Troy High's women's volleyball team lost their season finale, 3-0, to Bethlehem on Monday night. Tomorrow, they'll have a sectional match on the road at South Glens Falls, with a 5 pm start. Also on Friday, the women's swimming & diving team will face a still-unnamed opponent or opponents at Emma Willard.
However, most of Troy High Nation's attention will be on Picken Field, as the football team will seek to advance to the Class A Super Bowl against Ballston Spa. The Scotties are seeking revenge for a defeat at the hands of Bob Burns' Flying Horses, also at Picken Field, two years ago, when the two schools were in Class AA, and Ballston Spa ended up as roadkill en route to the state title. The winner of this game will face the winner of Queensbury's rematch vs. Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake, taking place Saturday, in the Super Bowl, set for no later than November 9 at Shenendehowa.
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Saratoga Race Course is planning on a 5 day a week schedule for 2020. Apparently, the extra day off didn't hurt them as much in the bottom line as you'd think. Now, if only the weather would cooperate....
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Former LaSalle multi-sport star Joe Germinerio, Jr. is coming home, and bringing his Ithaca teammates with him.
Ithaca has games the next two weekends vs. Union (brother John likely will see some action) and RPI, the latter of which likely will air on RPI TV (available on YouTube as well as on RPI's website). Germinerio transferred, you'll recall, from Brockport to Ithaca after last season, and you can bet that the game at RPI will have more fans in attendance than normal, likely LaSalle alumni and family friends. Stay tuned.
Thursday, October 31, 2019
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
An Empire's sudden fall?
More than two months after winning ArenaBowl, the Albany Empire, and the rest of the Arena Football League, for that matter, have been shut down due to a lawsuit stemming from some earlier issues that predate the Empire's existence.
Following is an official statement from the league:
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20 years ago, the Albany Firebirds moved out of town after winning ArenaBowl. This time, it's not the same, as explained above, but for local fans, it does feel like deja vu. A very bad deja vu.
Following is an official statement from the league:
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20 years ago, the Albany Firebirds moved out of town after winning ArenaBowl. This time, it's not the same, as explained above, but for local fans, it does feel like deja vu. A very bad deja vu.
Monday, October 28, 2019
A broken chain of tiebreakers
"When you think you've got all the answers, I change the questions!"--Roddy Piper.
The late wrestler-actor's boastful quote goes back some 35 years, but it certainly applies to Section II football.
We told you how there was a four way tie for 3rd overall in Class AA after Friday's action. Instead of a traditional head-to-head tiebreaker, Section II suits opted to use the quarter points system to decide the 3rd & 4th place finishers in the league.
On Friday, CBA beat Guilderland, and leapfrogged past the Dutchmen and Bethlehem to claim third place and a date with Shenendehowa, while Guilderland will have a rematch with top seeded Shaker. That means CBA won't have its usual Battle For The Sabre with LaSalle after all. I'm pretty sure Bethlehem supporters feel the Eagles were screwed because they beat CBA earlier this season.
Common sense tells us the chain of head-to-head tiebreakers would have Guilderland playing Shen, and Bethlehem at Shaker. CBA had to have racked up enough quarter points to move up in beating the Dutchmen. But, as outlined on Saturday, Guilderland played their entire schedule inside the league, with no non-league opponents, contrary to the rest of the league.
None of that matters to the Section II football committee. By the end of business on Friday, it won't matter anyway, unless CBA upsets Shen, which would further upset the applecart. Bear in mind, though, that many of the players also play basketball, which should make for some interesting storylines in the Suburban Council come December.
The late wrestler-actor's boastful quote goes back some 35 years, but it certainly applies to Section II football.
We told you how there was a four way tie for 3rd overall in Class AA after Friday's action. Instead of a traditional head-to-head tiebreaker, Section II suits opted to use the quarter points system to decide the 3rd & 4th place finishers in the league.
On Friday, CBA beat Guilderland, and leapfrogged past the Dutchmen and Bethlehem to claim third place and a date with Shenendehowa, while Guilderland will have a rematch with top seeded Shaker. That means CBA won't have its usual Battle For The Sabre with LaSalle after all. I'm pretty sure Bethlehem supporters feel the Eagles were screwed because they beat CBA earlier this season.
Common sense tells us the chain of head-to-head tiebreakers would have Guilderland playing Shen, and Bethlehem at Shaker. CBA had to have racked up enough quarter points to move up in beating the Dutchmen. But, as outlined on Saturday, Guilderland played their entire schedule inside the league, with no non-league opponents, contrary to the rest of the league.
None of that matters to the Section II football committee. By the end of business on Friday, it won't matter anyway, unless CBA upsets Shen, which would further upset the applecart. Bear in mind, though, that many of the players also play basketball, which should make for some interesting storylines in the Suburban Council come December.
Saturday, October 26, 2019
News & notes
It's not a misprint this time.
Last year, an editing error on the Albany Times-Union website led folks to think Lansingburgh had won a game over Colonial Council newcomer Mohonasen, a Class A school, but the result was posted backward. Mohon won that game, and 'Burgh ended the season 0-8.
Not this time.
Lansingburgh ended the season on a winning note Friday, blowing out another Colonial Council foe, Ichabod Crane, 48-6, to go 1-7 on the season. Maybe there is hope on the north side still.
===================================
Following are the updated Class AA standings after play last night:
Figuring who goes to the Class AA Super Bowl in 2 weeks isn't that hard. Everyone assumes Shaker & Shen, who met earlier this season, will have their rematch, and if the rumors are true, it'll be on a field where neither has had any success lately, that being Picken Field at Troy High.
Last year, an editing error on the Albany Times-Union website led folks to think Lansingburgh had won a game over Colonial Council newcomer Mohonasen, a Class A school, but the result was posted backward. Mohon won that game, and 'Burgh ended the season 0-8.
Not this time.
Lansingburgh ended the season on a winning note Friday, blowing out another Colonial Council foe, Ichabod Crane, 48-6, to go 1-7 on the season. Maybe there is hope on the north side still.
===================================
Following are the updated Class AA standings after play last night:
Conference: Class AA
| Conference | Overall | ||||||||
| Team | W | L | T | PCT | W | L | T | PCT | |
| Shaker | 7 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 | |
| Shenendehowa | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0.857 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0.875 | |
| Guilderland | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0.625 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0.625 | |
| Bethlehem | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0.571 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0.625 | |
| CBA | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0.571 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0.625 | |
| Schenectady | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0.571 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0.625 | |
| Colonie | 1 | 6 | 0 | 0.143 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 0.125 | |
| Saratoga Springs | 1 | 6 | 0 | 0.143 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 0.125 | |
| Niskayuna | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0.000 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0.000 | |
Niskayuna closes their season today at Albany, so one of those teams will salvage their season.
The story, though, is the knot among Guilderland, Bethlehem, CBA, & Schenectady. All four teams have the same identical overall records. The difference that enables Guilderland to claim the #3 seed and a rematch with Shenendehowa is that they, unlike their brethren in the conference, didn't play a non-league game. As it is, they own the tie-breaker over Bethlehem. Likewise, Bethlehem gets the nod over CBA, and will get a rematch with Shaker next Friday.
This four way knot for 3rd overall results from Guilderland losing their finale to CBA, and Schenectady beating Bethlehem, 36-29.
Figuring who goes to the Class AA Super Bowl in 2 weeks isn't that hard. Everyone assumes Shaker & Shen, who met earlier this season, will have their rematch, and if the rumors are true, it'll be on a field where neither has had any success lately, that being Picken Field at Troy High.
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Speaking of Troy, former stars Dev Holmes & Joe Casale were in the house for Troy's 48-13 pasting of Scotia last night. UAlbany has the week off, but no one is sure of what Holmes' next move is after leaving the Great Danes earlier this season.
Friday, October 25, 2019
High School Fridays: Tonight's menu includes Tartan sauce (Scotia @ Troy, 10/25/19)
Last year, Troy High nearly let a first round playoff game slip through their fingers against Scotia, but the defense came to the rescue to preserve a 14-7 win.
After blowing out Albany last week, the message was clear. That was then, this is now, and Troy wasn't taking any prisoners in the rematch.
The Tartans won the toss, and elected to receive. However, on the first play from scrimmage, Jason Carusone felt like he was on a carousel, as he fumbled, and Troy was in business. Just two plays later, Xavier Leigh raced 22 yards into the end zone. However, Jonah Griswold's extra point failed, and Troy led, 6-0, just 65 seconds into the game.
Roughly four minutes later, Leigh struck again, this time from 3 yards out. The two point conversion failed, leaving the score at 12-0 after the first quarter. Two minutes and change into the second quarter, and Leigh had the hat trick, again from 3 yards out. Again, the two point conversion failed, making it 18-0.
