Sunday, September 27, 2009
EFL Post Game Press Coverage September 27, 2009
Stay leads Stars to big win
By NICK ST. DENIS
Staff Writer
PLATTSBURGH — The Plattsburgh North Stars advanced to the second round of the Empire Football League playoffs with a 42-6 victory over Massena Saturday night at Penfield Park.
Stars quarterback Ken Stay threw six touchdown passes and no interceptions in the game, going 13-for-26 for 226 yards and connecting with receiver Matt St. Clair on four occasions.
"Kenny made some good reads tonight," Stars coach Pat Keleher said. "He made some good checkoffs."
The win marks the third time in the club's 19-year history that the team won 10 games in a season.
"I'm very happy for the organization," Keleher said.
Stay hit tight end Chris Fish for a 22-yard score before throwing three more touchdowns to St. Clair before the half.
Plattsburgh (10-3 EFL, 8-3 overall) tallied 14 points in the first, second and fourth quarters, but couldn't get in the end zone in the third.
"One area I was disappointed in was that I didn't think our offense was very aggressive in the third quarter," Keleher said. "Our defense also gave up some underneath throws for a period in the second half. I think we got a little comfortable there, too."
St. Clair also had an interception and Donny Coolidge added a pick for Plattsburgh.
"Overall, I was pretty pleased with the defense," Keleher said.
St. Clair grabbed his fourth touchdown catch of the game on the first play of the fourt h quarter, and Stay hit Jean Mirlville for a score later in the stanza.
Massena scored its only points on a 15-yard touchdown pass from Ryan Mason to Lance Brown.
Brandon Keleher rushed for 99 yards and became the second player in team history to surpass the 1,000-yard mark in a single season.
"Brandon has been my workhorse," Stars offensive coordinator Scott Aguglia said. "We run such a balanced offense that teams aren't able to focus in on one aspect. I think that really helps us, too."
Plattsburgh will return to Montreal to face Quebec in semifinal action next Saturday.
—
Plattsburgh 42, Massena 6
Massena 0 0 0 6—6
Plattsburgh 14 14 0 14—42
Scoring Summary
First quarter
P- Stay 22 pass to Fish (Ryder kick), 4:02.
P- Stay 20 pass to M. St. Clair (Ryder kick), 12:18.
Second quarter
P- Stay 31 pass to M. St. Clair (Ryder kick), 6:33.
P- Stay 5 pass to M. St. Clair (Ryder kick), 14:36.
Third quarter
No scoring.
Fourth quarter
P- Stay 19 pass to M. St. Clair (Ryder kick), 0:06.
M- Mason 15 pass to Brown (PAT missed), 4:09.
P- Stay 7 pass to Mirville (Ryder kick), 14:01.
Individual statistics
Rushing
P- B. Keleher 21-99. Parks 4-33. Blocker 1-12. 1 -(-5). Totals: 29-139.
M- Deon 7-14. Compeau 11-18. Lamb 1-0. Mason 3-3. Totals: 24-45.
Passing
P- Stay 13-26-0-226 6 TDs. Totals: 13-26-0-226 6 TDs.
M- Mason 12-30-2-204 TD.
Receiving
P- M. St. Clair 5-79 4 TDs. Fish 3-79 TD. Blocker 1-9. Nolan 1-18. T. St. Clair 2-34. Mirville 1-7 TD. Totals: 13-226 6 TDs.
M- Compeau 6-109. Flowers 2-31. Farrah 3-49. Brown 1-15 TD. Totals: 12-204 TD.
Interceptions
P- St. Clair, Coolidge.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
EFL Pre Game Press Releases September 26, 2009
Stars host Massena tonight
PLATTSBURGH — The Plattsburgh North Stars will play their first home playoff game since 2003 when they host the Massena Silver and Black Raiders tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Penfield Park.
With a victory, it would be just the third time the team has won 10 games in a season in the club's history, alongside a 10-4 season in 1994 and an 11-4 record in 1995.
Also, the team's 7-7 Empire Football League record ties the 1994, 2003 and 2006 seasons as the second best regular-season record in team history.
"I'm very happy with the year we've had so far," Stars coach Pat Keleher said. Keleher, who is in his third season as head coach, won four games in 2007, eight in 2008 and looks to reach the double-digit mark tonight.
"We have a good core-group of guys, and each year we've added some key pieces," Keleher said.
Massena comes to town having lost to Plattsburgh by a total score of 80-6 in two games. However, Keleher's squad isn't taking the Silver and Black lightly.
"We've beaten them pretty handily twice, but what worries me is they've played everyone else, besides us and Watertown, tough," he said.
