WILDCATS DISARM PATRIOTS FOR 3RD PLACE IN 35-7 ROMP


Gouverneur's James Zeller pulls free of an attempted leg tackle and for a big gain against the AuSable Valley defense.  The Wildcats played their most complete game of the season with an effective mix of rushing and passing to build a 21-7 halftime lead and a 35-7 victory.  (Dan Bisaccio photo)  Game Gallery
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The Patriots have struggle with turnovers this season,
leading to almost insurmountable deficits in the first half.

AuSable Valley's lone score came on a near interception, but the trick play on a pass from running back Larry Coolidge (2) bounced off the shoulder pads of defensive back Duane Roberts and right into the hands of quarterback Eric Rock (inset) who never broke stride to the end zone.

GOUVERNEUR 35, AUSABLE VALLEY 7
The Gouverneur Wildcats delivered their best performance of the year, secured third place in the Class C playoffs and earned a post-season return date to Saranac Lake, with a dominating 35-7 victory over the AuSable Valley Patriots. The fourth-seeded Pats will travel to Ogdensburg in three weeks to face the top-seeded Blue Devils in the division semifinals. Duane Roberts scrambled for 36 yards and two rushing touchdowns, while contributing 22 yards receiving in leading the Wildcat victory. However, Roberts also literally had a hand in the AuSable Valley touchdown. Roberts undercut the passing route from Larry Coolidge to Eric Rock and deflected the ball – but right into arms of the streaking receiver who never broke stride and jetted untouched 19 yards into the end zone. But the Wildcats still maintained a 21-7 lead which they carried into halftime. Quarterback Darren Fuller also provided solid leadership with 155 all- purpose yards – 124 passing and 31 rushing. James Zeller drove home Gouverneur’s second touchdown on a 12-yard run in the second quarter. Todd Elliot delivered a third score on a 14- yard finish. James Koerick finished the scoring with a three-yard ramble in the third quarter. Tyler Davis was 5-for-5 in extra points. Coolidge led the Patriots with 69 yards passing and 46 yards rushing. Isaac Hathaway chipped in 41 yards rushing.
 

OTHER WEEK #6 GAME RECAPS

POTSDAM 32, MASSENA 7
Potsdam’s Nick Howard rushed well past the 1,000-yard mark for the season with a career-best 304-yard rushing performance and shaking off a spirited Massena Red Raider squad in a key divisional matchup on Friday night. In a game for a home-field seeding in the Class A playoffs, Howard’s final run of the night was a 42-yard touchdown run that powered Potsdam to a 32-7 win at Massena, securing the second seed for the Sandstoners who will host the Raiders in the semifinals. By the end of the night, Howard had racked up three touchdowns and reached 1,220 yards rushing in just six games of the season, a 203.3 yard average per game. After a scoreless defensive struggle in the first quarter, Potsdam scored on Howard’s first TD run of five yards to make it 6-0. Massena bounced back to take the lead when Evan Raymo jetted 59 yards to paydirt and Taylor Zappia kicked the extra point and the Raiders led 7-6. But the lead lasted just 15 seconds. Zac Linsky busted one tackle and found daylight along the sideline and returned the football 80 yards for a touchdown to put Potsdam ahead for good, 12-7. Potsdam’s next drive chewed up 85 yards and most of the rest of the half to mount an 18-7 lead at intermission. The Sandstoners put a serious hurt on Massena’s hopes for an upset when Will Middlemiss blasted into the end zone from two yards deep to increase the lead to 26-7, before Howard’s final 42-yard run. With the win, Potsdam will host the third-place Raiders in the opening round of the Class A playoffs in three weeks. Canton will be at Indian River for the other semifinal.

INDIAN RIVER 53, CANTON 19
The Indian River Warriors beat the Canton Golden Bears 53-19 to stay unbeaten and clinch the top seed in the Northern Football Conference Class A playoffs in three weeks. In a dominating first half, Warrior starters Jarrod Peck, Curtis Dukes, Corey Brown and Ryan Maniscalco registered two touchdowns each to put away Canton in the first half. Indian River scored 22 points in the first quarter and another 25 before intermission. The Penn State-bound Dukes rolled up 201 yards on 13 rushes. Brown tacked on 71 yards, Peck 62 yards and Maniscalco 72 yards through the air. Canton’s Aaron Brown deposited two scores in the end zone with runs of two yards and 40 yards in the fourth quarter. The Bears (0-3, 0-6 overall) will be the fourth seed and will return to Indian River for the semifinals of the Class A playoffs in three weeks.

TICONDEROGA 34, TUPPER LAKE 6
In a key divisional matchup with home field implications, the Ticonderoga Sentinels defeated the Tupper Lake Lumberjacks 34-6 and captured the second seed for Class D playoffs in three weeks. The loss relegated the Jacks to third place and forced them to return to Ticonderoga for rematch in the division’s semifinals. The Sentinels frustrated the Lumberjack offense from the beginning, marching out to a 12-0 first-quarter lead on the strength of two touchdown runs by Steve Lenhart for 33 and 29 yards. Ticonderoga stretched the margin to 28-0 at halftime on quarterback Anthony Barneo’s one-yard keeper and a 28-yard passing hookup with Jake Taylor just over a minute later. Tupper’s leading rusher Ian Smetanick was held to just 90 yards rushing, but Smetanick put the Jacks on the board when QB Zack Meade delivered a 60-yard bomb for score. Ti’s Josh Huestis finished the scoring on a one-yard run with 37 seconds left in the third quarter. Meade finished the night with 114 yards passing, completing 7-for-13. Lenhart led Ticonderoga rushers with 90 yards on eight carries.

SETON CATHOLIC 14, ST. LAWRENCE CENTRAL 6
In a battle of two previously winless teams, Seton Catholic rebounded from a 6-0 halftime deficit to notch touchdowns in the third and fourth quarters to send the St. Lawrence Central Larries to a 14-6 defeat. Eric Deshane rambled 29 yards to paydirt to put the Larries on top for the first time this season, 6-0 in the first quarter. But the Knights defense was impenetrable the rest of the way. In the third quarter, Ethan Quantock dove in from the one-yard line to tie the game, and Tanner LeCuyer toed the extra point through the uprights to push the Knights into the lead. In the fourth quarter, Seton stretched the lead to 14-6 when Kaleb Gohlke hooked up with Andrew VanDenBusch on a 37-yard TD reception. The Larries (0-6) marched back in the final minutes of the game, penetrating the Seton red zone, driving for the tie, but were stopped inside the Seton 10. With the interdivisional win, the Knights improved to 1-5 overall. They were 0-3 within their division and will travel to Moriah in three weeks for the opening round of the Class D playoffs.

SARANAC CENTRAL 41, PLATTSBURGH 7
After a listless first half that ended in a 7-7 deadlock, the Saranac Chiefs only had to be reminded that no win might mean no playoffs. For Plattsburgh, an upset victory would create a three-way tie for the final two playoff slots in the Class B semifinals. The Chief’s mission was simple: win and in. In the second half, Saranac overwhelmed the Hornets with 34 points en route to a 41-7 win and captured the third-place spot for the playoffs and an opening matchup at Peru. Five unanswered touchdowns in the second half doomed Plattsburgh to an 0-3 divisional record and out of the semifinal round. Jake Mullady led Saranac with 129 rushing yards, along with Cody Wood’s 159 all purpose yards to secure the Chiefs’ first Northern Football Conference playoff berth. Saranac’s first score was a 69-yard TD precision pas from QB Jason Lavarnway to Wood who busted coverage in the second quarter. Plattsburgh signal caller Joe Kirkpatrick rifled a four- yard touchdown strike to Brett Gilman to tie the game 7-7 on the next drive. The chiefs opened the second-half rampage with a 20-yard reverse to Wood, followed by a 29-yard touchdown run from Mullady and a two-yard QB keeper for Lavarnway capitalizing on a Hornet fumble. Plattsburgh turned the ball over three times in the second half. Wood (five carries 81 yards) pounded home the next touchdown on a 19-yard rush. Lavarnway and backup quarterback Barry Devin combined for 130 yards passing and one td pass each.
 

THE EAGLE HAS LANDED: 1ST PLACE IN "C," BEATING MALONE


The Eagles' flight pattern is on target as Beekmantown's Cody Weaver (24) stretches out for the pass, perfectly placed by quarterback Carter Frechette, just out of the reach of a Malone defender.  Andrew Price snagged three touchdown catches in the first quarter (13, 33 and 75 yards) and another in the second quarter (60 yards) with 199 yards rushing to lead Beekmantown to a dominating 39-7 halftime advantage and a 52-21 win at Malone.  (Kyle Coryea photo)  Game Gallery

Beekmantown quarterback Carter Frechette launches one of several bombs. Frechette had a great passing game completing 9-of-13 passes for a whopping 264 yards, a 29-yard average.

Malone's Jake Gravel (10) dives forward for the first down while being tackled from behind.  Gravel scored on a 19-yard touchdown run during the second half.