Scotia finally had a sustained drive on the ensuing possession, ending with David Fresoni hitting Cole Holstein with a 10 yard touchdown pass. Troy coach Bob Burns had to have had a cow over the defensive lapses on the drive. Shaun Lawrence added the extra point to trim the lead to 18-7.
Unfortunately for the Tartans, there was no time to savor the moment. Leigh saw to that on the very next play from scrimmage, going 67 yards for his fourth touchdown. Alex Wolfe finally converted a 2 point conversion with a pass to Makai Cruel.
Just over three minutes later, after Cruel picked off Fresoni, Wolfe took it in himself, and added a 2 point conversion on another keeper, giving Troy a 34-7 lead at halftime.
The third quarter began the same way the first half did, with a lightning fast Troy score. Wolfe connected with Nasir Soto for 61 yards to put the game away. Griswold added the extra point to make it 41-7.
Not long after, it began raining. Not a heavy downpour, but something light, just above drizzle. Jack Armstrong took over at quarterback for Scotia and led a touchdown drive to make it 41-13 after a failed extra point. Avvon Smith put a bow on it with a 15 yard run to make the final score 48-13.
Up next for Troy will be Ballston Spa, which eliminated Amsterdam, 35-12. Burnt Hills sent Averill Park packing, 17-7. The Warriors end the season having lost three of their last four to finish at 5-3 overall. The final semifinal berth will be decided tomorrow when LaSalle plays at Queensbury.
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Troy's soccer season is over, as the women were shut out by Queensbury, 4-0, earlier today. Justin Haviland's club finishes 3-14 overall (2-11 in the Suburban Council).
After blowing out Albany last week, the message was clear. That was then, this is now, and Troy wasn't taking any prisoners in the rematch.
The Tartans won the toss, and elected to receive. However, on the first play from scrimmage, Jason Carusone felt like he was on a carousel, as he fumbled, and Troy was in business. Just two plays later, Xavier Leigh raced 22 yards into the end zone. However, Jonah Griswold's extra point failed, and Troy led, 6-0, just 65 seconds into the game.
Roughly four minutes later, Leigh struck again, this time from 3 yards out. The two point conversion failed, leaving the score at 12-0 after the first quarter. Two minutes and change into the second quarter, and Leigh had the hat trick, again from 3 yards out. Again, the two point conversion failed, making it 18-0.
Scotia finally had a sustained drive on the ensuing possession, ending with David Fresoni hitting Cole Holstein with a 10 yard touchdown pass. Troy coach Bob Burns had to have had a cow over the defensive lapses on the drive. Shaun Lawrence added the extra point to trim the lead to 18-7.
Unfortunately for the Tartans, there was no time to savor the moment. Leigh saw to that on the very next play from scrimmage, going 67 yards for his fourth touchdown. Alex Wolfe finally converted a 2 point conversion with a pass to Makai Cruel.
Just over three minutes later, after Cruel picked off Fresoni, Wolfe took it in himself, and added a 2 point conversion on another keeper, giving Troy a 34-7 lead at halftime.
The third quarter began the same way the first half did, with a lightning fast Troy score. Wolfe connected with Nasir Soto for 61 yards to put the game away. Griswold added the extra point to make it 41-7.
Not long after, it began raining. Not a heavy downpour, but something light, just above drizzle. Jack Armstrong took over at quarterback for Scotia and led a touchdown drive to make it 41-13 after a failed extra point. Avvon Smith put a bow on it with a 15 yard run to make the final score 48-13.
Up next for Troy will be Ballston Spa, which eliminated Amsterdam, 35-12. Burnt Hills sent Averill Park packing, 17-7. The Warriors end the season having lost three of their last four to finish at 5-3 overall. The final semifinal berth will be decided tomorrow when LaSalle plays at Queensbury.
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Troy's soccer season is over, as the women were shut out by Queensbury, 4-0, earlier today. Justin Haviland's club finishes 3-14 overall (2-11 in the Suburban Council).
Section 2 soccer sectionals update
Courtesy of Capital Region Soccer, we are up to date on the Section 2 boys' soccer tournaments in all five classes.
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Class AA (all games set for Saturday=highest remaining seeds are the home teams):
Saratoga @ CBA, 2 pm.
Schenectady @ Bethlehem, 1 pm.
Ballston Spa @ Shenendehowa, 7 pm.
Shaker @ Albany, 6:30 pm.
Winners advance to the semi-finals at LaSalle on Halloween, with the finals at Colonie on November 4.
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Class A (all games are today):
Hudson Falls @ Queensbury, 3 pm.
Mohonasen @ Albany Academy, 5 pm.
Averill Park @ Burnt Hills, 3 pm.
South Glens Falls @ Scotia-Glenville, 6 pm.
Semi-finals will be Tuesday at LaSalle, with the title game at Colonie on November 2.
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Class B (all games are on Saturday at 3 pm):
Greenwich @ Ichabod Crane.
Tamarac @ Cobleskill-Richmondville.
Schuylerville @ Greenville.
Mechanicville @ Hudson.
Winners advance to the semi-finals at Mohonasen on Wednesday, with the finals at Colonie on November 2.
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Class C (all games on Saturday at 3 pm.):
Schoharie @ Voorheesville.
Waterford @ Galway.
Stillwater @ Maple Hill.
Lake George @ Mayfield.
Winners advance to the semi-finals at Gloversville on Wednesday, with the finals at Colonie on November 2.
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Class D ( all games take place today):
Hartford @ Fort Ann, 2 pm.
Saratoga Catholic @ Northville, 3 pm.
Germantown vs. Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville at Gloversville, 3 pm.
Loudonville Christian @ North Warren, 3pm.
Winners advance to the semi-finals at Mohonasen on Tuesday, with the finals at Colonie on November 2.
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Now, for the ladies, with schedule information courtesy of the Albany Times-Union:
Class AA (all games take place Saturday at 3 pm):
Columbia @ Bethlehem.
Guilderland @ Shaker.
Ballston Spa @ Shenendehowa.
Saratoga @ Niskayuna.
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Class A (all games take place today):
Lansingburgh @ Mohonasen, 6:30 pm.
Scotia-Glenville @ Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake, 3 pm.
South Glens Falls @ Averill Park, 3 pm.
Troy @ Queensbury, 3 pm.
Winners advance to the semi-finals at Mechanicville on Monday.
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Class B (all games are scheduled for Saturday, with times to be announced):
Broadalbin-Perth @ Schalmont.
Schuylerville @ Cohoes.
Greenville @ Holy Names.
Johnstown @ Mechanicville.
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Class C (first round games will be played today at 3 pm):
Galway @ Stillwater.
Chatham @ Duanesburg.
Waterford @ Cambridge.
Mayfield @ Lake George.
Rensselaer @ Schoharie.
Hoosic Valley @ Maple Hill.
Canajoharie @ Bolton-Warrensburg.
Berne-Knox-Westerlo @ Voorheesville.
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Class D (all games will be played on Monday at 3 pm.
Saratoga Catholic @ New Lebanon.
Germantown @ Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville.
Whitehall @ Fort Ann.
Mekeel Christian Academy @ Northville.
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Class AA (all games set for Saturday=highest remaining seeds are the home teams):
Saratoga @ CBA, 2 pm.
Schenectady @ Bethlehem, 1 pm.
Ballston Spa @ Shenendehowa, 7 pm.
Shaker @ Albany, 6:30 pm.
Winners advance to the semi-finals at LaSalle on Halloween, with the finals at Colonie on November 4.
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Class A (all games are today):
Hudson Falls @ Queensbury, 3 pm.
Mohonasen @ Albany Academy, 5 pm.
Averill Park @ Burnt Hills, 3 pm.
South Glens Falls @ Scotia-Glenville, 6 pm.
Semi-finals will be Tuesday at LaSalle, with the title game at Colonie on November 2.
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Class B (all games are on Saturday at 3 pm):
Greenwich @ Ichabod Crane.
Tamarac @ Cobleskill-Richmondville.
Schuylerville @ Greenville.
Mechanicville @ Hudson.
Winners advance to the semi-finals at Mohonasen on Wednesday, with the finals at Colonie on November 2.
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Class C (all games on Saturday at 3 pm.):
Schoharie @ Voorheesville.
Waterford @ Galway.
Stillwater @ Maple Hill.
Lake George @ Mayfield.
Winners advance to the semi-finals at Gloversville on Wednesday, with the finals at Colonie on November 2.
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Class D ( all games take place today):
Hartford @ Fort Ann, 2 pm.
Saratoga Catholic @ Northville, 3 pm.
Germantown vs. Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville at Gloversville, 3 pm.
Loudonville Christian @ North Warren, 3pm.
Winners advance to the semi-finals at Mohonasen on Tuesday, with the finals at Colonie on November 2.
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Now, for the ladies, with schedule information courtesy of the Albany Times-Union:
Class AA (all games take place Saturday at 3 pm):
Columbia @ Bethlehem.
