Thoughts from the Road Trip & Press Box: Glens Falls overcomes deficit, season-wide injuries

When Glens Falls punched their ticket to make it into the State Championship with their win over Marlboro in Middletown in Week 12, my mind was set.  With a Noon kickoff in Syracuse, I wanted to stay the night Friday night to give myself the ability to ease my way into the broadcast on Saturday at the Carrier Dome.

My previous three trips to Syracuse (in 2012, 2013 and 2014) were day trips, arriving in Syracuse to do the game and then get out afterwards.  After the jump, a first person recount of the journey to Central New York, and of the State Championship game between the Glens Falls Indians and the Batavia Blue Devils.

CHAMPIONS: Glens Falls surpasses Batavia to win second state championship

Glens Falls prepares to snap the football one final time
in the NYSPHSAA Class B Championship vs. Batavia

SYRACUSE - Joe Girard III ends his high school football career by throwing for two touchdowns, running for another two, and intercepting a Ray Leech pass to lead his Glens Falls Indians to their second State Championship in three years with their 55-32 win over the Batavia Blue Devils at the Carrier Dome.

Aalijah Sampson ran in for four touchdowns on his way to 132 yards on 22 carries as the Indians exploded in the second half to put away the Blue Devils.

The Blue Devils, winning the coin toss and choosing to receive the kick, went down the field 80 yards on the first drive of the game, capped by Ethan Biscaro's pass to Ray Leech for a 28 yard touchdown.  Brendan Quirk attempted to stop Leech on the catch and run, but Leech escaped his grasp, and spun his way into the end zone for the first points on the board.

After a three and out that yielded one negative yard of offense for the Glens Falls Indians, Batavia began driving the field when disaster struck.  Ethan Biscaro, before being tackled by David Barclay, dropped to the ground and found himself in pain, wobbling off to the sideline.  Ray Leech moved to take the snap for the Blue Devils, and connected with Taiyo Iburi-Bethel by way of a tipped pass to score six more for Batavia.  Biscaro would return in the third quarter, but hurt himself again and did not return after that.

Batavia on the ensuing kick caught the Glens Falls Indians off guard and recovered an onside kick to begin their third possession of the game.  At the end of the first quarter, Batavia was outgaining the Glens Falls Indians offense 160 to -1 yards.

The third drive for Batavia ended with Ray Leech throwing the ball towards the end zone, but intercepted by Joe Girard III.

The momentum, swinging Batavia's way in the first quarter, began to bend in Glens Falls's favor on third down when Joe Girard III connected with David Barclay to gain the Indians' first 1st Down of the game.  Three plays later, Joe Girard III scrambled his way for a four yard touchdown that felt more like 40 yards by the time he reached the end zone.

After Batavia came up empty on their next possession, Aalijah Sampson ran it in from a yard out after Joe Girard III dove for the pylon and was ruled out at the 1 yard line on a monster 42 yard run.  Sampson would add on a two point conversion to tie the game.

Ray Leech returned the momentum to the Batavia sidelines with his 86 yard touchdown run 56 seconds later, however, it was not long kept as Glens Falls marched back down the field and capped their 71 second drive with Aalijah Sampson's two yard touchdown run.  Sam Hogan's extra point gave the Indians their first lead of the game, a 21-20 lead that they took into the locker room.

With the ball first in the third quarter, the Indians started to pull away as Joe Girard III was responsible for three straight touchdowns.  First connecting to David Barclay 33 yards out, catching the ball in the end zone, then running the ball in 3 yards himself.  And then he connected with cousin Trent Girard on a 55 yard pass to set his spot at #1 for passing yards in a single season in Section 2, surpassing Holy Trinity's Joe Tortello, who set the mark at 3052 yards last year.

Aalijah Sampson added two more touchdowns in the fourth quarter to cap the Indians scoring.  Ray Leech would score two touchdowns for Batavia, to finish the championship with 413 yards on 30 carries.  He ran in for four touchdowns, threw for another touchdown, and was a receiver for a fifth trip to the end zone.

The championship is Glens Falls's second title, winning the title in 2016 under Joe Girard III's leadership, and the third trip to Syracuse.   In 2012, Cam Girard led the Indians to the Dome, but found Maine-Endwell too tough to handle on the Spartans way to the title during their state-record winning streak.

NYSPHSAA CLASS B CHAMPIONSHIP

Glens Falls Indians (10-2) vs. Batavia Blue Devils (12-0)

SCORING:
Glens Falls Indians    0  21  14  20  55
Batavia Blue Devils   14   6   0  12  32

TEAM  Play                              Yards  Time   BAT   GF
      PAT/2-pt conversion try

1st Quarter:
BAT - Ethan Biscaro pass to Ray Leech - 28yds  9:11     6    0
      Kick failed
BAT - Ray Leech pass to Taiyo Iburi   - 46yds  3:30    14    0
      Leech run
END OF 1ST QUARTER                                     14    0