BEEKMANTOWN 52, MALONE 21
Beekmantown quarterback Carter Frechette and wide receiver Andrew Price hooked up to have career performances as the Eagles clawed the Malone Huskies 53-21 at Crowner Field in Malone on Saturday to clinch the first-place seed for the Class C playoffs. Frechette delivered precision passes of 13, 33, 60 and 75 yards – all for touchdowns – all in the first half that had the Huskies air sick by halftime, down 39-7. The Eagles went on to beat Malone 53-21. Frechette racked up an astonishing 264 passing yards in completing 9-of-13 attempts for a whopping 29 yards per completion. More stunning was the fact that this poised “kid quarterback” who also deftly escaped would-be tacklers to make those passes, is just a freshman and starting only his second varsity game ever! Wide receiver Andrew Price was the big recipient of Frechette’s bountiful passing game with 199 yards receiving and snared all four TD passes. After the first Frechette-to- Price hookup, Malone actually took a 7-6 lead when quarterback Jake Gravel electrified the hometown faithful with a 95-yard return on the ensuing kickoff. But the Huskies’ only lead lasted just 95 seconds, pending the midrange 33-yard TD Frechette-Price passing completion. And the two long bombs were still to come before the intermission. Frechette also scored an 11-yard rushing touchdown. Patrick Manor added a 21-yarder, C.J. Witkowski scampered for a 20-yard score and Matt Durocher tacked on a final 11-yard touchdown. For Malone who finished with the third-place seed and will face Peru in the semifinals, Gravel also provided a 19-yard touchdown run, while Brad Soulia added a two-yard score.
 

O.F.A. CLAIMS TOP SEED IN CLASS C BEATING RED STORM


Ogdensburg running back Tylor Stevenson (21) hits a hole in the Saranac Lake defensive line, then gets blasted off his feet on a very solid hit in the midst of the Red Storm defense.  However, Stevenson did his damage, scampering for two touchdowns including a 73-yard kickoff return in the second quarter to drive the O.F.A. Blue Devils to a 22-0 win over Saranac Lake and sole possession of first place in Class C.  (Bob LaRue photo)  Game Gallery   NCSN's Game Broadcast

Ogdensburg's Zach Giglio (16) nearly picks off a pass intended for Saranac Lake's Steven Burpoe.  Giflio was unable to bring the ball down under control before going out of bounds.

Saranac Lake QB Brandon Patraw (12) just gets the ball away before a backside tackle from Ogdensburg's Kellan Skelly.
(Photo by Dan Bisaccio)

OGDENSBURG 22, SARANAC LAKE 0
After a slow first quarter, but still holding the Saranac Lake offense scoreless, the Ogdensburg Blue Devils offense came to life with two second-quarter touchdowns, including a six-yard rushing play to open the scoring, then a 73-yard punt return from Tylor Stevenson to lift the Devils to a 14-0 halftime lead and ultimately a 22-0 home victory over the Red Storm. Zach Giglio scored the other O.F.A. touchdown on a 65-yard bomb from quarterback Jared Morrow to open the third quarter. Saranac Lake’s best chance came when quarterback Ryan Patraw threw a would-be 56-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter that was called back on an ineligible receiver penalty. On the night, Stevenson finished with 14 carries for 81 yards for O.F.A. For the Red Storm, Patraw scampered for 66 yards and Burpoe added 59. With the win, Ogdensburg (3-0, 6-0 overall) clinches the top seed for the Class C playoffs and will face AuSable Valley. Saranac Lake (2-1, 5-1 overall) will have the second seed against third-seed Gouverneur.

MORIAH 26, PERU 0
The Moriah Vikings took their unbeaten season into the Apple Bowl in Peru on Saturday and vanquished the host Indians 26-0. The Vikings’ defense, which have allowed only 39 points this season (second best in the conference to Ogdensburg with 38 points allowed) forced two interceptions, a fumble and dropped Peru quarterback Rob Duquette on sacks four times, resulting in 25 yards lost. Moriah’s Brennan Thierry grabbed both interceptions. After a sluggish first quarter for both offenses, Tyler Blaise (3-for-6, 53 yards passing and 53 yards rushing) capped off a 15-play, 70-yard rive with a seven-yard touchdown on a run around the right end just 0:46 into the second quarter. Peru’s best chance to score came just before the half when Conner Keleher picked off a Blaise pass at the Peru 29, but the drive blew up when David Raggone fumbled after a seven-yard pickup. The Vikings doubled the lead after an interception when Jim Carlson muscled into the end zone from six yards out. They added 14 more points in the fourth quarter on Carlson’s 48-yard sideline scamper. Carlson’s number was called 22 times in the game for 116 total yards. With time becoming critical, Duquette (10-for-16, 77 yards) went to the air, but was intercepted again by Theirry who flashed 30 yards to paydirt and sealed the win. The 6-0 Vikings remain as one of three teams unbeaten this season, along with Indian River and Ogdensburg who play each other next week. Peru fell to 3-3 overall.
 

#14 BLUE DEVILS ROMP PAST RED RAIDERS IN 42-0 SHUTOUT


Malone Huskies' quarterback Jake Gravel (10) gets a needed block from Brad Soulia (30) and eludes St. Lawrence Central defensive back John Keenan (44) to pitch the pass to the Nick Hyde along the sideline. (Dan Bisaccio photo)  Game Gallery
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Larries' Camden Durant makes the catch and is goes
down on a hard hit from Malone's Jake Gravel (10). 

Huskies played solid defensive ball, wrapping up Durant's legs.

MALONE 42, ST. LAWRENCE CENTRAL 0
The first quarter was a defensive battle, but the Malone Huskies took advantage of Larries’ penalties and turnovers, parlaying them into yardage and points, in running up 28 unanswered points in the second quarter to rack up their largest point total and biggest win in more than four years in beating St. Lawrence Central 42-0. Signal caller Jake Gravel fired off four touchdown passes with a 161-yard passing performance and 66 yards rushing to lead the Huskies. Gravel, who was a perfect 6-for-6 in extra-point kicks, also delivered the first touchdown on a one-yard keeper to start the scoring just 5:35 into the game. But the game was definitely a Huskies’ team effort. Nick Hyde also registered his best performance of the year with three pass receptions for two touchdowns (41 and 61 yards) and 105 yards total. Chris Picaro hauled in a 20-yard TD catch, Ryan LaFlesh caught another 26 yarder for score and Brian Doe muscled his way for a five-yard touchdown in the win. Camden Durant led St. Lawrence Central with 12 carries for 71 yards. Rylan Patraw was 3-for-16 for 39 yards passing, but was picked off twice which the Huskies cashed in for scores.
 

#14 BLUE DEVILS ROMP PAST RED RAIDERS IN 42-0 SHUTOUT


Ogdensburg’s Tyler Stevenson (21) muscles his way through the Massena defensive line for the gain.  Stevenson led the Blue Devils to a 29-0 halftime lead en route to a 42-0 win at Massena on Friday night.  (Eric Foote photo)  Game Gallery

Ogdensburg’s quarterback Jared Morrow (13) calls his own number and scampers down field for a big gain.

OGDENSBURG 42, MASSENA 0
Tylor Stevenson raced to three touchdowns, including two scores on kickoff returns, and provided an interception in leading the Ogdensburg Blue Devils to a 42-0 romp over the Massena Red Raiders in an interdivisional contest. Stevenson’s first TD score was an 85-yard return on the opening kickoff of the game, putting O.F.A. ahead 7-0 within seconds. He opened the second quarter with a 50-yard scamper to paydirt, then followed with a 70-yard return on the Blue Devils next possession to open a 21-0 lead. Quarterback Jared Morrow drilled a seven-yard TD pass to Tanner Lawrence late in the half to dominate 29-0 at intermission. Zach Giglio added a 20-yard pass reception in the third quarter and Jesse Martin dashed 25 yards to the end zone in the fourth quarter to wrap up the scoring. Stevenson finished with six carries for 135 yards. Morrow delivered seven passes for 162 yards. Ian Dominque led Massena with 50 rushing yards.

BEEKMANTOWN 33, AUSABLE VALLEY 14
Beekmantown freshman Carter Freshette took advantage of his quarterback debut with a 25-yard touchdown run on his first carry, a 63-yard pass completion on his first pass and a 27-yard touchdown strike for his second pass in making an impressive start for the home-standing Eagles who grabbed a 33-14 victory over still winless AuSable Valley on Saturday. The Patriots put up an initial fight, answering Freshette’s first score with a nine-yard scamper from Larry Coolidge (105 yards total rushing) just 77 seconds later. But Matt Durcher (116 yards rushing) also carried for two touchdowns in the win, pounding the ball six yards for the first score on the next drive less than two minutes later. After the Pats fumbled on the ensuing kickoff, Freshette finished off a 20-point first quarter effort with a 27-yard TD hookup to Billy Price (90 yards total rushing) to open up a 20-6 lead. The Eagles did not let up in the second quarter. Patrick Manor barreled in from the nine yard line and Durocher scored his second rushing touchdown from the six-yard line to pile up a 33-6 halftme lead. The lone score in the second half came on Jordan Case’s four-yard TD scramble for AuSable Valley.
 

