| BataviasBest.org
Sunday, September 7, 2014
The Attica football team is for real. After starting rather slowly on Saturday afternoon in Holley, the Blue Devils kicked it into high gear during the second quarter, and took the game from the Hawks in convincing fashion.
For the Blue Devils, the player of the game was certainly Jake Strzelec.
The 6’1″, 200 pound horse put together quite a display versus Holley yesterday, as the big bodied running back finished a fantastic day with 188 yards rushing on 22 carries (8.5 ypc). On several of Strzelec’s runs, Holley defenders were able to get hands on the RB at the line of scrimmage, but due to his strength and ability to shed tackles, Strzelec was able to break free and move the ball downfield.
The most memorable run by the Attica workhorse, was a 20 yard run straight up the gut on 4th and 10.
After throwing incomplete on the previous three downs, Attica went with what had been working: a handoff to Strzelec. Amazingly, after shedding several tackles at the line of scrimmage, he broke through for the 20-yard gain, which gave Attica a chance to score their third or fourth touchdown of the second quarter with time winding down.
The Devils’ offense did just that, and by the end of the first half, they were not only ahead 28-0, but Attica had seemingly drained all of the energy from the Hawks’ sideline; an energy which was at one point electric.
Coming into the game, with a new head coach and several young pieces, Holley was a clear underdog going up against an experienced Attica squad. Following a fantastic defensive first quarter, during which the Hawks held Attica to 0 points and only one long drive (ending in a fumble recovery), the entire Holley sideline was pumped. Especially one of their assistant coaches who was providing tremendous excitement to the team early on.
However, following the conclusion of the second quarter, the mood had been reversed and the Hawks found themselves up a creek without a paddle.
The second half was more of the same, as Attica continued to pour it on, and the game ended with the score 42-0 Blue Devils.
Other than Strzelec, Attica QB Damien Marchetti also had an impressive, yet interesting, day for head coach Rob Cusmano. Marchetti went just 3/10 passing (30%), but all three of his completions went for touchdowns. The Blue Devils’ QB also went 6/6 on PAT’s for his team, and had 49 yards rushing.
Rounding out the list of big performances for Attica was Levi Snyder, who finished the day with a receiving touchdown as well as an interception return for a touchdown. Snyder, a Sophomore, was starting his first Varsity game for the Devils, as the youngster can’t be anything but happy with his overall performance on opening day.
All in all, it was a great day to be a fan of the Attica football team. The defense looked sharp, the offense got it going after a rough first quarter, and the special teams also provided a spark. All I have to say about the Blue Devils is watch out for this team and watch out for Strzelec. It should be a fun year.
Next up for Attica (1-0) will be a road matchup with Pembroke (0-1) on Friday night, while Holley (0-1) heads to Elba (1-0) next Saturday.
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