2nd Quarter:
GF  - Joe Girard III run              -  4yds  9:20    14    6
      Kick failed
GF  - Aalijah Sampson run             -  1yd   4:55    14   14
      Sampson run
BAT - Ray Leech run                   - 86yds  3:51    20   14
      Run failed
GF  - Aalijah Sampson run             -  2yds  2:40    20   21
      Hogan kick
END OF 2ND QUARTER                                     20   21

3rd Quarter:
GF  - Girard III pass to David Barclay- 33yds  9:54    20   28
      Hogan kick
GF  - Joe Girard III run              -  3yds  3:40    20   35
      Hogan kick
END OF 3RD QUARTER                                     20   35

4th Quarter:
GF  - Girard III pass to Trent Girard - 55yds 11:52    20   42
      Hogan kick
BAT - Ray Leech run                   - 19yds  5:48    26   42
      Run failed
GF  - Aalijah Sampson                 - 24yds  3:44    26   48
      Kick failed
GF  - Aalijah Sampson                 - 16yds  3:11    26   55
      Hogan kick
BAT - Ray Leech run                   - 80yds  2:58    32   55
      Run failed
END OF THE GAME                                        32   55

STATS
These are unofficial stats compiled by FOX Sports Radio 97.9/1230 during the game and are subject to errors.

Passing
Team    Name                C   A   Y   T  I
GF      Joe Girard III     10  18  316  2  0

BAT     Ethan Biscaro       5   7   70  1  0
BAT     Ray Leech           1   3   46  1  1
BAT     Alex Rood           0   4    0  0  1
BAT     Taiyo Iburi-Bethel  0   1    0  0  0

Rushing
Team    Name                C    Y   T
GF      Joe Girard III     13   13   2
GF      Aalijah Sampson    22  132   4

BAT     Ray Leech          30  413   3
BAT     Taiyo Iburi-Bethel  3   32   0
BAT     Ethan Biscaro       4  -14   0
BAT     Alex Rood           2    3   0

Receiving
Team    Name                C    Y   T
GF      David Barclay       2   93   1
GF      Trent Girard        6  175   1
GF      Aalijah Sampson     2   48   0

BAT     Taiyo Iburi-Bethel  4   82   1
BAT     Ray Leech           1   28   1
BAT     Zach Anderson       1    6   0

Battle of the Indians on tap today on Putt LaMay Field

Five wins from making it to the Carrier Dome.

The Glens Falls Indians begin that push today when they host the Ravena Indians at 1:30pm at Putt LaMay field at Glens Falls High School in the first round of the Section 2 Class B playoffs.

Joe Girard III said in an interview that will air on FOX Sports Radio 97.9/1230 at the half that he would love to get his team back to the Carrier Dome and claim another championship.  But the Glens Falls Indians know they cannot overlook their current opponent.

"We got to take care of business here first," coach Pat Lilac said.

The Ravena Indians finished the regular season 2-5, but gained credit for a third win when LaSalle Institute forfeited their first two games of the season due to using an ineligible player.  The Cadets originally won that first game of the season against Ravena 43-14.

On the field, the Ravena Indians lost their first four games of the season before rattling off wins against Ichabod Crane and Lansingburgh, both who missed the playoffs. Against playoff teams, Ravena is winless in 2018 in games played on the field, and have been outscored 182-22 in the four games against playoff teams that counted in the standings. 

But Ravena comes in with weapons that can hurt the Glens Falls Indians if they look past this quarterfinal match.  C.J. Blanchino is Ravena's regular signal caller, and has thrown it up in the air at least thirty times this season, completing 36% of his passes for over 200 yards of offense.  Marlon Laing and Ricky Hernandez are Ravena's key tailbacks for Gary Vanderzee's offense. 

For Glens Falls, their path to the North Division #1 seed was easier than their non-conference schedule.  With the exception of last week's game against Broadalbin-Perth, the Indians grabbed hold of the game early and lead often, offering little opportunity for their opponents to get back in the game.  Against Broadalbin-Perth, the Glens Falls Indians were down 21-7 in the third quarter before Freshman running back Griffen Woodell had a huge 54 yard touchdown run to get the Indians back in the game. 

Pat Lilac says that Woodell has offered more versatility when it comes to the man Woodell was replacing in the lineup while he was banged up, Aalijah Sampson.  Woodell's growth as a tailback will allow Sampson to be used in multiple positions for Lilac's offense. 

And that should allow Joe Girard III to shine even better as the playoffs move on, now that the weight of the announcement of where the senior is going to college is over with.

R4 - Ravena Indians at N1 - Glens Falls Indians 
Where: Putt LaMay Field, Glens Falls High School
Kickoff Time: 1:30pm

Live coverage begins on FOX Sports Radio 97.9/1230 at 1:15pm.

B Championship: Glens Falls 60, Mekeel Christian Academy 55

In a wild back-and-forth battle of unbeatens, the Glens Falls Indians dug in and came away in the 4th quarter to beat the Mekeel Christian Academy Lions 60-55 in the Class B Sectional Championship at the Glens Falls Civic Center.

The game featured plenty of scoring early as the two teams combined for 45 points in the first quarter, capped by Carter Stewart's half court three at the buzzer for the Lions.  Stewart scored 18 points in the first half as Mekeel Christian Academy went to the half up by five points.

