SOMERS, N.Y. - On Friday, September 18, Somers took its 2-0 record to Mahopac, where the cross-town rivalry wasn't the only connection between the two teams.
“The DeMatteo family, it’s always the best,” said Nick Duffy. “The brothers, it’s a great atmosphere.”
However, sibling rivalry didn't factor into the weeklong chalkboard preparation.
“Our game plan was to punch ’em right away,” said Luke Balancia.
Five runs by the back on the opening drive did just that, and the touchdown drive set the tone for the 35-7 rout that followed.
From the outset, the Tuskers went hard up the middle for a third-and-four before breaking through for a first down at the 45. After a holding penalty set Somers back, Tristan Iglesias gave Balancia’s legs a rest.
Iglesias hit Dean Monachelli along the sideline for a 15-yard gain, giving Balancia more than enough of a respite. The running back then rumbled to the 1-yard line before punching it in for a 6-0 lead with 9:11 remaining.
Danny Hershfield added the extra point, the first of his five on the night, and the defense took its turn. The unit didn't need much time to make an impression, forcing a quick three-and-out and sending the offense back onto the field.
Iglesias got things started with a one-two punch. He hit Monachelli on the right for an eight-yard gain before finding Balancia on the left for a 33-yard completion. At the 25, the Tuskers kicked it into gear for the rest of the drive. Iglesias kept for eight yards, Jayden Abruzese cut inside for seven, and Balancia covered the final 10 yards for another touchdown.
The score came with 3:47 remaining in the quarter, and the defense was back on the field shortly after. An illegal-procedure penalty on third-and-one didn't help Mahopac, and Hudson Meza's sack finished the drive.
Somers took over at its own 25, and Iglesias struck again, hitting Ryan Bateman over the middle for a 32-yard gain.
Two consecutive penalties briefly stalled the drive, but the quarterback wasn't deterred. This time, Cam Violante received a pass on the right, bringing Somers back to the original line of scrimmage.
As the quarter came to a close, Iglesias and Balancia didn't miss a beat. First, Balancia reached high to pull down his quarterback's pass at the 22. After a short gain, the running back raced 19 yards to the 1-yard line.
One play later, Somers had another score on the board, and Iglesias made sure to recognize the players who made it possible.
“It all starts with the offensive line,” he said. “They came out, they blocked hard, and they played physical and tough.”
Connor Kasden also took the opportunity to praise the offensive line, pushing back against the notion that the position is simply about brute force.
“There’s so much technique and skill,” he said. “It’s one of the hardest positions to play.”
Leading 21-0, Somers allowed Mahopac to pick up a first down. But at midfield, the momentum didn't last. Troy Rossi tracked a pass over the middle and intercepted it, setting Somers up at the Mahopac 48-yard line.
Jayden Abruzese took over from there. Two runs up the middle moved Somers to the 35, keeping the game plan on track.
“Our game plan was to run them over and assert our will,” said Hudson Ruby.
Still, the Tuskers weren't afraid to go off script. When an outside handoff appeared to be going nowhere, Abruzese shook off several tackles, cut inside and wasn't brought down until he reached the 21.
Four plays later, Somers returned to its usual formula. Iglesias ran up the middle for a third-and-three conversion at the 14, then scored on the following play.
With 3:47 left in the half, the outcome was no longer in doubt. But with Peekskill on the schedule for the following week, the Tuskers' focus remained firmly on the work ahead.
“We go back to practice, fix the mistakes we made on the field, and we’ll be ready for the next game.”
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