8/31
9/7
9/13
9/22
9/29
10/5
10/12
10/19
10/25
Holland-Patent
Clinton
Sher-Earl.
South Jefferson
Cazenovia
VVS
Ilion
Skaneateles
Phoenix
*
A
H
A
H
A
H
H
A
*
2:00
1:00
7:00
1:00
1:30
1:00
1:00
7:00
14 - 31
26 - 0
20 - 21
14 - 27
8 - 48
20 - 26
40 - 12
0 - 19
41 - 19
lost
Won
lost
lost
lost
lost
Won
lost
Won
Rebels Drop Opener
By Rick Sherman
The APW Rebels entered the 2007 season with a revamped offense and it showed early as the Rebels matched a veteran Holland-Patent score for score, even taking the lead in the second quarter. However, H-P’s size proved too much and the Rebels lost 34-14.
In the opening possession, APW mounted an impressive drive deep into HP territory before falling just short on a fourth and long. The defense took over and forced HP into a quick three and out. When HP followed suit, it appeared that the game had all the makings of a defensive battle.
But on HP’s next possession, starting near mid-field, the Knights put together a drive culminating in a two yard quarterback sneak. With the PAT, HP took the early 7-0 lead into the second quarter.
Then the Rebels went to work and two big pass plays tied the game up. QB Brandon Burrows scrambled, evading numerous would-be tacklers to find wide out Ben Merritt on a spectacular forty-yard reception. This was followed by a ten yard touchdown pass again to Merritt. With the Burrows PAT, the score was tied at 7-7.
HP then returned the favor, scoring on an eleven yard run. The missed PAT left the door open for the Rebels.
APW took possession at their own eleven yard line, and on the first play from scrimmage, running back Matt Kolodzie (8 carries for 153 yards) scampered 89 yards for the tying score. With the ensuing kick by Burrows, the Rebels took a slim 14-13 lead.
Unfortunately for the Rebels the lead would not last long. On HP’s next possession the Knights scored on a 50 yard reverse. The PAT run failed and HP led 19-14.
From that point on the Rebels had no more rabbits to pull out of their hats. After a short punt, HP took over at the Rebel 25. A pass on first and ten resulted in a 25 yard reception and the Knights extended their lead to 27-14.
The second half was a defensive struggle, with HP scoring once more to make the final 34-14.
Rebel Coach Doug Clarke said after the game, “I didn’t feel that the final score really reflected the game. I felt for the most part that our guys played well. We made some correctable mistakes against a good team. It cost us this week, but I think it will help us down the road.”
Quarterback Brandon Burrows ended the game a respectable 8 completions for 14 attempts with one TD. Ben Merritt had three catches for 39 yards and one TD, while Nick Bullock chipped in with 9 carries for 72 yards.
The Rebels will take on Clinton next.
Game 2: APW - 26 Clinton - 0 9/7
REBELS BOUNCE BACK: BURY WARRIORS
By Rick Sherman
If luck is a combination of opportunity plus preparation, then the Rebels were well prepared for their first two touchdowns as they dominated Clinton Saturday in their home opener, winning 26-0.
After stuffing the Warriors on their opening possession, the Rebels drove deep into Clinton territory only have a penalty march them backwards and put them into a forth and long. But on a Brandon Burrows scramble pass, Lady Luck winked as the ball careened off a Clinton defender into the waiting arms of Tight End Mike Phillips. With the Burrows kick, the Rebels led 7-0.
The Defense again forced Clinton to punt. The offense took over and drove efficiently to the Clinton ten, eating up chunks of yardage on the ground as Paul Wilcox, Matt Kolodzie, and Nick Bullock took turns carrying the ball. Wilcox in particular took advantage of a dominant Rebel offensive line, finding holes and dragging tacklers for solid gains. However, after a penalty called back an apparent touchdown, the Rebels faced a fourth and goal from the Clinton 18. Again Burrows eluded tacklers and launched a desperation heave into the end zone – right into double coverage. The pass bounced off the hands of both defenders. This time the deflected throw was corralled by Ben Merritt. The Burrows kick was blocked and the Rebels went into the half leading 13-0.
In the third quarter, Luck turned her back on the Rebels. Despite dominating Clinton, they were unable to put any more points on the board. On their first two possessions of the second half, the Rebels picked up where they left off in the first half – moving the ball on the ground. But penalties helped put the kibosh on two potential scoring drives. The Rebels ran the ball three consecutive times - pounding out five yards a crack. But a holding penalty created a third and twelve situation and a Burrows pass was intercepted.
