Week 2: Schedule & Games to Watch

WEEK 2

Friday Games:

(All games @ 7pm)

Class AA

Bethlehem at Shaker
Christian Brothers Academy at Ballston Spa
Columbia at LaSalle Institute
Niskayuna at Albany
Schenectady at Colonie
Shenendehowa at Saratoga Springs
Troy at Guilderland

Class A

Amsterdam at Mohonasen
Gloversville at Averill Park
Scotia-Glenville at Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake
Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk (B) at South Glens Falls - ON FOX SPORTS 97.9

Class B

Broadalbin-Perth at Lansingburgh
Hudson at Schuylerville
Hudson Falls at Cobleskill-Richmond
Johnstown at Ichabod Crane

Class C

Lake George/Hadley-Luzerne at Fonda-Fultonville
Stillwater at Taconic Hills
Cairo-Durham at Chatham
Holy Trinity at Mechanicville
Hoosick Falls at Corinth

Class D

Rensselaer at Greenwich

Saturday Games:
(A/B @ 1:30pm; C/D @ 1:00pm)

Class A

Queensbury at Green Tech

Class B

Schalmont at Glens Falls

Class C

Voorheesville at Tamarac
Watervliet at Coxsackie-Athens

Class D

Cambridge vs. Albertus Magnus (1)
Canajoharie/Fort Plain at Helderberg Valley
Hoosic Valley at Whitehall
Warrensburg/Bolton at Granville
Fort Edward/Argyle at Cohoes

GAMES TO WATCH:

Saratoga Springs at Shenendehowa:  The rivalry between these two schools 13 miles apart features two squads that won convincingly in their Week 1 matches.  Wes Englintine should be a lot of fun to watch, throwing 3 touchdowns in the Blue Streaks win over Niskayuna in Week 1.  The Plainsmen built on a 28-20 halftime lead over Guilderland, thanks in part to Griffin Wallner, who scored 2 second half touchdowns for Shen.  

Troy at Guilderland: Troy easily handed Columbia a loss last Friday, but this week won't be as easy.  The test for the defending State Champions increases with a road trip to Guilderland.  The Dutchmen played competitive with Shenendehowa last week, but couldn't muster the comeback to fall to 0-1 on the season.  

Hudson at Schuylerville: Hudson had their home debut spoiled by the defending Class B State Champions last week, now has to go on the road to Schuylerville.  It's been well documented about the short roster at Schuylerville, but when healthy, they are a strong bunch.  This was proven last Friday when they won in Rotterdam over the Schalmont Sabres, who will be playing in another game to watch.

Schalmont at Glens Falls: So after dropping their opening game against Schuylerville 47-14, the Sabres travel up to Glens Falls, where they will watch the defending State Champions play their first home game since the Sectional Semifinals last year.  It'll be a loud environment at Putt LaMay field for sure.

Holy Trinity at Mechanicville: Mechanicville's offense exploded in their Week 1 game against Fonda-Fultonville.  Holy Trinity will be a stronger challenge, but they need to put up more than the 13 points that put up against Chatham last week.  The winner has a stronger case to host come Week 8 of the playoffs. 

High School Football: Week 3 Games to Watch

First, the schedule.
Then the games to watch.  After the jump.

WEEK 3 – September 16th & 17th

CLASS AA
Guilderland at Albany
Bethlehem at Ballston Spa
CBA at Saratoga Springs
Niskayuna at Shenendehowa
Colonie at Shaker
Schenectady at Columbia
LaSalle at Troy

CLASS A
Averill Park at Green Tech
Lansingburgh at Mohonasen
Gloversville at Burnt Hills
Amsterdam at Queensbury
South Glens Falls at Scotia

CLASS B
Albany Academy at Ichabod Crane
Cobleskill at Schalmont
Ravena at Hudson
Broadalbin-Perth at Watervliet (C)
Johnstown at Glens Falls
Schuylerville at Hudson Falls

CLASS C
Hoosic Valley at Corinth
Granville at Hoosick Falls
Fonda at Greenwich
Cairo-Durham at Lake George/Hadley-Luzurne
Mechanicville at Holy Trinity
Stillwater at Voorheesville
Chatham at Taconic Hills
Tamarac at Coxsackie-Athens
Broadalbin-Perth (B) at Watervliet

CLASS D

Whitehall at Fort Edward
Canajoharie at Heldeberg Valley
Warrensburg at Cambridge
Rensselaer at Salem

GAMES TO WATCH

CLASS AA

Colonie at Shaker (Fri, 7PM): Anyone who keeps an eye on High School Football in the region already knows why this is an instant game to watch, no matter the records.  For those less in the know, it's time for the fabled "Colonie Cup", the yearly rivalry between these two divisional teams.  

And more often than not, this rivalry game also matters in the playoff chase.  

