Archive: Sports

The white flag is sometimes raised as a symbol of surrender. But for the Senior Small Fry football team, it wasn't the white flag, but the dropping of the yellow flag which was a frequent symbol of last Saturday night's game hosted by Seneca Falls. Typically, game officials drop a yellow flag to show that there is a penalty, and the game had many of them for both sides. These delays were frustrating, but also part of the game, and the Lansing players displayed patience and respect despite wanting to just get on with the game. And their second night game under the lights had some amazing action.

The defense displayed complete control, working as a finely tuned machine, allowing the opponent only a handful of first downs, very few yards, and not allowing them into the end zone. The defensive line, (Logan, Jacob, Michael, Dominic, Owen, Neal, Nick, Colter, Braydon, Kyle, and Zach P.), were very stingy when it came to giving the opponent any yards. They made several great swarm tackles and a few sacks. Jerry, Sam, and Mickey shadowed the ball carriers and made several good tackles from the safety position. The defensive backs, (Zach W., Tyler, Peter, Jesse, Jared, Zach D., and Alec), plugged the holes and had the opponent's offense scrambling.

With seven different running backs and a hungry line the offense was unstoppable as they advanced the ball down the field under the guidance and leadership of Eric. Zach D. brought in a 30 yard pass from Eric and added another 35 yards on the ground for a 65 yard touchdown (TD). After having a 10 yard rushing TD taken away due to a holding penalty, Tyler punched it in on his next attempt from around the fifteen yard line. After a few great blocks and a couple of stiff arms, Sam broke a tackle and on his second carry went for a 50 plus yard gain and his first TD of the season. As he was running down the field with half of the opponent's team in pursuit, Jacob displayed great speed keeping five steps behind Sam as his personal body guard, keeping the defense at bay.

Jared scored three touchdowns (TD's) with the help of the offensive line (Owen, Jacob, Logan, Jonathan, Neal, Colter, and Zach W.), and a few key blocks from Zach D. and Alec. Alec, Peter and Jerry ran the ball well, gaining many yards and setting up the TD's with several sweeps to the outside and dives up the middle. The kicking squad (Jonathan, Owen and Jared) kicked another six points after touchdown's (PAT's). That puts them at 13 for 13 so far this season.

The game had many moments of excitement, season firsts, formerly injured players back in action, and solid teamwork. Half way through the season, it is apparent that the players are working hard, improving, and still having a lot of fun. The senior players on the team are expanding into leadership positions as peer coaches, helping the newer younger players develop and excel. The younger players are stepping it up and their confidence is building. The coaches are being challenged to keep ahead of the players, coming up with new plays and blocking schemes. Everyone is celebrating the success.

The next game will be hosted by Groton, on Saturday, October 9th at 3pm.

----
v6i39