With a 1-9 record, Massena lost consecutive games to Binghamton and Vermont by two and one point, respectively. The Silver and Black has lost three other games by just eight points or less.
"Primarily, we're just looking to get back to executing well," Keleher said. "I thought there was point mid-season when we were playing very well, but offensively we kind of sputtered since Labor Day break."
=0 AOverall, Keleher has still been pleased with the offense as quarterback Ken Stay, running back Brandon Keleher and receiver Kelly Gordon each lead the league in their respective positions.
"We're hoping to get back to spreading the ball around offensively," Keleher said. "Running hard and making teams play honest on defense."
2009 North Stars Statistical Leaders
(Overall, Empire Football League)
Offense
Rushing
B. Keleher- 150-930-8, 126-735-6 (#1 EFL). Z. Blocker- 64-385-2, 64-385-2. E. Parks- 39-209-2, 35-194-2. K. Nolan- 24-97-3, 24-97-3.
Passing
K. Stay- 125-255-1595-12TD-10int, 115-199-1287-11TD-10int (#1 EFL)
Receiving
K. Gordon- 36-502-7, 33-445-6 (#1 EFL). M. St. Clair- 22-288-1, 16-208-1 (#8 EFL). C. Fish- 21-277-2 16-200-2 #9 EFL. J. Keleher- 18-217-0, 15-175-0 (#10 EFL).
Defense
Tackles
Godfrey- 75, 66 (#2 EFL). J. McCray- 54, 50 (#9 EFL). Gibson- 54, 46. Babbie- 53, 48. St. John- 47, 42. Norris- 43, 38.
Sacks
Gibson- 6, 4.5. Babbie- 5, 3.5.
Interceptions
M. St. Clair- 5, 4 (#3 EFL). St. John- 4, 4 (#3 EFL). Painter- 4, 3.
Pass Defended
Coolidge- 13, 11(#1 EFL).
Special Teams
Fish- #2 Punter EFL. Ryder- #1 Place Kicker EFL. Z. Blocker- #1 Punt Returner EFL, 17-385 (22.5) long of 54. J. Keleher- #1 Kick Return EFL, 10-276 (27.6) long of 60.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
American Football Association Selects Semi-Pro Football Hall of Fame Cla...
Monday, September 21, 2009
Empire Football League Press Release September 21, 2009
(877) 624-4485
e-mail: empirefoot@aol.com=2 0
website: www.empire-football-league.com
| W | ||||||
| 9 | 1 | 0 | 291 | 56 | 0.900 | |
| 8 | 2 | 0 | 148 | 107 | 0.778 | |
| 0A | 7 | 3 | 0 | 206 | 106 | 0.700 |
| 5 | 5 | 0 | 149 | 195 | 0.556 | |
| 3 | 7 | 0 | 59 | 175 | 0.300 | |
| 1 | 9 | 0 | 58 | 246 | 0.100 |
October 3rd
Sunday, September 20, 2009
EFL Post Game Press Coverage September 20, 2009
Watertown blanks Broome County Dragons
Staff report • September 20, 2009
WATERTOWN -- Quarterback Brian Williams tossed a touchdown pass and also ran for one as the host Red & Black clinched home-field advantage throughout the Empire Football League playoffs with a 25-0 victory over the Broome County Dragons on Saturday.
Watertown (9-1) clinched the EFL's top seed, while the Dragons finished regular-season play at 5-4. The Dragons' playoff opponent will be announced when the EFL playoff schedule is released today.
Dragons Finish Regular Season
Keith • Reader Submitted • September 20, 2009
The Dragons Traveled to Alex Duffy fairground Saturday looking for a win to finish out the regular season on the road. The outcome did not favor the Dragons as the Red and Black shout out the visiting Dragons 25-0. This was the first time this season that the Dragons have been shout down. The last time the Dragons faced off against the Red and Black, Watertown beat Broome County 55-13 in Binghamton. The Dragons defense forced 5 turn overs, but the offense could not capitalize. The Offense did have a few good Drives but were stopped or turnover by that Watertown Defense.
The Dragons Finish the Regular Season 5-4 The Watertown Red and Black Finish there Season 9-1 and Clinch First Place position and home Field advantage throughout the Playoffs. As for the Dragons they Finish sole fourth place with a first round home playoff game vs Vermont Ice Storm. Playing Field to be determine some were in the Binghamton area Kick off 7:30pm. The Winner of that Game will Travel To Watertown to Face off in the Semi Finals against the Red and Black. Last Time the Dragons and The Vermont Ice Storm have played, The Dragons were victorious with a 21-6 win. If you get a chance come out and support the local Dragons chase the Empire Football League Championship.
