(Photo credit: | Batavia’s Best)
| Saturday, November 24, 2018 | BataviasBest.org
Here is a brief preview and prediction for this afternoon’s NYSPHSAA Football Class B Final matchup between Batavia (12-0) and Glens Falls (10-2):
WHEN: Saturday, November 24, 2018 @ 12:00 pm
WHERE: Carrier Dome, Syracuse University
COVERAGE: Twitter
MATCHUP AT A GLANCE
One of the most-highly anticipated high school football games that I can remember around these parts is set to kickoff in a few hours, as the Ray Leach-led Batavia Blue Devils will face off with the Joe Girard III-led Glens Falls Indians in the 2018 NYSPHSAA Class B Final.
Batavia comes into this game having won 12-straight, and have watched their senior running back explode for 1,250 yards and 22 touchdowns over the course of their last three games. To say the Blue Devils are red hot would be an understatement.
The Indians are also a team which has ripped off a string of a victories, and hasn’t lost a game since October 6, largely behind the efforts of their senior quarterback. Both of Glens Falls’ losses this season came to Class A competition.
On paper it appears this matchup is bound for a shootout of epic proportion, as Leach and Girard are two of the top offensive talents in New York State and have the capability to create a big play every time they touch the ball. Last week Glens Falls scored 48 points, while Batavia put up 54.
Aside from Leach and Girard, Batavia QB Ethan Biscaro, and Glens Falls RB Aailijah Sampson are both elite talents as well and, between the two of them, whoever can find a way to make a few plays could turn out to be the X-factor in this game.
Neither side set the world on fire defensively last week, but I believe it’s Batavia who has the better chance of coming up with a few stops this afternoon.
Glens Falls has proved time and again that they can’t stop the run when going up against a good running back, but on the other hand, despite struggling last week, Batavia has shown glimpses of being an elite defensive unit at times throughout the year.If they can make a few adjustments, and make a few big plays, this group could be in for a big day.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Batavia (V)
Ray Leach (RB/LB)
Ethan Biscaro (QB/FS)
Glens Falls (II)
Joe Girard III (QB/FS)
Aailijah Sampson (RB/LB)
PREDICTION
Batavia 41 Glens Falls 40
