NEW BERLIN – In the battle of the defeated's Bainbridge-Guilford traveled over the the hill to New Berlin to play Unadilla Valley, as they hung on late for a 24-22 victory.
Up 22-18 at the half, Unadilla Valley had their first win, on homecoming weekend nonetheless, in their sights as they went into the halftime break. However, a resilient young B-G had other plans, as B-G would notch the only score in the second half, earning just enough with a touchdown run from one yard out by quarterback Austin Carr, claiming the lead at 23-22 lead.
“We had a drive we were knocking on the door (second half following Carr's touchdown), we threw it and threw an interception. They returned it for a touchdown but there was a block in the back,” said Bainbridge-Guilford head coach Israel Lorimer. “We really concentrated on shutting Stirone down, because he is tough.”
The late drive interception from B-G nearly wiped away all their hard work, however, an untimely flag on Unadilla Valley allowed the Bobcats to sneak by for the win.
As coach Lorimer alluded to, B-G concentrated on shutting down UVs starting running-back, Payton Stirone. Stirone racked up 42 carries for a monster 289 rushing yards in the game accounting for three rushing touchdowns for UV. A stout B-G defense, while allowing a big game for Stirone in the first half, held him in check for most of the second half, blanking the Storm in the third and fourth quarters.
“Our kids played hard but made some mistakes. Bainbridge did a nice job defending our run game in the second half,” said Unadilla Valley head coach Ray Dayton.
Leading the charge for the Bobcats in their first win was Austin Carr. Carr, tacked on the winning touchdown in the third quarter, however, prior to that had accounted for two rushing touchdowns while finishing the day with 208 yards on the ground.
“We played everyone tough in our division. We just weren’t able to get over that hump and get that win until now. It was a relatively even game. It was good because it was just a hard nosed game,” said coach Lorimer. “This is the second or third time we have been down and we have either come back to get close or take the lead. My guys aren’t giving up, they’re continuing to fight and get better so that part is nice. We're getting there.”
Following the win, Bainbridge-Guilford (1-5 overall) will now take on Unatego-Franklin (6-0 overall), as they will recognize their seniors on homecoming for their final scheduled game of 2016, this coming Friday, Oct. 14, in Bainbridge at 7 p.m.
“They’re (Unatego-Franklin) doing really well, they have some big guys too,” said coach Lorimer. “Homecoming and senior night, hopefully it's not a distraction. I think I have a good game plan, hopefully we just stay in the game and not make mistakes, and we'll be right there with them.”
Unadilla Valley (0-6 overall) will look to crack into that win column with their final scheduled game of the season, as they host Walton (4-2 overall) on Friday, Oct. 14, at 7 p.m., for what will be their senior recognition night.
“We will be prepared this week for a good Walton team on senior night,” said coach Dayton.
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