Guilderland @ Shaker.
Ballston Spa @ Shenendehowa.
Saratoga @ Niskayuna.
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Class A (all games take place today):
Lansingburgh @ Mohonasen, 6:30 pm.
Scotia-Glenville @ Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake, 3 pm.
South Glens Falls @ Averill Park, 3 pm.
Troy @ Queensbury, 3 pm.
Winners advance to the semi-finals at Mechanicville on Monday.
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Class B (all games are scheduled for Saturday, with times to be announced):
Broadalbin-Perth @ Schalmont.
Schuylerville @ Cohoes.
Greenville @ Holy Names.
Johnstown @ Mechanicville.
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Class C (first round games will be played today at 3 pm):
Galway @ Stillwater.
Chatham @ Duanesburg.
Waterford @ Cambridge.
Mayfield @ Lake George.
Rensselaer @ Schoharie.
Hoosic Valley @ Maple Hill.
Canajoharie @ Bolton-Warrensburg.
Berne-Knox-Westerlo @ Voorheesville.
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Class D (all games will be played on Monday at 3 pm.
Saratoga Catholic @ New Lebanon.
Germantown @ Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville.
Whitehall @ Fort Ann.
Mekeel Christian Academy @ Northville.
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Section 2 football pairings & preview
Courtesy of the Albany Times-Union, here are the pairings for the football playoffs, which begin tomorrow. We've already discussed Class A.
CLASS A
4G-Scotia (4-3) at 1C-Troy (6-1), 7 p.m. Friday
3C-Amsterdam (5-2) at 2G-Ballston Spa (5-2), 7 p.m. Friday
4C-La Salle (4-3) at 1G-Queensbury (7-0), 1:30 p.m. Saturday
3G-Burnt Hills (4-3) at 2C-Averill Park (5-2), 7 p.m. Friday
CLASS B
R4-Hudson (3-4) at 1N-Glens Falls (7-0), 1:30 p.m. Saturday
N3-Broadalbin-Perth (4-3) at R2-Holy Trinity (6-1), 1 p.m. Saturday
N4-Hudson Falls (2-5) at 1R-Schalmont (5-2), 7 p.m. Friday
R3-Cobleskill (4-3) at N2-Schuylerville (6-1), 7 p.m. Friday
CLASS C
8-Granville (5-2) at 1-Stillwater (7-0), 7 p.m. Friday
5-Greenwich (6-1) at 4-Fonda (6-1), 7 p.m. Friday
6-Tamarac (5-2) at 3-Watervliet (5-2), 7 p.m. Friday
7-Voorheesville (5-2) at 2-Cambridge/Salem (6-1), 1:30 p.m. Saturday
CLASS D (WEEK 9)
NOV. 2
(both games at Schuylerville)
4-Helderberg Valley (2-5) vs. 1-Warrensburg (6-1), 1 p.m.
3-Whitehall (4-3) vs. 2-Chatham (5-2), 7 p.m.
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Predictions for Classes B-D:
B:
Glens Falls over Hudson.
Holy Trinity over Broadalbin-Perth.
Schalmont over Hudson Falls, setting up a rematch of last week's upset of Holy Trinity.
Schuylerville over Cobleskill-Richmondville.
Looking ahead: I see Glens Falls vs. Holy Trinity in the Super Bowl.
C:
Stillwater over Granville.
Fonda over Greenwich.
Watervliet over Tamarac.
Cambridge-Salem over Voorheesville.
Looking ahead: I see Cambridge-Salem vs. Stillwater in the Super Bowl.
D:
Warrensburg over Helderberg Valley.
Whitehall over Chatham in an upset.
Looking ahead in Class A, based on earlier predictions: Look for Troy & Queensbury to meet in the Super Bowl at Shenendehowa.
Class AA predictions next week.
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Troy High's soccer season is almost over.
Troy's men's team fell in a penalty kick shootout to Hudson Falls after a 1-1 draw in regulation and overtime on Wednesday night at Picken Field. Hudson Falls avenges a season-opening loss to the Flying Horses, who finish the season 3-12-2 (2-10-2 in the Suburban Council) overall.
We'll have an update on the soccer sectionals later.
CLASS A
4G-Scotia (4-3) at 1C-Troy (6-1), 7 p.m. Friday
3C-Amsterdam (5-2) at 2G-Ballston Spa (5-2), 7 p.m. Friday
4C-La Salle (4-3) at 1G-Queensbury (7-0), 1:30 p.m. Saturday
3G-Burnt Hills (4-3) at 2C-Averill Park (5-2), 7 p.m. Friday
CLASS B
R4-Hudson (3-4) at 1N-Glens Falls (7-0), 1:30 p.m. Saturday
N3-Broadalbin-Perth (4-3) at R2-Holy Trinity (6-1), 1 p.m. Saturday
N4-Hudson Falls (2-5) at 1R-Schalmont (5-2), 7 p.m. Friday
R3-Cobleskill (4-3) at N2-Schuylerville (6-1), 7 p.m. Friday
CLASS C
8-Granville (5-2) at 1-Stillwater (7-0), 7 p.m. Friday
5-Greenwich (6-1) at 4-Fonda (6-1), 7 p.m. Friday
6-Tamarac (5-2) at 3-Watervliet (5-2), 7 p.m. Friday
7-Voorheesville (5-2) at 2-Cambridge/Salem (6-1), 1:30 p.m. Saturday
CLASS D (WEEK 9)
NOV. 2
(both games at Schuylerville)
4-Helderberg Valley (2-5) vs. 1-Warrensburg (6-1), 1 p.m.
3-Whitehall (4-3) vs. 2-Chatham (5-2), 7 p.m.
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Predictions for Classes B-D:
B:
Glens Falls over Hudson.
Holy Trinity over Broadalbin-Perth.
Schalmont over Hudson Falls, setting up a rematch of last week's upset of Holy Trinity.
Schuylerville over Cobleskill-Richmondville.
Looking ahead: I see Glens Falls vs. Holy Trinity in the Super Bowl.
C:
Stillwater over Granville.
Fonda over Greenwich.
Watervliet over Tamarac.
Cambridge-Salem over Voorheesville.
Looking ahead: I see Cambridge-Salem vs. Stillwater in the Super Bowl.
D:
Warrensburg over Helderberg Valley.
Whitehall over Chatham in an upset.
Looking ahead in Class A, based on earlier predictions: Look for Troy & Queensbury to meet in the Super Bowl at Shenendehowa.
Class AA predictions next week.
==========================================
Troy High's soccer season is almost over.
Troy's men's team fell in a penalty kick shootout to Hudson Falls after a 1-1 draw in regulation and overtime on Wednesday night at Picken Field. Hudson Falls avenges a season-opening loss to the Flying Horses, who finish the season 3-12-2 (2-10-2 in the Suburban Council) overall.
We'll have an update on the soccer sectionals later.
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
2019 Class A men's soccer brackets
The soccer sectionals began with play-in games on Tuesday. For now, here's the Class A bracket, courtesy of the Albany Times-Union:
CLASS A BOYS’ SOCCER SECTIONALS
FIRST ROUND GAMES
WEDNESDAY
10-Gloversville at 7-Scotia, 7 p.m.
9-Hudson Falls at 8-Troy, 6 p.m.
FIRST ROUND GAMES
WEDNESDAY
10-Gloversville at 7-Scotia, 7 p.m.
9-Hudson Falls at 8-Troy, 6 p.m.
QUARTERFINALS
FRIDAY
Hudson Falls/Troy winner at 1-Queensbury, 3 p.m.
5-Albany Academy at 4-Mohonasen, 5 p.m.
6-Averill Park at 3-Burnt Hills, 3 p.m.
Gloversville/Scotia winner at 2-South Glens Falls, 3 p.m.
FRIDAY
Hudson Falls/Troy winner at 1-Queensbury, 3 p.m.
5-Albany Academy at 4-Mohonasen, 5 p.m.
6-Averill Park at 3-Burnt Hills, 3 p.m.
Gloversville/Scotia winner at 2-South Glens Falls, 3 p.m.
SEMIFINALS
OCT. 29
at La Salle, 5 and 7 p.m.
OCT. 29
at La Salle, 5 and 7 p.m.
FINAL
NOV. 2
at Colonie, 11 a.m.
NOV. 2
at Colonie, 11 a.m.
It just so happens that, as reported yesterday, the Troy women open their sectional play at Queensbury, also on Friday. Which is probably when soccer season at Troy comes to an end.
We'll have the rest of the brackets up tomorrow, plus Class B & C football previews.
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Troy High news & notes
Soccer sectionals take place this week, and for Troy High, there is the prospect that one or both of their squads could go one-&-done.