Joe Girard III started slow for Glens Falls, scoring 14 points in the first half, but started the second off with a bang, scoring the first couple buckets as the Indians quickly seized the lead away from Mekeel Christian Academy in the third quarter.  Tony Green's coast-to-coast play tied the game at 40-40, but Jordan Jackson's three gave the Lions back the lead with less than two minutes in the third quarter. 

The Lions had opportunities late in the game, like when Joe Girard III was called for the offensive charge with over five minutes left in the fourth quarter.  Mekeel would score a three on the ensuing possession to take a 1 point lead, but Joe Girard III answered back with a three to retake the lead.  Girard would dig in late with 12 points to help pad the Indians lead, and seal the Lions fate. 

He would finish with 34 points, earning him tournament MVP honors.

Tony Green assisted with 10 points, 2 of which coming by fluke as he unintentionally tipped in a rebound off a missed Joe Girard III shot in the third quarter.  Dylan Balcom added 8 for the Indians.

Carter Stewart scored 25 points for the Mekeel Christian Lions,  while Deonte Holder added 15.  Both would earn tournament team honors.

 The Glens Falls Indians next travel to Section 10 for their Regional Semifinal.

Game 3: Glens Falls 77, Ichabod Crane 55

The Glens Falls Indians pulled away in the second half on the offensive strength of Joe Girard III, advancing to Friday's Sectional Championship game with their 77-55 win over the Ichabod Crane Riders on Monday night. 

The Riders started off warm, getting 10 points from Peter Volkmann in the first quarter to build a 19-16 lead.  They were able to build on their lead, getting the Indians into foul trouble early in the 2nd Quarter, to extend their lead to 8 halfway through the quarter.

The Indians went to the locker room down by three, getting a late 3-pointer from Joe Girard III to tighten the gap.

But the second half was all Glens Falls.  Joe Girard III tied the game on the first possession of the third quarter, scoring from deep.  A Greyson Brady dunk gave Glens Falls the lead, and Girard III added to the lead with another 3 to complete a 7-0 run.

Girard bucketed 17 points for the Indians in the 3rd quarter, outscoring the Riders 11 points in that frame.  the Indians would pull further away in the 4th quarter to punch their ticket in Friday's Class B Championship game against Mekeel Christian Academy.  

Joe Girard III scored 28 of his 42 points in the 2nd half, getting help from Tony Green's 17 points.  Peter Volkmann led the Riders with 21 points in the losing effort.

Championship Week - Day #1 Preview

Monday's Games:
Class D Semifinal:
Oppenheim-Ephratah/St. Johnsville vs. Fort Ann - 5:00PM

Class B Semifinals:
Voorheesville vs. Mekeel Christian Academy - 6:30PM
Ichabod Crane vs. Glens Falls - 8:00pm

All games at the Glens Falls Civic Center

Class D Semis: Oppenheim-Ephratah/St. Johnsville Wolfpack vs. Fort Ann Cardinals
Monday, February 27th, 2017 - 5:00PM at Glens Falls Civic Center

Oppenheim-Ephratah/St. Johnsville: AJ Hayes and Devyn Jones has been the 1-2 punch for the Wolfpack in 2016-17, scoring 46 points in their 69-58 win over the Whitehall Railroaders in the Quarterfinals in Stillwater.  Tyler Leon scored 15 points in the effort.  Jones can be shut down, as was the case in the Wolfpack's latest two loses to Schoharie and Mayfield when he was held to under 10 points.  OESJ's path to the Civic Center has run through the Adirondack League, beating Salem and Whitehall, but will need to shut down the league's top Class D team if they're going to make it to the championship.

Fort Ann: The Cardinals's lone blemish on their record comes at the hand of the Granville Golden Horde, the #1 seed in Class C.  The Adirondack League champions are backed by the offensive magic of Tyler Mattison and Jeremy Johnson, but those two cannot be the only guys contained.  Garret Bailey, the team's #3 scorer, has a presence behind the arch, scoring 40% of his seasonal output from there.  He tied Tyler Mattison for top scorer in the Cardinals semifinal win over Fort Edward, scoring 15 of his 22 points behind the arch.

PREDICTION: The Fort Ann defense will contain Devyn Jones.  Hayes will still put up 25 points, but behind the work of Mattison, Bailey and Johnson, the Cardinals will advance to play in the championship game.  Fort Ann 71, OESJ 58

Class B Semis: Voorheesville Blackbirds vs. Mekeel Christian Academy Lions
Monday, February 27th, 2017 - 6:30PM at Glens Falls Civic Center

Voorheesville: Both Sean Nolan and Matt Bernhard have worked hard to put the Blackbirds where they are -- one step closer to a Class B Title.  Teams don't want to foul Bernhard.  He's 91% from the free throw line, and Nolan's 74% is still pretty deadly.  But it was P.J. Parker who led the way in the Blackbirds overtime win over Broadalbin-Perth at Shenendehowa in the Quarterfinals, scoring 21 points.  The Blackbirds can be very defensive, holding three opponents to under 40 points this season.