Red and Black capture home field in playoffs
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009ARTICLE OPTIONS
The Alex T. Duffy Fairgrounds have been kind to the Watertown Red and Black this season.
Now, Empire Football League opponents better get used to it.
Watertown used its balanced offense and a relentless defense to cruise past Binghamton, 25-0, in a league matchup Saturday night at the fairgrounds. The Red and Black (9-1 overall) clinched home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with the win.
Head coach George Ashcraft said Watertown's first-round opponent in the postseason won't be determined until today.
"It was a very, very well played game," Ashcraft said. "I can't say enough. I credit my four coaches that I have. They've done a great job all year, and I can't say enough for that. They've worked hard and it shows."
The Red and Black appear poised to defend its home field after silencing the surging Dragons (5-4). Quarterback Brian Williams rushed for one touchdown and tossed another to Lester Cole. Williams finished with 123 yards of offense.
Warren Spies and T.J. Williams added rushing scores for the Red and Black, which finished with 198 yards on the ground.
Mike Dumaw finished with nine tackles and a fumble recovery to pace a defense that impressed Ashcraft.
"My big guys, my defensive linemen had a field day," he said. "They kept pressure on the quarterback all night long."
Dylan Kirker provided eight tackles, and Adam Bossinger and Dan Robl had seven apiece.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Watertown vs Broome County Dragons Game Broadcast
You'll download the player first then it should just go or try to connect again.
Steve
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www.steveweedproductions.com
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EFL Pre Game Press Coverage September 19, 2009
R&B focused at home
Stars shoot for postseason edge
Both teams currently sit with two losses apiece entering the regular-season finale — one more than first-place Watertown.
The Red and Black hold the first-place tiebreaker against Plattsburgh even if they lose and the Stars win tonight, so Plattsburgh is battling to lock up the second seed.
The Stars defeated Quebec, 31-7, in20week three of EFL play because of a solid 21-0 fourth quarter.
The game was the third of six-consecutive (eight overall) victories to open the season, but Plattsburgh lost two-straight road games to Watertown and Binghamton before bouncing back last week in a 13-0 shutout of Vermont at home.
Quebec won four-straight after the loss to Plattsburgh, but the Red and Black ended that streak last weekend in Watertown.
Plattsburgh's ground game is led by Brandon Keleher, who has compiled 735 yards and six touchdowns this regular season.
Quarterback Ken Stay has totaled 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions in that span with a 2-0 touchdown-interception ration in Quebec and Plattsburgh's only meeting.
Kelly Gordon has also made an impact with six receiving touchdowns.
Sigmund Charles leads a Quebec running corps that has amassed just 546 rushing yards this season.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
EFL Post Game Press Coverage September 13th
R&B forces victory
WINNING TURNOVER: Fourth-quarter play helps Watertown avenge Quebec loss
By MATT CORDOVA
TIMES SPORTSWRITER
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2009ARTICLE OPTIONS
Antonio Alexander became reacquainted with the long-lost world of the end zone Saturday night at the Alex T. Duffy Fairgrounds, and it couldn't have happened at any better time for the Watertown Red and Black.
The second-year cornerback returned a fumble 56 yards for the go-ahead touchdown that sparked the team to a 26-16 Empire Football League victory over Quebec.
Watertown trailed 16-13 early in the fourth quarter as linebacker Demetric White chased Titans' quarterback Kevin Wyeth out of the pocket. Wyeth dropped the ball as White applied the hit, while Alexander scooped it up like a shortstop fielding a routine grounder, and zoomed down the sideline.
The win improved Watertown's record to 8-1.
"That's my first TD of the year," said Alexander, who scored four in 2008. "Better late than never, I guess. We just had to put some pressure on the quarterback and try to get him to throw the ball away."
The Red and Black enjoyed its most complete victory of the season in avenging its one loss. In addition to Alexander's touchdown, Dan Robl and Todd Kiechle each blocked a field goal, and the defense allowed just 18 yards on the ground.
The team rushed for 244 yards, and Ernie Miller's kick returns of 24, 16 and 30 yards ensured adequate field position for the offense.
More importantly, neither fear nor anger set in when Wyeth engineered a nine-play drive to give the Titans the three-point advantage heading into the final quarter. The Red and Black managed, also, to withstand Wyeth's 216 passing yards and two touchdowns.
"A win is a win. They pulled it back together and made it happen," head coach George Ashcraft said. "We picked back up the momentum we had before halftime when we had the lead."
