High School Fridays: Shenendehowa @ Shaker, 9/30/22

 Friday Night Matchup is back at Shaker High, with the Blue Bison welcoming Class AA leader Shenendehowa on Blackout Night.

The Plainsmen won the toss, and elected to receive. They went 3-&-out, but Shaker couldn't capitalize. Jake Iacobaccio went for the deep ball for Kevin Williams, but it was intercepted. Shen cashed in this time, as Ihsaan Alozia, a sophomore tailback, found a seam along the sideline, and sprinted 40 yards to the end zone to give the Plainsmen an early 7-0 lead after the 1st quarter.

In the 2nd quartet, Shen QB Michael Whatley found Luke McAuliffe for a 66 yard bomb to extend the lead to 14-0. Just two minutes later, Iacobaccio took matters into his own hands, and ran it in from 20 yards out to pull Shaker within a score. It was 14-7 at the break, and stayed that way into the 4th quarter.

In the 2nd half, defense took over, and it became a war of attrition. With 39 seconds left in regulation, Shaker filled a prescription for a touchdown, as Donovan Deguire caught a 5 yard pass from Iacobaccio, and for the 3rd straight week, we were going to overtime.

I guess we can use some Diana Ross right about now.

Shen won the coin toss in OT, electing to go on defense. Shaker, however, couldn't stand the prosperity of opportunity. Iacobaccio was picked off for the 3rd time in the game, the 4th Bison turnover, but a taunting penalty set up Shen at the 35 yard line for their offensive series.

No matter. On 3rd down from the Shaker 11, Henry Picard engaged the defense, and ran 11 yards to victory. Shenendehowa remains undefeated with a 20-14 win.

Shaker (2-3 overall) will play Saratoga next week, while Shen meets Colonie.

Other scores:

Lake George/Warrensburg 54, Stillwater 18.

Averill Park 42, Troy 8. AP's defense stifled Troy after an early score. The Warriors will be on Friday Night Matchup next week, hosting Ballston Spa.

CBA 48, Colonie 13.

Glens Falls 47, Cohoes 6.

Saratoga 27, Schenectady 0.