REVOLUTION ROLLS: St. Lawrence Valley fails to mount serious challenge in NFA

POTSDAM — Watertown's newest semipro football team, which consists of many members of last year's Red and Black, had a successful opening night Saturday, shutting out the St. Lawrence Valley Trailblazers 26-0 in the opening game of the Northeastern Football Alliance season at Sandstoner Park.

The Revolution controlled play on both sides of the ball, picking up 283 yards of offense and holding St. Lawrence Valley to just 30.

"It's a new team, but it's the same players from last year," said Watertown defensive end Greg Roberson, who was part of three sacks. "We know each other. We are trying to keep the (Red and Black) tradition alive, but under a new name."

Roberson, a Georgia native, played for the Trailblazers in 2006 and was in their backfield so fast on a number of plays in the first quarter that St. Lawrence Valley coach Mike Britton may have wondered if Roberson was still on his squad.

"You don't like losing players like that, but he lives in Watertown," Britton said. "He found he had a home here, but the travel was too tough. On the field we are competitors, but off the field we are friends."

With pressure from Roberson and fellow defensive end Rob Hughes, St. Lawrence Valley struggled on offense early in the game, picking up just 4 yards of offense in the first quarter and only 4 more yards in the second.

"They played us well in the preseason," Roberson said. "This was fuel for me. I played with (SLV) a few years back and I came out too friendly, shaking hands with everyone. It was the first game in the history of our franchise, and we got a win."

But the Revolution didn't just frustrate the Trailblazers offense. SLV had a tough time trying to answer the running back tandem of speedy Bryan Harris and bruising back T.J. Williams.

Williams gained 111 yards on 19 carries, and Harris added 85 on nine carries, including a 20-yard touchdown run on a sweep to close out the scoring.

"We didn't see (Harris) in the scrimmage," said SLV defensive back Cheyenne Dashnaw. "He seemed to be their go-to guy. He had great cut-back ability, speed and vision. They were a good combo and they match well together, that old thunder-and-lightning deal."

The Revolution alternated carries for the backs throughout the first half, and the duo worked well together.

"They're actually buddies," said Watertown coach Kenny Anderson. "When one had the ball the other is blocking."

Revolution quarterback Garry Pelletier also had an impressive debut, finishing 9-for-13 in passing for 80 yards, including three touchdowns. Rob Woodworth caught two of the touchdown passes with Brian Beltz hauling in the other.

The only downfall for Watertown on Saturday was a lack of discipline as the team picked up 80 yards in penalties, most coming in the second half.

"We can't get lethargic and make stupid mistakes," Anderson said.

The Trailblazers struggled to match Watertown's speed, but Britton said that won't be as big of an issue when they meet teams from less-populated areas. New SLV quarterback Ryan Mason threw only three passes, but completed one for 41 yards to Ron Vean. He also picked up 13 yards rushing on four carries.

"Ryan's a leader," Britton said. "That's the nice thing. He doesn't act like a rookie. He was able to change some plays at the line that were going to be bad."