Football games are won and lost in the trenches, and exhibit A of that tried-and-true belief took place in the NYSPHSAA Class B Far West Regional at SUNY Brockport.
The Health Sciences Falcons utilized a strong running game and a sturdy defensive showing to win 32-0 over Section V’s Eastridge to advance to the state semifinal next weekend.
“We always tell our guys that the region we live in is a cold-weather climate, so when we get to November and close to December you’ve got to be able to run the ball,” coach Ty Parker said. “We like to pass but when you get this type of weather, you’ve got to be able to run.
“We’re dialed in with our line, our coaches do a great job mixing up the plays and our guys were focused. They’ve got an opportunity to be great, so they go out and play every game like it’s their last.”
Kavon Pitts, who was a major contributor to the victory, agreed.
“It was important for us to set the tone early,” Pitts said. “We had to redeem ourselves from losing here last year, so we did what we needed to do.”
Every touchdown, naturally, came via the run. Pitts kicked off the scoring for the Falcons with a pair of touchdowns from 45 and 12 yards respectively, and the rout was on. A botched punt and a fumble by the Lancers late in the second quarter gave Health Sciences good field position and they capitalized on a 20-yard score by Kevin Guy.
In the second half, Brandon Mickell found the end zone from 16 yards out and Guy notched his second of the night to seal the victory for the Falcons.
The win was also notably marked by a shutout from Parker’s defense, and he was pleased with that side of the ball’s demeanor throughout the night.
“I was just telling them this week in practice, when we go out and we’re flat and going through the motions, we’re not a good football team,” Parker said. “But when we play with a lot of energy and flying around the field and having fun, the energy level rises. It boosts everyone’s confidence, so we’ve got to have fun out there. We can’t be stressed out or be on the edge.
“Our scout team does a great job with our starters in practice and it’s like a game, so I tell our guys on the scout team ‘You guys could be next so you have to prove yourselves to make a point that you want to be on the field,’ so we get after it in practice and the energy level is high. What you do in practice transfers to the game, and today was a prime example of that.”
Next Saturday the Falcons will take on Maine-Endwell at 3 pm at Vestal High School. A year ago the Spartans were the Class B state runner-up after repeating in 2021 and ’22, so Parker and his crew know they have a big challenge ahead of them.
“We’re going to enjoy this win tonight and then we’ll be back to work as usual,” Parker said.
“We approach every game the same but the energy level has to rise. Every game is more important than the last when you get to this level. We’ve got to make a permanent imprint on what we’re doing because the opportunity to come back here isn’t guaranteed.
“The next team we’re facing, we played them a couple of years back and they did a pretty good job on us. We’ll need to be prepared and ready to play – to be the best, you’ve got to go through the best. This is the process, and I love it. It’s a blessing to be where we are right now.”
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