The Blue Dukes overcame the cold & Fredonia's unusual unbalanced offense to win 30-21. The incomparable Charlie Cohen returned the opening kickoff for a TD to get the Dukes rolling. (More on that wonderful play under the video clips below.)
This was probably the oddest game I have seen in two years of Junior Blue Dukedom. I had a clear sense that Bay had superior talent, but Fredonia battled very hard, especially their skill players on offense. Coach Joe Wieland also played second- and third-string groups extensively, giving them lot of experience with the game actually on the line.
Cohen's kickoff return made the score 6-0. Later in the first quarter, QB Jake Fisher ran into the end zone to bring the score to 12-0. But Fredonia scored on a TD run in the second quarter, cutting the margin to 12-6.
Fisher passed to Bailey Weiland, who scampered 40-plus yards for a score in the second quarter. 18-6, Bay.
After a substantial drive, Fredonia had first and goal near the end of the half, but could not punch the ball in. On Fredonia's 4th down try, Matt Bernstein intercepted the ball near the goal line. With seconds left until halftime, Bay was not content to sit on the ball. First it ran a classic hook and ladder play: Fisher passed to wide receiver Chris Siebert, who lateraled the ball to Van Bassindale, who gained about 6 years. Next Bay ran what looked like a double reverse (I'll have to check the film), but the final exchange was fumbled. Bay covered the ball in the end zone, resulting in a safety and 2 points for Fredonia. Halftime score: Bay 18, Fredonia 8.
In the third quarter, Fredonia made a game of it, scoring on a TD run and adding a converstion run. 18-15. But the Junior Blue Dukes rode the big shoulders and constantly churning legs of Van Bassindale forward. Van scored on a 48-yard run in the third quarter and added another TD run in the 4th, making it 30-15, Bay.
Fredonia scored another TD, and grabbed the ball on a successful onside kick. But Anthony Enea intercepted a pass to seal the game, and shortly thereafter the Junior Blue Dukes lined up in victory formation for the sweetest of all plays, the last-second kneeldown. Final score: Junior Blue Dukes 30, Fredonia Warriors 21.
While I don't have official confirmation of this, it's believed our final opponent will be a Lake Country team at noon Sat. Oct. 31. This should be a battle, so Coach Joe Wieland is planning a week of focused and committed practice. I'll send volunteer reminders out for next Saturday soon.
A few things to note on the kickoff return:
1. This was some variation of an onside or surprise kick. Fredonia kick defenders all shifted to their right, and the kicker aimed a short line drive in that direction.
2. Charlie catches the ball cleanly and knows what to do with it (i.e., move forward).
2. Ryan Hummer and Will Alt block defenders at the point of the catch, freeing Charlie to get outside Fredonia's main wave.
3. Downfield Macklin Kortebein knocks a potential tackler out of the play.
4. Further downfield Nick Higgins knocks one Warrior off his feet and another on the ground.
5. Genuinely excited teammates congratulate Charlie in the end zone.
