| BataviasBest.org
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Friday night was Greg Mruczek’s coming out party. Showing glimpses of ability all season long in victory as well as defeat, the Batavia quarterback was able to put it all together this week and really performed well for his team against the Mustangs.
Falling behind 3-0 to begin the game following a field goal from Dansville, Batavia was quickly able to pick up the pieces and take the lead.
After the Mustang’s early score, on the ensuing kickoff, the Blue Devils were able to forge a great return in order to set up their offense with a favorable chance to take the lead with a touchdown. On their first touchdown of the night, Batavia put six points on the board and following a successful PAT attempt, the Devils were ahead 7-3 with the ball going back to Dansville.
Unable to field the kickoff successfully, however, the Mustangs would give the ball right back to Batavia not 10 seconds after they had taken the lead. The Blue Devils would again march down the field and cap off the scoring drive with another touchdown, putting them ahead 13-3 after the failed PAT attempt. The ball would again go to Dansville on the ensuing kickoff who was unable to do anything with it on offense. Batavia, given a chance at one more score before the half following the Mustangs’ inability to convert, seized the opportunity.
Another touchdown from the Devils’ offense had now given them a 19-3 lead going into halftime, and it looked as if Dansville was all but dead in the water.
However, coming out of the locker room, the Mustangs would not go away quietly.
Dansville opened the third quarter with a nice touchdown drive which cut the lead to a manageable 19-10 following a successful PAT attempt. They were now within striking distance and just needed to continue to chip away and get back into the game. On their very next possession after Batavia failed to put points on the board during their first drive of the second half, the Mustangs again put together a touchdown drive. The score had now been cut to 19-17 and we had a ballgame on our hands.
However, Mruczek would not be denied. With two huge touchdown passes in the second half, one going for 81 yards, the Batavia quarterback put together a fine performance down the stretch which put his team in great position to win the game. After a few more drives from Dansville resulting in no points, the final buzzer sounded, and Batavia was walking away with a 31-17 victory.
The win marks the third consecutive for the Blue Devils, who have now opened the season an impressive 3-1 with an eye on another Livingston County opponent next week.
In total, Mruczek finished 10/18 for 165 yards on Friday night, while adding the 4 TD passes. Ahdeosun Aiken also had a strong game for Batavia, taking 6 carries for 51 yards and the Devils’ lone rushing touchdown. Dom Mogavero, who lit up the Hornell Red Raiders a week ago, had a nice game on the ground as well, toting the rock 10 times for 50 yards. Jerrett Laskett led all receivers with 3 receptions for 66 yards and a touchdown.
Next up for the Devils will be Geneva next Friday night at home.
Other articles you may like:
Briggs, Mruczek and Rapone express excitement heading into matchup with Dansville
My one-on-one with Batavia LB/WR James Cryer
