by Steve Bradley
Last Friday, the HFCS Panthers travelled to their home away from home, Stillwater H.S., to meet the Fonda Braves in Section II quarterfinal action. The weather was perfect for late season football, and the HF fans turned out in big numbers to support their team.
After HF kicked off to the Braves, the Braves made little progress and punted. On the first play from scrimmage, quarterback Billy Pine found Josh Brogue on a short pass route across the middle. Brogue turned on the afterburners and didn’t stop until he was in the end zone. One play … sixty-three yards … HF – 6, Fonda – 0.
In second quarter scoring, Pine ran for a one yard score, and a perfectly thrown Pine to Randy Tutunjian 32 yard TD play gave the Panthers a 20 – 0 lead at the half.
In second half action, Pine and Brad Burns each scored twice on running plays.
Fonda never threatened to score, a credit to the great Panther defense. The Panther D, led by defensive coach Chris Fleming, doesn’t give an inch without a fight. The constant battering wears an opposing team down, and Fonda was no exception.
The Panthers gained over 500 yards on offense. Billy Pine completed 10 of 14 passes for 219 yards (2 TDs), and ran for another 79 (3 TDs). Brad Burns romped for 194 yards on 24 carries (2 TDs). Randy Tutunjian had 102 receiving yards (1 TD), and Josh Brogue caught 3 (1 TD). On the defensive side of the ball, Grady Beck recorded 6 tackles and an interception. Brandon Hodges and Mike Mattat also chipped in 6 tackles. Beck was named the Max Preps Defensive Player of the Game.
This week, Friday, November 2, at 7 pm, the HF Panthers (9 – 0) return to Stillwater H.S. to take on the Chatham Panthers (9 – 0) in the Class C Super Bowl. There is a history between the teams as Hoosick Falls has kept Chatham from advancing toward a State title several times, and the Chatham team, alumni and fans are not at all happy about that. Chatham is looking to advance into next week’s regional game against the winner of the Section VII and X playoff game. Once again Hoosick Falls is standing in their way.
Stillwater is an easy 25 minute drive; take Route 67 to Stillwater, take a right at Stewart’s and up Route 4 about one mile. Parking and access is easy. Games are over around 9 so you’ll be able to stop and enjoy a Henderson’s pizza on the way home. This HF Panther team plays hard, with a take no prisoners attitude, but they play clean and with class. They are a great bunch of kids. Come on out and support them.