The women are off until Friday, when they go on the road to play Queensbury. Justin Haviland's club finished the regular season having lost 8 of their last 9, the lone win a non-league victory over Hoosic Valley in that stretch. Their record stands at 1-13 in the Suburban Council, 2-15 overall. Despite the losing record, as noted yesterday, senior stars Abby Burns & Maddie Rifenberick were named first team league all-stars.
The men, meanwhile, will have a rematch of their season opener vs. Hudson Falls tomorrow night at Picken Field. The Flying Horses beat Hudson Falls back in August to start the season, and finished the regular season 2-11-2 in the league, 3-12-2 overall.
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Troy will host an exhibition basketball game featuring the Harlem Rockets, a comedy hoops team in the mold of the better known Harlem Globetrotters, taking on a team comprised of faculty and students. The charity game takes place October 30 at Zotto Gym. Tickets are $5, and will be available at the door.
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Troy's women's swim team will wrap their season tomorrow, hoping to avoid another winless campaign. The swimmers are 0-8 headed into the pool on Wednesday. Golf & women's tennis seasons are over, with swimming and soccer soon to follow. Troy, of course, is hoping their football team can play deep into November again.
The women are off until Friday, when they go on the road to play Queensbury. Justin Haviland's club finished the regular season having lost 8 of their last 9, the lone win a non-league victory over Hoosic Valley in that stretch. Their record stands at 1-13 in the Suburban Council, 2-15 overall. Despite the losing record, as noted yesterday, senior stars Abby Burns & Maddie Rifenberick were named first team league all-stars.
The men, meanwhile, will have a rematch of their season opener vs. Hudson Falls tomorrow night at Picken Field. The Flying Horses beat Hudson Falls back in August to start the season, and finished the regular season 2-11-2 in the league, 3-12-2 overall.
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Troy will host an exhibition basketball game featuring the Harlem Rockets, a comedy hoops team in the mold of the better known Harlem Globetrotters, taking on a team comprised of faculty and students. The charity game takes place October 30 at Zotto Gym. Tickets are $5, and will be available at the door.
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Troy's women's swim team will wrap their season tomorrow, hoping to avoid another winless campaign. The swimmers are 0-8 headed into the pool on Wednesday. Golf & women's tennis seasons are over, with swimming and soccer soon to follow. Troy, of course, is hoping their football team can play deep into November again.
Monday, October 21, 2019
News & notes
Ballston Spa will enter the Class A football playoffs Friday without their coach.
Jason Ohnsman was arrested and charged with Driving While Intoxicated on Saturday night, and has been placed on leave by the Ballston Spa school district. Assistant coach Greg O'Connor will run the team for their playoff game vs. Amsterdam on Friday night.
==========================================
RPI's ECAC hockey team split two games over the weekend, losing to UMass-Amherst, 5-2, on Friday before coming back to rout Canisius, 7-2, on Saturday.
At least they're winning early, unlike in coach Dave Smith's first two seasons.
============================================
Two more players with 518 connections are headed to Vince McMahon's XFL 2.0.
Former RPI kicker Andrew Franks and former UAlbany quarterback Vincent Testaverde, whose father played for Dallas, Cleveland, Tampa Bay, and the Jets, among others, were drafted by the league's Tampa Bay franchise last week.
If this iteration of the XFL pans out better than the original (2001), it gives hope to more players from the 518.
=============================================
Troy High's soccer teams have not had good seasons--the two teams have combined for five wins---, but two of the senior stars of the women's squad have been named to the Suburban Council 1st team all-star team. Goalkeeper Maddie Rifenberick and striker Abby Burns, the team's leading scorer, were named to the first team, per an announcement made by Troy High earlier today. Congratulations to both. No word yet on the men's team.
=============================================
Speaking of Troy, there is talk that the school could host this year's Class AA football title game. Assuming form holds in the conference, defending champion Shaker could be facing Shenendehowa for the 2nd time this season. You'll recall that Shaker was designated as the home team vs. Troy the last time the AA title game was contested in town three years ago, and that game was played at RPI's East Campus Village Stadium. Apparently, RPI isn't willing to break bread with Section II again for some reason, and it may not be money. Stay tuned.
Jason Ohnsman was arrested and charged with Driving While Intoxicated on Saturday night, and has been placed on leave by the Ballston Spa school district. Assistant coach Greg O'Connor will run the team for their playoff game vs. Amsterdam on Friday night.
==========================================
RPI's ECAC hockey team split two games over the weekend, losing to UMass-Amherst, 5-2, on Friday before coming back to rout Canisius, 7-2, on Saturday.
At least they're winning early, unlike in coach Dave Smith's first two seasons.
============================================
Two more players with 518 connections are headed to Vince McMahon's XFL 2.0.
Former RPI kicker Andrew Franks and former UAlbany quarterback Vincent Testaverde, whose father played for Dallas, Cleveland, Tampa Bay, and the Jets, among others, were drafted by the league's Tampa Bay franchise last week.
If this iteration of the XFL pans out better than the original (2001), it gives hope to more players from the 518.
=============================================
Troy High's soccer teams have not had good seasons--the two teams have combined for five wins---, but two of the senior stars of the women's squad have been named to the Suburban Council 1st team all-star team. Goalkeeper Maddie Rifenberick and striker Abby Burns, the team's leading scorer, were named to the first team, per an announcement made by Troy High earlier today. Congratulations to both. No word yet on the men's team.
=============================================
Speaking of Troy, there is talk that the school could host this year's Class AA football title game. Assuming form holds in the conference, defending champion Shaker could be facing Shenendehowa for the 2nd time this season. You'll recall that Shaker was designated as the home team vs. Troy the last time the AA title game was contested in town three years ago, and that game was played at RPI's East Campus Village Stadium. Apparently, RPI isn't willing to break bread with Section II again for some reason, and it may not be money. Stay tuned.
Sunday, October 20, 2019
Class A football playoff preview
Week 8 of the high school football season means the start of the playoff tournament in Classes A, B, & C. Today, we're taking a look at Class A.
Defending champion Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake will have to open defense of their sectional crown on the road, seeded third in the Grasso Division, and traveling to Averill Park to play the Warriors, the second seed out of the Capital Division. This will not be an easy game for either team.
There are two rematches from last year. Capital Division champion Troy hosts Scotia-Glenville, the fourth seed from the Grasso Division, for the second straight year. Last year, the Tartans nearly pulled the upset, but exposed Troy's flaws, such that Burnt Hills took advantage, beating Troy the very next week in the semi-finals, handing Troy coach Bob Burns his first home loss. Grasso Division champion Queensbury, the only undefeated team in the conference, will host LaSalle for the second year in a row. The Cadets dropped a heartbreaker on Senior Night, 21-19, to Amsterdam on Friday. Speaking of the Rams, they'll visit Ballston Spa in the other quarter-final.
Because Queensbury doesn't have lights at their field, their game is on Saturday, and by then, they will know who their next opponent will be, assuming they beat LaSalle.
The schedule:
Friday:
Scotia @ Troy: The Flying Horses go into this game knowing that this time, they won't see Burnt Hills until the Super Bowl, if that. They won't take Scotia lightly again after last year, and sent a pretty strong message to the Tartans by demolishing Albany, 42-8, on Senior Day. If they use last year's game as motivation, Scotia is in trouble. Deep trouble.
Amsterdam @ Ballston Spa: The Rams missed the party last year, but their star running back, Peyton Ausfeld, is the real deal. Winner gets Troy in the semi-finals, and Amsterdam would love a rematch. Ballston Spa will have something to say about that.
Burnt Hills @ Averill Park: Last year, the Spartans defeated Columbia and Troy to reach the Super Bowl. The road is different this year. Averill Park ended Ballston Spa's season last year, but the Scotties & Spartans have switched seedings this year. The winner has to travel to Queensbury on an extra day's rest. That is, if LaSalle doesn't pull an upset.
Saturday:
LaSalle @ Queensbury: Can Traydon Lawrence, the senior tailback transfer from Green Tech, be a difference maker against the North Country's Spartans? John Audino hopes so. The assumption within Section II would be Queensbury vs. Troy in the Super Bowl, but nothing is guaranteed.
Queensbury would love to see Averill Park eliminate Burnt Hills, and get a fresh opponent, since there are no inter-divisional games in the regular season. However, Burnt Hills kicks it into another gear come playoff time, as Troy knows all too well.
Predictions (though I could be wrong):
Troy over Scotia.
Burnt Hills over Averill Park.
Amsterdam over Ballston Spa.
Queensbury over LaSalle.
Defending champion Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake will have to open defense of their sectional crown on the road, seeded third in the Grasso Division, and traveling to Averill Park to play the Warriors, the second seed out of the Capital Division. This will not be an easy game for either team.
