So another Spartcat trophy match is concluded. As predicted, this year was a true battle between two great teams, but it was the Spartans who saw through the sheets of rain and splashing mud to place the deciding six points on the board. Another great end-zone pull down by Pat Barrett, amazingly, would seal the deal for the Spartans despite a brilliant rushing performance by JC tailback, Bryon Palmer. There was potential all over the field for great things to happen for both teams, but as is always the case, the only “truly” dominant opposition on this day was Mother Nature herself. This fact was driven home with a sledge hammer with each fumble or passing miscue. Turnovers would indeed be the tale of the day. What the rain did do was neutralize many of the weapons brought to the field by both teams. In fact, the only play that worked for either team were dives off-tackle or runs straight up the gut and even those yards came tough with the ball, forearms and jerseys caked thick with slick mud. The weather also clarified just how closely matched these two teams are when the numbers were tallied.

When all was said and done, Maine-Endwell had earned nine first downs. While it appeared that Palmer alone earned at least nine first downs by himself during the 4th quarter Wildcat “20 to 20” drive, they too completed the day with a total of only nine first downs. Maine-Endwell edged out the Cats total net yards by a whopping two, the Spartans earning 126 to the Wildcats 124. While Palmers personal rushing yards initially appear to have topped Reynolds as well as the remainder of the Spartan offensive backs, at closer inspection the numbers reveal that this stat was also a dead-heat. When averaged out, both Palmers 24 for 87 yard performance and Reynolds’ 18 for 64 yard effort equate to an average 3.5 yards per carry for both backs. Finally, in the air, Spalik lofted nine passes and was able to complete two of those for short yardage. He finished the game 2 of 9 for 7 yards and one interception. Connolly also had a tough time anchoring is foot for the passing game, attempting six passes and also completing two with one interception. The obvious difference here being the twenty yard touchdown completion to Barrett.

The scourge of the Wildcat offense was the field itself. For the cats to be successful their spring-footed skilled backs and receivers must be allowed to dig for cuts on a stable surface. This one, however, was more akin to chocolate frosting than turf. While Palmer seemed able to turn many broken plays into tidy earnings, he was unable to cut inside and shift into the next gear as he has done in so many previous games. All efforts by both teams to run the outside, as well as deep passing routes were thwarted by the conditions as well. Where there was an angle to be negotiated, failed footing was sure to follow. It is apparent that for Johnson City to capitalize on “their game,” they will need dry conditions.

However, to say that the field alone decided the outcome of this game is completely missing the mark. Maine-Endwell was able to stall all first-half drives and played as if undeterred by the JC offensive line.  It’s also tempting to speculate what “might” have happened had JC not fumbled the ball on the Spartan 20 in the fourth. However, if forced to play the “what if” game, JC fans would have to factor in the two occurrences in which the Spartans gave back the ball (fumbled), well within the Wildcat 15.

No, this was simply a tough-nosed, tough-luck game for both teams. Each team will now have the opportunity to wipe the mud from their eyes and focus on the next two weeks. If the Cats and the Spartans are able to best Norwich and Oneonta respectively, they will meet again on a much more forgiving field in Binghamton. It is only then that the undisputed champion will be declared.