High School Fridays: Shaker @ Shenendehowa (football), 9/24/21

 For almost a decade, Steuerwald Stadium at Shenendehowa High has been like a second home to the Blue Bison of Shaker High.

Going into tonight's game, the Bison had won four straight at Shen, dating back to the 2012 Class AA title game. The long time Suburban Council rivals entered this game undefeated, each opening the season 2-0. However, while Shaker has been impressive enough to merit a spot in the state's Top 25, Shenendehowa has found themselves behind the eight ball in the first half of their games.

Tonight was no different.

Shaker took the opening kickoff, and went straight to work.

Sophomore QB Jake Iacobaccio, on the first play from scrimmage, raced into Shen territory, and the Bison were already in position for a quick score. Just 79 seconds into the game, Porter Ninstant put the visitors on the board from a yard out.

While Shaker's defense frustrated the Plainsmen, the offense seemed to be unstoppable. With under 2 1/2 minutes left in the quarter, Donovan Deguire punched it in from 4 yards, and Shaker led, 14-0, after the 1st quarter. Just a couple of minutes into the 2nd quarter, Iacobaccio found Dwayne Newkirk, who fell into the end zone. Shen, held to 6 points total in the first two games in the first half, was down 21-0 at the break.

As the 3rd quarter began, it looked like Shen would make a run, just as they'd had the first two weeks. Senior QB Mason Courtney, who sat out the "Fall II" season in the spring, hit Luke McAuliffe for a 10 yard TD to cut the lead to 21-7 heading into the final quarter.

Iacobaccio proved to be human, absorbing three sacks in the second half, but after Pat House trimmed the Shaker lead to 21-14 with a 1 yard run, Iacobaccio took matters into his own hands. Literally. He ran for 29 yards to restore the lead to 14 at 28-14 with 2 1/2 minutes remaining, then iced it by picking off Courtney just a few seconds later. Two kneel-downs after that, and the Bison go to 3-0 with the 28-14 win.

Shaker will face Colonie for the Town of Colonie Cup next week, while Shen will play Bethlehem. The Eagles were blown out, 49-0, by Guilderland tonight.

Other scores:

Schuylerville def. Fonda-Fultonville, 14-7, in Class C.

In Class A, Burnt Hills, after changing plans late, downed LaSalle, 24-21. Troy High finally got a touchdown, but that was all, blown out by Averill Park, 46-6. LaSalle visits Columbia next week, while Troy is scheduled to host Albany. The Falcons had to cancel their game with LaSalle due to their players not being fully vaccinated.