#7 INDIAN RIVER SHAKES OFF POTSDAM IN 2ND HALF 27-0


Indian River's Jarrod Peck (22) slices back against the grain between three Potsdam defenders before he is tackled.
(Dan Bisaccio/Bob LaRue photos)  Game Gallery
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Indian River's Curtis Dukes (26) at the four-yard line muscles ahead for the second of two touchdowns, a 13-yarder.

Potsdam's Nick Howard (10) nearly loses the football as he is tackled at the Sandstoner 40-yard line. 

INDIAN RIVER 27, POTSDAM 0
The Potsdam Sandstoners game plan worked to near perfection in the first half: Keeping control of the football and the powerful Indian River offense off the field as long as possible. The Warriors managed to score only on their second play from scrimmage when quarterback Corey Brown broke free and delivered the football 63 yards to the house for the game’s first score. But that was it. No big-time rushes for score – for now. And Potsdam had dodged a couple of bullets, including a 53-yard Curtis Dukes run called back on a holding penalty. After intermission, Dukes and Company found renewed life using speed and big-play finishes to rack up three touchdowns and polish off a 27-0 win. Dukes (153 yard total) carried the mail in the third quarter with touchdown runs of 13 yards at 7:02, then sprinted the sideline untouched 63 yards to paydirt with 1:17 left in the quarter to secure the lead on his final carry of the night. Brown finished off the scoring with a final two-yard run in the 4th. Brown carreid nine times for 92 yards. Josh Swinton carried 14 times for 50 yards. Indian River held the league’s leading rusher Nick Howard to 76 yards on his 21 carries to lead Potsdam. Potsdam’s best advance into Warrior territory came on their last drive, down to the 17-yard line, but ended when Shane McHenry’s end-zone pass was picked off by Ryan Maniscalco.
 

OTHER WEEK #5 GAME RECAPS

PERU 34, PLATTSBURGH 7
The Peru Indians gradually pulled away from the host Plattsburgh Hornets under the lights on Friday night, but eventually pulled away with a 34-7 victory. But the win did not come without its early foibles – and fumbles. Peru’s first two drives ended when they coughed up the pigskin. The first quarter ended with no points on the scoreboard. But the tide turned quickly for the Indians. Peru quarterback Robert Duquette whipped a 30-yard touchdown strike to David Ragone and the Indians were on the board. Then on the Hornets’ next play, Jared Murphy’s pass was plucked by Peru’s Conor Keleher. Four plays later, Duquette – who had his most accurate passing performance of the season with 161 yards through the air – launched another 30-yard missile, this time to Marc Daly, and the Indians had all of the momentum at the half, 14-0. Duquette also plunged a pair of one-yard keepers for touchdowns in the second half. Ragone also scored another touchdown to cap the Peru scoring. Plattsburgh’s lone score came in the third period when Joe Kirkpatrick hit Bo Baker for an 18-yard strike. Peru improved to 3-2 overall, while Plattsburgh fell to 1-4.

MORIAH 27, TUPPER LAKE 18
In the clash of unbeaten Class D titans, Moriah’s Jim Carlson dominated the rushing game with 24 carries for 201 yards and four touchdowns as the Moriah Vikings (5-0) stopped Tupper Lake 27- 18 at Moriah on Friday night. Both teams entered the game ranked in the Top 20 in the New York State Sportswriters Poll: Moriah 8th and Tupper Lake 18th. Carlson opened the scoring with a 19-yard run early in the first quarter. Tupper Lake countered when Zack Meade found Jim Merrihew on an 11-yard TD pass, but the two-point conversion failed, leading the Lumberjacks down 7-6. Carlson bumped the Vikings into a 14-6 lead with a 52-yard ramble to the house to end the scoring in the first quarter and the half. Carlson catapulted Moriah into a 21-0 lead to start the third quarter on a 79-yard punt return, the only score of the quarter. Tupper’s top rusher Ian Smetanick gave the Jacks renewed life when he scored to open the fourth quarter on a rushing TD, making it 21-12. But Carlson put the game out of reach on a 30-yard run. The Lumberjacks final score came when Smetanick (18 carries for 66 rushing yards) returned a punt 75 yards to score. However, then the two-point conversion failed, it left the Jacks down two possessions at 27-18, the final score.

GOUVERNEUR 26, CANTON 0
After a scoreless first half, the Gouverneur Wildcats finally wore down the upstart Golden Bears, getting a touchdown in the third quarter and three more scores in the fourth to post a 26-0 win at Canton. The Wildcats drove home the game winner on a five-yard carry by James Zeller. Todd Elliott added a 29-yard run, Darren Fuller added a six-yard quarterback sneak and Duane Roberts plunged a one-yarder to account for Gouverneur’s scoring. Roberts finished with a game-best 97 yards rushing on 12 carries. Jesse Miller led Canton passing 9-for-11 foer 92 yards, while Bill Shannon hdd 48 yards rushing.

TICONDEROGA 36, SETON CATHOLIC 0
Two Steven Lenhart touchdowns in the first quarter set the tone as the Ticonderoga Sentinels dominated Seton Catholic 36-0 on Friday night. The Sentinels scored four rushing touchdowns and added the fifth through the air. Lenhart led the way with 65 yards on the ground. Bryant Austin and Matt Bussey also scored rushing TDs, while signal caller Anthony Barnao hooked up with Jake Taylor on a 30-yard completion for a score in the third quarter. The Ticonderoga defense was smothering for the Knights. Seton Catholic was stymied to just six total yards on the night. QB Kaleb Gohlke was sacked five times and was able to connect on just three-of-19 passing.

SARANAC LAKE 28, SARANAC CENTRAL 6
Host Saranac Lake broke away from a 7-6 halftime lead with three Jon Barge rushing touchdowns to grab a 28-6 victory over Saranac Central and maintain an unblemished record at 5- 0 heading into next week’s showdown with 5-0 Ogdensburg atop the Class C division. The first half was a defensive show for the two Saranacs in the interdivisional matchup. Barge, who ran 104 total yards, put the Red Storm ahead 7-0 with a one-yard plunge just 3:08 into the game. The Chiefs drew within a point early in the second quarter after Dylan Everleth picked a Brandon Patraw pass and QB Jason Lavarnway fired off a 29-yard TD throw to Cody Wood. In the third quarter, the Storm began to pull away when Patraw rifled David Snyder a 19-yard TD pass, following Austin McDonough’s pickoff to put Saranac Lake in good field position. Barge completed two short yardage touchdowns – one in the third quarter and another in the fourth frame to seal the Storm victory. Saranac Lake’s Forrest Morgan went 4-for-4 in kinking extra points.
 

POTSDAM TOPS CANTON 47-18 ON HALL OF FAME WEEKEND


Potsdam's Nick Howard (10) finds the seam and slices through the gap for first-down yardage.  Howard carried the ball 39 times for 218 yards and three touchdowns as Potsdam toppled Canton 47-18.  Willie Middlemiss also added two touchdowns for the 3-1 Sandstoners. Bill Shannon scored both touch-downs for Canton.  (Mark VanBibber photo)  Game Gallery

Canton QB Jesse Miller (13) is hit by defensemen Ben Greer (80) and Ryan Mousaw (81) and just as he releases the ball. 

Potsdam's Will Middlemiss (44) plows through the Canton defense to score one of his two touchdowns.

POTSDAM 47, CANTON 18
The Potsdam Sandstoners (3-1) bounced back from a one-point loss the previous week by spreading out some of the rushing duties, demonstrated they had two quarterbacks to offer and bounced back for a 47-18 win over the Canton Golden Bears (0-4) on Sandstoner Hall of Fame Weekend. Nick Howard still carried 39 times and ate up 218 yards of real estate to score three touchdowns for the Sandstoners. Will Middlemiss played a larger role with 51 yards rushing and two TD carries. Taylor Caswell split the quarterback duties with Shane McHenry in guiding the win. Canton hung in the game in the first quarter, countering Howard’s first score with a one- yard plunge from Aaron Pierce to knot the game 6-6. Middlemiss’ two scores in the second frame pushed the Stoners up 21-6 at the half. Howard polished off Potsdam’s first score in the third quarter with a seven-yard rush. McHenry connected on a 16-yard pass to Caswell, then Howard muscled a three-yard run to paydirt and Potsdam blew the game open 40-6 by the end of the third quarter. Zach Linsky scored Potsdam’s final TD. The Bears got some satisfaction on two Bill Shannon touchdowns in the final quarter – a 35-yard run and a 15-yard pass reception from Jeff Hyde.
 

SARANAC LAKE STORMS PAST AUSABLE VALLEY 33-0


Red Storm quarterback Jon Mauler (11) complete a pass with Patriot defensemen bearing down on him.  Following a first-half scoring barrage by the Saranac Lake offense, the Red Storm defense slammed the door on the Patriots in the second half in a 33-0 win.  (Greg Ferguson photo)  Game Gallery

Student Body Right: Ausable Valley's Isaac Hathaway (28) follows the motion of his offensive linemen on a sweep but is met in the backfield by Storm linebacker Forrest Morgan (20) and defensive end Ethan Oddy (41).

