets, the Thunderbirds ready for a 1:30 p.m. kickoff Saturday when they’ll visit Deer Park (4-1). The Falcons are coming off of their first loss of the season, a 26-6 setback to Huntington on Oct. 9.