The Rebel D got the ball right back with a fumble recovery. This time the Rebels drove to the Clinton ten yard line. Brandon Burrows scampered in for the score on a Bootleg only to have it called back on a penalty. After turning the ball over on downs, the third quarter came to an end with the score still 13-0.
The final quarter was all Rebels, as the home squad took complete control of the game. Driving to the Clinton 13 yard line, Brandon Burrows darted around the end for the score. The PAT was wide to the left, and the Rebels led 19-0.
The final score came as the Rebels pounded the middle of the line, Paul Wilcox powering in from the seven. That and the Burrows PAT put the icing on the 26-0 Rebels win.
The Rebels’ Defense was solid all day, keeping Clinton on their own side of the field for most of the game while the offense racked up 340 rushing yards. Fullback Paul Wilcox did much of the damage, carrying the ball 25 times for 155 yards and one touchdown, while Nick Bullock contributed 14 carries for 70 yards. In the air, Burrows was a respectable 4/8 for 65 yards and two touchdowns.
The Rebels travel to Sherburne-Earlville next Friday.
Game 3: APW - 20 Sherburne-Earlville - 21 9/15
REBELS LOSE BY INCHES IN DOUBLE OT THRILLER
By Rick Sherman
In a bold move, Coach Doug Clarke chose to go for the win at the end of a second overtime and the gamble nearly paid off. Instead, running back Matt Kolodzie was stopped inches from the goal line ending a thrilling come-from-behind bid by the Rebels.
It was a game of two very different halves. The first half was one of offensive frustration for both teams; the Rebels hurting their cause through several costly turnovers and inopportune penalties that gave the Marauders numerous opportunities to score. The defense hung tough, however, dodging several S-E bullets and keeping them out of the end zone.
While the Rebels were able to move the ball with regularity between the twenties, they were unable to finish drives. A muffed punt return, a bobbled handoff, and a plethora of holding penalties kept APW out of the end zone.
After stopping the Marauders on the opening possession, the Rebels took over on their own 20. The third play from scrimmage exemplified the Rebel first half. Quarterback Brandon Burrows took a keeper around the end, eluded several tacklers and sprinted 53 yards in what looked like a certain touchdown run; only to lose the handle on the ball at the S-E 21 yard line. He recovered the fumble, but the Rebels were unable to capitalize on the big gain.
The defense again held and it appeared that APW would get the ball back in good field position. However, a muffed punt return gave the ball back to the Marauders at the Rebel 42. S-E threatened, but the defense stiffened and again kept the Marauders off the scoreboard.
APW took over deep in their own territory and was forced to punt. The punt was short and again S-E had the ball on the Rebel 25. Once again the Rebel D came through and kept S-E out of the end zone.
In the second half, the Marauders broke the 0-0 deadlock with a 22 yard run by Billy Northey. With the missed PAT kick, S-E led 6-0.
The Rebels came right back, however, with a 40 yard run by Matt Kolodzie. The score was tied 6-6 when the Rebels missed the PAT as well.
In the fourth quarter, with the score tied at 6, S-E struck again, this time through the air. QB Logan Klockowski found Phil Price for an 18 yard touchdown strike. Klockowski then found Wheeler Brunschmid for the two-point conversion giving S-E the 14-6 lead.
The Rebels were not done yet, however, as Paul Wilcox capped off a determined drive on an 8 yard scoring run. The Matt Kolodzie run for two again tied the score. The Rebels had one more opportunity as time ran down to win the game, but a Brandon Burrows pass fell incomplete, sending the game into overtime.
The first overtime may have been the quickest in history. APW had the ball first and promptly fumbled on the first play, giving it to S-E. The Marauders then returned the favor on their first play as Ben Merritt picked off a pass in the end zone.
On the second OT, S-E went to the ground game and pounded the ball in with a Brunschmid 10 yard run. Logan Aikins kicked the PAT setting up the dramatic finale. APW’S o-line took over, and FB Paul Wilcox carried the ball four straight times, finishing off the drive with an 8 yard touchdown run. At this point, Coach Clarke decided to go for the win rather than try to tie with a kick. With every spectator in the place holding their collective breath, Matt Kolodzie took the handoff and battled to the goal line, getting stopped just inches short.