There are two rematches from last year. Capital Division champion Troy hosts Scotia-Glenville, the fourth seed from the Grasso Division, for the second straight year. Last year, the Tartans nearly pulled the upset, but exposed Troy's flaws, such that Burnt Hills took advantage, beating Troy the very next week in the semi-finals, handing Troy coach Bob Burns his first home loss. Grasso Division champion Queensbury, the only undefeated team in the conference, will host LaSalle for the second year in a row. The Cadets dropped a heartbreaker on Senior Night, 21-19, to Amsterdam on Friday. Speaking of the Rams, they'll visit Ballston Spa in the other quarter-final.
Because Queensbury doesn't have lights at their field, their game is on Saturday, and by then, they will know who their next opponent will be, assuming they beat LaSalle.
The schedule:
Friday:
Scotia @ Troy: The Flying Horses go into this game knowing that this time, they won't see Burnt Hills until the Super Bowl, if that. They won't take Scotia lightly again after last year, and sent a pretty strong message to the Tartans by demolishing Albany, 42-8, on Senior Day. If they use last year's game as motivation, Scotia is in trouble. Deep trouble.
Amsterdam @ Ballston Spa: The Rams missed the party last year, but their star running back, Peyton Ausfeld, is the real deal. Winner gets Troy in the semi-finals, and Amsterdam would love a rematch. Ballston Spa will have something to say about that.
Burnt Hills @ Averill Park: Last year, the Spartans defeated Columbia and Troy to reach the Super Bowl. The road is different this year. Averill Park ended Ballston Spa's season last year, but the Scotties & Spartans have switched seedings this year. The winner has to travel to Queensbury on an extra day's rest. That is, if LaSalle doesn't pull an upset.
Saturday:
LaSalle @ Queensbury: Can Traydon Lawrence, the senior tailback transfer from Green Tech, be a difference maker against the North Country's Spartans? John Audino hopes so. The assumption within Section II would be Queensbury vs. Troy in the Super Bowl, but nothing is guaranteed.
Queensbury would love to see Averill Park eliminate Burnt Hills, and get a fresh opponent, since there are no inter-divisional games in the regular season. However, Burnt Hills kicks it into another gear come playoff time, as Troy knows all too well.
Predictions (though I could be wrong):
Troy over Scotia.
Burnt Hills over Averill Park.
Amsterdam over Ballston Spa.
Queensbury over LaSalle.
Saturday, October 19, 2019
Flying in the daylight (Albany @ Troy, 10/19/19)
"It was a pretty good crowd for a Saturday...."--Billy Joel, "Piano Man", 1973.
Troy High has not had a Saturday home game since 2010. On a warm, breezy Senior Day afternoon, the Flying Horses set about taking care of business before the playoffs begin on Friday. Winless Albany was in town, and due to escalating tensions between youths from both cities, extra police presence was noticable at Picken Field.
However, after all the drama, and all the precautions, there was nothing to worry about.
To clarify what had happened following Troy's last home game on September 27, the 70-person mega-brawl at nearby McDonald's involved only Troy students. The incident at the start of the 3rd quarter that night? Someone started a rumor that there might be a fight, and that scenario was diffused quickly. According to a school monitor I spoke with after the game, there's always been tension between students from not only Troy & Albany, but Schenectady as well, spanning decades. Must be a generational thing.
Back to the business on the field. Troy took the opening kickoff, and marched down the field quickly, culminating in Xavier Leigh scampering 27 yards to the end zone. With the PAT by Jonah Griswold, Troy had a quick 7-0 lead.
Albany alternated quarterbacks. Rah'Sier Chandler started, but was promptly dropped for no gain on his first play. Coach Mike Ware then inserted Daniel Delaney, who got the offense moving into Troy territory, but no further, and the Falcons turned the ball over on downs.
Back came Troy, and it became the Alex Wolfe show. The junior quarterback was more accurate than normal, and hit Xavier Ward with an 18 yard catch & run with under two minutes left in the quarter. The PAT looked like it was partially blocked, leaving Troy with a 13-0 lead after the first stanza.
After an Albany punt, Troy came right back down the field. Wolfe nearly had a pass intercepted, but Tyrell Penalba picked the defender's pocket, claiming possession of the pass, and rumbled 22 yards for the score. Leigh ran the 2 point conversion in, and Troy was suddenly up, 21-0, a shade more than 90 seconds into the second quarter.
After an exchange of interceptions, Leigh notched his second TD of the game, this one from 3 yards out. Griswold converted the extra point, and Troy was starting to pull away. After another Albany punt, Wolfe and Leigh hooked up for 75 yards. Troy led, 35-0, at halftime, and some fans were already heading for the exits.
Albany took the second half kickoff, and actually did Troy a favor with milking the clock. They turned the ball over on downs again, and Wolfe made them pay with his 4th TD toss of the day, this one going 19 yards to Nasir Dawud-Soto. With the score 42-0, coach Bob Burns began pulling his starters, and inserted sophomore Austin Francis into the game at QB. It's not like he had any other choice, because in this case, he didn't. Elias Daniels, the 3rd QB on the roster, was injured and did not dress for the game.
Troy's defense hadn't pitched a shutout all season, and just when it seemed as though they would, the second team defense relaxed a wee bit too much, and allowed a late touchdown, as Delaney hit Andre Woods for a 21 yard catch & run with under two minutes remaining. Kwali Poole scored the 2 point conversion. Troy then ran out the clock, and will cruise into the post-season, 42-8.
It was not only Senior Day for the 12 seniors on the football team, but the 7 on the cheerleading team, as well. Curiously, the 15 woman squad was trimmed to 8 for the day, and that normally doesn't happen.
The PA announcer's script appeared to have been written with regard to the game's original date, that being last night, as he said Troy would host a playoff game against "a team to be determined". Please. Troy will host Scotia-Glenville for the second straight year in the first round, as the Tartans locked up 4th place in the Grasso Division with a win over Gloversville last night.
Speaking of the Grasso Division, Queensbury clinched the division title again earlier today, besting Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake, 28-12, avenging a loss to Burnt Hills in last year's Super Bowl.
The Class A playoff pairings are now set:
LaSalle @ Queensbury. John Audino's Cadets, who lost a heartbreaker to Amsterdam on the final play last night, have to travel to the North Country for the second straight year next Saturday.
Scotia-Glenville @ Troy. The Tartans nearly pulled the upset last year, but the Flying Horses sent a loud message today that it won't happen a second time.
Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake @ Averill Park.
Amsterdam @ Ballston Spa. The surprising Scotties finished second in the Grasso, and thus swap places with Burnt Hills.
The pairings ensure that Troy will not see Burnt Hills until the Super Bowl, assuming both teams get there. Troy would get the Amsterdam-Ballston Spa winner instead if they take down Scotia-Glenville.
This is why they play the games.
Troy High has not had a Saturday home game since 2010. On a warm, breezy Senior Day afternoon, the Flying Horses set about taking care of business before the playoffs begin on Friday. Winless Albany was in town, and due to escalating tensions between youths from both cities, extra police presence was noticable at Picken Field.
However, after all the drama, and all the precautions, there was nothing to worry about.
To clarify what had happened following Troy's last home game on September 27, the 70-person mega-brawl at nearby McDonald's involved only Troy students. The incident at the start of the 3rd quarter that night? Someone started a rumor that there might be a fight, and that scenario was diffused quickly. According to a school monitor I spoke with after the game, there's always been tension between students from not only Troy & Albany, but Schenectady as well, spanning decades. Must be a generational thing.
Back to the business on the field. Troy took the opening kickoff, and marched down the field quickly, culminating in Xavier Leigh scampering 27 yards to the end zone. With the PAT by Jonah Griswold, Troy had a quick 7-0 lead.
Albany alternated quarterbacks. Rah'Sier Chandler started, but was promptly dropped for no gain on his first play. Coach Mike Ware then inserted Daniel Delaney, who got the offense moving into Troy territory, but no further, and the Falcons turned the ball over on downs.
Back came Troy, and it became the Alex Wolfe show. The junior quarterback was more accurate than normal, and hit Xavier Ward with an 18 yard catch & run with under two minutes left in the quarter. The PAT looked like it was partially blocked, leaving Troy with a 13-0 lead after the first stanza.
After an Albany punt, Troy came right back down the field. Wolfe nearly had a pass intercepted, but Tyrell Penalba picked the defender's pocket, claiming possession of the pass, and rumbled 22 yards for the score. Leigh ran the 2 point conversion in, and Troy was suddenly up, 21-0, a shade more than 90 seconds into the second quarter.
After an exchange of interceptions, Leigh notched his second TD of the game, this one from 3 yards out. Griswold converted the extra point, and Troy was starting to pull away. After another Albany punt, Wolfe and Leigh hooked up for 75 yards. Troy led, 35-0, at halftime, and some fans were already heading for the exits.
Albany took the second half kickoff, and actually did Troy a favor with milking the clock. They turned the ball over on downs again, and Wolfe made them pay with his 4th TD toss of the day, this one going 19 yards to Nasir Dawud-Soto. With the score 42-0, coach Bob Burns began pulling his starters, and inserted sophomore Austin Francis into the game at QB. It's not like he had any other choice, because in this case, he didn't. Elias Daniels, the 3rd QB on the roster, was injured and did not dress for the game.
