The Corcoran Cougars proved they’re “for real” Friday night with an inspired 8-0 shutout win over perennial powerhouse Liverpool.
The Warriors rolled in on a four-game win streak and got stopped cold by the Cougars defense, which was shutout by C-NS last week before regrouping to pitch its second shutout of the season.
Corcoran (4-2) was playing without its starting center, Aidan Murphy, who’s expected to be back for the playoffs. But, the offense managed to do just enough to give its defense some rest.
And the defense responded by scoring all eight points of the game — the only touchdown on a long scoop and score by Talonn Leonard, and a no-doubter safety by Kanye Davis on the first play after Liverpool had made a goal line stand.
Liverpool (5-3) took down the three-time reigning sectional champs a couple weeks ago, but the Warriors have work to do as the postseason arrives. The Cougars are coming into the playoffs on a high and look like a real contender now with the seedings to be determined on Sunday.
Elsewhere, the Westhill Warriors were playing without star running back Reggie Welch Friday night against ITC, and the offense definitely missed him. After scoring 50 points against South Jeff last week, the Warriors managed only six against the Eagles, and lost their fourth game of the season after failing to convert a two-point conversion late in the first half.
ITC (4-3), meanwhile, has righted its ship, winning four straight games after starting out the season 0-3, including an opening week forfeit. The Eagles have a bona fide star tailback in speedy junior Tre’Juer Sledge, and he scored both their touchdown and the ensuing two-point conversion for the deciding points in the game.
They say defense wins championships, and after giving up just 39 points during their four-game win streak, including a 24-0 shutout win over Marcellus, the Eagles may be catching fire at just the right time. Homer and New Hartford will be the favorites in the Class B playoffs, but ITC would be a pretty decent dark horse pick.
