Raiders fall to Skaneateles

Despite a strong start against the Lakers, Canastota was unable to hold their lead during the second half.

CICERO, N.Y. » After scoring just 14 points in a Section III Class C football quarterfinal victory over Thousand Islands last week, Canastota’s offense appeared to get back on track with a 21-point firsthalf against Skaneateles in Saturday’s semifinal.

The second half, however, was another story.

The Lakers held the Raiders to just 61 yards over the final two quarters, coming back for a 2821 victory on Patrick Hackler’s 65-yard touchdown pass to Nick Wamp with 2:37 to play.

“They’re just a tough team,” said Canastota coach Tom Congden. “They got one but they weren’t doing well on offense either. It was just the big play. They got a couple big plays and we didn’t in the second half and it is what it is.

“Great season, obviously. It’s a great team and a great game. I wish it went the other way but they’re a great team.”

Hackler had a strong game through the air, despite playing in a steady rain throughout much of the contest. He completed 19 of 38 passes for 354 yards and three touchdowns with one interception. The junior quarterback also ran for 105 yards on 14 carries with another score on the ground.

Wamp caught six passes for 175 yards and two scores to help lead the Lakers to the Section III Class C final in the Carrier Dome for the first time since 2012.

“It’s unbelievable, especially as a sophomore, to have all those seniors out there really have the first time to go to the Dome, it’s magnificent,” he said.

Canastota, meanwhile, suffered it’s first loss of the season in the sectional semifinals for the second straight season. Ben Marshall carried the ball 37 times for 242 yards and two touchdowns while also throwing a touchdown in the final game of his illustrious Raiders’ career.

The Raiders rolled to a touchdown on the game’s opening possession, driving 80 yards in nine plays. Marshall did the majority of the damage, carrying the ball seven times for 76 yards. The senior star slashed his way through the Skaneatles defense on a 3rdand-3 play, racing down the middle of the field for a 44-yard score. Chris Cafarella’s PAT kick put Canastota ahead 7-0 just under four minutes into the contest.

Congden’s defense forced a punt after a quick 3-and-out but the offense couldn’t build on the lead, turning the ball over on downs at the Lakers’ 42. Hackler then showcased his speed for Skaneateles, scoring on a 38-yard run three plays later. Cross Bianchi drilled the PAT kick, knotting the score at 7-7 with 1:49 to play in the opening period.

Darien Fox swung momentum back in Canastota’s favor early in