CLASS A
South Glens Falls at Scotia (Fri, 7PM): Both teams want to get their first win of the season.  South Glens Falls has lost two well-fought games to start the season.  Scotia's wasn't as tight.  This may not be a must-win, but the loser's playoff chances will be hanging by a thread.  

Amsterdam at Queensbury (Sat, 2PM): Erase the first two games of the season.  They matter, but not in the playoff chase.  Queensbury and Amsterdam have 0-0 records in Class A Northwest.  And after the first two weeks, who takes the division's #1 seed may come down to this game.  

CLASS B

Cobleskill at Schalmont; Ravena at Hudson (Fri, 7PM): Last year's top two seeds in the Reinfurt Division were awarded with a challenging opening two weeks to their season.  As a result, Schalmont is winless, Ravena is 1-1, and their opponents are both 2-0 after the former two had to face Glens Falls and Schuylerville to start the season.  Cobleskill and Hudson need to prove their 2-0 records are genuine, and wins tonight for those two teams would be a huge statement in Section 2. 

CLASS C

Mechanicville at Holy Trinity (Fri, 7PM): Holy Trinity's 2-0, but how good is their 2-0?  That will be put to the challenge Friday Night when they face a Mechanicville team that has been on a tear during the first two weeks in Section 2.  Mechanicville has scored the most points in Section 2, as Fonda and Ichabod Crane's defense haven't stopped the Red Warriors from scoring 56 points per game.  A win by Mechanicville, and that Week 6 Indian Bowl becomes even more interesting. 

CLASS D

Renssealer at Salem (Sat, 1PM): Hard to believe, but the Rams are in that group that could really use a win in Week 3 in order to help keep playoff chances alive.  They're lumped in the group of four in Class D who are 0-2, with losses already to Cambridge and Warrensburg.  Even in the last two years when Whitehall made their move towards the top tier of Class D, Renssealer has always been a threat.  This year, it doesn't seem as much.  But the Generals are in the same 0-2 group, wanting a win Saturday in order to give their season a spark.

Warrensburg at Cambridge (Sat, 1PM): The Indians are perennially good.  Sitting at 2-0, Cambridge looks like a team hungry to retake the sectional crown after Whitehall won the title last year.  But Warrensburg joins the Indians at 2-0, and after beating Rensselaer last week at home, the Burghers hope to create another statement win in Cambridge.

Enjoy Week #3!  We're slowly running out of weeks where you can go to a game and not need to bring a coat with you, so enjoy the late summer air while we have it!  And if you're heading to one of these, or any other game in the 518, be sure to tweet us score updates by using the hash tag #518Football! 

Week 2 Schedule & Games to Watch

First, the full schedule.  Then our games to watch!

Section 2 Football: Week 1 Games to Watch

And here we are... 2 days away from the start of the High School Football season.  There are plenty of games this weekend to whet your appetite from all over Section 2.  But what games are the ones we think you should watch?


First, the complete schedule:

WEEK 1 – September 2nd & 3rd

CLASS AA
Saratoga Springs at Albany
Ballston Spa at CBA
Niskayuna at Guilderland
Shenendehowa at Troy
Bethlehem at Colonie
LaSalle at Columbia
Shaker at Schenectady

CLASS A
Green Tech at Gloversville
Scotia at Lansingburgh
South Glens Falls at Mohonasen
Queensbury at Averill Park
Burnt Hills at Amsterdam

CLASS B
Hudson Falls at Albany Academy
Ravena at Glens Falls
Corinth (C) at Cobleskill
Johnstown at Hudson
Ichabod Crane at Broadalbin-Perth
Schalmont at Schuylerville

CLASS C
Corinth at Cobleskill (B)
Hoosick Falls at Greenwich
Holy Trinity at Lake George/Hadley-Luzurne
Tamarac at Stillwater
Coxsackie-Athens at Watervliet
Hoosic Valley at Granville
Mechanicville at Fonda
Chatham at Voorheesville
Taconic Hills at Cairo-Durham

CLASS D
Cambridge at Rensselaer
Salem at Canajoharie
Whitehall at Schoburg
Fort Edward at Warrensburg

After the jump, the games to watch...

Boys Hoops Games to Watch - Week of 2/2 - 2/8

Two weeks until Sectional Seedings.  Let's look at this week's matchups you're going to want to watch.

