Strong quarters to begin and end the game assisted the Fayetteville – Manlius Hornets and their varsity football team as they defeated Gates-Chili 35-19 in the season opener at the Carrier Dome.
The running game was very consistent and worked early for the green and white, as it carried them to a 21-0 lead early in the second quarter. Gates-Chili responded with a pair of touchdowns, but, failed to execute a two-point conversion and then missed an extra point, making it a 21-12 game going into the break.
Another touchdown and an extra point allowed Gates-Chili to cut the deficit to 2 early in the third quarter, but, it was all F-M after that. The green and white went on to score two more touchdowns and continued to impress.
Running back Eric Coley is making his presence felt throughout and beyond the football program at Fayetteville – Manlius. The senior is allowing his athletic abilities and his performance on the field to take care of the struggles of being the new kid in the hallways.
Coley led the Hornet offense to a quiet start to the second half as he rushed for another Hornet touchdown. Coley, who was later named the Most Valuable Player of the Kickoff Classic, found the end zone on two other occasions earlier in the game with another rushing touchdown that was followed by the touchdown pass he received from quarterback Henry Josephson.
The other running backs for Fayetteville – Manlius, senior James Rettinger and junior Brody Phelan, also helped their defense out by rushing for a touchdown apiece.
Fayetteville – Manlius’ defense supported the offense with their lockdown performance. Besides holding Gates-Chili to just two touchdowns, they handled a running game that is above-average. Gates-Chili’s fullback was a bull and used his strength whenever he had the opportunity to. Still, F-M’s defense held their ground and used teamwork to withstand the powerful force out of the backfield.
The Hornets’ running backs supported their persistent and united defense, leading their team to a victory to start to the season.
Great article. You should be writing for the school newspaper.
What about Henninger?