Forrest Morgan (20) of Saranac Lake finds a seam for a big gain late in fourth quarter at Ausable Valley.

SARANAC LAKE 33, AUSABLE VALLEY 0
Saranac Lake’s Jon Barge rushed for two touchdowns while Steve Burpoe, Sean Ryan and Brandon Patraw each added a score to propel the undefeated Red Storm (4-0) to a 33-0 win over AuSable Valley (0-4). The Patriots were again plagued with penalties that killed drives in Red Storm territory. The Storm rumbled to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter on Barge’s one-yard plunge and Patraw’s two-yard quarterback keeper. Burpoe jetted all 76 of his yards rushing on a sideline touchdown scamper midway through the second quarter, after Ryan muscled into the end zone on a another one-yarder. Barge finished the scoring with a one-yard dive for the lone third-quarter touchdown. David Snyder contributed two interceptions on consecutive passes from Patriots’ quarterback Eric Rock. Patraw finished the game with 7-for-8 passing and 79 yards. Patriots’ rusher Larry Coolidge ran for 124 yards.

SARANAC 41, MALONE 33
Jake Mullady racked up 153 yards rushing on 25 carries and three touchdowns as the Saranac Central Chiefs outlasted the Franklin Academy Huskies 41-33 in a shootout in Malone on Saturday. Cody Wood also collected two touchdown catches for the Chiefs (1-2, 1-3 overall). Malone quarterback Jake Gravel rushed for three touchdowns as well. In wild high-scoring first quarter, Wood scored on 37-yard pass reception. Then the teams began exchanging scores. Derek Hanna lit up a 79-yard kickoff return to put Malone ahead 7-6. Mallady responded with a 14-yard rushing score. Gravel countered with a 22-yard TD run. Mallady pounded another eight-yard TD run and the first quarter ended 20-14. In the pivotal second quarter, Malone failed to score. The Chiefs’ Colby Foster was the only one to reach the endzone and Saranac went up 27-14 at the half. The Huskies climbed back within one possession, 27-21, on a Derek Hanna pass 23 yards to Nick Hyde. Wood’s second reception for 13 yards from quarterback Jason Lavarnway restored the Chiefs’ lead to 33-21. Gravel ground out another 15-yard TD run, but the Huskies could not prevent Mullady’s third TD from two yards out. Gravel dug in for another two-yard TD run, 136 yards rushing total, but time had run out for the boys in green (Huskies 1- 2, 1-3 overall).
 

MORROW RUNS, GIGLIO PICKS: O.F.A. BEATS WILDCATS 20-0


Ogdensburg’s Tyler Stevenson (21) on a run up the middle gets collared from behind by a Gouverneur lineman. 
(Eric Foote photo)  Game Gallery  Listen to NCSN Broadcast

Gouverneur’s Todd Elliott (25) stiff arms Ogdensburg’s Zach Giglio (16) to create separation and gain a few extra yards.  Giglio's interception was the key moment in the game.

OGDENSBURG 20, GOUVERNEUR 0
Even though it was just the first quarter, the tone and outcome of the game seemed to turn on one key play for the Ogdensburg Blue Devils on Saturday at Gouverneur. Quarterback Jared Morrow had already put Ogdensburg ahead 7-0 on a six-yard scamper and Zach Giglio booted the extra point to go up 7-0 at 9:10 of the opening period. For the most part, Gouverneur looked strong on both sides of the ball, but had given some big-time third-down plays that sustained Ogdensburg drives. But on the Wildcats ensuing drive, quarterback Darren Fuller passed into the flat to his right, never seeing Giglio stunting across into the line of fire. Giglio picked the football and sprinted 21 yards untouched to the end zone. The quick strike seemed to be the defining moment in the game. The Wildcat lines played well in the trenches, not allowing the Devils to score in the second and third quarters. Ogdensburg only scored one final time early in the fourth quarter, when Steve Morrow, on 4th and goal, got just enough of a push from the one-yard line to squeeze to the line and get a delayed touchdown signal. But the Gouverneur offense seemed to be just one step out of sync, unable to finish three promising drives into Blue Devil territory and fell 20-0. Tylor Stevenson finished with a game-high 60 yards rushing. Jared Morrow ran for 57 yards and two Tds. Steve Morrow added 50 yards and a touchdown. Fuller was 6-for-19 passing for 40 yards.
 

TUPPER LAKE FENDS OFF UPSTART S.L.C. LARRIES 26-12

St. Lawrence Central’s Camden Durant (12) slips out of the ankle tackle of Tupper Lake’s Jim Merrihew (32).  Tupper Lake pulled away in the third quarter for a 26-12 win and stayed unbeaten (4-0).  The Larries fell to 0-4.  (Eric Foote photo)   Game Gallery   Listen To NCSN's Broadcast of the Game

Tupper Lake’s Ian Smetanick (34) loses the handle on the football while being tackled from behind by St. Lawrence Central’s Charlie Dullea (7) in the first quarter.

TUPPER LAKE 26, ST. LAWRENCE CENTRAL 12
The St. Lawrence Central Larries scored their first two touchdowns of the season and played solid defense, but when tied at 6-6 with 0:31 left in the half, were stung by a blocked-punt-turned touchdown by Matt Duchene and trailed 12-6 at the half.  Ian Smetanick scored on a two-yard pass to oen a 6-0 lead in the first quarter.  Two plays later the jubilant Larries celebrated their first score of the season when Camden Durant barreled into the endzone to tie the game 6-6.  The extra-point kick was tipped wide.  Up just 12-6 entering the third quarter, Smetanick (160 yards total) dashed 15 yards to the house for an 18-6 lead.  The Larries got pinned deep on an ensuing drive, collided in the backfield on a handoff and suffered a safety. Jordan Nason's 55-yard sideline dash dealt a crippling blow to the Larries who had kept the game close for three quarters. Nason finished with 106 yards on the ground. John Keenan scored with just two minutes remaining in the game for the Larries' second score.  He led the Larries with 50 yards rushing and one touchdown. 
 

OTHER WEEK #4 GAME RECAPS

INDIAN RIVER 50, MASSENA 0
Three drives, three big scores -- and the Indian River Warriors were off to the races in a 50-0 drubbing of the previously- unbeaten Massena Red Raiders.  The Warriors stayed perfect at 4-0.  Quarterback Zane Fish fired off a 15-yard TD pass, handed off to Jarrod Peck for a 55-yard touchdown scamper and put the ball into the hands of Curtis Dukes for a 90-yard ramble to paydirt just before the half to dish out a 37-0 lead at intermission.  Fish also turned in two rushing TDs for 20 yards and a quick two-yard keeper.  Don Polite also had a 50-yard TD run and Justin Swinton dove in from four yards to score. Massena drives were derailed by six turnovers, including four interceptions.  Dukes finished with 120 yards, Peck with 101.  Fish passed for 65 yards.

PLATTSBURGH 6, SETON CATHOLIC 3
Despite both teams winless in three previous tries, Plattsburgh’s cross-city rivalry ended in a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback for the Hornets as Plattsburgh outlasted Seton Catholic 6-3 on a rainy Friday night. Seton Catholic took a 3-0 lead on a Tanner LeCuyer 25-yard field goal kick in the second quarter, after their drive to the Plattsburgh one-yard line was beset with penalties and incomplete passes. The Knights (0-4) carried that lead into the fourth quarter and saw a promising drive brought to a halt when quarterback Kaleb Gohlke was intercepted any Anthony Givens at the Seton 26 with just over eight minutes remaining. On a 3rd-and-10 keeper, quarterback Jared Murphy brought the ball to the 12. Joshua Blanks finished the drive with a six-yard touchdown to account for the Hornets’ one score.

MORIAH 22, TICONDEROGA 14
With late-game heroics, Moriah bounced back from a 7-6 deficit after the first quarter and broke from a 14-14 tie early with a fourth quarter touchdown to knock down Ticonderoga 22-14. Vikings’ Brennan Thierry intercepted an Anthony Barnao pass on the Sentinels’ 12-yard line with just 30 seconds left in the game. Quarterback Tyler Blaise rifled a picture-perfect pass to James Carlson for the game winner and Moriah ended a four-year losing skid against Ticonderoga with a 22-14 win. Carlson delivered the mail on a two-yard plunge in the first quarter. Baarnao’s one- yard touchdown keeper evened the game at 14-14. Late in the second quarter, Carlson put the Vikings ahead 14-7 with a seven-yard scamper after Ticonderoga fumbled on their own seven-yard line.

