(Photo credit: | Batavia’s Best)
| Saturday, November 17, 2018 | BataviasBest.org
Here is a brief preview and prediction for tonight’s NYSPHSAA Football Class B Semifinal matchup between Batavia (11-0) and Skaneatles (11-0):
WHEN: Saturday, November 17, 2018 @ 3:00 pm
WHERE: Union-Endicott High School
COVERAGE: Twitter
MATCHUP AT A GLANCE
This game features two teams who have been familiar with postseason success in recent seasons. Skaneatles was the NYSPHSAA Class C champion last year, and Batavia has won four Section V titles in the past five seasons – but this will be the program’s first time competing at this level of the postseason. Batavia won a state championship in 1991, but that was prior to the inception of the NYSPHSAA Tournament.
Batavia running back Ray Leach has been an absolute animal this season, especially in the Blue Devils’ last two games, and he could be in for another big afternoon against Skaneatles – a team which struggles to stop the run.
Despite their struggles up front on defense, the Lakers can move the ball through the air on offense, which could pose trouble for Batavia whose weakness lies in the secondary.
This has the makings of a shootout if both teams are able to play their game. However, I think Batavia is the better team in this matchup due to their elite status on defense, and if the Blue Devils are able to have their way on that side of the ball – which I anticipate being the case – it could be a long day for Skaneatles.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Batavia (V)
Ray Leach (RB/LB)
Ethan Biscaro (QB/FS)
Skaneatles (III)
Patrick Hackler (QB)
Josh McIntyre (LB)
PREDICTION
Batavia 34 Skaneatles 32
