| BataviasBest.org
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Due in large part to another incredible performance from their running game, the Blue Devils improved to 2-1 on Friday night as they defeated the Hornell Red Raiders by a score of 41-21. With the win, spirits in the Batavia locker room will certainly be running high as they await Dansville next week.
Finishing with 170 yards and 3 touchdowns on just 18 carries against Hornell, Dom Mogavero had it going on the ground for the Devils and proved to be unstoppable as the night progressed. Knifing through the massive holes that were created by the supreme play of his offensive line, the Batavia running back was able to break off several long runs through the middle on his way to another career night. With touchdowns of 25 and 50 yards, Mogavero provided Batavia with explosive plays all night long, which allowed them to drive down the field with relative ease.
This marks the second week in a row Mogavero has gone off for Batavia, which is a great sign considering the early success displayed by their passing game.
After a big performance in Week 1 and much quieter production last week, the Blue Devils’ air attack led by Greg Mruczek has really come together early-on in 2014 and continued to show that on Friday. Highlighted by a 45-yard touchdown on a screen pass to running back Anthony Gallo, their performance versus Hornell wasn’t the most noteworthy by any stretch, but was effective when they needed it to be and helped move the chains over the course of all four quarters.
A big part of both the running game and the passing game’s success last night was undoubtedly the play of Batavia’s offensive line.
Struggling mightily during Week 1 against Livonia, the Blue Devils’ offensive front has played extremely well the past two weeks following a small adjustment from the coaching staff. Emphasizing line play to the maximum during practice, as well as applying a small tweak to their stance, the Batavia coaches have done a great job getting this group to perform at such a high level. After the game, Batavia’s players acknowledged the hard work their offensive line has put in, including Mogavero:
Offensive line played great
— Life of 3.14 (@Dahmunick) September 20, 2014
Clearly, the Devils were clicking on all cylinders Friday night, beginning with a key third down conversion early on in their first drive. Following the conversion which came on a 25-yard strike from Mruczek to his receiver who was on a crossing pattern, Batavia began to get the ball rolling. Capped off by a 25-yard touchdown scamper from Mogavero, they found themselves ahead 8-0 with just a few minutes having gone off the clock.
Immediately following the impressive first drive by Batavia, however, the Red Raiders answered with a quick touchdown drive of their own to tie the game.
Much like Batavia, Hornell received great play from their running backs and offensive line to begin the game, as together they were able to move the ball about 70 yards in under 4 minutes to push the score to 8-8 following the successful 2-point attempt. As the Blue Devils received the ensuing kickoff and their offense began to trot back onto the field, it seemed as if we had a game on our hands.
Unfortunately for the Red Raiders, though, Mogavero was not going to be denied.
Shortly into the ensuing drive, the Batavia running back was again able to break free for a long touchdown run, this time going for fifty yards down the right sideline and into the end zone making the score 14-8. The TD was Mogavero’s second of the night, and he had already eclipsed 75 yards rushing before the first quarter had come to an end, but he and the Blue Devils’ offense was still not finished.
Following a fumble on Hornell’s next possession, Batavia took over once again looking to extend their lead. This time around, it was Batavia’s other running back doing the damage.
With time winding down in the second quarter and the Devils sitting at midfield, Anthony Gallo was able to take a short screen pass from Mruczek for 50 yards and the score, which gave Batavia a 20-8 advantage. After Hornell was unable to score before the half, Batavia went into the break sporting a two-score lead, which turned out to be enough. Following 3 more touchdowns and plenty of big plays in the second half, Batavia walked away with a 20-point victory and their second win of the season.
“We ran the ball well all night,” said Blue Devils’ head coach Brennan Briggs following the game, “Our interior and our backs stepped up on offense in the absence of some key wide receivers.”
Leading the Blue Devils attack on Friday was Mogavero who finished with the 170 yards and 3 TDs, as well as Ahdeosun Aiken who toted the rock 12 times for 118 yards and a score. Gallo added the long TD reception in the second quarter.
Quarterback Greg Mruczek also scored a rushing touchdown in the blowout, his first of the year, while Trevor Rittersback and Mogavero led the Devils defensively with over 10 tackles a piece.
Next up for Batavia will be a road matchup with Dansville next week. Dansville lost to Bath 30-20 on Friday night.
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