Long Beach handles Manhasset in Homecoming tilt

Long Beach rebounded from its lone Conference II football loss of the season with a 34-13 victory over Manhasset on Oct. 7 before a large Homecoming crowd. The Marines, who improved to 4-1 on the year, were led by senior quarterback Sam Brown's four touchdown passes.

Senior Vincent Deale had a pair of scoring receptions, and senior running back Tyreek Bromley added 95 yards on the ground and a touchdown. Bromley opened the scoring with a 20-yard TD run. Long Beach scored 22 points in the second quarter and led 28-0 at the half.

The game featured a halftime show provided by the marching band, cheerleaders and color guard. Ali Thursland and Govinda Thomas were crowned 2016 Homecoming queen and king. As a continuation of a much-enjoyed tradition, youth football players were invited to join the Bulldog mascot for a race between the goalposts. Fans showed their community and school spirit as they sported blue and white and cheered for the home team from the stands at Veterans Field.

The annual homecoming carnival, sponsored by the high school’s Student Government Organization, was held in the middle school gymnasium prior to kickoff and during the game. High school students, staff members and other volunteers ran an assortment of amusements for all ages and sold refreshments.

Earlier in the day, an afternoon pep rally was held at the high school’s Alumni Field and featured the introduction of teams, Class Olympic challenges and other activities. Attendees enjoyed a preview of the halftime extravaganza as all of the performers presented their routines. As a special component to this year’s pep rally, students and faculty members provided donations for a push back cancer challenge in support of student Valeria Catrambone. Through the efforts of the Student Organization, volunteer participants completed push-ups to symbolize resilience and an unrelenting spirit.

Following the win, the Marines are set to face undefeated Garden City on Saturday at 2 p.m.