October 21, 2014 --The engine of the North Shore offense was firing on all cylinders for Saturday's homecoming victory over the Manhasset Indians. With a score of 52-31, the Vikings topped 50 points for the second time this season in a performance that included eight touchdowns by six different players.
Right off the bat, it was clear that North Shore came ready to play. Feeding off of the excitement of the atmosphere and the cheers of seemingly the entire North Shore community, the entire Viking defense swarmed to the ball on every play, forcing Manhasset to punt early and often. Then, when given the chance, the North Shore offense did not fail to capitalize. On their first possession, the Vikings marched 90 yards down the field on a drive that would end with Senior QB Michael Floccari cutting his way to the end zone on a 46-yard touchdown run. Floccari finished the game with 131 rushing yards, but also made sure to establish the passing game early by throwing touchdown passes to receivers Michael Frahlich and Frank Castiglione in the first half.
After taking a 26-15 lead into halftime, the Vikings came out with the same intensity in the second half and began to pound the ball to eat up the clock with a rushing attack led by Senior RB Tristan Vitale. Everything was clicking for the Vikings, and everyone was contributing. The third quarter exhibited an all-around team effort with Viking scores from both sides of the ball as Luke Salditt added a defensive touchdown on a 59-yard interception return.
North Shore always looked in control, but turnovers kept the game close. The most intense moment came half-way through the fourth quarter as the Indians got the ball with North Shore leading 39-31, and a chance to tie the game. However, a diving interception by Senior LB Nick Lanotte set up a North Shore drive capped off by a Vitale 4-yard touchdown run which would silence any thoughts of a Manhasset comeback. Then, minutes later, a Vikings touchdown on a 17-yard pass from Floccari to Senior RB Brett Boisits would put the nail in the coffin and seal the homecoming win for North Shore.
The victory was probably the Vikings' most complete game of the season. The offensive juggernaut continued as nothing North Shore did with the ball could be stopped. Senior WR Michael Frahlich noted, "I think we had a great balance of running and passing the ball which gave us a lot of success. It opened many opportunities for a lot of different plays to be called offensively." Balance was certainly key to the Vikings' success, but not only on offense. Michael Floccari praised the balance in the team effort as a whole. "The offense played well, the defense played well, and the special teams performed well," he said. "Every phase of the game contributed to the win."
However, the win was a success for the Vikings in more than just a football sense. Marking the team's intangible victories, Senior Billy Frahlich stated, "We came together as a family for this game and really trusted each other. We all genuinely had a great time playing in the game, and we played for each other and wanted success for each other."
Playing as a family on the field, the Vikings fought their way together to a special win for the entire community.