Tuesday's Games:
Fort Edward (10-6) at Argyle (10-5)
Canajoharie (9-5) at Fort Plain (7-6)
Northville at (11-4) St. Johnsville (8-5)
Averill Park (10-3) at Bethlehem (12-3)
Broadalbin-Perth (10-4) at Scotia (14-0)

Comments: Fort Edward could save themselves from having to play a game against a deadly top seed in Stillwater with a quality win, and that opportunity is against Argyle. --  Canajoharie and Fort Plain will meet to help settle C seeds. -- Averill Park is one of those Class A squads few are talking about, but could make a strong splash come sectionals.  A win for the Warriors against the Bethlehem Eagles could make the difference between a #2 seed and a #3 seed.  The road to sectionals won't be kind to Averill Park as they face Bethlehem once and Guilderland twice in the next two weeks --  Northville got a reality check the first time they played St. Johnsville, the second time will be tough for one of the contenders for a good seed in Class D as they play the rematch out in western Montgomery County. -- Broadalbin-Perth is one of few teams to play the Scotia Tartans close all season, only falling by 6 as they held the Tartans to 30 points off their season average of 78 points per game in the first meeting.

Wednesday's Games:
Waterford (12-3) at Germantown (13-1)
Stillwater (10-5) at Greenwich (13-2)

Comments: Germantown's loss to Berlin on January 23rd still leaves the Central Hudson Valley League open.  Both Germantown and Waterford have only one loss, but Waterford's was a loss to Germantown back in December by more than 20 points. -- Stillwater has a tough week ahead with both Greenwich and Hoosick Falls, and a win over the Witches could help improve their tournament resume.  Greenwich is the only other team in Section 2 right now that has a legitimate chance of snatching the #1 seed from the Lake George Warriors, and therefore has reasons to play hard.

Friday's Games:
Northville (11-4) at Canajoharie (9-5)
Fort Ann (12-2) at Fort Edward (10-6)
Averill Park (10-3) at Guilderland (11-2)
Schalmont (12-2) at Voorheesville (11-5)

Comments: We've noted many times over the last few weeks about Northville's attempt to play for better seeds in the upcoming Class D Sectionals.  Canajoharie presents another good opportunity.  By the time Fort Ann and Fort Edward play on Friday, Fort Ann could have their spot in the Adirondack League Championship sewn up, however, that doesn't mean they can take this game easy.  Averill Park continues their gauntlet against Guilderland in a key Suburban Conference showdown.  Schalmont gets another test on their way to be one of 7 dangerous teams in Class B when they face Voorheesville.

Don't forget if you're planning on heading to any of these games, to report score updates using the #518Hoops hashtag.

High School Basketball: Games to watch this week 1/26-2/1

As midterm examinations rings upon our high school athletes, it brings a quieter week with most teams only playing on Friday night.

The games that are played are very important, with Sectional Seedings only three weeks away.

Please note, with the storm forecasted for Monday and Tuesday, these Monday/Tuesday games may be postponed.  Check with the home school district to ensure these games are still on.  As a general rule, if school is closed for the day due to inclement weather, the games that night WILL be postponed.

Monday, January 26th
Corinth (8-4) at Spa Catholic (8-6)
Waterford (10-3) at Berne-Knox-Westerlo (8-4)

Comments: Rescheduled from January 3rd, Corinth will get a better tune-up for their Class B Sectionals by facing Spa Catholic, who gave their tournament resume a better boost with their 20 point with over Northville on Friday night.  --  Waterford has rattled off five straight wins since falling to unbeaten Germantown, and will battle a Berne-Knox-Westerlo squad that is going to be competing with the Fordians for a good seed in the Class C sectionals.  This game was originally scheduled for December 23rd, but was rescheduled following the Kenneth White tragedy.

Tuesday, January 27th
Loudonville Christian (9-4) at Berlin (7-5)

Comments: Loudonville Christian failed to keep up with the pace being set by teams in the Adirondack League with their loss to Waterford on Wednesday.  With Germantown on Friday, it's essential that the Eagles put forth a good showing against the Berlin Mountaineers if Loudonville Christian wants to keep alive the chance to score a good seed and avoid a play-in game or a tough quarterfinal game in Stillwater.  Berlin, a Class C team, boosted their resume by shocking the previously undefeated Germantown Clipppers by outscoring them 24-15 in the fourth quarter on Friday.

Wednesday, January 28th
Broadalbin-Perth (8-4) at Mekeel Christian Academy (10-0)

Comments: Mekeel Christian Academy hasn't sweated much during their 10-0 season, beating several Class C schools by double digits in the Western Athletic Conference.  They will get a strong test on how good their 10-0 really is when they host Broadalbin-Perth.  The Patriots are the only team to knock off the Schalmont Sabres, another team contending for the top seed in the Class B Sectionals.  If Mekeel Christian Academy is truly one of four teams fighting for the #1 seed, they will earn it with a win here.  Otherwise Broadalbin-Perth returns to the conversation for a good seed, something they lost with their loss to Gloversville.