Troy's defense hadn't pitched a shutout all season, and just when it seemed as though they would, the second team defense relaxed a wee bit too much, and allowed a late touchdown, as Delaney hit Andre Woods for a 21 yard catch & run with under two minutes remaining. Kwali Poole scored the 2 point conversion. Troy then ran out the clock, and will cruise into the post-season, 42-8.
It was not only Senior Day for the 12 seniors on the football team, but the 7 on the cheerleading team, as well. Curiously, the 15 woman squad was trimmed to 8 for the day, and that normally doesn't happen.
The PA announcer's script appeared to have been written with regard to the game's original date, that being last night, as he said Troy would host a playoff game against "a team to be determined". Please. Troy will host Scotia-Glenville for the second straight year in the first round, as the Tartans locked up 4th place in the Grasso Division with a win over Gloversville last night.
Speaking of the Grasso Division, Queensbury clinched the division title again earlier today, besting Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake, 28-12, avenging a loss to Burnt Hills in last year's Super Bowl.
The Class A playoff pairings are now set:
LaSalle @ Queensbury. John Audino's Cadets, who lost a heartbreaker to Amsterdam on the final play last night, have to travel to the North Country for the second straight year next Saturday.
Scotia-Glenville @ Troy. The Tartans nearly pulled the upset last year, but the Flying Horses sent a loud message today that it won't happen a second time.
Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake @ Averill Park.
Amsterdam @ Ballston Spa. The surprising Scotties finished second in the Grasso, and thus swap places with Burnt Hills.
The pairings ensure that Troy will not see Burnt Hills until the Super Bowl, assuming both teams get there. Troy would get the Amsterdam-Ballston Spa winner instead if they take down Scotia-Glenville.
This is why they play the games.
High School Fridays: Pride takes a fall (Holy Trinity @ Schalmont, 10/18/19)
"Those who fail to remember history are doomed to repeat it."--George Santayana
One year ago, Troy High, after dropping back to Class A, opened on the road at Schalmont, and dropped a 14-6 decision to the Sabres.
Apparently, that lesson was lost on the Holy Trinity Pride entering Friday's game at Schalmont, on Senior Night for the Sabres. As seen on Friday Night Matchup, the Pride put themselves at a distinct disadvantage before the game even started, with running back Rodney Jackson ruled out with a fractured foot, an injury they're hoping won't curtail his season.
Holy Trinity won the toss, but couldn't do anything after the opening kickoff. Star receiver Nacier Hundley is also their punter, and his first punt of the night was a shank job, giving Schalmont primo field position on the Pride's 25 yard line.
Between QB Jake Sanford and RB Ben Burchardt, the Sabres kept the ball on the ground, and bulled their way to the first score of the night, with Burchardt punching it in from a yard out. However, the 2 point conversion failed, and Schalmont had a 6-0 lead, three and a half minutes into the game.
Schalmont's defense bottled up Holy Trinity's offense, with Hundley chained to the bench, not so much because of the botched punt, but coach John Barber chose not to use him early on. Have to believe some discipline issues are involved. With under a minute left in the quarter, Sanford ran it in himself from five yards away, and this time the PAT was good, so Schalmont had a 13-0 lead after the first quarter.
On the ensuing Holy Trinity possession, Noah Foster, pressed into service at running back with Parker out, broke off a 25 yard touchdown run to get the Pride on the board, less than three minutes into the second quarter. A minute later, Burchardt restored the lead to 12 points with a 39 yard touchdown run. The PAT failed this time, but some seven minutes later, Burchardt found the end zone again, this time from 12 yards out. Sanford scored the 2 point conversion, and the Sabres went into the break with a 27-7 lead.
The Pride showed some signs of life late in the third quarter, as Hundley was finally utilized on offense, and caught a 11 yard pass from Joe Tortello in the back of the end zone. Foster ran it in for the 2 point conversion, and as we went into the final frame, Schalmont's lead was back down to 12 at 27-15. However, some four minutes into the fourth quarter, Sanford put the game away with his second touchdown, a 2 yard quarterback keeper, then scored his second 2 point conversion of the night. It's worth noting that Sanford did not attempt a pass in the entire game, and Schalmont racked up over 400 yards in total offense, all on the ground. A certain Super Bowl winning quarterback should be sent a tape of this game and take notes.
Holy Trinity's last touchdown was Foster's second of the evening. With the PAT, the lead was back to 13. A final drive for the Pride ended in disaster, as a turnover sealed the game for the Sabres. Schalmont simply ran out the clock, and staked their claim to the Reinfurt Division title with a dominating 35-22 win.
Even though Holy Trinity has a better overall record at 6-1, quarter points will decide the division title, just like in the now defunct Continental Basketball Association back in the day. Final playoff pairings will be announced as early as Monday.
One year ago, Troy High, after dropping back to Class A, opened on the road at Schalmont, and dropped a 14-6 decision to the Sabres.
Apparently, that lesson was lost on the Holy Trinity Pride entering Friday's game at Schalmont, on Senior Night for the Sabres. As seen on Friday Night Matchup, the Pride put themselves at a distinct disadvantage before the game even started, with running back Rodney Jackson ruled out with a fractured foot, an injury they're hoping won't curtail his season.
Holy Trinity won the toss, but couldn't do anything after the opening kickoff. Star receiver Nacier Hundley is also their punter, and his first punt of the night was a shank job, giving Schalmont primo field position on the Pride's 25 yard line.
Between QB Jake Sanford and RB Ben Burchardt, the Sabres kept the ball on the ground, and bulled their way to the first score of the night, with Burchardt punching it in from a yard out. However, the 2 point conversion failed, and Schalmont had a 6-0 lead, three and a half minutes into the game.
Schalmont's defense bottled up Holy Trinity's offense, with Hundley chained to the bench, not so much because of the botched punt, but coach John Barber chose not to use him early on. Have to believe some discipline issues are involved. With under a minute left in the quarter, Sanford ran it in himself from five yards away, and this time the PAT was good, so Schalmont had a 13-0 lead after the first quarter.
On the ensuing Holy Trinity possession, Noah Foster, pressed into service at running back with Parker out, broke off a 25 yard touchdown run to get the Pride on the board, less than three minutes into the second quarter. A minute later, Burchardt restored the lead to 12 points with a 39 yard touchdown run. The PAT failed this time, but some seven minutes later, Burchardt found the end zone again, this time from 12 yards out. Sanford scored the 2 point conversion, and the Sabres went into the break with a 27-7 lead.
The Pride showed some signs of life late in the third quarter, as Hundley was finally utilized on offense, and caught a 11 yard pass from Joe Tortello in the back of the end zone. Foster ran it in for the 2 point conversion, and as we went into the final frame, Schalmont's lead was back down to 12 at 27-15. However, some four minutes into the fourth quarter, Sanford put the game away with his second touchdown, a 2 yard quarterback keeper, then scored his second 2 point conversion of the night. It's worth noting that Sanford did not attempt a pass in the entire game, and Schalmont racked up over 400 yards in total offense, all on the ground. A certain Super Bowl winning quarterback should be sent a tape of this game and take notes.
Holy Trinity's last touchdown was Foster's second of the evening. With the PAT, the lead was back to 13. A final drive for the Pride ended in disaster, as a turnover sealed the game for the Sabres. Schalmont simply ran out the clock, and staked their claim to the Reinfurt Division title with a dominating 35-22 win.
Even though Holy Trinity has a better overall record at 6-1, quarter points will decide the division title, just like in the now defunct Continental Basketball Association back in the day. Final playoff pairings will be announced as early as Monday.
Friday, October 18, 2019
News & notes
Because tonight's Friday Night Matchup on Spectrum News features a Class B battle for first place in the Reinfurt Division, let's take a look at the standings going into tonight's action:
Chart courtesy of the Albany Times-Union:
If Schalmont wins, they would swap opponents with Holy Trinity for next week. Winless Lansingburgh closes out another miserable season with Senior Night vs. Broadalbin-Perth, and the Patriots would lock up 3rd place in the North Division with a win tonight.
Strangely, the Times-Union's standings give the ladies a 3rd, non-existent, win, due to an editing error. It's not the only mistake, though.
The T-U gave Saratoga a 1-0 win on Thursday without game stats, but Capital Region Soccer says it goes the other way, crediting Troy's John Stinson with the only goal as Mike Murnane's Flying Horses snapped a 7 game winless streak (0-6-1), finishing 3-11-2 overall (2-10-2 in the Suburban Council). The T-U's standings do not include a loss to CBA on Tuesday, or a 2-0 loss to Burnt Hills, which was not reported to the paper. The win over Saratoga bumps Schenectady into the Grey division basement.
