Empire Football League

R&B delivers crusher

ANOTHER ROUT: Watertown draws praise from Massena

By MATT CORDOVA

TIMES SPORTSWRITER

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2009

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POTSDAM — A season that was frustrating enough already for the Massena Silver and Black seemed to get even longer Saturday night, thanks to the Watertown Red and Black.

T.J. Williams carried 10 times for 120 yards and a pair of touchdowns at Sandstoner Park as Watertown rolled past Massena 48-0 for an Empire Football League victory.

The Red and Black (7-1) reached the end zone on six of its seven offensive drives, racking up 312 rushing yards. Running back Anthony Noel caught touchdown passes of 16 and 27 yards and also ran for a one-yard score.

Massena (0-7), trailing 21-0, received the ball to start the second half, but, two plays later, as Watertown safety Adam Bossinger flipped into the end zone after a 23-yard interception return for a touchdown, the Silver and Black lost any hope of making it competitive.

"Every play of every game is a challenge," Watertown head coach George Ashcraft said. "It's just we're playing so well together right now."

Opponents are taking notice.

"They're definitely one of the premier teams," Massena coach Jim Compeau said of Watertown. "Especially after seeing what they did to Plattsburgh. Their defense is great, and they have a pretty balanced offense."

Dylan Kirker and Demetric White each paced the Red and Black's second consecutive shutout — and third of the year — with 11 tackles.

Ben Call recorded eight tackles, while Dan Robl added six stops and a fumble recovery to help Watertown remain the league's stingiest defense.

"It's going to take a really solid effort from some team and some kind of breakdown to beat us," Kirker said. "Hopefully it doesn't happen."

Buddy Compeau led the Silver and Black with 85 yards on the ground, but Massena's only significant trip into Watertown territory was on its final possession.

Compeau, the league's third leading rusher, provided the few bright spots for a Massena team that has dropped several close matchups heading into next week's league-wide bye for Labor Day.

Losses of one, two and six points have Massena's players believing their team is on the right track, yet they remain winless.

"We've been close this year and that's big," coach Compeau said. "We're building on things, and hopefully we'll get one this year. We're going into every game thinking we can win. As long as we keep that attitude we'll be good."

The impending two-week break leaves Watertown to prepare for what will likely be the most important game of the regular season. Quebec, which is responsible for the Red and Black's one loss, visits the Fairgrounds on Sept. 12.

Five turnovers during that Aug. 15 matchup foiled Watertown's efforts for a perfect season, and holding on to the ball will likely be the main focus during practice for the next 14 days.

"We know we have to do a better job than we did the first time," Ashcraft said.

Published August 30, 2009 12:22 am - Broome County pulls out 35-34 win in Empire Football League play.

Stars fall in fourth

BINGHAMTON — Following a dominating offensive performance and a 27-14 lead after three quarters, the Plattsburgh North Stars gave up 21 points in the final stanza in a 35-34 loss to Broome County Saturday night.

Plattsburgh had a chance to dodge the loss with a final drive with three minutes remaining, but a bobbled snap on a field goal attempt inside the 20-yard line prevented a chance for the game-winning kick.

The Stars converted on multiple fourth downs to keep the drive alive.

"The offense played pretty well all night, 34 points on the road is pretty good," Plattsburgh head coach Pat Keleher said. "We just fell apart on defense in the fourth quarter."

It was Plattsburgh second-straight loss as the team drops to 6-2 in Empire Football League play and 8-2 overall.

"We have a bye week next weekend and then play Vermont at home the following week," Keleher said. "We've got to right the ship."

Broome County 35, Plattsburgh 34

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