Thursday, January 29th
Catholic Central (9-4) at Long Island Lutheran (12-3)

Comments: Long Island Lutheran is a team that regularly comes into conversation for teams making their way up to Section 2 in March for the NYS Federation Tournament.  At 12-3, Long Island Lutheran is poised to make a return trip up the Thruway, with a 72-61 win over Albany Academy on their resume.  It's going to be a good test for Catholic Central as they try to get ready for Sectionals in three weeks.  What lessons Chuck Mack leans from this game will come in handy as Catholic Central hopes not to be one-and-done this year in the AA bracket.

Friday, January 30th
Lake George (14-1) at North Warren (11-3)
St. Johnsville (8-5) at Canajoharie (9-5)
Hoosic Valley (9-4) at Hoosick Falls (13-0)
Germantown (12-1) at Loudonville Christian (9-4)
Amsterdam (11-3) at Scotia (13-0)

Comments: A full Friday slate of games after midterms brings some key battles for sectional seeding and league titles.  Lake George can clinch their spot in the Adirondack League championship with a win over the second place Cougars, who they beat back in December.  North Warren nearly lost their second straight against Fort Edward on Friday, and a win here could get them back on track, and also keep them alive for the league title.  -- St. Johnsville (yeah, we know they've got a longer name than that) is a Class C school this year after being a D last year, and are one of five teams still contending for the WAC North Division title.  They're all chasing Canajoharie, the team the Wolfpack face.  The Wolfpack only fell by 5 the first time around, and a loss by the Cougars could create a more congested logjam at the top.  -- It was only a two point win for Hoosick Falls back on December 19th, but this time the rivalry is at Hoosick Falls.  It doesn't look like Hoosic Valley will scoop up the #1 seed in Class C after falling to Stillwater twice, Greenwich and Hoosick Falls, but they can help their season out and hurt Hoosick Falls's chances at a #1 seed in Class B with a win in Northeastern Rensselaer County. -- A chip in the solid foundation behind Germantown's bid for a #1 seed in Class D formed with their loss to Berlin on Friday, but they can Spackle it with a win over Loudonville Christian.  -- Amsterdam obtained a big win over Queensbury on Friday to better their candidacy for a top 3 seed in Class A, but can further their bid for a higher seed if they can be the first to do something no other team has in over 30 tries ... beat Scotia.  The Tartans continue to roll, and won the first meeting in Amsterdam by 11 back in December.

High School Basketball: Games to watch this week

We're down to less than a month until the seedings are announced for sectionals.  Many teams are hoping to make impressions on the Section 2 committee, and this  could be the week to do so.

High School Boys Basketball - Games to watch

Week of January 19th - 25th:

Tuesday, January 20th

Spa Catholic (7-5) at Canajoharie (8-5)

Argyle (9-3) at Fort Ann (9-2)

Averill Park (8-3) at Shaker (6-4)

Guilderland (10-0) at Shenendehowa (12-0)

Scotia (11-0) at Queensbury (8-2)

Comments: Spa Catholic is having a rougher go this season, but could give themselves a little help with the seeding committee, and keep their chances for the WAC crown alive with a game at Canajoharie.  -- Argyle fell hard against North Warren on Friday, which will give them trouble if they hope to return to the Adirondack League championship.  They already spotted a game to Fort Ann, and a win for the Cardinals could help clinch them a spot in the championship game.  -- Averill Park and Shaker are fighting for a better favorable playoff seeding at this juncture.  -- Guilderland and Shenendehowa are tops in their division in the Suburban Council and the battle of the unbeatens could come down to basketball fundamentals. -- Scotia and Queensbury could be a preview of the inaugural Foothills Council championship come mid-February.  Queensbury's two losses were against AA teams, one being defending state champions Green Tech and the other Saratoga Springs.  

Wednesday, January 21st

Mechanicville (5-6) at Stillwater (8-4)

Loudonville Christian (8-3) at Waterford (8-3)

Comments: A local rivalry and battle for fourth in the Wasaren is on the schedule when Mechanicville takes on Stillwater.  Mechanicville needs help if they're going to avoid a potential early round matchup against Hoosick Falls, Mekeel Christian Academy, Catskill or Schalmont, all poised to scooping a top seed come next month.  --  Loudonville Christian (D) and Waterford (C) may be in different classifications, but are battling for second and third in the Central Hudson Valley League.  Loudonville Christian could make the seeding committee's job very difficult with a win, as they would remain one of five potential teams battling for the second through sixth seeds in the playoffs.  Waterford could use the seeding help as well in their 22-team classification to prevent an early trip to Lake George or Hoosic Valley.