Chart courtesy of the Albany Times-Union:
Conference: Class B
| Conference | Overall | ||||||||
| Team | W | L | T | PCT | W | L | T | PCT | |
| North Division | |||||||||
| Glens Falls | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 | |
| Schuylerville | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0.833 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0.833 | |
| Broadalbin-Perth | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0.600 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0.500 | |
| Hudson Falls | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0.400 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0.333 | |
| Johnstown | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0.200 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 0.167 | |
| Lansingburgh | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0.000 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0.000 | |
| Reinfurt Division | |||||||||
| Holy Trinity | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 | |
| Schalmont | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0.800 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0.667 | |
| Cobleskill | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0.600 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0.500 | |
| Hudson | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0.400 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0.500 | |
| Ravena | 1 | 5 | 0 | 0.167 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 0.167 | |
| Ichabod Crane | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0.000 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 0.167 | |
Should Schalmont beat Holy Trinity tonight, they would claim the Reinfurt Division based on the tie-breaker, since they would have identical division records.
The likely pairings, should Holy Trinity defeat Schalmont, would be:
The likely pairings, should Holy Trinity defeat Schalmont, would be:
Hudson @ Glens Falls.
Cobleskill-Richmondville @ Schuylerville.
Broadalbin-Perth @ Schalmont.
Hudson Falls @ Holy Trinity.
If Schalmont wins, they would swap opponents with Holy Trinity for next week. Winless Lansingburgh closes out another miserable season with Senior Night vs. Broadalbin-Perth, and the Patriots would lock up 3rd place in the North Division with a win tonight.
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A quick check of the Class A standings shows that Ballston Spa has moved into 2nd place in the Grasso Division by virtue of holding a tie-breaker over Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake. The Scotties are at South Glens Falls tonight, while Burnt Hills is at Queensbury tomorrow. Playoff seedings in the division actually hinge on the Battle of The Spartans, because if Burnt Hills beats Queensbury, they would create a three-way tie for first, assuming Ballston Spa does its part and beats South Glens Falls. A Scotia win over Gloversville would lock out the Bulldogs, and set up the Tartans for a rematch with Troy next week in the first round. The Flying Horses barely escaped at home vs. Scotia last year. Burnt Hills would have the tie-breaker over Queensbury with a win, but there's that tie-breaker with Ballston Spa to consider, too.
As of now, Scotia at Troy would be the only matchup confirmed for next week. Everything would be finalized at the end of business on Saturday afternoon.
=================================================
Troy's soccer teams will likely be one-&-done in the sectionals, which begin Tuesday.
The Troy women fell to Saratoga, 2-1, Thursday night, with Abby Burns scoring the only goal for the visiting Lady Horses, who finish the regular season 2-11 in the Suburban Council, 2-13 overall.
Strangely, the Times-Union's standings give the ladies a 3rd, non-existent, win, due to an editing error. It's not the only mistake, though.
The T-U gave Saratoga a 1-0 win on Thursday without game stats, but Capital Region Soccer says it goes the other way, crediting Troy's John Stinson with the only goal as Mike Murnane's Flying Horses snapped a 7 game winless streak (0-6-1), finishing 3-11-2 overall (2-10-2 in the Suburban Council). The T-U's standings do not include a loss to CBA on Tuesday, or a 2-0 loss to Burnt Hills, which was not reported to the paper. The win over Saratoga bumps Schenectady into the Grey division basement.
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
News & notes
For the first time since 2010, Troy High will play a football game in the daylight at Picken Field.
Senior Night, originally set for Friday, becomes Senior Day on Saturday, as Troy welcomes Albany for the first football game between the two schools in several years. The two teams did not meet in 2016-17, when Troy was in Class AA. Albany moved to Class A this year, despite playing an 8 game Class AA schedule, and is in last place in the Capital Division.
This comes in the wake of a ginormous melee that started after Troy dispatched Green Tech on Homecoming night three weeks ago. There seems to be some issues between youths from both sides of the river, and Troy is taking no chances this time. Saturday's game is set for a 1 pm kickoff, per the Albany Times-Union. This will be the second straight game not to be played on a Friday, as last week's game at Columbia was shifted to a Thursday night before the season began due to Jewish holidays.
The brawl spilled all the way out to McDonald's on Hoosick Street, and, according to the Times-Union, some 70 youths were involved.
Strangely, this is the first any of the fracas had been reported to the press.
Following is the official statement from Troy schools superintendent John Carmello:
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Albany Empire receiver Malachi Jones will get a head start on the 2020 season.
Jones was drafted by the XFL's Seattle Dragons Tuesday, which could be the next step toward moving to an NFL contract. The XFL's second incarnation begins play in February.
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Troy High's scoring problems in soccer continued Tuesday night in a 1-0 loss to CBA. Mike Murnane's club returns home to close the season tomorrow on Senior Night vs. Saratoga, and are already assured of a less than favorable draw in the sectionals, which begin next week.
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We already know that when it comes to baseball, the 518 is divided among fans of the Mets, Yankees, Red Sox, & Astros, the latter due to the Tri-City Valleycats.
While the Astros boast a plethora of ex-'Cats, the Yankees have a native of the 518 on their roster in relief pitcher Tommy Kahnle, a product of Shaker High. Kahnle pitched a scoreless inning Tuesday in the Yankees' 4-1 loss, giving Houston a 2-1 lead in games headed into game 4 tonight, assuming the rain holds off until after the game, though I doubt it.
Senior Night, originally set for Friday, becomes Senior Day on Saturday, as Troy welcomes Albany for the first football game between the two schools in several years. The two teams did not meet in 2016-17, when Troy was in Class AA. Albany moved to Class A this year, despite playing an 8 game Class AA schedule, and is in last place in the Capital Division.
This comes in the wake of a ginormous melee that started after Troy dispatched Green Tech on Homecoming night three weeks ago. There seems to be some issues between youths from both sides of the river, and Troy is taking no chances this time. Saturday's game is set for a 1 pm kickoff, per the Albany Times-Union. This will be the second straight game not to be played on a Friday, as last week's game at Columbia was shifted to a Thursday night before the season began due to Jewish holidays.
The brawl spilled all the way out to McDonald's on Hoosick Street, and, according to the Times-Union, some 70 youths were involved.
Strangely, this is the first any of the fracas had been reported to the press.
Following is the official statement from Troy schools superintendent John Carmello:
=========================================
Albany Empire receiver Malachi Jones will get a head start on the 2020 season.
Jones was drafted by the XFL's Seattle Dragons Tuesday, which could be the next step toward moving to an NFL contract. The XFL's second incarnation begins play in February.
==========================================
Troy High's scoring problems in soccer continued Tuesday night in a 1-0 loss to CBA. Mike Murnane's club returns home to close the season tomorrow on Senior Night vs. Saratoga, and are already assured of a less than favorable draw in the sectionals, which begin next week.
===========================================
We already know that when it comes to baseball, the 518 is divided among fans of the Mets, Yankees, Red Sox, & Astros, the latter due to the Tri-City Valleycats.
While the Astros boast a plethora of ex-'Cats, the Yankees have a native of the 518 on their roster in relief pitcher Tommy Kahnle, a product of Shaker High. Kahnle pitched a scoreless inning Tuesday in the Yankees' 4-1 loss, giving Houston a 2-1 lead in games headed into game 4 tonight, assuming the rain holds off until after the game, though I doubt it.
Saturday, October 12, 2019
News & notes
Union College's hockey team is off to an 0-4 start after losing to Northeastern, 2-1, Friday night. RPI's ECAC squad fell, 5-3, to UMass-Amherst, also on Friday. Sounds like when the two local rivals get together, there might be a shift in the balance of power in the 518.....
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Let's take a look at the Class AA football standings after week 6, courtesy of the Albany Times-Union:
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Let's take a look at the Class AA football standings after week 6, courtesy of the Albany Times-Union:
Conference: Class AA
| Conference | Overall | ||||||||
| Team | W | L | T | PCT | W | L | T | PCT | |
| Shaker | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 | |
| Shenendehowa | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0.833 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0.833 | |
| Guilderland | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0.667 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0.667 | |
| Bethlehem | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0.600 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0.667 | |
| CBA | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0.600 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0.667 | |
| Schenectady | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0.400 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0.500 | |
| Colonie | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0.200 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 0.167 | |
| Saratoga Springs | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0.200 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 0.167 | |
| Niskayuna | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0.000 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0.000 | |
After losing to Shenendehowa last night, CBA ends up falling into a tie for 4th place, a half game behind Guilderland in the conference. The downside is that Bethlehem owns the tie-breaker over CBA, and, in turn, Guilderland owns a tie-breaker over Bethlehem, having beaten the Eagles earlier this season. The top two teams, Shaker & Shenendehowa, appear to be locked in to their slots for the semi-finals in week 9. As outlined last night, CBA will close with Shaker & Guilderland, and will need to win at least one of the two to stay in contention. As you can see, we erred last night when we said Saratoga hadn't won a game this season. Just the same, the Blue Streaks, along with Colonie & Niskayuna, have already been eliminated from playoff contention, even though they could play spoiler against Shen in two weeks.
