The scenario is a familiar one for the Bethlehem football team.
For the third time in four years, the Eagles travel to Troy to face LaSalle in the opening round of the Section II, Class AA playoffs.
Bethlehem coach Ron Smith said he is hopeful that Bethlehem (4-2 division, 4-3 overall) can come away with a win Friday night something the Eagles have failed to do each of their last two quarterfinal meetings with LaSalle (5-1, 5-2).
I think we have a much better team than we’ve had when we’ve faced them in the past,` said Smith. `So, I’m looking forward to the matchup.`
The Eagles are coming in with a full head of steam after beating Christian Brothers Academy 35-7 last weekend in Colonie. Tailback Sean Murphy rushed for 147 yards and two touchdowns, and quarterback Randy Bowers threw for two scores to lead Bethlehem.
The Eagles may have to lean heavily on Murphy and tailback Casiem Maxwell against LaSalle, though. Smith said the Cadets have one of the better secondaries in Class AA.
`Their secondary creates problems for us because of their speed,` said Smith. `But, that’s why we have Sean Murphy.`
No matter what the outcome is of Friday’s quarterfinal game, Smith said his team has already accomplished a lot this season.
`To finish 4-2 in our division is quite an achievement,` he said.
Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk will also be in familiar territory when the Section II playoffs open Friday. The Indians host Cobleskill-Richmondville in a rematch of last year’s Class B Super Bowl.
`They’re a very good program,` said R-C-S coach Gary VanDerzee. `They’re well coached, and they have good players. So, they’re a quality opponent.`
R-C-S (4-1, 5-2) locked up second place in Class B’s Reinfurt Division with a 46-14 victory over Cairo-Durham last Friday. Mike Garza and Nick LaMountain combined for 152 rushing yards and two touchdowns for the Indians.
Cobleskill (1-4, 2-5) ended its regular season with a 34-20 loss to Class C power Hoosick Falls last Friday.
Voorheesville (1-6, 1-6) will play Granville in a Class C crossover game Saturday in eastern Washington County.“