It was the Gould Giants that have haunted the Haldane Blue Devils for two years now. It was two years ago that Gould crushed Haldane 48-6, by throwing passes in the 4th quarter when they were up by more than 40 points. The Devils still had visions of Gould’s victory dance last year. They had defeated Haldane in a tight controversial game, knocking them out of the playoffs last year. The memories of Gould had left bitter tastes in the mouths of the Devils and they wanted revenge. This game was an emotional one and the Devils gained respect by cleaning house with 26-12 victory.
The victory was big for the Devils and it meant a lot, not only in the standings but a lot to each player that had suffered in the past to Gould and their cheap antics. The victory ups the Devils’ record to 3-2 and puts them in a tie for 4th place. If the season were to end today, the Devils would be on the outside of the playoff picture, looking in. The Devils are tied with Bronxville, who defeated Haldane in head-to-head play, therefore they would occupy that 4th in final spot in the post season. The Devils’ next two games are against Tuckahoe and Pawling, the number two and three teams in the league. These two games decide the Devils’ fate. Two victories guarantee a spot and one win and a loss puts the chances up in the air. "We don’t want our fate to be up to the outcomes of other games. We don’t want to be watching the scoreboard. We are just going to go out there and do our jobs and win the next two games, then there are no questions," said Junior Lineman Matt Amato.
To start the game, Gould took the kick-off and returned it all the way to their 45-yard line. The Giants struck quick - it only took two plays for the Giants to score and take a 6-0 lead. Haldane came right back and went 43 yards on six plays. Greg Anderson connected with Tight End Dave Owens for the TD to tie the game at six.
The Devils’ defense then stepped up, forcing a three and out and Haldane received the punt on their 40-yard line. It only took 4 plays to score the Devils’ second touchdown. The Devils put 12 points on the board on 10 snaps. Brendan Hackett caught the touchdown from QB Greg Anderson. Gould then punted again and Haldane took over at their 25-yard line. The drive was sustained after a "roughing the kicker" and the Devils continued to drive. The Devils made it all the way to the 9-yard line before they turned the ball over on downs. The Devils did not score but they ate up the rest of the clock in the first half. The Devils walked into the locker room with a 12-6 lead.
The second half started off with a Devils’ punt, followed by a long drive by Gould. Gould took over on the 28-yard line and took the ball all the way to the 25 and were threatening to score, when Tommy Virgadamo stepped up and intercepted the ball and ended the Giants’ chances of tying the game or possibly taking the lead. After 70 yards of offense, Brendan Hackett caught his second touchdown pass and increased the Devils’ lead to 18-6. Dave Owens added the extra point and the Devils were on top 19-6. The game might have been put out of reach on the next play. A successful on-sides kick by Dave Owens, gave the ball to the Devils at mid-field. Justin Goodrich recovered the kick, and Garth Merandy took out the receiver on an excellent block. The Devils then capitalized and scored on 5 plays. Gary Watkins ran the ball in for the Devils for their first score on the ground. Dave Owens added the PAT and the Devils were leading 26-6. On Gould’s next possession, they were forced to punt. Tommy Virgadamo blocked the punt, but Gould recovered and pick up the first down. They then scored two plays later and decreased the Devils’ lead to 26-12. The Devils ran the clock out from there and were happy with the 26-12 victory. Haldane gained 292 yards of total offense. Greg Anderson threw for three touchdowns and only had three incompletions. Gary Watkins was the leading rusher with 26 yards and Dave Owens was the leading receiver with 5 catches. Greg Anderson was able to complete many passes and the Devils were able to put so many points on the board this week due to the offensive line. Center Chris Tobin, Guards Mark Dubiel and Anthony Delvecchio, and tackles Nick Budney and Robert Thorpe, all deserve credit. Leading the Devils on defense this week was once again Tommy Virgadamo with seven tackles. Seven tackles are a credit to the entire defense. Last week Tommy Virgadamo led with 28 tackles, this week’s seven tackles means the entire defense put up a great fight and didn’t allow the Giants to run as many plays from scrimmage.
This week is very big for the Devils. Despite the fact that it is Homecoming, this game decides the future of the Devils. The game starts at 1:30, but player and parent introduction will begin 15-20 minutes before kickoff. The game is a conclusion to an exciting week of Homecoming Activities. The Annual Haldane High School Homecoming Parade will be held Friday, October 15th and marchers will proceed up Main Street, all the way to the football field where the Bonfire will take place. All festivities will begin at 6:30. Please show all the support you can at the Parade, Bonfire and especially the game.