Friday, October 11, 2019
High School Fridays: Beached in The Dark (CBA @ Shenendehowa, 10/11/19)
With Troy High having played last night, our attention turns again to Spectrum News' Friday Night Matchup, and a Class AA bout between Christian Brothers Academy and Shenendehowa. Last year, the Plainsmen blew away CBA, 55-7. Would tonight be any different?
Um, no, not really.
CBA took the opening kickoff, but Fred Smith, a late sub at QB to start the game, couldn't move the offense very far. Shen's first possession started deep in CBA territory, and just three plays later, Billy Beach burst through the middle and raced 11 yards for the score. After the extra point, Shen had a 7-0 lead.
Less than a minute later, Smith was intercepted by Shen's Duncan Hill, who found an opening and sprinted 18 yards to paydirt. Shen led, 14-0, after the first frame.
On CBA's next possession, sophomore Andrew Pemrick, who was supposed to start, relieved Smith, but lost two fumbles in as many possessions, and, as the second quarter began, coach Joe Burke went back to Smith, who got the Brothers on the board with a 9 yard toss to Dylan Jones. Owen Naith added the extra point, and the Plainsmen's lead was sheared in half at 14-7, going into the break. Shen could've added another score before halftime, but Tyler Fort, no longer in the QB mix after getting concussed vs. Troy three weeks ago, picked off Brady Vincenzi near the goal line.
The third quarter was all Shen.
Beach started the scoring again, just two plays into the frame, with a 60 yard gallop that extended the lead to 21-7. Just 70 seconds later, Smith was picked off again, this time by Davonte Terrelonge, who went 19 yards to the end zone. However, the PAT was no good, and Shen was suddenly up, 27-7.
Five minutes later, it was Pemrick's turn to give up a pick-6, as Brandon Fahr picked him off, and rumbled 26 yards for a score, making it 34-7. Beach could've had a third score, but it was taken away by a combination of a holding penalty and an unsportsmanlike conduct call, both on Shen, and it seemed as though the latter was on Beach for taunting. With just over a minute left in the quarter, Trevon Joyner put the game away with a 49 yard run, giving Shen a 41-7 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
On Shen's first possession of the fourth quarter, Michael Decker took over at QB, but Michael DiRenzo fumbled, and Dylan Jones scooped it up in stride to pick up his second touchdown of the game, going 44 yards to the end zone. With the extra point, the score was now 41-14. With under a minute to go, Jameer Austin scored from three yards out for the last score of the night.
Shen runs its winning streak to five in a row in comfortable fashion, 41-21. Up next for the Plainsmen will be a two game road trip, as this was both Homecoming & Senior Night at Shen, starting at Averill Park, which beat Amsterdam tonight, and then at winless Saratoga. Unfortunately for CBA, now 4-2 overall, they have to play Shaker, which blasted Schenectady, 55-6, then Guilderland, which could move up in the Class AA standings after winning tonight.
Um, no, not really.
CBA took the opening kickoff, but Fred Smith, a late sub at QB to start the game, couldn't move the offense very far. Shen's first possession started deep in CBA territory, and just three plays later, Billy Beach burst through the middle and raced 11 yards for the score. After the extra point, Shen had a 7-0 lead.
Less than a minute later, Smith was intercepted by Shen's Duncan Hill, who found an opening and sprinted 18 yards to paydirt. Shen led, 14-0, after the first frame.
On CBA's next possession, sophomore Andrew Pemrick, who was supposed to start, relieved Smith, but lost two fumbles in as many possessions, and, as the second quarter began, coach Joe Burke went back to Smith, who got the Brothers on the board with a 9 yard toss to Dylan Jones. Owen Naith added the extra point, and the Plainsmen's lead was sheared in half at 14-7, going into the break. Shen could've added another score before halftime, but Tyler Fort, no longer in the QB mix after getting concussed vs. Troy three weeks ago, picked off Brady Vincenzi near the goal line.
The third quarter was all Shen.
Beach started the scoring again, just two plays into the frame, with a 60 yard gallop that extended the lead to 21-7. Just 70 seconds later, Smith was picked off again, this time by Davonte Terrelonge, who went 19 yards to the end zone. However, the PAT was no good, and Shen was suddenly up, 27-7.
Five minutes later, it was Pemrick's turn to give up a pick-6, as Brandon Fahr picked him off, and rumbled 26 yards for a score, making it 34-7. Beach could've had a third score, but it was taken away by a combination of a holding penalty and an unsportsmanlike conduct call, both on Shen, and it seemed as though the latter was on Beach for taunting. With just over a minute left in the quarter, Trevon Joyner put the game away with a 49 yard run, giving Shen a 41-7 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
On Shen's first possession of the fourth quarter, Michael Decker took over at QB, but Michael DiRenzo fumbled, and Dylan Jones scooped it up in stride to pick up his second touchdown of the game, going 44 yards to the end zone. With the extra point, the score was now 41-14. With under a minute to go, Jameer Austin scored from three yards out for the last score of the night.
Shen runs its winning streak to five in a row in comfortable fashion, 41-21. Up next for the Plainsmen will be a two game road trip, as this was both Homecoming & Senior Night at Shen, starting at Averill Park, which beat Amsterdam tonight, and then at winless Saratoga. Unfortunately for CBA, now 4-2 overall, they have to play Shaker, which blasted Schenectady, 55-6, then Guilderland, which could move up in the Class AA standings after winning tonight.
News & notes
Nearly 25 years after leading the Albany River Rats to the Calder Cup, coach Robbie Ftorek is being inducted into the AHL Hall of Fame in January during AHL All-Star Weekend. Congratulations to Ftorek, who also coached the parent New Jersey Devils during his coaching career.
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Troy High clinched the Class A Capital Division Thursday night, beating Columbia, 21-6. Xavier Leigh scored all three Troy touchdowns, as the Flying Horses clinched their fifth straight division title between Classes A & AA under coach Bob Burns. Blue Devils coach Bob Treacy, now 0-3 against Burns & Troy, can credit his defense for keeping the score as low as it was, as Troy only led, 7-0, at halftime.
While we're at it, let's take a look at the Class A standings as of now, courtesy of the Albany Times-Union:
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Troy High clinched the Class A Capital Division Thursday night, beating Columbia, 21-6. Xavier Leigh scored all three Troy touchdowns, as the Flying Horses clinched their fifth straight division title between Classes A & AA under coach Bob Burns. Blue Devils coach Bob Treacy, now 0-3 against Burns & Troy, can credit his defense for keeping the score as low as it was, as Troy only led, 7-0, at halftime.
While we're at it, let's take a look at the Class A standings as of now, courtesy of the Albany Times-Union:
| Capital Division | |||||||||
| Troy | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0.833 | |
| Averill Park | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0.800 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0.800 | |
| Amsterdam | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0.750 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0.800 | |
| La Salle | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0.500 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0.600 | |
| Green Tech | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0.250 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0.200 | |
| Columbia | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0.200 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0.333 | |
| Albany | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0.000 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0.000 | |
| Grasso Division | |||||||||
| Queensbury | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 | |
| Burnt Hills | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0.800 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0.800 | |
| Ballston Spa | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0.750 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0.600 | |
| Scotia | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0.500 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0.600 | |
| South Glens Falls | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0.250 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0.400 | |
| Mohonasen | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0.200 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0.200 | |
| Gloversville | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0.000 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0.000 | |
Troy holds the tie-breaker over Averill Park by virtue of their win last week. They also hold a tie-breaker over Amsterdam, whom they beat in week 2. Should the Rams beat Averill Park tonight, they'd move into second place in the Capital Division, holding a tie-breaker over the Warriors. Amsterdam closes with LaSalle next Friday night, while Averill Park hosts Shenendehowa. However, Green Tech could play spoiler should they beat LaSalle tonight at Bleecker Stadium. An upset over the Cadets would not completely eliminate LaSalle, but stranger things have happened.
Over in the Grasso Division, Queensbury can all but lock up the division title tonight with a win at South Glens Falls, heading into the Battle of The Spartans with Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake on October 19. Burnt Hills is at Scotia-Glenville tonight. Another loss would knock Matt Shell's club down to third place, since Ballston Spa owns a tie-breaker over them from a couple of weeks ago. This could get crazy.
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Troy's soccer troubles continued Thursday with shutout losses to Averill Park. The men dropped a 1-0 decision at Picken Field, while the women fell, 4-0, at Averill Park. The ladies have a week off before finishing at Saratoga next Thursday, while the guys will have Senior Night vs. the Blue Streaks.
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