Schuylerville’s Defense Comes Up Strong in 14-7 Win Vs. Glens Falls
BURNT HILLS – If ever you needed evidence that the playoffs are a ‘whole different ballgame,’ this contest will serve as proof.
Two high-powered offenses - undefeated Schuylerville and once-beaten (by Schuylerville) Glens Falls - met in a rematch to decide the Class B title. This time, defenses were prominent as the Schuylerville Black Horses captured their first Section II title since 2005 by a 14-7 score. Schuylerville (10-0) will advance to the State Class B quarterfinals in Ogdensburg on Saturday, November 14 against Malone’s Franklin Academy.
Unlike their first meeting, where Schuylerville put the game away early and rolled to a 33-0 victory on October 9, this match tested both offenses. Glens Falls had several good scoring opportunities down by the goal line in the second quarter, but the Black Horses’ defense consistently came up big. Two end-zone interceptions by Tanner Dunkel kept the Indians off the board, and the game scoreless at halftime.
Schuylerville finally broke through 7-0, on a 7-yard keeper by QB Will Griffen, who finished with a game-high 127 yards, with 11:14 to go in the third quarter. A key play to set up that score to begin the second half was a long runback by Zach Pierce.
Pierce later provided what proved to be the winning margin when he scooped up Griffen’s fumble and ran it in from 5 yards out, with 3 minutes left in the third, to give the Black Horses a 14-0 lead. A key on that drive was a fake punt by Griffen that went for a first down and eventually set up Schuylerville’s second score.
Glens Falls lone score came with just 2:16 to go in the game. The Black Horses’ Anthony Carpenter recovered their subsequent onside kick attempt, and Schuylerville was able to run out the clock to seal the victory.