Mekeel Christian Academy: A perennial power, the Lions are a force to be reckoned with, scoring 90 or more points three times this season, and even topping over the century mark in a lopsided 107-55 win over Bishop Gibbons earlier this month.  And while some of this can be at the hands of them playing in the Western Athletic Conference, you cannot overlook some of their non-conference games.  A win over Class A Amsterdam, who won the Foothills Council South Division before losing the Glens Falls in the championship, and a win over Class AA's Green Tech, who narrowly pulled off the upset over top seeded Colonie on Saturday, shows the Lions have some talent.  Four players over 10 points per game, led by over 20 points per game scorer Deonte Holder, will cause fits for even the better defenses in Section 2.

PREDICTION: Mekeel Christian Academy's offense may be too strong for the Blackbirds to handle.  Given the caliber of opponents the Lions have faced outside of the WAC, the Lions have been tested well this season and have earned their 20-0 record.  Mekeel Christian Academy 88, Voorheesville 46

Class B Semis: Ichabod Crane Riders vs. Glens Falls Indians
Monday, February 27th, 2017 - 8:00PM at Glens Falls Civic Center

Ichabod Crane: Peter Volkmann scored nearly half of the Riders 60 points, bucketing 29 points in the Riders 60-53 win over Hudson in the Quarterfinals.  But he's not the primary focus.  He's joined by Joe Werner, whose inside play has been causing teams issue all season long at over 15 points per game.  Austin Valliere is a complimentary scorer, at over 10 points per game.  The Riders already have one win over a Foothills Council opponent, beating Schuylerville in the first round last Tuesday.

Glens Falls: Tony Green has nearly 15 points per game, and for most cases, teams would be worried already.  But you throw Section 2's leading scorer, and a serious threat for Joel Wincowski's all-time Section 2 mark in the name of Joe Girard III, and you have a recipe for trouble.  Girard has nearly 800 points this season, almost 200 from the charity stripe, and over 300 coming from behind the arch.  Inside, outside, all around, Joe Girard III can be trouble for opposing defenses.

PREDICTION: Good players are going to score no matter whose hand is in their face.  That's the case with Joe Girard III.  You just have to hope you have an offensive threat who can go toe-to-toe with him.  Unfortunately, Ichabod Crane doesn't have such a player who can score no matter what the opposition brings.  Glens Falls 83, Ichabod Crane 61

Power Eight - Week #3

Now until the end of the season, we're going to give you our thoughts who the top 8 teams of each classification is, with one exception.

In Class D, because only four teams will make the playoffs, we will limit that classification to four teams instead of eight.

We will post a new list every Thursday.

Thoughts From The Press Box - Glens Falls at Schalmont

ROTTERDAM - On the last gasp of summer, an electric crowd came to watch a great game.

A game that came down to the last possession.

A game that could be a preview of the playoffs.

Schalmont's 0-2 record doesn't matter.  In divisional play, they are 0-0.  Both of their losses were close, against the #1 and #2 teams in Class B last year.

The same could be said about Glens Falls's 2-0 record.  But wins over Ravena and Schalmont, especially given the injury situation on Friday night, could give the Indians a lot of momentum for the road ahead.

Those week 6 & 7 games could be very interesting for the Indians.  Especially once Aaron Sampson heals up.

The Glens Falls Indians didn't miss a beat without him, relying on a blend of run and pass plays to get their offense.  Girard's arm brought over 200 yards passing for the Indians, three for touchdowns.  His legs contributed to the 4th of Glens Falls's 5 touchdowns.

I noted this several times during the broadcast, but will bring it up here again.  He's a sophomore.  If he continues to play both football and basketball for the Indians, they will have amazing things to look forward to over the course of the next two years.

And if Cameron Brooks does to other teams what he did to Glens Falls, he is going to be a beast in the Running Back position for the Schalmont Sabres.  Those who made it down to Rotterdam was treated to a showcase of his abilities.  One of the best highlights came in the third quarter when he raced through the line of scrimmage, then in the secondary found two Indians ready to tackle him.  He jumped, danced and juked his way free, then found the end zone for the score.

It's the type of athleticism you expect to see from a veteran running back in the NFL.  Keep an eye on him.

Just like you need to keep an eye on Joe Girard III.  These two kids are why High School sports are great.  

Indians hang on for hard-fought victory

ROTTERDAM - Without offensive weapon Aaron Sampson, the Glens Falls Indians used their remaining offensive weapons efficiently, leading to a 32-28 win over the Schalmont Sabres on Friday night.

The win improves the Glens Falls Indians to 2-0 as they begin divisional play next week.  The Schalmont Sabres fell to 0-2 with the loss.

The Indians balanced a run and pass attack, using Joe Girard III's arm and Josh Griffin's legs effectively, mixed together with the receiving corps of Andrew Murphy, Quinn Girard and Tony Green.

But it wasn't easy for the Indians.

After scoring on the first two drives to open a 13-0 lead, Schalmont's Cameron Brooks began what would be a career day for the senior running back with a 82 yard touchdown run to close the gap to 13-7.

