Coming off a win against Webster Schroeder, the Hilton Cadets Varsity Football Team (2-2) hosted the Webster Thomas Titans (3-1) on Friday, September 29, under the lights of LeBeau Field before an estimated crowd of 4,000. The game capped off Hilton’s 2006 Homecoming celebration and was preceded by the annual Homecoming Parade. New York State Senator Joe Robach was on hand to officiate the coin toss. Hilton’s Andy Ellsworth kicked off to Webster Thomas to start the game and Webster was unable to move the football past their 41 yard line and was forced to punt. Hilton took over on their own 30-yard line and quickly took control as quarterback Alex Coffey led the Cadets downfield, hitting Andy Eichas for a 28-yard gain, an 8-yard handoff to Jeff Delong, a 14-yard gain by Joe Rotella, combined with a 5-yard false start penalty to set the Cadets 26-yards from the goal line. On the next play, Coffey hit Scott Allis in the end zone with 9:07 remaining in the first quarter (kick failed). As the Titans threatened to score, Hilton’s defense stepped up. Andy Ellsworth sacked Brown to set up second-and-goal from the 15, Ted Alexander stopped the Titan’s third and 11 attempt and forced the Titans to settle for a field goal on fourth down. The Titans started off the second quarter with a punt return to the Cadet 34-yard line, but a second down option was intercepted by Hilton’s Scott Allis, setting Hilton up on their own 28-yard line. Despite excellent field position, the Cadets were unable to convert and were forced to punt on 4th and 17. With 8:44 left in the second quarter, the Titans took over. Despite a 10-yard holding penalty and strong defensive play by Hilton’s Ted Alexander, Bret Clark and Eli Towner, QB Brown hit Rich Meyer twice setting up first and goal; and with 5:24 in the second quarter, Brown crossed the goal line on a QB keeper to put the Titans ahead, 10-6. With under three minutes in the half, Hilton’s Bret Clark fumbled the ball at midfield which was recovered by Webster Thomas; faced with fourth and five on the 36-yard line, the Titans gambled as QB Brown got the yardage necessary for a first down. With 2:28 in the half, Brown hit Rich Meyer for a touchdown to extend their lead to 17-6. Both teams battled through the third quarter. Hilton’s defense held Thomas’ offense scoreless. With 5:05 left in the third quarter, Hilton’s Alex Coffey connected with Scott Allis on fourth and goal for a touchdown. Hilton attempted the two-point conversion, but were stopped, bringing the score to 12-17. With the crowd cheering them on, the Cadet defense held the Titans scoreless, and ended the quarter with a sack by Andy Makasziw. With the crowd of 4,000 on their feet, the Coffey and the Cadet offense took charge. Coffey lofted a pass to Scott Allis to set up first and ten on the 18-yard line, a short loss set up second and 12, but with 6:08 left in the game, Coffey connected with Bret Clark who scored the touchdown and the two-point conversion play, as the Cadets took the lead 20-17. Both teams’ defenses battled as the clock ran down, and with 29 seconds left in the game, Hilton was forced to punt. Webster took over with 17 seconds left on their 41-yard line, completing a pass for a first down in Hilton territory. Again, Hilton’s defense stepped up the pressure, and with no time outs left, Webster Thomas’ Brown spiked the ball to set up a field goal attempt with 3 seconds on the clock. With the clock running down, the 48-yard field goal attempt fell short and Hilton defeated Webster Thomas 20-17. Alex Coffey passed for 102 yards (8 for 15); Jeff “Deuce” Delong rushed for 91 yards and Teddy Alexander had 12 tackles. Submitted material October 8, 2006 |
