HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: HORSEHEADS SET TO OPEN PLAYOFFS WITH SEMIFINAL AGAINST U-E (2023-11-03)

Southern Tier Sports Report
The Horseheads football team kicks off the postseason with a home game against Union-Endicott in the Class A semifinals tonight.

“Kids are excited, nothing like playoff football,” Horseheads coach Kevin Hillman said.

Being at home for the first round of playoffs makes things a little extra special.

“They can’t wait,” Hillman said. “To be home in front of our community and our Rowdy Raiders, can’t ask for a better atmosphere.”

The Blue Raiders picked up a road win at Union-Endicott 20-13 a few weeks ago.

U-E has won the past two sectional titles, beating Horseheads two years ago in the final, and topping Vestal in last year’s final.

“They are a great team, who’s played one heck of a schedule this year,” Hillman said. “They’ll be ready to play. They are the defending sectional champs until someone beats them in the postseason.”

Facing the same team twice inside of a month is always a tough challenge.

“It definitely makes it more difficult,” Hillman said. “It’s tough to beat a team once in a season, let alone twice.”

For the Blue Raiders it’s important to get off to a strong start offensively.

“I think we need to establish a rhythm early on, not have a bunch of early three and outs,” Hillman said.

On defense the Blue Raiders know they have to be on the attack.

“We need to be aggressive,” Hillman said. “Can’t sit back, wait and react off them.”
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STSR FILE PHOTO.


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