But no matter what Schalmont would do, Glens Falls had an answer.  Early in the second quarter, Andrew Murphy caught a 5 yard pass from Joe Girard III, then turned on the legs to race to the end zone, resulting in an 82 yard reception for the score to pad the Indians lead.

Schalmont bounced back, scoring again on a Cameron Brooks touchdown, this time from 27 yards out, to climb back to within a possession.  But the Indians marched back down the field and finished a drive with a Tony Green 17 yard pass reception from Joe Girard in the back corner of the end zone to rebuild their two-possession lead.

However, Schalmont was unable to answer before the half, going to the locker room down 26-14.  Having deferred the ball to the second half, the Sabres's move paid off when Brooks quickly scored on the first possession of the half from 58 yards out, pulling the Sabres to within 5.

The Indians stormed back down the field, and were raced with a 4th & 2 at the Schalmont 3 yard line.  Instead of attempting to use kicker Andrew Stamatel's leg to put the Indians up 8, head coach Pat Lilac went for it.  The gamble paid off as Joe Girard III called his own number, rushing up the middle for the score to put the Indians back ahead by two possessions.

Cameron Brooks helped the Sabres get close again, scoring in the 4th quarter from 18 yards out with just under four minutes to play.  But the Sabres would never get the ball back to bid for a game-winning drive, as the Glens Falls Indians ran the clock out, aided by a face mask penalty on a third down with 90 seconds left to play, allowing Girard to knee the ball for the victory.

Cameron Brooks finished the game with an impressive 321 yards on 20 carries, finding the end zone four times for the Jake Defayette-led offense.  Defayette had a rough game, only completing three of his thirteen passes, two of which were caught by the opposition.

Joe Girard III led the Glens Falls Indians with his 11-for-19 passing for 194 yards, three of which went for touchdowns.  Girard also rushed for 67 yards on the ground, scoring a touchdown that proved to be the decider.  Josh Griffin rushed for 83 yards, scoring a touchdown himself.

The two teams combined for over 900 yards of total offense, most of which came from Joe Girard's arm and Cameron Brooks's feet.

The win improves the Glens Falls Indians record to 2-0 as they get ready for divisional play next Saturday as they host the Johnstown Sir Bills at Putt LeMay field.  The Schalmont Sabres drop to 0-2, beginning their Reinfurt Division play by hosting Cobleskill-Richmondville.

Glens Falls Indians at Schalmont Sabres
Friday, September 9th, 2016

Glens Falls    13   13    6     0    32
Schalmont       7    7    7     7    28

1st Quarter:
 9:03 - GF - Josh Griffen, 9yd run (Stamatel kick) 07-00
 7:55 - GF - Dylan Balcom from Joe Girard III, 25yd pass (kick failed) 13-00
 5:50 - SHL- Cameron Brooks, 82yd run (Defayette kick) 13-07

2nd Quarter:
11:47 - GF - Andrew Murphy from Joe Girard III, 82yd pass (Stamatel kick) 20-07
 8:07 - SHL- Cameron Brooks, 27yd run (Defayette kick) 20-14
 3:58 - GF - Tony Green from Joe Girard III, 19yd pass (kick failed) 26-14

3rd Quarter:
11:07 - SHL- Cameron Brooks, 58yd run (Defayette kick) 26-21
01:37 - GF - Joe Girard III, 3yd run (pass failed) 32-21

4th Quarter:
03:46 - SHL- Cameron Brooks, 18yd run (Defayette kick) 32-28

Glens Falls Girls win Foothills Championship with 49-40 win over Amsterdam

GLENS FALLS - The Tougas Sisters combined for 36 total points, each scoring 18 points a piece, as the Glens Falls Indians never trailed on their way to the Foothills Council Girls Championship with the 49-40 win over the Amsterdam Rams on Friday at the Glens Falls Civic Center.

The Indians used a 15-9 second quarter to take a 24-14 lead at the half.

The Amsterdam Rams started storming back, closing to within 6 points of the Indians in the fourth quarter, and took the ball off a Glens Falls turnover with the chance to close to within one possession.  However, the Rams coughed up the ball, the Indians bounced back.

The win brings an end to Amsterdam's 16 game win streak that dated back to last December.  The Rams had been undefeated in league play after losing their first two games against St. Laurent and Fernand-Lefebvre during a Thanksgiving weekend trip up to Montréal that was played under international FIBA rules, which included a shot clock set at 24 seconds instead of 30.

For the Indians, it was sweet revenge for their 64-52 loss to the Rams back in January.  In that game, the Rams scored 30 points from the charity stripe out of 42 tries, as fouls dominated the game.  By comparison, the Rams only scored 7 points from the free throw line this time.

Defensively, the Indians forced the Rams secondary scorer Guilianna Pritchard to only two points, and Nina Fedullo was kept to just under her average with 15 points.  Maria Lamonto added 11.

Next for both teams will be sectionals, as seedings will be announced on Wednesday.  The win improves Glens Falls's chances of walking out of the meeting with the #1 seed in Class A, and could drop Amsterdam down a few ranks.

