Griffins varsity football team falls short in loss to Burgard
Saturday September 22, 2012 | By:Leo Mrugala | Sports
RUSHING HARD — Springville-Griffith Institute fullback Chris Phinney is pictured taking on the Burgard Bulldogs for the Griffins, in a game held Saturday, Sept. 15. Photos submitted by Cori Bolt and Joe Valenti.
Chris Phinney
Talon Berry
SPRINGVILLE — The Springville-Griffith Institute varsity football team fell to 0 – 3 on the season, with a 16 – 12 loss to the Burgard Bulldogs at Robert E. Rich All High Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 15.The two teams locked in a scoreless first quarter, which saw each team lose a fumble.
The Griffs came out in the second quarter and drove down the field 57 yards, to take the lead on an 8-yard touchdown, run by quarterback Bill Dickinson, with 9:09 remaining, in the first half.
On the drive, running backs Tyler Conklin, Ethan Benz and Chris Phinney all contributed, to get the ball down the field.
Coach John Sopko said that he likes having multiple players who are able to run the ball, effectively.
“It’s much more difficult to game plan for four backs, as opposed to just one workhorse back,” he said. “We have many ground gainers, including our quarterback.”
The Griffs continued with another scoring drive that ended with a 2-yard touchdown, run by Conklin, to make the score 12 – 0 with 1:00 left in the first half.
According to Sopko, Springville was using its ball-control offense, just as he had planned.
“Our offense has the potential to use up the game clock and we knew their offense had quick strike ability,” he said.
Tyler Studd
Benz and Talon Berry each recorded interceptions in the third quarter and S-GI led 12 – 2, after three quarters.
In the fourth quarter, the Griffs gave up two touchdowns, including one on the final play of the game, to end the day with 16 – 12.
“Coaches have the responsibility for the scouting and putting a game plan together, each week,” Sopko said. “We thought we had a good plan going into the Burgard game and just came up short.”
The Griffins football team will be back in action on Friday, Sept. 21, when they host East Aurora at Pop Warner Field. The kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
More stories
High School Baseball: Lake Shore baseball awards given; Conley All-WNY again
Lake Shore senior Christ Conley has once again earned All-Western New York First...
Kiernan festival on June 22 to honor Monarchs supporter
An event to honor Stephen M. Kiernan, the founder of the Buffalo Soccer Club...
News from the Links/Golf Report Edition of June 20
St. Francis Alumni Association tourney July 11The St. Francis High School Alumni...
High School Track and Field: Lake Shore athletes enjoy fine season, show promise ahead
Lake Shore wrapped up another solid season this year with multiple athletes...
Class of 2013 Hamburg Wall of Famers announced
The Hamburg Alumni Foundation, a non-profit organization, whose mission is to...
ADD A COMMENTBe the first to Comment
