Penfield drops Cadets

Hilton's storybook football season came to an end at the hands of Penfield 10-7 in the Class AAA semi-final played at St. John Fisher. Despite returning only three starters this season, the Cadets advanced beyond what many had predicted back in August. On this day, the offense just could not get untracked with two fumbles and three interceptions on the rain-slicked field.

After a scoreless first quarter, Hilton's Tyler Endres stepped in front of a slant pattern on the third play of the second quarter and took the interception 45 yards for the touchdown. Jordan VanSlooten's extra point gave the Cadets a 7-0 lead.

As the first half wound down, Penfield drove to the Hilton 6-yard line. On third down, Nick Bell saved a touchdown when he batted down a pass in the end zone with four seconds left. Penfield settled for a 22-yard field goal and Hilton took a 7-3 lead into the locker room.

In the second half, the Patriots, on fourth-and-17, took advantage of a pass interference call and had a first down at the Hilton 11-yard line. But the defense held, including a stop by Bell and Al Lenhart on fourth down at the one-foot line.

Late in the third quarter, Penfield scored on a 50-yard pass play down the left sideline to take a 10-7 lead.

On their next two possessions, Hilton took the ball inside the Penfield 20-yard line thanks to the running of Bell who finished with129 yards on 26 carries. Both drives were stopped on a fumble and then an interception. With 1:37 left in the fourth quarter, Penfield held on fourth down and just needed to kill the clock to advance to the final.

A third down fumble was recovered by the Cadets giving them a last hope with :31 left. VanSlooten found Endres on a 14-yard pass to the Penfield 16-yard line on first down. After two incompletions, a 33-yard field goal attempt to tie the game sailed wide left, ending the game.

Cory Johnson led Hilton with 12 tackles - six unassisted - while Lenhart and Colin Smith added eleven tackles each.