SECTION 4 FOOTBALL: HORSEHEADS PLAYS HOST TO CORNING (2024-10-11)

Southern Tier Sports Report
HORSEHEADS — It’s a showdown of area teams as the Horseheads Blue Raiders play host to the Corning Hawks.

Horseheads is coming off a rivalry week last week as well when they won at Elmira.

“The kids feel good, but know it’s a new week and new focus,” Horseheads coach Kevin Hillman said. “Anytime you come off a win you feel a little better the next week.”

Corning is coming off a tough loss to a good Cicero-North Syracuse team a week ago.

“We have the ability to be a really good football team and compete againt the best teams in New York State,” Corning coach Mike Johnston Jr. said. “You take away two kick returns that took funny bounces and a 3rd and 27 on a blown coverage and that game is 37-36 in the second half and anything can happen with momentum.

“The game is about sudden change. Our game and every game that we scouted was won because of sudden change. Games started with onside kick recoveries, blockd punts, interceptions returned for touchdowns and big kick returns. You have to shore those areas up and win the special teams game.”

The Hawks don’t look at this as a rivalry week, but rather as a game against another area school.

“We don’t look at it as a rivalry game,” Johnston Jr. said. “It’s a game against an opponent in our nearby georgraphical area. It’s a non-league game. We are focused on getting better each day at practice and when we compete on Friday night’s.”

The Blue Raiders know this is another tough game.

“Excited or not, it’s time to refocus and ramp it back up. Should be a fun one,” Hillman said. “Excellent team. Well coached, physical and will be ready to go. WE need to be ready.”

Corning knows they are facing a good opponent.

“Horseheads is really good,” Johnston Jr. said. “They have one of the best defenses that we have seen this season in Section IV. They have plugged some guys in and made themselves better each week. They play fast and run to the ball. They are physical up front. Their secondary has been really good, creating three interceptions last week.

“Offensively, they are explosive with a stable of backs, an experienced field general at quarterback that is a dual threat, a receiving core that is sure hadned, and an offensive line that has really created an identity for their offense. Special teams have created a lot of game changing and explosive plays that have been difference makers.”

Both teams know they can’t make mistakes this week.

“Discipline and mental toughness,” Hillman said of keys.

“Offensively, we need to execute our assignments, stick to our game plan and play to the whistle,” Johnston Jr. said. “Defensively we have to contain their weapons. They have athletes all over the field and a big, strong line up front. We need to tackle on first contact and gange tackles. We need to make plays defensively and create turnovers. Special teams is all about sudden change. Special teams has been the difference maker in four weeks of watching and playing in games this season. We have to win the special team’s game.”
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