BEEKMANTOWN 17, PERU 7
Beekmantown Eagles find themselves in unfamiliar territory – first place in Class B – following a 17-7 win over defending B champion Peru on Saturday. Patrick Manor rushed for 106 yards and Matt Durocher delivered 104 more, while the Eagle defense held down the Indians till the final quarter. The Eagles also had to overcome four turnovers of their own to win, including two first-quarter interceptions. Durocher finally posted the game’s first score, digging in from the one-yard line with just over 3:00 remaining in the half. Cody Weaver gave the Eagles some extra lift with a 36-yard field goal with 1.3 seconds left in the half for a 10-0 intermission lead. Beekmantown capitalized on a third-quarter fumble recovery with a solid 65-yard drive, capped by Durocher’s six-yard score to open a 17-0 lead with just over six minutes remaining. Peru’s lone score came on Ben Whitney’s 11-yard TD catch from Rob Duquette (17-for-22 for 191 yards).
 

MALONE GAINS FIRST WIN FENDING OFF HORNETS 13-7

Malone quarterback Jake Gravel (10) scrambles to the outside to gain first-down yardage before he is brought down by Plattsburgh’s Josh Blanks (30).  (Eric Foote photo) 
Game Gallery   NCSN Game Broadcast

Plattsburgh’s quarterback Jared Murphy (5) eludes Malone’s Brad Doe (39) and completes a pass.

MALONE 13, PLATTSBURGH 7
Nick Hyde snared a first-quarter touchdown pass in the corner of the end zone and Brad Soulia scored on a 25-yard touchdown scamper to lift Malone to a 13-7 win over the Hornets. The Huskies scored at the 5:00 mark on the first drive of the game. Plattsburgh held the ball for the balance of the first quarter, but their drive stalled out in the red zone where they turned the ball over on downs. The Huskies effectively used misdirection and a scissors play, crossing their rushers to confuse the Hornets’ defense to score and insurance touchdown in the third quarter, but missed the extra point kick wide right. The Hornets had four chances inside the Malone 20 yard line, but were unable to capitalize until Jared Murphy floated a TD pass from around the Malone eight-yard line and hit Bo Baker whose left foot just stayed inside the line in the back of the end zone. Down 13-7 late in the 4th quarter, Plattsburgh mounted a promising drive down to the Huskies’ 16-yard line, but a penalty and two sacks later were drive back to midfield and never mounted another challene. Murphy threw for a game-high 116 yards and one TD pass to Bo Baker. Malone’s Tyler Perry rushed for 53 yards while Plattsburgh Zach Avanzato ran for 45 yards. Malone improved to 1-1 in the division and 1-2 overall. Plattsburgh dropped to 0-2 in the division and 0-3 overall.
 

ON THE GROUND, IN THE AIR: TUPPER DROPS CANTON 42-0

Tupper Lake's Ian Smetanick (34) darts past Canton defender Matt Gardner (27).  Smetanick drove the running game early, setting up three touchdown first-half touchdown passes from quarterback Zack Meade to receiver Jim Merrihew, powering the Lumberjacks to a 42-0 win.  Smetanick also ran a three-yard touchdown.  (Dan Bisaccio photo)  Game Gallery
Listen to NCSN's Broadcast of the Game

Canton starting quarterback Jesse Miller (13) gets rushed on the pass by Tupper Lake offensive lineman Brian Guiney (74).

TUPPER LAKE 42, CANTON 0
The Tupper Lake Lumberjacks dominated the line of scrimmage and used a quality mix of passing and rushing plays to roll past the Canton Golden Bears 42-0.  After being intercepted on their first offensive play of the game, the Jacks stopped Canton on three downs, got the ball back and frustrated the young Canton team with a stable of running backs that pounded the ball for big gains.  Quarterback Zach Meade was on target to wide receiver Jim Merrihew with three consecutive touchdowns of 10, 24 and 41 yards to mark the first-half scoring.  Tupper Lake took the ball to start the second half and within 41 seconds doused almost any hopes for Canton when Jordan Nason.  Ian Smetanick tacked on a three-yard touchdown and Nason completed the scoring with another three-yarder, all in the third quarter to complete the rout.  Tupper Lake entered a backup string rushers and hardly lost a beat with solid gains by Brandon LaVassaur and Joe Salamy.  Tupper improved to 3-0, while Canton fell to 0-3.

SARANAC LAKE 34, SETON CATHOLIC 13
Saranac Lake’s Brandon Patraw only went 4-for-6 passing, but he made his limited flight plans count for 128 yards and three touchdowns in a 34-13 romp over Seton Catholic. The Red Storm struck three times in the first quarter when Steve Burpoe scampered 24 yards for a touchdown at 1:28 on the first drive of the game. Patraw then air-mailed Burpoe with a 45-yard touchdown pass, then connected with Dan Sweet on a 34-yard touchdown pass to build a 21-0 lead in the first quarter. Matt Seymour responded with a four-yard run and Kaleb Gohlke fired off a 13-yard pass to Seymour to account for all 13 points for the Knights in the second quarter. In between, a Sweet run of 55 yards padded the Red Storm lead to 28-0 at the half. The game turned from an offensive assault in the first half to a defensive battle after intermission. Patraw tapped David Snyder for a 45-yard touchdown reception with 0:13 left in the third quarter for the games final score. Sweet finished as the game’s leading rusher with 67 yards and one touchdown. Seymour carried 15 times for 64 yards. Gohlke was 5-for-11 passing for 76 yards.

MORIAH 21, BEEKMANTOWN 7
The Beekmantown Eagles finally ended Moriah’s shutout streak by snagging a fourth-quarter touchdown, but it was too little and too late to prevent the Vikings from rackign up their third straight win 21-7. After a scoreless first quarter, Mike Brassard’s three-yard run for touchdown capped off the first scoring play at 6:49. Moriah took a 6-0 lead into the half. Jim Carlson carried home a 14-yard score at 7:26 of the third quarter and with the two-point conversion, the Vikings opened up a 14- 0 lead. Moriah’s Ron Schofield doused any hopes for a Beekmantown comeback when he rambled 47 yards to the house and cracked open a 21-0 lead just 47 seconds into the fourth frame. With the game virtually out of reach, the Eagles took aim at the 11 consecutive zeros posted by the Moriah defense. Patrick Manor capped off a fourth-quarter drive with a three-yard burrow to the end zone marking the first points against the Vikings this season. Carlson finished the day with a game-high 23 yards rushing for 154 yards. Schofield wrapped up with 84 yards rushing. Matt Durocher led Beekmantown with 52 yards rushing.
 

MORROW, GIGLIO LEAD O.F.A. IN THRILLER OVER POTSDAM

Potsdam’s Nick Howard (10) dives into the endzone through a hoard of Ogdensburg defenders for a touchdown.  After Potsdam racked up 18 points in the first quarter, the Ogdensburg Blue Devils came back with a late touchdown on a 35-yard run from Jarrod Morrow and two-point conversion on a second attempt to overtake the Potsdam Sandstoners 33-32 in a thriller.  Zach Giglio led O.F.A. with three touchdowns and three extra points.  (Eric Foote photo)  Game Gallery

Over the helmet catch: Ogdensburg’s Zach Giglio (16) brings in his first of three touchdown catches on the night.

OGDENSBURG 33, POTSDAM 32
In a season that has been wrought with lopsided contests and 50-percent shutouts in the first two weeks, Ogdensburg and Potsdam get the first true thriller in the Maple City on Friday night. The Blue Devils (3-0) got a second chance at a two-point conversion and made it count as the Blue Devils squeezed past Potsdam on the final scoring drive with just over three minutes left. The Sandstoners came out hard, rolling up 18 points in the first quarter behind the running attack of Nick Howard who plunged to the house on runs of one and five yards. Zach Giglio ignited the Blue Devils offense with two second-quarter touchdowns. Quarterback Jared Morrow’s keeper up the middle with time running out in the second quarter thrust the Devils into the lead 19-18 at the half. Potsdam jumped back into the lead 26-19 when Howard launched the third quarter with a five-yard TD run. Giglio pulled in a 10-yard TD pass to draw the Devils within a point, but failed on the two-point conversion attempt with 11 minutes remaining. Nick Howard gave Potsdam some cushion again with his fourth touchdown. Morrow dashed past the Potsdam blitz and 25 yards to the endzone, but the Devils still trailed 32-21. Another Morrow-to-Giglio hookup on the two-point passing conversion gave the Devils the lead. Potsdam’s last-gasp drive came to and end when the ball was intercepted near midfield.
 

RED STORM STAYS UNBEATEN WITH 34-13 WIN OVER SETON

Saranac Lake's Dan Sweet (23) springs out to the sideline with the football to pick up first down yardage and more.  Steve Burpoe scored three first-half touchdowns to lead a relentless Storm offense in a 34-13 rout over the Knights. Storm defense held the Knights scoreless in the second half, allowing the Storm improve to 3-0.  (Greg Ferguson photo)  Game Gallery

Seton Catholic's Matt Seymour (8) finds the end zone for the Knights' second score of the game.
 

