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DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. The Woodlands Falcons were shut out by the Dobbs Ferry Eagles 39-0 in the class C semifinal game Saturday at Gould Park.
Playing in a field covered with snow, so different than the green grass they had practiced on just the day before, the Falcons managed to hold the hosts powerful offense for just two plays until running back Tim Soave sprinted for 55 yards to score the first touchdown for the Eagles.
After that the Woodlands seemed to lose control, making repeated mistakes such as a pass from quarterback Justin Riccio straight into the hands of an opponent. A second interception resulted in a touchdown, as did a fumble.
After every Eagles touchdown, the Falcons players looked more desolated. Come on, guys, one of then moaned after the Eagles scored, making it 39-0 still in the first half.
Matt Smith, the Woodlands athletic director, said the snow hindered the Falcons spread offense while favoring Dobbs Ferrys style.
They like to run the ball, we like to pass the ball, Smith said. Its difficult to pass the ball in this weather.
Smith added that on a sunny day Woodlands could have better luck, though Dobbs Ferry's head coach Jim Moran highlighted that his team also has a fast offense.
We couldnt run as well, Moran said.
Richard Jackson, the father of Woodlands receiver Raymond and a former football coach, agreed that the weather affected both teams, but pointed that it became an advantage for the Eagles once they opened a wide lead.
They get the momentum, Jackson said in the second half.
Even with the score at 39-0, Jackson never stopped cheering the team.
They are still fighting, he said. They dont give up.
The game ended the Falcons hopes of making to the finals. It was a disappointing end for a team that had come from a six-game winning streak and boasted confidence before the game. Yet Woodlands has reasons to celebrate, having performed far better than in recent years thanks, many say, to Head Coach Mike Meade and the assistants he brought with him from Yonkers Roosevelt High School, which won a class A championship.
During Fridays practice, Meade said it would be good for the Woodlands players to face a school famous for its strong football.
They've got a tradition there. We'd like to start one here, Meade said.
He might have done just that.
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