By ANTHONY BOTTAN
That's why Coach Schiavo brought his players to St. Mary's Children's Hospital in Queens a few times this year, hoping they could make some of the hospital's patients forget their problems and induce a smile, even if it were only for a few hours.
They did, and to show their appreciation, five kids from St. Mary's came down to the Spartan's Saturday match-up against the Oyster Bay Baymen. "I wanted to teach them to give of themselves," Schiavo said of his players. "That is the most valuable lesson they will learn."
The five kids who were in attendance at Saturday's game were made honorary captains for the day and were brought out to the 50-yard line for the coin toss. Schiavo said the kids had a good time at the game, and his players got fired up by their presence. When his team has a lead, Schiavo said he likes to get all his players into the game. Usually, he said, the other team scores when he pulls his starters. But this time, everyone played at the top of their game, and the Spartans posted their first shutout in years, with a 27-0 win. "I hope they take a lot from it," Schiavo said. "They need to be appreciative for what they have, and know that they can make a difference."
Spartan quarterback Eric Lavin said this weekend was one he will never forget. "Seeing how happy it made them when we won, it was a great feeling," Lavin said. "We had something to play for. It wasn't just us; it was us and the St. Mary's kids. We won it for them. I'll keep that day with me my whole life."
In the game, the Spartans rebounded from a season-opening loss to defending Conference IV champion Seaford with a well-balanced effort against Oyster Bay. Their defense forced two turnovers and recorded four sacks, and Lavin passed for 156 yards and two scores, and ran for another. Ryan Kenny's 36-yard touchdown grab opened the scoring 2:13 into the game, and Lavin added a 2-yard touchdown run late in the first quarter. Tom Sison had a 49-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter, and James Betz capped the victory with a 10-yard scoring run in the third.
Tony Bellissimo contributed to this story. Comment on this story? ABottan@liherald.com or (516)569-4000 ext. 246.