OTHER WEEK #3 GAME RECAPS

MASSENA 9, ST. LAWRENCE CENTRAL 0
Matt Perry scored on a 14-yard touchdown run in the second quarter and Taylor Zappia booted a 24-yard field goal midway through the fourth quarter to account for all of the scoring as the Massena Red Raiders downed St. Lawrence Central 9-0 on Hall of Fame weekend at Massena. Zappia toted the ball 18 times for a game-high 84 yards. Charlie Dullea ran 55 yards and Eric Deshane added 53 yards for the Larries who are playing well defensively, but still seeking their first points of the season after three weeks of play. Massena improved to 3-0, while the Larries dropped to 0-3.

INDIAN RIVER 64, GOUVERNEUR 14
Curtis Dukes is back healthy again – and watch out league! The highly-recruited Penn State- bound Warrior rusher racked up four touchdowns, 113 yards rushing and 105 yards rushing to power Indian River to a 64-14 run over Gouverneur. The Warriors’ Corey Brown also delivered the mail to the end zone three times in the first half. Peyton Amato added a fourth quarter score to keep the Warriors unbeaten at 3-0 overall. With the game already out of reach, Gouverneur put up some “respect points” in the third and fourth quarters when James Zeller plunged into the end zone on a one-yard run and Darren Fuller threw a 12-yard TD pass to Bryant Durham. Tyler Davis booted both extra points for the Wildcats. Fuller 11-for-24 for 100 yards passing for Gouverneur. Fish went 4-for-8 for 115 yards passing for Indian River.

PERU 20, SARANAC CENTRAL 12
The Saranac Chiefs almost pulled off a stunning two-minute comeback, starting at their own one- yard line in a last-ditch attempt to upset the Peru Indians. Saranac’s Jason Lavarnway quarterbacked the Chiefs past midfield. But Peru’s Andrew Blair interrupted the end-zone crusade with an interception in the final seconds of the game to preserve a 20-12 Indians win. Earlier in the game, Peru quarterback Robert Duquette hooked up with Marc Daly on a 26-yard touchdown reception and Connor Keleher bolted 60 yards to return a punt for a touchdown to drive Peru to a 12-0 lead. Kelleher also snagged two interceptions. The Chiefs scored all of their points in the fourth quarter when Dylan Everleth picked off a Duquette pass and jetted 56 yards to the house. After Peru responded with a 17-yard TD run, the Chiefs quickly moved up the field and scored on a five-yard ramble from Jake Mullady. Lavarnway went 12-for-22 and finished the day with 198 yards passing for the Chiefs. Duquette went 4-for-15 with 46 yards passing. Peru improved to 2-0 in the division, 2-1 overall. Saranac Central dropped to 0-2 in the division and 0- 3 overall.

TICONDEROGA 34, AUSABLE VALLEY 0
After a scoreless and turnover-prone first quarter, the Ticonderoga sentinels ripped off three second-quarter touchdowns to mount a 21-0 lead en route to a 34-0 victory over the winless AuSable Valley Patriots. Sentinels blitzed the Patriots with a one-yard Matt Bussey TD run just 1:17 into the second quarter. Just over four minutes later, Anthony Barnao met paydirt with an eight-yard TD run to open up a 14-0 lead. Barnao polished off the Sentinels next drive with n eight-yard TD pass to Todd Carr and Ticonderoga was rolling with a 21-0 halftime lead. Bussey’s 12-yard touchdown run in the third quarter and Scyler Mosier’s two-yard rumble in the fourth accounted for the rest of the scoring. Bussey finished the day with 17 carries for 89 yards and two touchdowns, while Barnao went 7-for-15 and 96 yards passing, which contributed to another touchdown.
 

MASSENA OUTLASTS CANTON 33-20 TO GAIN DIVISION LEAD

The Massena Red Raiders get a second-quarter score en route to a 33-20 win over the Canton Golden Bears.  Massena's Taylor Elsner threw four TD passes to power the Raiders' win.  (Mark VanBibber photo)  Game Gallery

Canton quarterback Jesse Miller (13) went 4-for-9 passing for 62 yards.  Miller scored all three touchdowns on the run.

Massena's Evan Raymo (32) had two touchdown catches among the four TD passes pitched by QB Taylor Elsner.

MASSENA 33, CANTON 20
Massena’s Taylor Elsner aired out four touchdown passes, with Evan Raymo on the receiving end for two of those catches as the Massena Red Raiders flashed to a 33-20 win over the Canton Golden Bears. Elsner tossed eight times for 154 yards, including 70 yards to two TDs to Raymo. Canton’s Jesse Miller carried the scoring load for Canton with three touchdown runs. Canton took the game’s first lead on Miller’s five-yard scamper. However, Massena countered when Elsner hooked up on a 16-yard TD pass to Ian Dominique, then Taylor Zappia recovered a fumble in the end zone to boost the Raiders into a 14-6 lead at the half. Canton tied the game 14- 14 when Miller jetted 24 yards to paydirt and completed the two-point conversion. Almasian’s 32-yard catch for Massena and Miller’s 10-yard run for Canton produced a 20-20 score early in the fourth quarters. But the Raiders broke the backs of the Bears on a 63-yard catch-and-run score from Elsner to Raymo, followed by a seven-yard toss to the end zone to seal the 33-20 win. Zappia led Massena with 86 yards rushing.
 

MORIAH BLANKS ST.LAWRENCE LARRIES FOR 2ND SHUTOUT

Moriah quarterback Tyler Blaise (11) connects on a pass while being pressured by St. Lawrence Central’s Charlie Dullea (11).  A second week and the same results for both teams:  Moriah defense has not allowed the opposition a single point and the Larries are still seeking their first score.  Moriah blanked the Larries 28-0 on Saturday.  (Eric Foote photo)  Game Gallery

St. Lawrence Central’s Charlie Dullea (7) gets wrapped up by Moriah’s Ron Schofield and downed for a loss in the backfield.

Moriah’s Jim Carlson (28) carries the ball breaking away
from a St. Lawrence Central defender.  Carlson scored all
four touchdowns for the Vikings.

MORIAH 28, ST. LAWRENCE CENTRAL 0
Moriah’s Jim Carlson was the “go to guy,” rushing 16 times for 108 yards and all four touchdowns for the Vikings in a 28-0 run past the St. Lawrence Central Larries. Carlson wasted no time in catapulting the Vikes into a 14-0 lead with a 22-yard scramble and a five-yard dash, both for first-quarter scores. Carlson added TD runs of three and 33 yards in the second quarter. Mike Brassard continued to be flawless in extra point kicks, going 4-for-4 on the day and 10 successful boots in the first two games. The Larries offense, which is still looking for its first points suffered from three lost fumbles and two interceptions that doomed potential scoring drives.
 

QUICK-STRIKE TUPPER LAKE SINKS SETON CATHOLIC 34-6

Seton Catholic's Nick Sorrell (5) goes low to wrap up the legs of Tupper Lake senior rusher Ian Smetanick (34).  Tupper Lake struck twice in the first five minutes of the game and QB Zach Meade tossed four completions for 129 yards as the Lumber-jacks stayed unbeaten with a 41-6 win over the Knights.
(Dan Bisaccio photo)  Game Gallery

Tupper Lake quarterback Zach Meade launches a 48-yard touchdown pass for the game’s first score 2:37 into the game.

Tupper Lake's Evan Dechene (5) lays out his body to tackle Seton Catholic rusher Matt Seymour (8).

TUPPER LAKE 34, SETON CATHOLIC 6
Despite the on-and-off rain, the only lightning was the quick strike of the Tupper Lake Lumberjacks on two opening drives against Seton Catholic on Friday night. Tupper Lake took advantage of Seton’s pinching defense when Zach Meade fired off a 48-yard touchdown strike to Evan Dechene just 2:37 into the game, setting the stage for a 34-6 Lumberjacks win. The Jacks capitalized on a Seton fumble on the ensuing drive when Ian Smetanick rumbled to the house on a nine-yard run, set up by another Meade-to-Dechene hookup for 24 yards. Seton Catholic’s first score of the season and lone points for the night came on a 39-yard quarterback keeper from Caleb Golke. Meade put the pigskin in the end zone on a four-yard dive midway through the second quarter. Smetanick capped the half with a 30-yard end-around run to make it 28-6 at the half. He finished with a game-high 103 yards and two TDs. The final score came just 1:21 after intermission when Jordan Nason eluded capture and dealt a 37-yard touchdown run. He finished with 10 carries and 70 yards. Meade racked up 119 yards on four passes. Seton’s Caleb Golke rushed for 98 yards tossed for 31 yards.
 

OTHER WEEK #2 GAME RECAPS

TICONDEROGA 26, PERU 0
Not only did defending Class D champion Ticonderoga beat defending Class C champion Peru, they shut them down entirely – 26-0 in the Sentinels home opener on Friday night. The Sentinels bounced back from an opening-game loss at Saranac Lake the week before to stonewall the Indians’ offense, allowing just 76 total yards for the game. Peru was plagued by penalties and sacks that prevented the Indians from mounting any real attack all night. Rusher Bryant Austin led the way with a game-high 107 yards gained. He scored the game’s first touchdown on a 12- yard scamper with less than five minutes to go in the first quarter. Matt Bussey tacked on a 14- yard run and Austin added a 35-yard run in the pivotal third quarter to open a 20-0 lead through three periods. Todd Carr wrapped up the scoring with a one-yard plunge at 2:57 of the final period.