Friday, January 23rd

North Warren (10-1) at Fort Edward (8-5)

Catholic Central (7-4) at Schenectady (8-4)

Guilderland (10-0) at Bethlehem (10-2)

Spa Catholic (7-5) at Northville (10-3)

Amsterdam (9-3) at Queensbury (8-2)

Comments: North Warren won convincingly over Argyle, now can further make an impression on the sectional seeding committee with the East Division's third place team.  Likewise, Fort Edward needs to make the same impression, as right now they are stuffed behind five really good teams and could face an opening round game.  --  Catholic Central and Schenectady are nearly even, and seeding in the Class AA bracket will be interesting this year without the Big 10 conference.  This game could help the committee.  -- The road for Guilderland doesn't get any easier after Tuesday's battle of the unbeaten, as they travel to Bethlehem.  Guilderland won the first go-around on the first day of the season for both teams, and Bethlehem is playing better as the season has progressed. --  Northville won the first meeting against Spa Catholic, and could use another win against a C-classification opponent to keep their name in consideration for a top seed in Class D.   --  Queensbury's road is tough this week, with Scotia on Tuesday and south division's second place Amsterdam on Friday.  If the Spartans are going to make a deep run in February, a win this week would show that they have the power to do so.

Saturday, January 24th

Green Tech (9-0) at Schalmont (10-1)

Hoosick Falls (9-0) at Lake George (12-0)

Argyle (9-3) at Sect 7-Schroon Lake (9-1)

Comments: Schalmont will get a good indication on how good their team is with their Saturday matinee against Green Tech.  Playing the defending state Class AA champions will give Greg Loiacono an idea of what things he needs to improve heading into Sectionals.  --  A game that was postponed due to snow on January 3rd, it's good to see that what was going to be a battle of the unbeaten is still likely to be that way come January 24th.  Both teams are favorites to be their respected class's number one seed, with Lake George in Class C and Hoosick Falls in Class B.  --   Schroon Lake is a worthy foe in Section 7, with their only loss being at the hands of Fort Ann. Another challenge from a strong Section 2 foe will help them for their postseason up north.  Depending on how their Tuesday game goes, Argyle may need a win against a non-conference foe to help settle their season down.  A loss to Fort Ann may push Argyle down the ladder to a level they haven't seen in awhile, having to play an opening round game in order to play the quarterfinals in Stillwater.

A great week of games coming up.  Let us know if you're planning on being at any, and be sure to use the #518Hoops hashtag to report scoring updates from any of these games!

Week 6 Winners & Losers + Week 7 Games To Watch

CLASS AA
WINNER: Shaker - We've already talked about Shaker here on this blog, but they get another nod for the manner they disposed of Bethlehem and now are in position to win the division with a win over rival Colonie on Friday.

LOSER: Schenectady - Had the Patriots been better with their extra point conversions, we could be talking about them being in a comfortable position entering the final week of the season to make the playoffs.  Instead they must win their Week 7 game against LaSalle.  A loss eliminates them with no chance for outside help.

Games To Watch
Saratoga Springs (3-3) at Ballston Spa (2-4) - Fri, 7PM: The good news is that Saratoga Springs holds the tiebreaker over Guilderland should they lose, but the bad news would be that if that situation comes to be, they'll be possibly making a trip south to Shaker for the first round, a team who already beat the Blue Streaks this season.  Ballston Spa needs the win to get in.

Colonie (4-2) at Shaker (5-1) - Fri, 7PM: Another year where the Colonie Cup will come into play when it comes to playoff seeding.  And this time it's for the top spot in the Liberty Division.  Shaker has rattled off five straight wins since losing to CBA to start the season, whereas Colonie could wind up with any of the four seeds with this game.  A win guarantees them the #1 seed, but a loss could throw Colonie into a Week 8 meeting at Shenendehowa.

LaSalle (2-4) at Schenectady (3-3) - Fri, 7PM: And this is the game that could throw Colonie as far down as the #4 seed.  A LaSalle win over Schenectady will clinch their berth into the playoffs.  Where they end up as far as seeding is concerned depends on the Colonie/Shaker game as well as the Bethlehem/Columbia game.  Schenectady will have one seed if they win, the #4 seed.

Bethlehem (4-2) at Columbia (1-5) - Fri, 7PM: Back-to-back losses against Colonie and Shaker has Bethlehem in a position where if they make the playoffs, they're going to have to play on the road next week.  The Eagles do not want to open the Quarterfinals against Shenendehowa.

CLASS A
WINNER: Amsterdam - The Rugged Rams were critiqued heavily by onlookers after dropping their first game against Cornwall, and those same came out in masses when they lost to Averill Park.  But last Friday's win against Troy was a statement that the Rugged Rams aren't dead.  And now they have the chance to play for the #1 seed.

LOSER: Troy - It was going to be a season of change for the Troy Flying Horses, but how bad the change was going to affect them on the field is becoming more extreme with each loss.  After losses to Bishop Maginn and Amsterdam, the Flying Horses have no chance at playing at home next week, and now find themselves playing Burnt Hills or Queensbury on the road -- two teams the Flying Horses fell to handily in the regular season.

