Friday Night Under The Lights
by Bea Peterson
The HFCS Football Season begins Friday, September 3, at 7 pm at home against Corinth. The new bleachers and press box are in place. There is a classy white fence trimming the field. The food bar, a fairly recent addition, is set to go. The only hang up may be the weather. It will be in the 80s until the sun goes down, and there is a possibility of rain. Fans will just have to wait and see.
Ready To Go
Coach Ron Jones said his players are ready to go. “It isn’t going to be easy,” he said. “You never know what team is going to pop up and be pretty good. We have to take it one week at a time. In the off season you work to be the best in the State. This week we have to worry about Corinth. We’ve worked very hard. We have goals, but we’ve got to prove it every week. We’ve got to perform. Last year every player played in the quarterfinal game. They know what it’s like to be in a big game before a big crowd.” No doubt they want that opportunity again.
Jones said, “We don’t have the offensive line we’ve had in the past. They’re a work in progress, but they’re very motivated and a fun group to work with. We’ll do the best we can.”
Those That Are Back, Those That Are Gone
One player that has stepped up has been senior Steve Colvin, said Jones. “He moved from wide receiver to defensive end and offensive tackle because it was better for the team. He’s very strong, very physical and he’s very good with the younger guys.” Quarterback/linebacker senior Mike Brewster is ready to set some school records this year. Both Tanner Williams and Brad Burns are back. They are running backs and slot receivers. “They’ll be rotating on the field. They look great, they’re very explosive. They are both honor students and both athletic. No problem there.”
“Both David Couch and Garrett Foster are back on the offensive line,” said Jones. “We’re not as big as we were, but for our size we’re strong and move pretty well.”
Jones said he has a lot of good players, “but there are not enough footballs to go around. Fortunately many of the players have been together for a while, and they understand.”
The team lost eight graduating players from last year’s roster. “Every one of them was a contributor,”
said Jones. He is pleased that Jake Colliano, a freshman at Hudson Valley Community College is helping coach the team. Colliano’s goal is to be a physical education teacher and coach. “He’s a good leader,” said Jones.
He ticked off his other graduating players. Kevin McMahon will be playing basketball at SUNY Cortland, Greg Stifter is playing wide receiver for Mansfield U in Pennsylvania, Logan O’Brian is there, too. Pat Mulvihill and Connor Hemeon are at Utica College. Alex Hansen and Steve Moseley are also at HVCC.
No Jug Match
Unfortunately there will be no match between Cambridge and Hoosick Falls this year for the Ken Baker Jug. “Cambridge is Class D, and this year there are an even number of teams in the Class, so there will be no cross-over games,” said Jones. Too bad. That is one match-up everyone always wants to see. Maybe next year.
Regular season home games will be this Friday, September 3, Friday, September 24, against Granville and Friday, October 15, against Lake George. Away games are September 10 against Mechanicville, 7 pm, September 17 against Greenwich, 7 pm, October 2 against Hoosic Valley, 1 pm, and October 9 against Fonda, 1 pm. Sectional Quarterfinal or Crossover games begin October 22.
The team was previewed on Channel 13 Tuesday. An extended interview can be viewed on the television station’s website.
So, as the season begins, let’s hear it – GO PANTHERS!!
