Friday, September 25, 2015 by Aidan Joly Photos by Rachel Waldholz
Scroll down to the end of this post for photos from the game!
Highlights video by Anna Sorensen
Behind an offensive attack and multiple defensive stops, Saratoga was able to get a win in a rivalry game.
Saratoga varsity football defeated Shenendehowa on Friday night at Saratoga High School by a score of 40-14, improving their record to 4-0 this year.
Saratoga jumped out to an early 14-0 lead on an 11-yard touchdown run from quarterback Brian Williams and an 80-yard punt return from Ryan Manlapaz for a touchdown.
“I thought our kids played well, stepped up to the challenge.” Saratoga head coach Terry Jones said after the game.
Williams would go 10/13 for 128 yards and two passing touchdowns, as well as two rushing touchdowns.
“Even though I scored the points, everyone put into this win,” Williams said.
The Blue Streak defense made it tough for Shenendehowa to move the ball down the field, not allowing them to get on the board until late in the first half.
“Our defense has been coming up big all year long. They’ve played that way, they’ve played phenomenal defense all season.” Jones said.
It seemed as if Shenendehowa was beginning to make a comeback, as they scored early in the third quarter, but Saratoga’s defense was able to end it quickly.
The defense also stole the ball from the Plainsmen twice, forcing Shen quarterback Eric Morris to toss two interceptions—one to Brandon Hipsley and one to Ryan Manlapaz—with 2:03 remaining in the game. This was the final scoring in the game.
“You hate to see a score there because all of a sudden, the momentum changes, even though it’s late in the game,” Jones said of the late action.
After the win, Saratoga is now 4-0 on the season, in one of their best starts in recent memory. They will take on Albany next Friday at UAlbany at 7pm, and then will be back home for the final regular season home game on October 16, as they take on Ballston Spa in the 2015 homecoming game. That game will also be at 7pm.
Aidan Joly is a sophomore covering sports for the The Lightning Rod.
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