Thanks to the effort of quarterback John DeGuardi, unbeaten Ballston Spa turned away Bethlehem, 35-21, in a Class AA Empire Division high school football game on Friday night.

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DeGuardi scored four touchdowns and ran for 189 yards in an outstanding performance. He reached the end zone from 79, 10, 20 and 19 yards away.

Mike Graves was the offensive star for Bethlehem with a couple of touchdowns.

As expected, Shenendehowa continued its winning ways in big fashion knocking off winless Albany, 48-0, in another Class AA Empire Division contest.

Marcellino Christie and Tony Fusco had two touchdowns apiece as the Plainsmen went to 4-0 and still haven't allowed a point. Shenendehowa has scored 159 points.

Uwem Akpanikat caught a clutch 9-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Rob Singleton in the final seconds to lift Niskayuna past Saratoga, 20-19, in a Class AA crossover game.

Alex Helenek added the crucial extra point for the margin of victory.

In Class A Southeast Division play, Mohonasen knocked Lansingburgh from the unbeaten ranks with a 34-20 victory.

Four different players scored in the first half to give the Warriors a 28-6 advantage. While Lansingburgh rallied back, it was an 83-yard kickoff return by C.J. Stone that sealed the win.

Averill Park defeated previously unbeaten Bishop Maginn, 26-12, in a Class A Southeast Division game.

Tyler Hotaling rushed for two touchdowns (three and 85 yards) while Joe Marino and Nick Valenti contributed scores to power Averill Park.

"Defensively, we did a real nice job. We've been improving each week. We really talked about taking it one step at a time. I know it's a cliche, but that's what we have to do. It's a dramatic improvement. I'm ecstatic. Bishop Maginn is a heck of a team. They're a real good football team. With the playoff implications, we had to win last night. It's a quality win," said Averill Park head coach Zach Gobel.

For Maginn, Matthias McKinnon and Tom Wheeler scored.

Amsterdam keeps rolling along with a convincing 49-0 win over South Glens Falls in Class A Southwest action.

Quarterback Vinny Sobkowich had a big day scoring from four yards away and throwing two touchdown passes. Matthew White put together two touchdowns to help the Rugged Rams, which raised their record to 4-0.

Schalmont whipped Johnstown, 28-6 in a Class B West Division game. Devon Willis was the offensive star with a couple of touchdowns and rushing for 100 yards.

Alex Hildebrand (one touchdown) and Nico Nicoletti (one touchdown pass) had 90-plus yards on the ground to help the 4-0 Schalmont effort.

"It was a sloppy game. We usually run a no-huddle offense but the conditions didn't allow that. We struggled a little bit. We try to focus on whoever we're playing. Johnstown played really well. We need to play better in those elements. We didn't play that well. But, a divisional win is a good win," said Schalmont head coach Joe Whipple.

In a non-league game, Burnt Hills (A) defeated Shaker (AA), 21-14. Thomas Ruppel excelled with three touchdowns (71, 10 runs and 20 yard pass from quarterback Ryan McDonnell).

Tyler Oppelt and Adrian Valentino had touchdowns for Shaker which is now 2-2. Burnt Hills raised its record to 3-1.

Hoosick Falls is now 4-0 after beating Tamarac in a Class C North Division. Both teams entered the game with 3-0 records.

Article by Mike Collar

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