Game Preview: Girls Foothills Council Championship

If the North is to win the Foothills Council Championship over the South tonight, the North needs to limit extra opportunities.

Especially in today's Girls Championship between the Glens Falls Indians and the Amsterdam Rams (5:30PM, Glens Falls Civic Center).

The first meeting between the two teams saw Amsterdam get 42 free throw opportunities, which they made 30 of them on their way to a 64-52 win.  And it was a team effort for Amsterdam, as Braelin Aldi was the team's highest scorer with only 12 points, as 10 different Rams scored points in the win.

The Rams have won 16 straight since starting the season 0-2 with losses to St. Laurent and Fernand-Lefebvre.  The Rams set up their visit to the Foothills Council Championship in their first year in the league thanks to an overtime win against Scotia.

Coach Eric Duemler likes giving his entire bench time out on the court, which leads to 14 different Rams registering points during the course of the season.  Nina Fedullo is the team's main scorer, averaging 15.7 points per game.  Guilianna Pritchard is the team's next scorer with 7.7 points per game.  Caitlin Gannon is the team's most dangerous three point shooter, dropping 28 from long range over the course of the season.

Mark Girard has a good 1-2 punch with the Glens Falls Indians.  The Tougas sisters of Sophie and Lucy, combine for over 29 points per game, and are the team's best free throw shooters.  Taylor Scarincio is also a shooter, scoring 7.2 points per game.  Adele Haraughty is the team's best three point shooter, scoring 19 this season.

The Indians have two losses on the season, both to South Division opponents.  They fell to Amsterdam 64-52 after losing to Scotia 54-46 the previous game.

The Indians cannot afford to give the Rams extra opportunities if they hope to claim the Foothills Council Championship.  The Rams have shown time and time again that they have a deep roster, and if Coach Duemler uses the bench wisely, Amsterdam will claim the championship in their first year as a member of the Foothills Council.

IF YOU GO...

Foothills Council Girls Championship

AMSTERDAM RAMS (16-2) VS. GLENS FALLS INDIANS (16-2)

5:30 PM, Glens Falls Civic Center

Radio Coverage on FOX Sports Radio 1230 @ 5:20PM

Players to Watch

Amsterdam Rams

Name	FG	3-Pt	FT	FTA	FT %	Pts	PPG
Nina Fedullo	80	4	111	159	69.81	283	15.7
Guilianna Pritchard	52	0	34	49	69.39	138	7.7
Caitlin Gannon	8	28	6	9	66.67	106	5.9
Brady Santiago	32	13	15	18	83.33	118	6.6

Glens Falls Indians

Name	FG	3-Pt	FT	FTA	FT %	Pts	PPG
Sophie Tougas	95	4	68	107	63.55	270	15.0
Lucy Tougas	100	5	47	77	61.04	262	14.6
Taylor Scarincio	52	0	26	51	50.98	130	7.2
Adele Haraughty	17	19	10	26	38.46	101	5.6

Source: Albany Times Union

Thoughts from the Press Box: "T" ignites Queensbury Spartans

Queensbury's Brett Rodriguez looks to inbound the ball
with Glens Fall's Dylan Balcom defending.

GLENS FALLS - For the first 12 minutes of Friday night's Foothills Council game between the Queensbury Spartans and the Glens Falls Indians, the Spartans found themselves called for foul after foul.

At one point in time, the scoreboard read 10 for the visitor to the home team's 2.

Doug Fraser was notably upset about something, which earned him a technical foul.

Joe Girard III sank both free throws, giving the Glens Falls Indians the 25-24 lead.

That technical seemed to ignite the Queensbury offense, who went on a 18-1 run to end the second quarter to lead 42-26 at the halftime break.

Queensbury would extend their lead to 20 before Glens Falls started chipping away the lead, getting it to within 7 before Glens Falls's foul troubles of the second half started eating their chances away, resulting in the Indians tallest player, Alex Wright, to foul out.

The game took many twists.  Up until that 18-1 run, it looked like the game was going to be close throughout, resembling the game played at Glens Falls High School two years prior where Sam Sax drove the lane and scored the game-winning lay-up with under three seconds left.

Then it seemed like a blowout was imminent. Credit the Indians, they never gave up, allowing them to chip away at the Spartans lead.  But as noted above, the foul troubles, which was the inverse of what the first half brought, saw Queensbury being in the double bonus instead.

The win makes Queensbury an early favorite to be the North Division winner in the new-look Foothills Council, which became a ten-team, two-division conference with the addition of Amsterdam and Schuylerville.

Queensbury improves to 3-0 in the council, and 3-1 overall.  Their one loss was to Green Tech, who are the defending state champions in Class AA.  The Spartans will begin their holiday schedule by traveling to Burnt Hills on Monday.  The Indians, who have lost two of their last three games, have no games scheduled during their holiday break, and will resume play on January 6th as they face the Schuylerville Black Horses.

The two teams will meet again at Queensbury on Tuesday, February 3rd.