Brian Williams darted 56 yards on an option for a touchdown on Watertown's first play from scrimmage. The quick strike forced Quebec for the rest of the night to guess whether he'd pitch it or keep it. And, for the rest of the night, it seemed either choice Williams made was the right one.
Anthony Noel capped the win, one that likely ensured home field advantage through the postseason, with a 43-yard, option-right jaunt. Then the celebration commenced.
"We believe we can run that option against any team," Williams said. "We tried to run hard on the edges, and get to their second level where we thought we'd have some cut back lanes."
"The option killed us," Quebec coach John Mouland said. "We couldn't stop it. This is the first team we've seen run it, and they definitely have the ball players to utilize it."
Defensive pressure on Wyeth in the second half doomed Quebec, too. Watertown sacked him three times in the game's final moments, forcing Quebec into a fourth-and-30 situation on its final play.
But no moment was more important than when White came bursting into the backfield to set up the game-changing play.
"As a defense, we thrive in those situations," said White, who added three tackles. "We live for the game to be on our backs.
"They moved the back out, and I knew I'd have a 1-on-1 matchup. The line forced (Wyeth) out, and I just never gave up, and Alexander made a great heads up play scooping it up."
BROOME COUNTY 15, MASSENA 7
Broome County scored a pair of touchdowns in the second half to defeat Massena in Binghamton.
Adam Good scored on a 5-yard run in the third quarter to pull Broome County ahead of Massena, who scored first on a 1-yard touchdown run by quarterback Ryan Mason in the second quarter.
Good then threw 32 yards to Dominique Henderson for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Buddy Compeau ran for 75 yards on 17 carries for Massena (0-9). Mike Weller made eight tackles, and Geoff Cary made seven and recorded a sack.
Published September 13, 2009 12:48 am - Plattsburgh defeats Vermont, sets up playoff for second seed in Empire Football League.
North Stars blank Ice Storm
By NICK ST. DENIS
Staff Writer
PLATTSBURGH — The Plattsburgh North Stars got back on the winning track Saturday night, defeating the Vermont Ice Storm, 13-0, and putting themselves in a one-game battle for the league's second seed next week against Quebec.
After two weeks of giving up more big plays than they'd like in Plattsburgh's only two losses of the year, the Stars' secondary returned to its ball-hawking ways, picking off Vermont quarterback Matt Paul three times thanks to the hands of Brandon St. John, Shane Racette and Matt St. Clair.
Vermont had brief success completing passes underneath, but Stars coach Pat Keleher said he doesn't mind giving up a few short passes to prevent a long one.
"The secondary did a great job keeping stuff in front of them tonight," Keleher said.
Brandon Keleher scored Plattsburgh's lone touchdown on a five-yard run. He compiled 84 yards on the ground on 19 carries.
Fullbacks Kyle Nolan and Elija Parks made their presence felt again, leading the way for Keleher and Zach Blocker. Blocker tallied 58 yards rushing in the game.
Vermont's Kevin Fournier and Akeem Williams combined for 109 yards rushing, but they lost effectiveness the closer they got to Plattsburgh's end zone.
"I was pleased that we shut them out, we made the stops when we had to," Keleher said. "And in the second half, we ran the ball when we had to."
Stars quarterback Ken Stay went 9-for-25 passing, totaling 107 yards and an interception.
Paul was 11-for-27 with 125 yards to go along with his three interceptions.
Mitch Ryder was good on field goals of 23 and 25 yards.
The Stars travel to Montreal next weekend to face Quebec. With a victory, Plattsburgh can secure the second seed and a first-round bye, as well as a home game.
"(Vermont) was an important win — we needed it," Keleher said. "Now, it's in our hands."
—
Plattsburgh 13, Vermont 0
Vermont 0 0 0 0— 0
Plattsburgh 3 0 7 3—13
Scoring summary
First quarter
P- Ryder 23 kick, 8:22.
Third quarter
P- B. Keleher 5 run (Ryder kick), 4:46.
Fourth quarter
P- Ryder 25 kick, 3:48.
Individual statistics
Rushing
P- B. Keleher 19-84 TD. Blocker 8-58. Parks 1-4. Nolan 3-13. Stay 1-0.
V- Williams 9-32. Fournier 5-77. Paul 1(-6). Butler 2-4. Belida 1-0.
Passing
P- Stay 9-25-107-0-1.
V- 11-27-125-0-1.
Receiving
P- St. Clair 4-41. Fish 1-17. Gordon 4-49.
V- Joy 6-34. 4-70. Canada 1-21.
