SARANAC LAKE — As high school football teams from across the North Country battle it out over the weekend, the Saranac Lake football team got some rest for this week’s game, which was expected to be one of the toughest teams of the season. .
This Saturday, the Red Storm will host the highly competitive Baktmantown Eagles at Wilson Raymond Field starting at 1:30 p.m. Saranac Lake is currently 3-0 and the only undefeated team in Round 7, but head coach Eric Bennett doesn’t want to think about being the top team in the area.
“We don’t think about what our record is.” he said. “We just want to win 1-0 against Beekman Town this week.”
Saranac Lake’s impressive start to the season has been driven by its physical play, something Bennett said he wanted to get back to after the team went 1-8 last year. .
Red Storm running backs David Montroy, Owen Lawrence and Scottie Nicholas have led the offensive line this season. The trio has combined for over 125 yards rushing and five combined touchdowns in three games this year.
Quarterback Zach Getz continued to play well this season, leading the team in touchdowns with five. Getz also hasn’t thrown an interception yet this season.
Saranac Lake most recently defeated the Ausable Valley Patriots 37-16 on September 21st. The team’s previous two wins were a 20-18 loss to Moria and an 18-14 win over Massena.
The Red Storm was scheduled to play Vermont’s Oxbow High School last weekend. However, according to the Vermont Daily Chronicle, the game was removed from the schedule after Oxbow canceled its season due to a lack of games.
Saranac Lake had a week off and used that time to practice. Bennett said there are pros and cons to winning by default.
“It gives you an opportunity to get healthy, and it gives you an opportunity to get deep on the team.” he said. “However, there is also the question, “Will it take a quarter of the time after the game actually starts to catch up?” Two weeks between games is a long time. All we have to do is get out of the gate early and execute. If you can do that, I think you’ll be in a good position for success. ”
The Eagles (3-1) come here fresh off a 31-6 victory over the Peru Nighthawks on Saturday at the Apple Bowl in Peru. Beekman Town has won its last three games by a combined score of 118-6, largely due to its running game.
“They’re obviously a very dynamic running team.” Bennett said. “They have a lot of great athletes. They play really solid D. We’re just trying to prepare as best we can and get the kids as accustomed to what they’re doing as possible. .”
The Eagles are led by running backs Shamus Bibeau and Parker Broughton, who have combined for over 800 yards and 10 touchdowns. The team also had strong plays from quarterback Josh Sund and receiver Patrick Hagadorn.
“When you have this many weapons and a well-coached team, it makes you the best at what you do.” Bennett said. “We’re aware of that and we’re doing everything we can to stop them. It’s definitely going to be a challenge, but I think the kids are ready and we’re looking forward to it.” ”
The Eagles have won seven of the past 10 games against Saranac Lake, including the last two.