High School Fridays: Albany @ Troy, 10/1/21

Given the history among teens in Albany & Troy, an extra police presence was in effect at Troy High tonight as the Falcons opened their season vs. the winless Flying Horses. Three years ago, there were rumors of violence among the youth in the two cities, but all it really was, it turned out, was an all-Troy affair.

Albany was only getting started because their varsity team had not been fully vaccinated prior to tonight. Their junior varsity team is still dealing with vax issues, and tomorrow's game vs. Troy has been cancelled as a result.

Albany took the opening kickoff, and methodically marched down the field, only to lose possession on downs when, on 4th & short, deep in Troy territory, a bad snap result in a massive loss of yardage.

However, Troy couldn't take advantage, and so it went.

It was scoreless at halftime.

It was scoreless after three quarters.

Finally, in the fourth quarter, fittingly, this war of attrition finally reached its conclusion. Troy QB Azari Johnson led his team down the field, helped out by a critical pass interference call against Albany that negated a Jonathan Besong interception. With under a minute remaining, Michael Wiltshire broke loose on a big gainer, only to stumble and fall at the Albany 1. On the next play, Wiltshire ran it in for the game winning score. Johnson then hit Cam Hathaway for what would've been a 2 point conversion, only for that to be nullified by penalty. Johnson then hit Justin Gilmore with the 2 pointer.

With 42 seconds left, Albany had one last chance, but turned the ball over on an interception. A couple of kneeldowns later, Troy had its first win of the season, 8-0.

Troy (1-3) is set to face South Glens Falls/Fort Edward next week for Homecoming, but the Bulldogs' game vs. Ballston Spa was cancelled earlier today due to-----wait for it----a COVID outbreak on the South High campus. Troy then hits the road to face Amsterdam & Columbia before returning home for Senior Night and the Collar City Cup on October 29 vs. LaSalle.