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Saturday, September 5, 2015 by Aidan Joly
In Dakota Harvey’s return to Saratoga, he made sure that everyone know that his star play was back, too.
Saratoga defeated Bethlehem in their football home opener on Friday by a score of 42-0.
Harvey ran it to the house three times during the game, including a 43 yard touchdown run in the third quarter. He had previously played at Saratoga, but transferred to Albany Academy last year, and returned to Saratoga for his senior season.
“It feels good to be back. I’m really excited because my brothers and my family are here, so it feels good,” Harvey said of his return.
Saratoga set the tone for the game early on, scoring three times in the first 10 minutes of the game to make it 21-0 early.
Nick Kondo also made his return to the Blue Streaks after being out for all of last season due to an injury.
“It’s great having them back, they’re added weapons,” Saratoga head coach Terry Jones said of the return of two key players. “But we’ll be excited when we’re at full strength.”
Robert Haughton was also key to the win, including scoring a 95-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter.
The defense hung tough during the game, and was able to force many three-and-outs and turnovers on downs, including a first quarter interception by Nick Kondo that served as a score that shifted the momentum. It would lead to a touchdown pass by quarterback Brian Williams to Kondo from 41 yards out to make the score 21-0 in the first.
“Our defense was outstanding tonight,” Jones said. “That’s great, and it’s a complete team effort to shut people out, defensively.”
He added, “We had some young guys step up in their first start, and did a great job.”
The last of Harvey’s three rushing touchdowns for the night came with no time left on the clock in the third quarter, a 43-yard run on the first play after a punt return.
With the win in the season opener, Saratoga is now 1-0 on the season. They will be on the road for the next two weeks, taking on Colonie and Guilderland. The team will return home on September 25th to take on rival Shenendehowa in their second of only three home games this season. All games are at 7 p.m.
Aidan Joly covers school sports for The Lightning Rod.