by Steve Bradley
In a dominating performance, the Hoosick Falls Panthers scored less than one minute into the game and just kept on trucking from there.
Quarterback Garrett Wright ran for two scores and passed for 230 yards and two more TDs, with no interceptions, as the #1 seeded HF Panthers continued their quest to play in the State championship game at the Syracuse Carrier Dome. It was a total team effort as the Panthers’ defense did its part by stopping Chatham when they threatened.
Wright scored on a two yard dive in the first minute after a drive that began at midfield. A Wright to Austin Pitt 36 yard reception quickly put the ball on the two yard line, setting up the score. Later in the first quarter, Pitt carried the ball in from the eight yard line. Damon Dubois booted the extra points on both scores, and, at the end of one quarter, the Panthers held a 14 – 0 lead.
In second quarter action, the Panthers tacked on 14 more points. Wright ran in from 12 yards out for a score, and Colby Davendonis took a five yard screen pass from Wright and threaded his way to the end zone for a 55 yard score.
Chatham did get into Panther territory twice in the first half. On one of these possessions, Chatham worked its way inside the 10, only to have no gain rushes and incomplete passes run them out of downs at the three yard line. This defensive stand was especially demoralizing for Chatham because Hoosick Falls took possession at their own three yard line and proceeded to march the length of the field for a score.
At the break Hoosick Falls led 28 – 0.
After the half, the Panthers put two scores in the books. In the third quarter, Wright tossed a beautiful, touch pass between defenders to tight end Mark Hackett. Hackett caught the pass in full stride and kept going until he crossed the goal line. Davendonis capped the evening’s scoring with a third quarter 12 yard run.
Wright, who went over 1,000 yards passing for the season on this night, was named Overall Player of the Game. Pitt was named Offensive Player of the Game, and Shayne Richard Defensive Player of the Game.
Corinth Is Next Up
Next week, the Panthers will once again play Corinth. The game will be at Stillwater High on Saturday, November 1. The scheduled start time is 1 pm. Hoosick Falls defeated Corinth earlier this season, 30 – 7.