Saranac Lake Dominates Ticonderoga in Homecoming Showdown

A Thrilling Homecoming Night

This past Friday evening, the Saranac Lake Red Storm football team showcased an impressive performance during their homecoming game at the newly renovated Wilson Raymond Field. With a strong display of athleticism and teamwork, they secured a decisive 33-8 victory over the Ticonderoga Sentinels. The home crowd erupted with excitement as the Red Storm established their dominance early in the match, leading 26-0 by halftime.

Offensive Powerhouse

Leading the charge for Saranac Lake was senior Scottie Nicholas, who not only recorded a game-high 82 rushing yards but also contributed significantly with two touchdowns. His relentless running style kept the Sentinels’ defense on their toes throughout the game. Another vital player in the Red Storm’s offensive orchestra was fellow senior David Montroy, who executed 59 yards on the ground across 11 attempts, proving to be an essential asset in the team’s balanced attack.

In a remarkable display of depth, eight players contributed to the rushing and receiving stats, combining for 237 yards of total offense. Head coach Eric Bennett emphasized the importance of this distribution, stating, “Any time we can get the ball in the hands of our playmakers, it makes it tough for the opposing defense.” The strategy of sharing the ball effectively frustrated Ticonderoga’s defense, leading to a multitude of scoring opportunities.

Evan Harvey’s Efficient Quarterback Play

Sophomore quarterback Evan Harvey exhibited his skills yet again, completing seven of ten passes for 75 yards, including two touchdown passes. His efficient play was pivotal in keeping the momentum on the Red Storm’s side. Harvey ignited the team’s offense, launching a 14-play march that culminated in a 20-yard touchdown pass to Alius Martelle on the opening drive, setting a positive tone for the rest of the game.

Following this, Saranac Lake’s defense capitalized on a fumble by Ticonderoga, positioning Nicholas to score just one play later, further widening their lead.

Defensive Dominance

While the offense shined, Saranac Lake’s defense was equally impressive, marking their third straight game of holding opponents to single-digit scores—a testament to their formidable defense. The star of the night was Owen Lawrence, who not only recorded an interception but also played a crucial role in opposing drives.

Ticonderoga tried to mount a comeback, but their efforts were stifled by Saranac Lake’s strong defensive lineup. The Sentinels’ only touchdown came in a late rally, initiated by quarterback Jackson Dorsett’s one-yard run. The team managed to convert a tricky two-point play, but it was too little, too late as the final whistle ended with Saranac Lake ahead.

Looking Ahead

With their victory, Saranac Lake improved to 3-1 overall, maintaining an unbeaten record in the Champlain Valley Athletic Conference. The Red Storm’s momentum is building as they head into their next matchup against the Plattsburgh Hornets. This will be a pivotal game as the Red Storm aim to extend their winning streak, focusing solely on the fundamentals and striving to take it one game at a time—a philosophy Bennett insists they will stick to.

As the Saranac Lake community continues to rally behind their team, the excitement surrounding their football program is palpable. The blend of a committed coaching staff, talented players, and a supportive home crowd sets the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating season ahead.