The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Falling Short
VVS falls short in season debut against Homer
The debut of the VVS Red Devils season was postponed by one week. As a result, they looked to take all the hours of practice and preparation for their new opening contest against Homer. Unfortunately, Homer came well prepared and took down VVS in front of the Vernon-verona-sherrill crowd. The defense for the Red Devils was not as strong as they would have liked, ending in a 30-21 loss for VVS.
The first quarter was not the way the Red Devils were hoping for. The very first possession of the game resulted in a pick from Ben Wittman, and Homer looked to take advantage. And Homer did just that after a 14-yard pass from Jacob
Calabro, then a 3yard run to convert on 4th Down. This would elevate Homer to a TD. After a failed 2pt conversion, Homer was up 6-0 with 1:14 left in the first.
VVS did come right back on the offensive with a speedy scoring drive. James Wheeler had a crazy 41-yard rushing gain, then punched in an 11yard rush for the Red Devils Touchdown. The Red Devils converted on the extra point to push them ahead of Homer.
But the lead would be shortlived as Homer ran an 85-yard kickoff return to reclaim the lead. Homer would be more successful this go around when converting on the 2pt try to push the lead to 14-7.
VVS’S woes would continue to kickoff the second with an
other interception from Wittman. This go around, it was no harm for VVS as Homer would commit a turnover on downs next possession. However, the next VVS drive would be all for nothing as they punted it away after not gaining any yards.
This is where the fortunes for VVS begin to turn. The punt return was fumbled by Homer, allowing VVS to recover the ball to get a new set of downs. Wheeler would carry the VVS offense with a 36 yard TD run to tie the contest 14-14.
After some fruitless attempts from Homer to respond, Wittman would then get going after some great passes upfield and then capped off the drive with a 44 yard TD pass to 11 to take back the lead, 21-14.
The half would end with VVS up 21-14 over Homer.
Homer’s second half would open with a ceaseless drive, marching their way to a rushing touchdown, and again would convert on a 2pt attempt to regain the lead.
The Red Devils would suffer another setback as they could not respond with a score of their own, handing the ball back to Homer with a chance to extend that lead.
The VVS defense was not as dominant this game as it would have liked to. Many missed tackles that otherwise would have kept Homer at bay.
But one big play hugely helped the Red Devils. Multiple
penalties and a missed snap helped VVS take the ball on Homer’s 30.
But Ben Wittman threw another interception. And a sizable return gave Homer a considerable momentum shift.
Homer was looking to take complete control of this game. They marched up the field with a mission. But VVS proved to be too strong, stopping Homer on a 4th and goal. VVS took control within their own 10.
But once again, the VVS offense could not convert on the opportunity, their drive resulting in a three and out.
That would allow Homer to march down the field and seal the deal with a touchdown and clutch 2pt conversation. Even with the odds stacked against them, VVS pushed forward to try and conder a miracle. And they were close to pulling it off until a very unfortunate holding penalty boot the nail in the coffin. After a turnover on downs, Homer took a knee and took down the VVS Red Devils.
The Red Devils’ defense struggled to make the stops that it has become notorious for. As a result, the Red Devils start the year with a 0-1 record and look to bounce back next week.
More Local Scores Field Hockey September 15
Canastota 5, Sauquoit Valley 0
The Raiders continue their win streak and extend it to three in a row. Chloe Curtis and Chance Jaquin both had two goals in the Canastota win.
Oneida 0, New Hartford 7 Oneida falls to 1-3 with a convincing loss to New Hartford. Ella Greico scored two goals for New Hartford. Camden 2, VVS 1
The Blue Devils were able to get ahead and take control for the close win over VVS. Victoria Nelson scored the lone goal for VVS.
September 17
RFA 4, Camden 1 Camden couldn’t keep the winning ways going after RFA took them down. Paige Halbritter had scored the one goal in the Camden loss.
Little Falls 5, Clinton 0 Clinton gave up 4 goals in the fourth in the loss against Little Falls. This loss snaps their two-game win streak.
Canastota 4, Morrisvilleeaton 0
This now makes four wins in a row for the Raiders. Hailey Dimao helped aid the win with two goals. Whitesboro 1, VVS 4 Riley Cosimeno netted a hat-trick in the Red Devils bounce-back win against the Warriors. Oneida 1, CVA 2
The one-goal effort was not enough for Oneida. Now they have fallen to 1-4 on the season.
Boys Soccer September 16
Poland 4, Hamilton 1 Despite the 10 saves from John Hughes, Hamilton was unable to get the offense going. Brady Foster was the lone goal for Hamilton in the loss. Oneida 2, Camden 0 The Blue and Orange secure their first victory of the year with a win over Camden.
Spencer Ingmire was the leading man with the 2 goals for Oneida.
CBA 4, Cazenovia 2 The Lakers take home their first loss of the season. Daniel Millson had a goal and also chipped in 1 assist in the loss.
September 17
Madison/brookfield 2, Otselic Valley 2
These two squads were both too on top of their game to decide a winner, ending this contest in a draw. Quinton Moon scored the 2 goals for Madison/ Brookfield.
Girls Soccer September 15
CVA 1, Camden 0 Camden falls to 2-3 on the season with a shutout loss to CVA.
September 16
Cooperstown 0, Clinton 7 The Warriors were at the top of their game when they took on Cooperstown. Clinton now improves to 6-0 on the year. Hamilton 1, Oriskany 0 Emily Neuenschwander secured an impressive 19 saves in the Emerald Knights win. Autumn Hames netted the one goal for Hamilton.
Otselic Valley 2, Madison 1
The lady Blue Devils were not able to take down the Vikings. Madison is still searching for that first win.
September 17
Jordan-elbridge 0, Cazenovia 3
The Lakers now improve to a .500 record with a win over the Eagles. Julia Reff netted in 2 goals for Caz.