The Schalmont High School football team entered Saturday afternoon’s contest at Albany Academy looking to go 2-0 on the season. Instead, the Cadets put on an offensive clinic en route to a 44-0 rout in a Class B crossover game.
The Sabres, who opened the season with a 14-12 win over Cohoes, were unable to generate any offense against Academy. The Cadets held the Sabres to one first down, minus-60 yards rushing on 21 attempts and 20 passing yards.
We weren’t able to get started in any facet. The 3-5 defense gave us problems, our backs weren’t able to get outside and we just didn’t have time to throw the ball, said Schalmont coach John Gallo. `We thought they did a good job containing us.`
The Cadets (2-0) scored early and often. Quarterback Brian McDonald connected with Jimmer Bennett on a 27-yard touchdown pass to put Academy ahead 7-0 early in the first quarter. Later, A.J. DeLago kicked a 20-yard field goal to make the score 10-0.
The Cadets poured it on in the second quarter to take a 34-0 lead into halftime. On the longest pass play of the afternoon, Derek Foster hit Sean Austin on a 61-yard touchdown pass to start the period. Jarid Hotaling scored on a 9-yard run, and DeLago netted another short field goal to put the Cadets up 27-0. Ben Krakower capped the first half by picking off Schalmont’s Adam Alteri and running 52 yards for a touchdown.
The game was delayed for about an hour as rain and lighting passed through the area. When the game resumed, Academy continued to pour on the points while shutting Schalmont down.
`I thought that we would come out and try to win the second half, but that didn’t happen,` Gallo said.
DeLago added a 40-yard field goal by in the third quarter, and Sean Austin scored on a 16-yard touchdown run to add to Academy’s point total.
The Sabres return to action Friday when they visit Cobleskill-Richmondville.
`We looked a little bit tired today, were going to go back, regroup, work harder, and get after it,` Gallo said.
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