***

LOOSE ENDS: Will Springstead noted it on his Post-Star blog, and I'll note this here... looks can be deceiving.  Queensbury's Bailey Dray doesn't have the look of a basketball player, but if you underestimate him, he's going to burn you from near and far.  He's got the quick step and the conscious ability to distribute the ball easily to the hands of an open teammate.

It's part of the reason why he scooped up a season-high 27 points in the victory.

Joe Girard III is going to give Jimmer Fredette's records a run.  The eight grader is averaging better than 23 points per game, and could have brought in more if the Glens Falls Indians weren't silenced during the second quarter.  Girard has fundamentals to work out, but could easily join the list of 30 point-per-game scorers in the years to come.

***

NEXT UP: Our next Friday Night Hoops broadcast will be on Friday, January 2nd, when we travel to Argyle for the Argyle Tournament.  The first game will feature Heatly taking on North Warren at 6:30PM, then Ticonderoga will play Argyle at 8PM.  

Our first hockey broadcast will hit the air on Monday, December 29th, when we air the first day of the Rivermen Tournament live from the Glens Falls Recreation Center.  The Queensbury Spartans will take on the Rye Garnets and the Glens Falls/Hudson Falls/South Glens Falls Rivermen will take on the Beekmantown Eagles.  Coverage begins at 5:20PM on FOX Sports Radio 1230.

And check here for the full winter schedule.

Thoughts From The Press Box: The Jug Game

GLENS FALLS - It was a beautiful night, with a beautiful atmosphere.  Under the whirl of portable lights, thousands made their way to the corner of Sherman and Clayton for the 42nd edition of this rivalry game against the Glens Falls Indians and the Hudson Falls Tigers.

It was an exciting game.  Two teams, fighting for their playoff lives, giving their all on the field.  One team managing two key injuries in-game, with their replacements performing very well.  The other pushed their running back into the record books for one of the most yards rushing in a single game.  And a great atmosphere too, with Glens Falls celebrating their homecoming with the parade of floats at the half.

But one play changed the path of the game, and it's a play that needs to be talked about.  If you heard our coverage, the other radio station's, or the television coverage that has aired this week, you know what play that is.

Glens Falls had a 21-20 lead heading into the final minute of the second half.  Hudson Falls is driving, and managed to get the ball up to the Glens Falls 8 yard line.  11 seconds left on the clock, clock stopped as the previous play went out of bounds.

The Hudson Falls Tigers took their time breaking huddle and got set with just a few seconds on the play clock.  That play clock went down 3 ... 2 ... 1 ... 0 ... and sat there for a second before Hudson Falls snapped the ball.  Dalton Hogan would pass it off to his left to an open Schuyler Eustis for the touchdown that put the Tigers ahead 26-20.

To the nine people inside the press box, immediately rose the inquiry of why it wasn't flagged for Delay of Game.  And it was a major play, too.  Hudson Falls took the lead for good with that play, and won their first jug since 1997 with their 43-35 win.

Now comes the "what if's?".  And the debate.  Is Hudson Falls's win legitimate?

In my mind, the win is.  Not because I'm a Hudson Falls alum and wanted to see the Tigers score the jug for the first time since the fall after I graduated.  But because of several factors.

First, and this is something that was mentioned on the television broadcast by Brian Delaney, as well as his partner, Bob Freeman, for LookTV. There were numerous Glens Falls defenders who did not play the full down because they were expecting the flag, allowing Eustis to get wide open for the touchdown score.  While there should have been the flag and a whistle to stop play, the players have got to know that no matter what, you have to play until you hear that whistle blow, meaning the lapse on D is partially theirs to blame there.

Second, we don't know how Hudson Falls would have played that down if they did get penalized and it was at the 13 yard line instead of the 8.  Would Geno Brancati, who was doing very well during that drive, continue to run it up the gut, or would Hogan try to pass like he did on the actual play?  Would Glens Falls stop him in time?  Would Hudson Falls have enough time to get into the end zone?  We don't know.

Third, Glens Falls had ample opportunities to get the touchdown back, including with 3 seconds left in the half.  Granted, with 60 yards to cover and one play to do it in, it would take a Hail Mary type play from a quarterback who was just thrown in because of the injury to the starter, but it was an avenue worth exploring if the Indians were hoping to get the touchdown back.

In addition, the Indians defense came up big on the first Hudson Falls drive of the 3rd quarter, forcing them to punt, but was unable to do anything offensively.

So, while it was a play that altered course, it was one which Glens Falls could have played differently, and could have gotten back.  But it still is a play that needs to be examined, and something that the regional associations of game officials need to talk about moving forward to make sure that it doesn't happen again, because it could one day be a critical mistake at an end of a game where the team affected won't have any time left on the clock.

And what a mess that will be.

Hudson Falls saves their season as they win the Jug

GLENS FALLS - Under the portable lights, the Hudson Falls Tigers did something they haven't done since 1997.

They won the Jug.

Behind a monster effort from Geno Brancati, the Hudson Falls Tigers took advantage of Glens Falls penalties as they won 43-35.

