Storm wants to stay hot on the gridiron after saying goodbye News, sports, jobs

This Saturday, the Red Storm host the red-hot Beektmantown Eagles at Wilson Raymond Field at 1:30 p.m. Saranac Lake is currently the only undefeated team in Section VII with a 3-0 record, but head coach Eric Bennett doesn’t want to think about being the top team in the region.

“We don’t look at our balance sheet” he said. “We just want to win 1-0 against Beekmantown this week.”

Saranac Lake’s impressive start to the season was fueled by its physical play – something Bennett said the team wanted to return to after posting a 1-8 record last year.

Red Storm running backs David Montroy, Owen Lawrence and Scottie Nicholas have led the offense this season. The trio totaled at least 125 yards in three games this year and combined for five touchdowns.

Saranac Lake’s Alex Drinkwine (left) runs with the ball as Andrew Gay (71) blocks Tryon Haltigan (70) during a practice Thursday. (Corporate photo – Parker O’Brien)

Quarterback Zack Goetz has continued to play well this season, leading the team with five touchdowns. Goetz also hasn’t thrown an interception this season.

Saranac Lake last beat the AuSable Valley Patriots 37-16 on September 21st. The team’s two previous wins were a 20-18 loss against Moriah and an 18-14 win over Massena.

The Red Storm were scheduled to play Vermont’s Oxbow High School this past weekend; However, according to the Vermont Daily Chronicle, the game was removed from the schedule after Oxbow canceled its season due to low attendance.

Saranac Lake has a week off and spent that time practicing. Bennett said there are pros and cons to saying goodbye.

“It gives you a chance to get healthy and it gives you a chance to get deep into a team.” he said. “But there’s also the question: ‘Will it take a quarter to catch up when the game actually starts?’ Two weeks between games is a long time. We just have to get out of the gate early and execute. I think if we can do that, we’ll be in a good position to be successful.”

The Eagles (3-1) come here after posting a 31-6 victory over the Peru Nighthawks at the Apple Bowl in Peru on Saturday. Beekmantown has won its last three meetings by a combined score of 118-6, largely through its running game.

“They’re obviously a very dynamic running team.” Bennett said. “They have a lot of great athletes. They’re playing really solid D. We’re just trying to be as prepared as we can and get our kids as comfortable with what they’re doing as we can.”

The Eagles are led by running backs Shamus Bibeau and Parker Broughton, who have combined for more than 800 yards and 10 touchdowns. The team also had strong play from quarterback Josh Sand and receiver Patrick Hagadorn.

“When you have to compete against so many weapons and a well-trained team, you have a lot of work to do.” Bennett said. “We are aware of this and are doing everything we can to stop them. It will definitely be a challenge, but I think our kids will be ready and we’re looking forward to it.”

The Eagles have won seven of the last 10 games against Saranac Lake, including the last two games.