EFL Press Releases

EFL Communications – August 21, 2011
eflcommunications@gmail.com

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Syracuse Shock (6-0) used a spectacular first half from Dewayne Gordon to defeat the Glens Falls Greenjackets (4-3) 44-10 in Empire Football League action Saturday evening from Sunnycrest Field. Gordon scored three times in the first half including two touchdown runs of over 70 yards to give the Shock a 30 point halftime lead, which they rode throughout the second half. Syracuse improved to a league-best 6-0 on the season as Glens Falls continued their roller coaster season falling to 4-3 on the year.

After both teams traded fumbles on their opening possessions Syracuse used a seven play drive to open up the scoring. Shock quarterback Cedric Stevens connected with Gordon out of the back field for the four yard touchdown. On the ensuing possession Glens Falls turned the ball over on downs giving Syracuse the ball on their own 35 yard line. Nine plays later the Shock were in the end zone once again, this time with Stevens finding tight end Nick Layou on a well executed play action pass, making the score 15-0 after a converted two-point attempt.

Not going away quietly, Glens Falls struck back when third string quarterback Jeff Higgins hit receiver Jordan Charbonneau on a quick screen which he broke for a 58 yard touchdown cutting the Shock lead to 15-7. From there the Shock owned the second quarter as Gordon broke two long runs to extend the Syracuse lead to 29-7. Following the Charbonneau touchdown, on Syracuse’s first play from scrimmage Gordon took a toss down the right side breaking several tackles and outrunning all Glens Falls defenders for the 72 yard score. After the Shock defense forced a Greenjacket punt Gordon was in the end zone two plays later this time scoring from 78 yards out. The second of Gordon’s long runs was better than the first, as he disappeared in a wave of Greenjackets only to emerge down the Syracuse sideline coasting to his third score of the half.

Glens Falls did not hang their heads following the two big plays, as the defense tightened up forcing Syracuse to turn the ball over on downs. The offense went three-and-out following the stop, but the defense got the ball right back picking off Stevens, giving the Greenjackets great field position at their own 47. However, a mishandled snap by Higgins forced him to chase the ball all the way back to the Glens Falls 20 which was recovered by Shock defender Morris Sledge. A few plays later Stevens hit receiver Tyrone Burke on a fade down the Glens Falls sideline in the back corner of the end zone for a 23 yard touchdown with 18 seconds left in the half. A two- point conversion run by Gordon gave the Shock a 37-7 halftime advantage.

The 30-point halftime cushion would be all Syracuse would need to hold off the visiting Greenjackets. Gordon would cap off his night with a 45 yard touchdown run with about nine minutes left in the third quarter. Three of the four Glens Falls possessions in the second half ended in punts with the exception being a 40 yard field goal by kicker Bryan Bagstad early in the fourth quarter. Numerous penalties bogged down the Glens Falls offense throughout the half. Without starting quarterback Ian Godfrey and last week fill-in Michael Leonbruno, head coach Bob Fish was forced to rely on Higgins who had a spectacular game receiving last week for the Greenjackets. Higgins did not finish the game however, facing a steady dose of a powerful Shock rush. EFL leading receiver Ricky McVay ended the night as the Glens Falls quarterback using his elusive moves to keep the game exciting. Higgins completed 6-of-11 passes for 111 yards and one touchdown, carrying the ball six times for 31 yards.

Gordon ended his incredible evening with 249 yards rushing on 15 carries and three touchdowns, adding the four yard touchdown catch. Stevens, limited to a half of action due to a work obligation, went 6-for-11 for 101 yards and three touchdowns with one interception. Along with Sledge, Shock defenders EJ Maeweather and Charmain Smith had fumble recoveries as they forced constant pressure on Higgins.

SECOND QUARTER
Syracuse – Layou 9 yd catch from Stevens (Two-point good, Stevens to Burke)
Glens Falls – Charbonneau 58 yd catch from Higgins (Bagstad kick)
Syracuse – Gordon 72 yd run (Two-point good, Stevens to Gage)
Syracuse – Gordon 78 yd run (Two-point no good)
Syracuse – Burke 23 yd catch from Stevens (Two-point good, Gordon run)

THIRD QUARTER
Syracuse – Gordon 45 yd run (Gruclich kick)
FOURTH QUARTER
Glens Falls – Bagstad 40 yd field goal

WEEK SEVEN EFL SCORES:
Plattsburgh 16, Amsterdam 8
Watertown 21, Montreal 6
Link to Press Republican article
http://pressrepublican.com/0300_sports/x141817170/North-Stares-eke-out-victory