BEEKMANTOWN 28, SARANAC CENTRAL 12
Beekmantown quarterback Jonah Larson complete 11-of-14 passes and aired out 116 yards and two touchdowns to guide the Eagles to a home-opening 28-12 win over the Saranac Chiefs. Saranac struck first, pouncing on a Patrick Manor fumble on the first drive and polishing off and setting up a scoring drive that ended with Jason Lavarnway’s 10-yard touchdown volley to Devon Klooster. Beekmantown shrugged off an ensuing touchdown callback, nullified by a block-in-the- back penalty, when quarterback Jonah Larson connected with Jared Weaver on a 17-yard touchdown pass. Manor made amends for the earlier turnover with a pickoff on the next Chief’s series, which led to a six-yard TD scamper for Matt Durocher and a 21-6 lead. Andrew Price’s 59-yard kick return to paydirt polished off the Beekmantown scoring. Lavarnway hit Lee Szalkowski with a 10-yard pass for a touchdown with seconds left in the game for a 28-12 final. Lavarnway went 9-for-15 for 115 yards and two touchdowns passing. Durocher led all rushers with 53 yards on eight carries.
 

RED STORM CAPITALIZES ON WILDCAT FUMBLES, WINS 20-0

Red Storm receiver Steven Burpoe (32) hauls in the TD pass from QB Brandon Patraw - this one coming as time expires in the first half to give Saranac Lake a 12-0 halftime lead. 
(Greg Ferguson photo)  Game Gallery  NCSN Game Broadcast

Scramble for the loose ball. Kevin Koerick (44) is stripped of the football by Saranac Lake's Travis Defuria (80) as Jon Barge (33) reacts. A relentless Storm defense forced four fumbles in their 20-0 shutout over the visiting Wildcats.

Wildcats' QB Darren Fuller (5) pitches the ball to Kevin
Koerick (44) on a sweep during the first quarter of play.

SARANAC LAKE 20, GOUVERNEUR 0
The Saranac Lake Red Storm became opportunists, capitalizing on three turnovers and striking for two touchdowns in the first half in setting the stage for a 20-0 win over the Gouverneur Wildcats. The Storm’s Steven Burpoe snared two end-zone passes and Sean Ryan jammed in a three-yard touchdown run to ensure the victory. After the Wildcats’ second drive of the game ended with a fumble, Storm quarterback Brandon Patraw cashed in on a receiving mismatch in the back of the end zone by lofting a nine-yard pass to Burpoe. Gouverneur’s third drive met with the same fate, extinguished with a fumble near midfield. Saranac Lake made a last-second charge to the end zone just before the half, when Patraw dialed Burpoe’s number in the end zone again. Burpoe got pressure and juggled the 17-yard floater before securing the ball and padding the Red Storm lead 12-0. The final score of the game came on Ryan’s three-yard run over the right side. Gouverneur’s Kevin Koerick led all rushers with 73 yards on 13 carries. James Zeller added 64 years on his 15 totes. Travis Defuria led Saranac Lake with 54 yards on two carries.
 

POTSDAM LOGS 2ND STRAIGHT SHOUTOUT BEATING HORNETS

Potsdam running back Nick Howard battles to prevent being stripped of the ball and  is finally dragged down by three Plattsburgh linemen.  The Potsdam offensive line opened up holes and Howard roared through for over 100 yards in the first quarter alone as the Sandstoners posted their second straight shutout beating Plattsburgh 34-0.  Game Gallery

Plattsburgh gets an over-the-top dive for short yardage.

The Potsdam defense pursued the rusher and the ball, stripping it loose on this ply.  (Kyle Coryea photos)

POTSDAM 36, PLATTSBURGH 0
By Kyle Coryea, North Country SportsNet
It didn't take long for the Sandstoners to get on the board after holding the Hornets to a three-and-out.  they marched down the field and scored on a 5 yard run from Nick Howard on there opening drive failed on the 2 point attempt to take a 6-0 lead 4:21 in to the game. The Sandstoners would strike again with 2:24 left in the quarter on a 33 yard scamper by Nick Howard for his second touchdown of the night and converted on the two-point attempt to lead 14-0 at the end of the first quarter. The Sandstoners scored again on the first play of the second quarter on an eight-yard run by Willie Middlemiss. The Sandstoners led 20-0 into the break. Howard struck again on a 12-yard run for his third touchdown of the night and Potsdam too a 28-0 lead after three quarters. Then with 7:53 left in the game, Potsdam capped the scoring when Taylor Caswell stuck Corey Keleher with a two-yard touchdown pass. Plattsburgh generated only one solid drive late in the fourth quarter which stalled on the Potsdam two-yard line when, with fourth-and-goal, Joe Kirkpatrick’s pass was dropped in the end zone. The Sandstoner defense kept its end zone impenetrable or the second week in a row. With the win, the Sandstoners have played straight quarters without giving up a point while scoring 78.  Howard rumbled through the holes opened by his offensive line and racked up over 100 yards rushing and two touchdowns in the first quarter alone. Howard finished with three rushing TDs and 197 yards total.
 

AUSABLE FUMBLES, O.F.A. RUMBLES TO 41-6 VICTORY

AuSable Valley quarterback Eric Rock (21) is under heavy fire from Ogdensburg linebacker Kris Folsom (22) who leans over a Patriots' defender in an attempt to block the pass. 
 (Bob LaRue photo)  Game Gallery

AuSable Valley's James Montefusco turns the corner thanks to a solid block by fellow running back Jordan Case (5).

Ogdensburg's Steven Garrabrant (12) tips the ball (just above his hand) on a pass intended for AuSable's Ethan Carter (14).  Also defending: O.F.A.'s Jordan Brashaw (85).

OGDENSBURG 41, AUSABLE 6
The Ogdensburg Blue Devils forced seven AuSable Valley fumbles and racked up 29 first-half points to defeat the Patriots 41-6 and gain their second win of the season.  Jared Morrow capitalized with two quick touchdowns on the first two turnovers to open a 14-0 lead.  Disaster struck again for the Pats when Brad Belanger lost the football in the end zone and O.F.A.’s Ernie Jeneault pounced on the free ball. Jesse Martin then returned a fumble for a touchdown to start the second half. Tylor Stevenson also rushed for two touchdowns in the Blue Devils' romp, including a 55-yard run up the middle to paydirt in the second quarter. The Patriots got one ounce of revenge when the Ed Duprey snapped up a Blue Devils fumble and dashed untouched 47 yards to house late in the third quarter. Stevenson led O.F.A.’s 240-yard ground game with five carries for 90 yards. AuSable’s Larry Coolidge led the way with six totes for 52 yards.

INDIAN RIVER 38, MALONE 6
The daunted Indian River attack exploded for 29 second-quarter points and rolled away with a 38-6 road victory over the Malone Huskies in an interdivisional matchup on Saturday. Curtis Dukes, who ran for 51 yards, slammed home touchdowns of eight and five yards to build a 14-0 lead just three seconds into the second quarter. Justin Swinton carried the mail 14 times for 104 yards and a touchdown. Jarrod Peck contributed nine carries for 85 yards and a touchdown. Ryan Maniscalco (2 receptions, 70 yards) snagged in a 24-yard pass for another touchdown from quarterback Zane Fish, who also booted a 32-yard field goal. Fish took over for starting QB Chris Picaro who was injured late in the second quarter. Jake Gravel led Malone with 31 yards rushing.

GOUVERNEUR TURNS BACK
ST. LAWRENCE CENTRAL 14-0

St. Lawrence Central quarterback Camden Durant (12) fires the ball over the middle during the Larries' drive deep into Wildcat territory in the 4th quarter.  Gouverneur held the Larries at the three-yard line before a fumble recovery.  Gouverneur won14-0.  (Bob LaRue photo)  Game Gallery

St. Lawrence Central's Charlie Dullea (7) stiff-arms Gouverneur's Jonathan Slate (20) to gain a few extra yards and a first down.  Dullea ran 14 times for 63 yards.

Gouverneur defensive end Bryant Durham reaches out and gets a piece of Durant's pass, which wobbled incomplete.
Gouverneur's lone offensive touchdown was carried 29 yards by Daniel Maloy in the second quarter.

GOUVERNEUR 14, ST. LAWRENCE CENTRAL 0
All of the Wildcat scoring came in the second quarter -- once on offense, then on defense -- as Gouverneur held off upstart St. Lawrence Central.  The Larries have improved their roster in both quantity and talent this season with 15 players in a merger with Salmon River (13 recruits) and Brushton-Moira (two players).  Larries' defense held the Wildcats scoreless in three of the four quarters, but were turned back on two key drives that fell apart in the red zone.  Gouverneur put its first points on the board in the second frame when Daniel Maloy carried the ball 29 yards to paydirt.  On the Larries' next drive, they lost a fumble in the end zone that was recovered by Jory Gotham open up a 14-0 lead.  The Larries had a first-and-goal from three yard line in the 4th quarter, but were driven back by penalties and the defense.  Larries' defense held Gouverneur to just 113 yards for the afternoon.
 

