By JIM MACLEAN
It’s not over ‘til it’s over, and that was certainly the case Saturday, Oct. 5, as Fox Lane hosted Yorktown in football. The two teams traded blows in a game that was not decided until the final play following a wild and crazy finish.
And when it was finally over, Fox Lane was celebrating as the Foxes held on for a thrilling 28-25 victory over the Huskers. It was a huge win for Fox Lane, the first time the Foxes have defeated Yorktown since 2003.
“This was a huge victory, it means a lot for our players, coaches and families,” said Fox Lane coach Drew Giuliano. “It’s just incredible the effort our guys put in each week. I’ve seen these kids mentally and physically drained after several of our games. It’s special to see that kind of effort poured into this and that’s all we can ask for as coaches.”
Coming off a disappointing loss on the road at Somers, Fox Lane knew it was in for another tough test against Yorktown, one of the top teams in Class A. However, Fox Lane would not let the loss to Somers define its program and the Foxes came out determined to respond with a strong game.
“We really made it a priority to put the Somers game behind us,” admitted Giuliano. “We had some great practices to compete against a quality team like Yorktown and in the end the kids made the plays to win. My staff was incredible all week — they deliver the truth and coach them hard and the kids respond.”
All of that mental and physical preparation was needed for the final two minutes of this game. Fox Lane, trailing 25-21 late in the fourth quarter, was driving, but Yorktown came up with an interception to halt the drive at the Huskers 12-yard line with 1:50.
The Foxes did not give up. Oscar O’Donnell Powell came up with two tackles for no gain, and then Luke Ryan made a stop to force Yorktown to punt.
Logan Mammola returned the ensuing punt to the Yorktown 32-yard line and the Foxes were in business. This time QB John Czernyk delivered. Facing a fourth down and 14-yards to go, Czernyk connected with Will Rudolph for a leaping catch and a first down, and he connected with Rudolph again for a three-yard touchdown pass with 13 seconds left to play to give Fox Lane the 28-25 lead.
It still wasn’t over as Yorktown took the kickoff and almost returned it for a touchdown before Declan Connors was able to make the tackle. It was finally over on the last play of the game as Mammola deflected a pass in the end zone and the Foxes secured the win.
Czernyk was 18-33 overall for 278 yards passing with three touchdowns. Rudolph caught 10 passes for 158 yards and two touchdowns. Mac Keller had three catches for 58 yards and one touchdown and an interception on defense. Mammola had three catches and made seven tackles on defense. Ryan made 11 tackles, and Justin Sarote had six tackles including one for a loss. Connors ran it in for the other Fox Lane touchdown.
“Beyond the stats, I am proud of his tremendous resolve and toughness getting right back into it after the interception,” Giuliano said of Czernyk. “John is tough, he’s just a gamer and loves when the game is on the line. The receiving trio of Rudolph, Keller and Mammola were huge. Luke Ryan has been a force on defense all season, and Justin Sarote as well has been a physical presence on defense.”
Fox Lane can’t celebrate for long as the Foxes were scheduled to travel to Brewster on Thursday.
“Brewster is a solid team and they have had our number the last two seasons,” Giuliano added. “We are focused on the next one.”