by Steve Bradley
What a game – two 10-0, evenly matched Section champions meeting to determine who would be the Northeast region winner and continue into the State semifinals – two bleachers full of great fans loudly cheering their team – cool air and a warm sun – Hoosick Falls native Doug McCabe up in the booth announcing the game for the opposing team – Hoosick Falls linebacker Mike Mattat playing against his cousin Jonathan McCabe. Late fall football doesn’t get any better than this.
[private]The Panthers hopped on an early morning bus and made their way up to Ausable Valley High School, in the Plattsburg area, to take on the Section VII-X champion Saranac Lake Red Storm. There was a healthy respect for each other’s programs and some familiarity through recent championship games.
Saranac Lake kicked off to the Panthers to start the game. The Panthers ripped off about 60 yards of offense on their first two plays, getting deep into SL territory. These two plays would be first half offensive highlights for the Panthers. On the next play, a fumble turned the ball over to SL. SL began moving the ball slowly but surely, and at the 10:30 mark of the second quarter, they pushed the ball across the goal line for a six point lead. It stayed at six after the PAT kick was missed. At halftime, the Panthers, for the first time all year, were scoreless, and worse, trailing. Brad Burns gained just 31 first half yards.
Halftime was the best thing that happened to the Panthers. At the half, they made adjustments. They kept their quiet confidence. There was no panic. After the half, things changed. They got down to business. The defense started stopping SL running plays for losses. The offensive line started pushing people backwards, and Burns started seeing larger holes in front of him. Going with a use what got you here philosophy, Burns became a workhorse. You could feel the momentum drift from the red side to the blue side of the field.
Burns crossed the goal line on a 4 yard run with just over a minute left in the third quarter. After the PAT kick was missed, the score was tied at 6. Panther history shows that missed PATs can be haunting.
The Red Storm came right back with a nice 75 yard drive of their own, ending with the quarterback scoring on a 18 yard run up the middle. After a missed PAT try, the scoreboard read SL 12 – HF 6. The Panthers trailed again.
HF got the ball on the kickoff and moved down to the SL 15 yard line. The crowd, with each side encouraging their team, was so loud that on-field players had trouble hearing plays being called from the sideline. From the 15, Burns took it to pay dirt. Tie score, 12-12. Eric Kaufmann, who misfired on his first attempt, kicked the ball between the posts for a Panther lead of 13-12. About this time, news came through that boys and girls soccer had won. There was great joy throughout Pantherland.
The Panthers kicked off to SL. A Red Storm player gathered the kick in and started upfield. He got to the SL 18 where he was hit and fumbled the ball. Brandon Hodges was in the right place at the right time and pulled it in for a HF possession. First down at the SL 20 yard line. Eight plays and a good chunk of time off the clock later, Burns went in from 5 yards out giving the Panthers a 19-12 lead. Damon Dubois topped it off with a PAT kick for a 20-12 lead. The Red Storm never threatened from there, giving the Panthers a hard fought victory.
The Panthers held SL to 36 second half rushing yards, while Burns ran for 114. HF threw three passes in the last 24 minutes. It was a come from behind, twice, victory. A good confidence builder. Brad Burns (offense) and Austin Pitt (defense) received the Max Preps Players of the Game.
Panther opponents aren’t going to get any easier. This Saturday, November 17, at 11 am, the Panthers (11-0, Max Preps NYS Class C rank – 3) will head down the Thruway to play the O’Neill High School Raiders (9-2). The Raiders defeated Woodlands High School 35 -18 in a upset last Saturday. The game will be held at Dietz Stadium in Kingston. This State semi-final game will determine the eastern representative for the Syracuse Dome State Championship game. Max Preps NYS Class C number 1 ranked Hornell and number 2 ranked Chenango Forks play each other Saturday to determine the western representative.
To reach Dietz Stadium, take 787 south to (Route 87) Thruway Exit 23. Go south on the Thruway and exit at Exit 19 (50.6 miles, toll $2.40). After the toll booth, continue straight, then across the traffic circle onto Washington Avenue. Once on Washington Avenue, go across a bridge, past the Holiday Inn, then past the Bank of America building on the corner of Washington and Hurley Avenue. After the intersection there is a TD Bank. The stadium is behind the TD Bank building.
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