POTSDAM CHRISTENS NEW FIELD IN 42-0 WIN VS. SARANAC

Potsdam’s Zac Linsky (34) looks to avoid the tackle of Saranac Central’s Joey Gillespie (7).  Potsdam jumped to a quick 16-0 lead on the strength of two Nick Howard touchdowns -- a 33-yard scamper and a 66-yard sideline bolt to the end zone to power the Potsdam Sandstoners to a 42-0 win over the Saranac Chiefs.  It marked the first varsity football game on Potsdam's new field, the first artificial surface in Section X.
(Eric Foote photo)  Game Gallery  Listen to Game Broadcast

Potsdam’s Ryan LaShomb (24) has his jersey tugged from behind by Saranac Central's Don Tennant, but escapes.

Saranac Central’s Dylan Everleth (34) runs towards the sideline while shaking off Potsdam’s Paul Buchanan (11).

POTSDAM 42, SARANAC CENTRAL 0
Nick Howard lead Potsdam’s fitting christening to its new turf field, muscling his way for 229 yards and two touchdowns of 33 and 66 yards to deliver the Sandstoners to a 42-0 romp over Saranac Central. Ryan Lashomb, Zac Linsky, Joe Ditullio and quarterback Taylor Caswell also ran touchdowns for Potsdam who focused their game on rushing and dialing up just one pass. Saranac quarterback Jason LaVarnway completed 8-of-17 passes for 96 yards, while Jake Mullady led the Chiefs in rushing with 39 yards.
 

OTHER WEEK #1 GAME RECAPS

INDIAN RIVER 37, BEEKMANTOWN 6
Andre Green wished for an individual-best 134 yards to lead an Indian River offense that scrambled for two touchdowns (21, 35 yards) and 400 yards total in a 37-6 win over Beekmantown. An injured Curtis Dukes still delivered 122 yards on five carries and one touchdown. Justin Swinton powered for 91 yards and two running touchdowns to lead the Warriors. Beekmantown’s lone score came 3:15 into the final quarter when Patrick Manor struck paydirt. Manor rushed 15 times for a team-best 121 yards.

TUPPER LAKE 30, AUSABLE VALLEY 7
Ian Smetanick and Jordan Nason led Tupper Lake’s offense with a combined for 148 yards and three rushing touchdowns as the Lumberjacks stymied the AuSable Valley Patriots 30-7 at Frank Tice Field in Tupper Lake. The Jacks took at the games opening kickoff right to the Pats’ 27- yard line on a 55 yard Smetanick return. He subsequently carried the mail for the game’s first score on a 16-yard rush. Nason scored later in the first quarter, after Tupper defensive end Brian Guiney pulled in a Pats’ fumble – one of five fumbles on the evening. Evan Dechene snared an interception at the Pats’ 35 and ran it back for a touchdown on the opening play of the second half. AuSable’s Ben Prentiss sprinted for 73 yards to the end zone in with 8:29 to go, for the lone Patriots’ score.

SARANAC LAKE 15, TICONDEROGA 12
Saranac Lake senior runningback Jon Barge led all rushers with 108 yards on 20 carries and launched the third quarter with a key kickoff return for 70 yards to help propel the Red Storm to a 15-12 opening-day win over the Ticonderoga Sentinels. David Snyder threw a key block to spring Barge to the end zone that vaulted the Storm into a 13-12 lead, after trailing 12-0 early in the game and 12-7 at the half. Sean Ryan ran the ball for the extra two points. Then the defense did the rest. Bryant Austin jetted the Sentinels into a quick first-quarter lead, scraping away the football from Dan Sweet and returning it 60 yards to the house to make it 6-0, just 4:49 into the game. Austin’s 27-yard run at 10:01, forged a 12-0 lead. Saranac Lake got on the scoreboard when QB Brandon Patraw hit Snyder for a 29-yard pass, setting up Patraw’s nine-yard touchdown run. The Sentinels had two final drives in the last 2:30 of the game, but one ended with a pickoff, and the other ended the game on a final desperation pass toward the end zone that landed incomplete.

STEVENSON'S 3 T.D.'S POWER O.F.A. TO 40-0 WIN VS. CANTON

Ogdensburg's Tylor Stevenson (21) scored three touchdowns, including a 50-yard scamper in leading the Blue Devils to a 40-0 opening day road win over the Canton Golden Bears.  Canton suffered three fumbles in the game, two of which turned into O.F.A. touchdowns.  (Mark VanBibber photo)  Game Gallery

Ogdensburg's Zach Giglio kicked four extra points for the Blue Devils in the first half, rounding out a 28-point halftime lead.  Giglio also received two passes for 49 yards total.

Ogdensburg's offensive line also provided plenty
of protection for their quarterback Jarred Morrow.

OGDENSBURG 40, CANTON 0
Canton's new head coach jerry "Satch" Sawyer, Jr. is trying to develop a more team-oriented concept where everyone is involved on the field.  And the former Ogdensburg assistant coach got to face his former coaching mates in his first foray as a head coach in the season opener.  Tylor Stevenson was a one-man wrecking machine, rocketing from behind a solid offensive line that opened holes for Stevenson's 123-yard running game and three touchdowns to lead the Blue Devils to a 40-0 win.  Kris Flosom scampered for 68 yards and a touchdown, while Jesse Martin delivered the mail 20 yards for another score. 
 

MASSENA OUTLASTS HORNETS IN 36-20 OPENING VICTORY

Massena’s Tyler Truax (42) dives on the loose ball near the sideline to recover the Plattsburgh fumble.  The Red Raiders too advantage of both turnovers and penalties to overcome a 12-9 deficit just before the half and fashioned a 36-20 win over the Hornets.  Evan Raymo dashed off an 81-yard kickoff return and a 50-yard TD scamper, while Ian Dominique also scored touchdowns of 18 and seven yards to lead the Raiders.  (Eric Foote photo)  Game Gallery

Plattsburgh’s Avanzato (45) steps past the attempted ground tackle from Massena’s Casey Simonds (66).

Massena’s Taylor Zappia gets tackled to the turf by Plattsburgh’s Brent Gilman (86).

MASSENA 36, PLATTSBURGH 20
The Massena Red Raiders responded quickly to two Plattsburgh scores, erasing a 12-9 deficit late in the second quarter in a 36-20 win on Friday. After a scoreless first quarter, Massena rallied for nine points on a Ian Dominique 18-yard TD run and a 32-yard field goal by Taylor Zappia. Plattsburgh grabbed the lead when Zach Avanzato and Joshua Blanks found paydirt on short yardage runs. But the Raiders stole the momentum with 0:17 remaining in the half on an 81-yard kickoff return, which erased Plattsburgh’s only lead of the night which was short-lived... just 11 seconds. The Raiders built a 29-12 lead on rushing touchdowns from Zappia and Dominique, only to have Plattsburgh crawl back within 29-20 when, in the fourth quarter, T.J. McCarty hauled in a 21-yard TD pass. But Massena sealed the deal with Evan Raymo’s 50-yard score just 38 seconds later.
 
 

PERU 20, MALONE 0
The improved Malone Huskies were out to make a statement in Week 1: they could run with the big dogs. But Lady Fortune did not seem to be along for the run. Each time when it seemed the Huskies were about to shut down the perennial powerhouse Peru Indians, the defending Class B champions would execute a big-yardage play to escape. Meanwhile, seven Huskies’ drives into Peru territory all stalled out. Peru quarterback Robert went 9-for-13, including a touchdown, 185 yards and no interceptions to lead the Indians to a 20-0 win. Peru jumped out to a quick 13-0 lead in the first quarter on David Ragone’s 12-yard run, following a 50-yard jet to set up the touchdown. Ragone finished with 83 yards on the day. Later in the half, Malone QB Jake Gravel fired off a 60-yard pass completion to Ryan Laflesh, which ended when Laflesh lost the football as he was tackled while dashing toward the end zone. Connor Keleher then scored on a 67-yard interception return to open up a 13-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. The only score of the second half came on an electrifying 83-yard TD catch-and-run from Duquette to receiver Mark Garrand in the third quarter.

MORIAH 42, SETON CATHOLIC 0
The Moriah Vikings rolled up 329 total yards, six touchdowns and a 42-0 win over Seton Catholic on opening night. The Vikings set the stage for a big night when Steve Owens took the second play from scrimmage 65 yards to the house, just 64 seconds into the game. Amidst the fog, drizzle and wet pigskin, Moriah also took advantage of three Knights’ fumbles, cashing them in for 21 points. Mike Brassard connected on all six extra point kicks.  Jim Carlson added two touchdowns in the second quarter on runs of 16 and nine years, while Ron Schofield capped two scoring drives with touchdowns of two yards and six yards.  Seymour led the Knights with 28 yards rushing.