HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: HORSEHEADS PLAYS CRUCIAL GAME AS THEY HOST VESTAL (2023-10-20)

Southern Tier Sports Report
Last week was a big win for Horseheads as they moved to 6-1 with a win at Union-Endicott.

Things don’t get any easier, or less important this week as the Blue Raiders play host to 5-1 Vestal.

“Kids are feeling good and excited for the challenge ahead,” Horseheads coach Kevin Hillman said.

The game is huge in terms of what’s at stake. A win and Horseheads would have head-to-head wins over Vestal and U-E and would make themselves the top seed for sectionals, putting themselves in the final at home against the winner of Vestal and U-E.

A loss this week and the three teams would all be 1-1 against each other (Horseheads beat U-E and U-E beat Vestal).

“If you can’t get excited for a chance to put yourself in the sectional final and play it at home with a win, then probably should find something else to do,” Hillman said.

The Blue Raiders know how big it can be to have the bye in the sectional semis.

“We got some guys banged up, as I’m sure everyone does this time of year,” Hillman said. “To have a chance to get some extra rest for those guys to be at their healthiest is big.”

Horseheads knows they face a tough test in Vestal.

“They are an outstanding football team with a dynamic running back, a quarterback that can sling it and play makers on the outside as well,” Hillman said. “Defensively they are always tough and physical. We’ll need to play our best game against them.”

On offense the Blue Raiders know they have to put drives together and control the clock.

“Do our best to keep them off balance and keep the sticks moving,” Hillman said. “‘We have to limit the three-and-outs and sustain drives. Even if it doesn’t turn out in points, but flips field position.”

On defense Horseheads knows they have to make tackles.

“Play assignment football and tackle,” Hillman said. “We have to limit any yards after contact.”
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STSR FILE PHOTO

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