HOOSICK FALLS ROLLS: Panthers pounce on Devils turnovers
STILLWATER — Controlling the point of attack to convert off turnovers Section 2 champion Hoosick Falls ended Ogdensburg Free Academy's football season in the state Class C quarterfinals Saturday night at Stillwater Central School.
The 11-0 Panthers, who were ranked fifth in this week's state poll, won 51-6 to the 9-2 and 10th-ranked Devils.
In a consistent downpour, OFA started well, answering Alex Hansen's two-yard touchdown run in the first quarter with a one-yard plunge by quarterback Jared Morrow.
But the Panthers took advantage of two interceptions, one blocked punt, one fumble recovery and a punt return for a touchdown to pull away to a berth in the state semifinals.
"We struggled with our passing and they did a great job with theirs," said OFA coach Matt Tessmer. "Their line was the major factor and they also took advantage of some breaks."
"Pretty much everything went wrong, from getting on the bus this morning and (running back) Gene (Bouyer) being sick to other things. We just couldn't handle them up front. Their running backs were quick."
Hansen caught a 72-yard touchdown pass from Mike Brewster and also scored on a 16-yard run for Hoosick Falls. Tanner Williams recovered a fumble in the end zone after Logan O'Brien's 11-yard catch and fumble. Brewster also completed a 19-yard touchdown strike to Jon Mulready. O'Brien ran a punt back 46 yards for a score, and Quinn Rasmus hit a 28-yard field goal.
Brewster finished 11-for-13 passing for 161 yards, while Hansen rushed 11 times for 95 yards and two touchdowns.
For OFA, Morrow was 6-for-14 passing for 142 yards and ran 12 times for 25 yards. Bouyer rallied to make five catches for 125 yards.
Said Tessmer in his postgame speech: "Seniors, each one of you will be missed. You are champions and just remember that. Juniors, sophomores, and freshman, we've got our work cut out for us. We got ourselves one step further than last year and now we've got a taste of what it takes to get here. It starts Monday in the weight room."
