it was tough looking down at the field trying to focus on our boys with all of the blue and gold kickin' around. Were it not for the mustard yellow coat of paint slapped on the Oneonta helmets, I'd have been left grasping at straws all evening to separate our guys from theirs.

The first half of action didn't do much to help me decipher the difference either. Both teams moved around pretty well, but were not doing much about putting points on the board. Not until Reynolds scampered into the end zone on a 49 yard break out carry with just under two minutes left in the first half did the ice begin to break off of the shoulders of our crew. Our typically explosive line had initially appeared to be feeling their way into this game, unsure of how the unorthodox Yellow Jacket offensive was moving. On both sides of the line, the boys began to remember that they are Maine-Endwell down-linemen and kicked it up a notch. Only then did it become clear the jersey color of the Class B beast. Our hat's off to the Yellow Jackets, who proved far tougher than their scouting report and who will definitely be a team to prepare rigorously for in future contests.

That being said, helmsman Tom Connolly was not going to be put down on his first varsity start. While passing under constant pressure proved difficult, the notoriously intense Connolly dug deep and played within himself to finish the game one step closer to becoming the polished quarterback that we know he is. Reverting back to fundamental footwork and quick back field movement, the engine of the Spartan ground assault began to fire. Before anyone knew what hit them the Spartans had posted another two touchdowns on the board with runs in by DuVall and Reynolds (his second of the night). By now the line was hitting the opposition with heart considerabley more pop.

Linemen Andrews, Gorham, DeVaul, and Scribner began to beat opposing Yellow Jackets off of the line and open holes for Reynolds and DuVall. Under their wing, Jedd Burdick recognized the that a well placed set of feet could win many battles and was efficient in his role after initial first quarter jitters. However, blocking like seasoned linemen were lanky tight ends John Connolly and Patrick Barrett. While we're typically mentioning these names in association with stellar aerial performances and long-yard completions, their skyward talents would not be a factor in this game. However, like the man who has lost his sight gains added efficiency in his hearing, Johnn Connolly and Pat Barrett utilized some of their other talents as most "5 tool" players are able to do. This night saw extra intensity at cornerback and on offensive blocking assignments from both players, as they share the same positions on both offense and defense.

Slow start or not, the Spartans commanded a 28 - 0 lead at the final two minute warning. After which, second liners manned the field to take a look at the action for themselves. Max Sinicki relieved Connolly at QB and displayed some "liquid smooth" of his own. Junior, Sinicki, standing 6' 2", moves like athlete with the ball and despite his inexperience as a varsity player has been in the position since the pee-wee's. His time as understudy to Connolly will prove invaluable to both himself, as well as the team in coming games, not to mention his senior season. Senior Chris Pero as well as juniors Nate Burgo, Ryan Urban, and strongman Colin McLean also turned in worthy efforts in their time on the field, while running backs Dillon Affatato and Kyle Carden returned to their skilled positions for a crack at an end zone visit. It was back-filler Isaiah Butler, however, who would make the most of his time in the sun, picking up fourteen yards on only two carries as a four back. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see the talents of these young men develop under Gallagher, Crooks, Frieser and Titus.

Development in both starters and backup's alike will be the key to the success of this team. While each starting veteran has a high level of skill in his respective position, injuries to any first team members will prove detrimental to the teams overall efficiency. The depth of this team will be the thing that fans can key in on as the season progresses. Either way, the Spartans remain the team to beat in this new division.

 

Tom Connolly Directs the play	The first team begins to gel as the momentum of the game picked up

 

Backup QB, Sinicki shows promise

 

Submitted by: TJM