EIGHT-MAN FOOTBALL: EDISON, NOTRE DAME TO MEET IN SATURDAY SHOWDOWN (2021-09-17)

By Brian Fees
Southern Tier Sports Report
The opener was tough for both Edison and Notre Dame’s football teams. Now, the teams both get a chance to bounce back as they meet in week two.

The Spartans dropped a road game at Newfield to start the year, while Notre Dame fell at home to Trumansburg.

The Crusaders were hit with injuries in week one, including losing starting quarterback Owen Stewart late in the first half.

“Not feeling very good after game one,” Notre Dame coach Mike Johnston Sr. said. “Our quarterback is probably out for the game, but all others should be ready to go.”

For Edison the first game wasn’t the result they wanted, but they know there are things they did well and can  build on.

“Our players were disappointed with the loss, but they see the potential in our team if we clean up the mistakes,” Edison coach Kyle Erickson said. “Offensively, we were able to move the football and be successful running the ball. Defensively we were aggressive and searched out the ball carrier.”

The Crusaders came out strong against Trumansburg, but as the game went on they weren’t able to keep up with their high-powered opponent.

“I thought we met the Tburg challenge in the first half, but they are an excellent team,” Johnston Sr. said. “We turned the ball over too many times.

“’We need to work on tackling and taking away runner’s legs by staying low when we contact them and buzzing our feet.”

For Edison they know they have things they need to clean up from the first game.

“We need to work on our snaps, protecting the football and executing our plays at the key moments in the game,” Erickson said.

The Spartans had a little extra time to prepare for this game, after playing last Wednesday, and they get their home opener this week.

“We were able to gain a couple extra practices to prepare for our neg game, giving us time to work on our mistakes we made in the first game,” Erickson said. “They’re excited to play at home this week and even more excited to be hosting our cross-town rival. They are looking forward to having family and friends in our stands Saturday afternoon.”

Both teams know they face a tough test this week.

“Elmira (Notre Dame) has a good passing offense and they play disciplined, mistake-free football,” Erickson said.

Johnston Sr. saw an Edison team that fought the entire time against Newfield.

“I was impressed with how hard Edison played vs. Newfield,” Johnston Sr. said. “They battled every play and every minute of the game.”

WHEN EDISON HAS THE BALL
The Spartans know the key is running hard and not turning the ball over.

“We have to protect the football and aggressively run hard downhill,” Erickson said.

The Crusaders know that the Spartans will run the ball against them, and they have to be ready.

“The key on defense is to gang tackle and to take away the running game,” Johnson Sr. said.

WHEN NOTRE DAME HAS THE BALL
A week ago turnovers hurt the Crusaders, and they know they have to avoid that this week.

“The key for us on offense is ball security and staying with our blocks,” Johnston Sr. said.

The Spartans know they have to be ready for how Notre Dame throws the ball.

“To play good pass coverage and to keep the quarterback from sliding out of the pocket,” Erickson said.