Brancati carried the ball 333 yards, etching his name on the Section 2 list for most yards in a single game, joining David Winter and Joe McMurry as Tiger representatives in the record book.

It didn't come easy for the Tigers, who trailed into the second quarter, and first taking the lead on a Taylor Lane pick six off from a pass by Indians Josh Griffin.  The Indians recaptured the lead on a Nolan Murphy touchdown score.

With 13 seconds left to go in the second quarter, Dalton Hogan connected with Schuyler Eustis as the Tigers took the lead for good, taking a 28-21 lead into halftime.

The Hudson Falls Tigers would add a pair of touchdowns in quick succession in the fourth quarter to ice the victory, but had to sweat things out as the Indians closed the gap to 8 in the fourth quarter.

The win saves Hudson Falls's season, as a loss combined with a Broadalbin-Perth win against Johnstown would make it impossible for the Tigers to make the postseason.  Instead, it gives the Tigers the upper hand should they tie either Glens Falls or Cobleskill-Richmondville for the final playoff spot, now owning the tiebreaker over both of those teams.

The Indians had to contend with injuries, as both Reed Miner and Josh Griffen left the game in the second quarter.  Trainers were looking at Reed Miner's ankle, while it was an hip issue for Josh Griffen.  Nolan Murphy replaced Josh Griffen, and Aaron Sampson transferred from his position as a wide receiver to take over the role of Reed Miner.

The Indians are at home as they face the Schuylerville Black Horses next Saturday, while the Hudson Falls Tigers face a non-conference match against Class A's Mohonasen.

Thoughts from the Press Box: Cohoes at Glens Falls

The Glens Falls Indians won their Week 4 game
against the Cohoes Tigers 40-20.

GLENS FALLS - Entering the half, I felt nervous for the hometown Glens Falls Indians.

They had surrendered a 12 point lead.  Shelton Alston was starting to blow through holes on the line for decent gains, leading to the Cohoes Tigers first score.

Then after the Indians had a chance to extend their lead before the half, the Tigers forced a turnover on downs inside their own 10 yard line.  With 50 seconds left on the clock, the Tigers had the Indians beat down field, leading to Shelton Alston's touchdown reception from Brandon LaForrest in a drive that burned all of 30 seconds off the clock.

As the Tigers were due to get the ball first to begin the second half, I was more than ready to define that the turning point of the game.

Then it happened.  On the first play from scrimmage in the third quarter, Shelton Alston fumbled the ball trying to go up the middle, leading to the Indians takeover, not only of the football, but the game itself.

They scored to make it 20-13.  A couple more miscues later, and the Glens Falls Indians would build to a 33-13 lead.

It was a game the Indians needed.  Not for divisional standing -- it was a non-divisional game against the Tigers, but for team morale.

The Indians line up for a 1st Down play in the Red Zone.

Coach Pat Lilac noted he was nervous about his Indians heading into the Week 3 game against Cobleskill.  The Indians had been beaten and battered in Weeks 1 and 2, losing to Schalmont and Broadalbin-Perth, and still have to face division-leading Schuylerville.

Plus the Jug Game more often than not turns into a battle where team records do not matter, especially in last year's edition when the winless Hudson Falls Tigers came close to claiming the prize.

The Cohoes Tigers have an uphill climb themselves, made easier with Schalmont already in their rear-view mirror.  They still have to face Ravena, but that homecoming battle will be made easier if they can rattle off victories against Ichabod Crane and Albany Academy in the two weeks ahead.

There are things that still need to be worked on for the Indians.  They fell victim on several occasions to the long pass, including one in the first quarter that went 95 yards for the score, but called back due to an ineligible receiver down field.  The Indians got lucky there, but allowed a couple other big passing plays from Brandon LaForrest, including that second quarter 55 yard score to Shelton Alston.

Shelton Alston got open on several occasions, denoting some coverage issues the Indians should work on with another team that can pass coming on Friday with the Hudson Falls Tigers.

* * *

UP NEXT: It's the first week of doubleheader football on FOX Sports Radio 1230, now that the Mets season has concluded.

In the first Friday Night Lights game of the season, we are back at Putt LaMay field in Glens Falls for the 2014 Jug Game.  The Hudson Falls Tigers are coming off a tough 42-6 loss to Schuylerville, who is in prime position to win the division.  The Tigers haven't won the jug since 1997, and last beat the Glens Falls Indians in a Sectional Game in 2000.

Coverage of the 42nd edition of the Jug Game begins at 6:45PM Friday Night.  Kickoff is at 7PM.

[NOTE: If you are planning on heading to the Jug Game, the Glens Falls School District has some parking information and suggestions for you]

Then on Saturday, it's a battle of the unbeatens.  The Whitehall Railroaders have been playing good football, leading to a 4-0 start to the season.  But that 4-0 record will be tested as they face last year's Sectional Champion Cambridge up at Whitehall Central School.  Cambridge jumped out early and soundly beat the Fort Edward/Argyle Flying Forts 54-0 on Saturday.

Coverage live from Whitehall Central School will begin at 12:45PM Saturday Afternoon, with kickoff at 1PM.