Games To Watch
Queensbury (6-0) at Burnt Hills (5-1) - Fri, 7PM: The two games between Spartans last year remained close and dramatic until the very end -- with Queensbury coming out winners both times. Many are already talking as these will be the two teams left standing come Week 10. The winner gets the #1 seed and will be guaranteed to play at home in Week 9, but the loser will likely face a road game should they win their first round sectional game.

Bishop Maginn (6-0) at Amsterdam (4-2) - Fri, 7PM: If Bishop Maginn is to walk into the playoffs with the #1 seed, they first must walk out of Amsterdam with a win.  Bishop Maginn can fare no worse than a #2 seed, but Amsterdam can drop down to having to face Burnt Hills or Queensbury in the first round as they lose the tiebreaker against Averill Park.

Averill Park (4-2) at Scotia (4-2) - Fri, 7PM: With the right recipe, this could be the start of a home-and-home series, with Averill Park potentially possessing the Southeast's #2 seed and the Scotia Tartans guaranteed the Northwest's #3 seed.  You probably will see some chess maneuvering that you wouldn't otherwise see, with either team not wanting to release too much of their playbook in the event both will meet the following week.

South Glens Falls (1-5) at Gloversville (2-4) - Fri, 7PM: One playoff spot in Class A isn't set in stone.  The winner of this game will be awarded the #4 seed and will travel to either Bishop Maginn or Amsterdam for the first round next week.  The loser is out of the playoffs and will be playing a crossover game.

CLASS B
WINNER: Cohoes - Exiting their non-divisional game against the Glens Falls Indians, the Tigers looked soft.  They had just lost 40-20 to fall to 1-3.  Since then, the Tigers have won back-to-back games and now find themselves with an opportunity to snatch the #2 seed from Ravena with a win over the Indians at their home debut this Friday night.

LOSER: Johnstown - It was a non-divisional game, but a big statement could have been made had Johnstown held onto their 28-20 lead in the 4th quarter against Ravena.  The Sir Bills, still pushing for their first winning season in nearly 20 years, turned the ball over and yielded two quick touchdowns to give the Indians the victory.

Games To Watch
Ravena (5-1) at Cohoes (3-3) - Fri, 7PM: The Cohoes Tigers have spent all season on the road and are finally coming home after renovations to their field.  And what a big game they will face on their homecoming under portable lights - a chance to snatch away the #2 seed in the Reinfurt Division from the Ravena Indians.  Winner will get to stay at home next week.

Hudson Falls (3-3) at Broadalbin-Perth (4-2) - Fri, 7PM: The Hudson Falls Tigers can make things easier on themselves with a win over the Patriots, as that would secure a playoff spot without having to play spectator at the following day's Johnstown/Glens Falls game.  And with the right ingredients, the Tigers could turn what could be a trip to Rotterdam into a home date next weekend.  Broadalbin-Perth cannot be the #1 team, but can secure their #2 seed with a win at home.

Johnstown (3-3) at Glens Falls (2-4) - Sat, 1:30PM: Last year, the Glens Falls Indians lost their home finale, but still got outside help to continue their playoff streak.  This year, the Indians are on their own.  They need a win, otherwise they will miss the playoffs for the first time in nearly two decades.  Johnstown isn't in yet, but a win will push them through to the playoffs.  A loss won't doom them if Broadalbin-Perth beats Hudson Falls, as it would push them into a three-way tie where they hope their quarter points are sufficient enough to make Hudson Falls's loss back in Week 2 matter.

Hudson (2-4) at Albany Academy (2-4) - Sat, 1:30PM: The winner of this game will win the right to travel to Schuylerville for the Quarterfinals next Friday as the Reinfurt's #4 seed.  The loser is out of the playoffs, and will play a crossover game next week.

CLASS C
WINNER: Fonda - The Braves played Westhill strong back in Week 1 at the Carrier Dome.  And held strong against Coxsackie-Athens in the first half before blowing the game open in the second half.  Fonda's playing some great football since their trip to Syracuse and could arguably be the best team in Class C right now, even above Hoosick Falls.  The Braves have allowed only 34 points since Week 1, while averaging over 50 points per game since.

LOSER: Corinth - After back-to-back tough games against Greenwich and Hoosick Falls (and Schuylerville in week 2), the Corinth Tomahawks could have enjoyed homecoming with a tune-up against Schoburg to get them ready for Fonda this week.  However, that game disappeared as Schoburg was forced to forfeit due to injuries.  This week will provide a challenge for Corinth, and it doesn't get any easier from here on out with the playoffs around the corner.

Games To Watch
Fonda (5-1) at Corinth (4-2) - Fri, 7:00PM: Fonda's locked in as one of the top 3 seeds, and Corinth is locked in as one of the middle 3 seeds for the postseason.  So this match could very well be a preview for a playoff game.  With that said, Corinth will be fighting hard after not getting to play last week, and Fonda will want to continue making a statement in Section 2.

