Saratoga Springs finally got their revenge, snatching a gritty 14-10 Class AA victory over rival Shenendehowa on Friday night. It came down to the wire, with senior Gavin LaFrance intercepting a pass near the end zone to stave off Shenendehowa’s late rally, securing the hard-fought win at Steuerwald Stadium. This wasn’t just another game, it was a re-match from 2025, when Saratoga Springs traveled to the same location in Week 8 and lost to these very same Mustangs. This time, the Blue Streaks flipped the script.
Rivalry Rematch: “The Team With More Heart”
You know how it goes with rivals: records fly out the window, and every game is a slugfest. Saratoga Springs three-year starting quarterback Bobby Morris said it himself, “We knew this would happen. A huge rivalry every year and always a close game. Records really don’t mean anything in this game.” He added, “We knew this one would be a close and we also knew the team with more heart would end up winning the game.” Both teams certainly brought the intensity, knowing what was at stake. Shenendehowa, coming in at 5-3 overall, 4-3 Class AA, still nabbed the final Class AA playoff berth later on the strength of Niskayuna’s 32-14 win against Albany. But for Saratoga Springs, 7-1 overall, 6-1 Class AA, this win was personal. As LaFrance put it, “We knew we were going to see the best version of them.”
Clutch Plays Define a Gritty Battle
The game started with Shenendehowa taking an early 7-0 lead in the second quarter. But Morris, the veteran QB, didn’t flinch. He engineered a pair of long touchdown drives, putting Saratoga Springs up 14-7 by halftime. Shenendehowa wasn’t going to roll over though, especially not at homecoming. They battled back, with Michael Manoli hitting a 29-yard field goal to cut the lead to 14-10. Morris acknowledged the challenge, saying, “We knew we were going to be get their best, homecoming and they were healthy. It goes to show that every week you have to show up with the same mindset. You can’t look at the records and look at the scores.” Shenendehowa made one final push for a go-ahead score, but their senior quarterback Jack Clawson’s pass, intended for Deacon Smith, was snared by the 6-foot-3 LaFrance just in front of the end zone. It was LaFrance’s second interception against Clawson that night, a truly monumental defensive effort from a player known more for his offensive exploits. Junior running back and defensive end Cam Toomey, who applied relentless pass rush pressure himself, summed it up perfectly, “He makes big-time plays in big-time games. That is the type of player he has always been since I have been playing with him.”
Defense Comes Up Huge When It Matters Most
When the offense stumbled, the defense had their backs. Morris praised his unit, calling them a “special group” and the “best group I have played with.” He explained, “You’ve got my back. They have all of our backs. When we make a mistake on offense, they are right there to pick us back up.” That couldn’t have been truer than on that final defensive stand. LaFrance, feeling the rush of the moment, said, “I was about to get over the top to get that pick. There is no better feeling that, coming out on top to help your team win the game.” With two subsequent kneeldowns, Saratoga Springs locked in the victory. What a statement win for the Blue Streaks. This team, ranked No. 12 in the state for Class AA, just showed everyone they have the heart, the grit, and the playmakers to get it done when the stakes are highest. It’s a win that will be talked about for a long time in this rivalry.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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