by Shari Hand
Coming off a week of rest following a Lake George forfeit, the HFCS Panther football team pulled out the big guns to shut out the Watervliet Cannoneers during last Friday’s Section II quarterfinal playoff match. The score was 42-0.
Prior to the kick of their final game on Ken Baker Field, seniors Mike Brewster, Steve Colvin, John Michael Crucetti, Garrett Foster, Adam Frazier, Ryan Hand, Chris Marshall, Connor Martin, Erick Mulready and Quinn Rasmus were recognized and presented flowers to their parents as a token of thanks for their support.
Following an errant snap that resulted in a fumble, the Panthers soon regained possession through an interception by junior Tanner Williams who ran 85 yards for a touchdown just 4:50 into the first quarter. Ryan Hyde rounded out the quarter with an interception that set up Brad Burns for a 25 yard touchdown bringing the score to 14-0 going into the second quarter.
Despite several fundamental mistakes, the Panthers continued to dominate play in the third quarter with a fumble recovery by Erick Mulready and a strong defensive effort that kept the Cannoneers from entering the end zone. Burns and junior Josh Mulready each added another tally to the scoreboard before Williams sealed the final score with 3:26 remaining in the third quarter.
The fourth quarter saw a great offensive effort by sophomore Logan Brogue who ran the ball just short of the goal line before the final whistle.
Erick Mulready went 6 for 6 through the uprights.
Coach Ron Jones praised his team’s efforts adding, “Our special teams are improving, and our offense is making big plays. But, our team has been rallying behind our defense on a weekly basis.
Our players take pride in stopping each play. Our hustle and desire to get to the opposing ball carrier has been outstanding. We have been making each team that we face work very hard for every play.”
The Panther’s will face the Fonda-Fultonville Braves in the Section II, Class C Semi-Finals at Stillwater on Saturday, October 30. Kick-off is at 7 pm.