Mechanicville (5-1) at Holy Trinity (4-2) - Sat, 1:00PM: The winner clinches the #2 spot in the Central Division, and the loser has to hope their resume is well enough to grab one of the two wild card spots.  Greenwich and Chatham will be watching this game closely as their playoff chances could hang in the balance.

CLASS D
WINNER: Cambridge - After their 21-19 loss to Whitehall in the rain two weeks ago, the Indians bounced back in a big way with their win over Warrensburg.  Ethan English was perfect, Caleb Rowland and Chris Warnke provided English with big plays, and the Cambridge Indians made a statement that the loss at Ambrose Gilligan Field was a small setback and that the Indians are still a contender for the Class D Sectional title.

LOSER: Whitehall - Meanwhile, the Whitehall Railroaders looked well on their way to a 6-0 start by building a 20-0 lead in the first quarter against Hoosic Valley.  But then it fell apart, as the Railroaders allowed 27 unanswered points to trail 27-20 in the third quarter.  Justin Hoagland's kickoff return for a touchdown gave the Railroaders hope to tie the game, but Justin Culligan went for two on a pass attempt, and never saw the lead again as the pass failed.

Games To Watch
Rensselaer (4-2) at Whitehall (5-1) - Sat, 1:00PM: So, according to The Post-Star's Pete Tobey, Whitehall should have enough quarter points should that they lose the game against the Rams, their head-to-head against Cambridge in the first tiebreaker in the quarter points system will yield them the #1 seed.  But after losing to Hoosic Valley, the Railroaders are going to want to make sure they're ready for the playoffs.  Remember, they narrowly beat Canajoharie in Week 1 on a goal-line stance, therefore Justin Culligan will want to make sure that the team is freshly prepped for the battle come Week 9.

Hoosic Valley (5-1) at Cambridge (5-1) - Sat, 1:00PM: Hoosic Valley finishes off the season with an explosive Cambridge Indians offense that, like Whitehall, will want to use this game to gear up for the playoffs come two weeks from this weekend.  The Indians are having an exceptional season, and are hoping to give it an exclamation point with a win over one of the perennial teams to beat.

Winners & Losers + Week 6 Games to Watch

It's time once again to take a look at the Winners and Losers from Week 5 in high school football, and what games are the ones you're going to want to attend.

Be sure to check out the updated standings page.

CLASS AA
WINNERS
Shaker (4-1) - On a Thursday night, the Shaker Blue Bison propelled to the top of the Liberty Division thanks to their win over LaSalle, coupled with a heartbreaking loss for Bethlehem.  After their 34-16 season-opening loss to CBA, the Blue Bison are back and looking to potentially return to Bob Ford Field in November.

LOSERS
Bethlehem (4-1) - The Eagles have had some narrow victories, including squeezing out a single point win over LaSalle in Week 4.  But an overtime loss to Colonie has opened the door for Shaker, and could be a game that pushes Bethlehem from a potential #1 seed down to a potential #3 seed.

GAMES TO WATCH
CBA (4-1) at Saratoga Springs (3-2) - Friday, 7PM: The winner of this game will get to play at home come Week 8.  For Saratoga Springs, it's their chance to show they're contenders for the Class AA Sectional Title after dropping games to Shaker and Shenendehowa this season.  CBA is in the same boat, where they want to show they can knock off good competition on their way to the top.

Shaker (4-1) at Bethlehem (4-1) - Friday, 7PM at Bob Ford Field: It's homecoming for the Eagles, and they need the fan support in a big way after dropping their game last Thursday in overtime against Colonie.  A win for Bethlehem will give them a chance to control their own destiny for the #1 seed next week, but a loss, as noted above, could drop them down to the #3 seed.  Shaker still has the Colonie Cup coming up next week, and would love to enter knowing they can win their way to the #1 seed.

Schenectady (3-2) at Colonie (3-2) - Friday, 7PM: Schenectady needs a win as a loss here could force the Patriots into a must-win situation against LaSalle next week in order to save their playoff chances. Colonie yielded a game to LaSalle a few weeks ago, and currently holds the #3 seed by virtue of their win over Bethlehem.  The Garnet Raiders still have a chance for the top seed, and a win here would make next week's Colonie Cup a battle for the #1 seed.  The losing team will have to fight hard next week to keep themselves from having to face Shenendehowa in the first round.  

CLASS A
WINNERS
Bishop Maginn (5-0) - Critics are going to argue that the Bishop Maginn Golden Griffins win over Troy isn't legitimate, with Troy sitting players due to suspensions (see below).  But what is legitimate is their 5-0 record that they possess heading into Week 6, with Lansingburgh and Amsterdam still to round out their schedule.  They haven't won big, but they've done what they needed to in order to remain unbeaten.

LOSERS
Troy (2-3) - Troy makes this list not because of their loss against Bishop Maginn.  The loss hurts -- it makes this week's game against Amsterdam more important, but it's off-field issues that puts the Flying Horses on this list.  22 players and cheerleaders were suspended due to illicit and illegal pranks conducted during Troy's homecoming.  Hopefully the kids who were benched for the game will learn the lesson that there is a time and place, and this wasn't one of them.

GAMES TO WATCH:
Amsterdam (3-2) at Troy (2-3) - Friday, 7PM: It's a key game for both teams -- more for Amsterdam.  Amsterdam doesn't have the tiebreaker over Averill Park, Troy does.  Both teams really doesn't want to travel to face Queensbury or Burnt Hills in the first round.  Amsterdam still have to face Bishop Maginn next week.

CLASS B
WINNERS
Schalmont (5-0) - The Schalmont Sabres didn't just beat Ravena to get full control of the Reinfurt Division last week, they rolled over the Indians and made it look easy.  And with the two basement teams left on their schedule, they can cruise control their way to the #1 seed.

Hudson Falls (3-2) - The Hudson Falls Tigers won their first Jug Game since 1997.  That's great, but what's even better is that they are back in the playoff hunt with that win.  A loss to Glens Falls would have put the Tigers playoff chances on thin ice, needing help from Cobleskill this week to set up a winner-takes-all match next week with Broadalbin-Perth.

LOSERS
Glens Falls (2-3) - Likewise, the Jug Game loss for the Indians means they need to help themselves if they are going to get into the playoffs.  A way of accomplishing that will be this Saturday when they face Schuylerville, but their win-or-go-home moment will come the final week of the season when they host Johnstown.

GAMES TO WATCH:
Cohoes (2-3) at Albany Academy (2-3) - Saturday, 2PM: The final stop on the Cohoes Tigers road trip will be at Albany Academy, where the Cadets will hope to gain the edge over the Tigers for the #3 seed in the Reinfurt.  Win or lose, Cohoes will have a chance to play for the #2 seed next week when they host Ravena, but a win will clinch them a spot in the playoffs.

Schuylerville (5-0) at Glens Falls (2-3) - Saturday, 1:30PM: The Indians suffered injuries to their quarterback and running back in their Jug Game loss, and hope to have them back for a battle with division-leading Schuylerville.  A win for Glens Falls makes things very interesting for the division entering Week 7, and a loss will clinch the Black Horses the #1 seed.

CLASS C
WINNERS
Greenwich Witches (4-1) - The Witches looked rough in their loss to Corinth in Week 4.  They looked more polished in their win over a previously unbeaten team that until Week 5, had only given up 16 points and never trailed in a game.  The win should help Greenwich earn the support they need to be one of the wild card teams in the upcoming playoffs.

LOSERS
Coxsackie-Athens (4-1) - Coxsackie-Athens exhibited why extra points matter in their loss to Greenwich.  They converted none of their extra point tries, only getting six for their three touchdowns, which ended up being the margin that they lost to the Witches by.  It should be a lesson that the Indians take into their next match...

GAMES TO WATCH:
Coxsackie-Athens (4-1) at Fonda-Fultonville (4-1) - Saturday, 2PM: Since returning from their loss to Westhill at the Carrier Dome in Week 1, the Braves have outscored their opponents by an average of 50-7 per game.  And the Braves appreciate last week's loss against Greenwich, as it shows them some ways on film that Coxsackie-Athens can be beat.  Coxsackie-Athens is having a great season, and a win here will be an exclamation point.  The winner clinches the Southern Division.

CLASS D
WINNERS
Whitehall Railroaders (5-0) - It wasn't pretty, but the Whitehall Railroaders took advantage of six Cambridge turnovers as they remain undefeated.  The win doesn't give the Railroaders the #1 seed for the playoffs just yet, as Rensselaer could be a determining factor when they come to Ambrose Gilligan Field next Saturday.  However, the Railroaders are chugging down the tracks with their first win over Cambridge since 1989.

LOSERS
Fort Edward (0-5) - The Fort Edward/Argyle Flying Forts had one last opportunity to remain in the playoff race, but that came to an end with their loss to Canajoharie that cemented the four teams who will be playing at Schuylerville come November 1st.  The Flying Forts and the Warrensburg Burghers are outside looking in, and will meet to see which team will scoop up their first win of the season next Saturday.

GAMES TO WATCH
Canajoharie (2-3) at Rensselaer (3-2) - Friday, 7PM: The Rams, with a win, will still have a shot at a top seed, but will need to win out their final two games and then hope they have enough Quarter Points to top Whitehall and Cambridge.  Canajoharie doesn't want to sit as the #4 seed, and can do something about that with a win on Friday.  A Canajoharie win will clinch the #1 seed for Whitehall.