S-E preserved the win by the slimmest of margins, 21-20.
Kolodzie ended up leading all rushers with 136 yards on 16 carries with one TD. Nick Bullock ran for 86 yards on 10 carries and Wilcox had 60 yards on 18 carries and two TD’s. QB Brandon Burrows was 5 for 11 attempts for 77 yards.
The Rebels take on South Jefferson at home next Saturday
Game 4: APW - 14 South Jefferson - 27 9/22
REBELS CLAW BACK; FALL SHORT
South Jefferson 27 – APW 14
By Rick Sherman
After a heartbreaking double overtime loss to Shurburne-Earlville last week, the Rebels were hoping to bounce back at home Saturday against South Jefferson. For a while it looked like that might happen. Unfortunately for the Rebels, after falling behind by two touchdowns and fighting their way back to tie, they ended up losing 27-14.
In the early going, it appeared that the game was going to be a runaway win for the Spartans. The Rebels were forced into a three-and-out in their first possession only to see SJ march down the field on the strength of two big pass plays which took them to the Rebel five. The defense battled hard and got the Spartans to a 4th and goal from the 2, but SJ was able to punch it in on a Jake Smith run. Jamieson Crast booted the PAT to give the Spartans an early 7-0 lead.
APW’s next possession was more successful as they moved the ball to midfield where they stalled. When SJ took over, they quickly hit pay dirt again with a 34 yard Jamieson Crast to Matt Edgeberg touchdown pass. The kick was good and the Spartans led 14-0.
Two possessions, two scores. This one had all the makings of a blowout.
But the Rebels didn’t quit. On their next possession, the Rebels’ Matt Kolodzie ran a reverse and, with a cadre of lead blockers, scampered 32 yards for the score. The PAT kick missed and the Rebels trailed 14-6.
Now the defense dug in and forced SJ into a quick 3 and out. On the SJ punt the Rebels had a terrific return nullified by a penalty. The penalty was not enough to give SJ a first down, however and APW took over after the punt.
The Rebels moved the ball to the 43 yard line and were faced with a 4th and 3. They lined up in punt formation, only to snap the ball to blocking back Paul Wilcox who sprinted 47 yards for the touchdown. Matt Kolodzie ran in the two point conversion and the Rebels tied the score at 14 as halftime neared.
The Spartans’ next possession, with under two minutes remaining in the half, took away the momentum the Rebels had built with their last two possessions. With ten seconds left in the half, SJ Crast launched a 32 yard strike to Kevin Deon to give them the lead. With the PAT kick, SJ led 21-14 at the half.
The Second half was one of offensive frustration for the Rebels as they were able to move the ball, but put no more points on the board. On their second possession, a nice drive ultimately stalled after a holding penalty on a long gainer put them into a 3rd and 24.
The defense held SJ to only one score, however, although that one was a killer. Early in the third quarter, after a long Rebel punt, SJ had the ball at their 4 yard line. From there, they put together a drive that ended in a 1 yard touchdown run by QB Jamieson Crast. For the Rebels it was a disheartening 96 yard drive that ate up valuable clock and put them behind by two scores. SJ was unable to convert the PAT and the score was 27-14; where it remained for the rest of the game.
Next week the Rebels travel to Cazenovia.
Game 5: APW - 8 Cazenovia - 48 9/29
Game 6: APW - 20 VVS - 26 10/5
Rebels Bedevil the Devils
By Rick Sherman
Vernon-Verona-Sherril’s football team no doubt figured Saturday’s contest at APW would be an easy win for them. You know, one of those games where you build a nice comfortable lead and then let the second stringers play out the fourth quarter while the starters relaxed on the bench.
If they did, they couldn’t have been more wrong. Second place VVS learned the hard way that if you’re going to play this Rebel team, you better be prepared to play four tough quarters. APW, 1-4 coming into the game, appeared on paper to be heavy underdogs to the second place Red Devils at 4-1. But that, as they say, is why the games aren’t played on paper.
The Rebels gave the Devils more than they bargained for all afternoon, putting themselves in a position to pull off a huge upset as they tied the score at 20 late in the fourth quarter. In the end, it wasn’t to be, as the Rebels dropped to 1-5 with the 26-20 loss.
The Rebel defense set the tone early as Justin Green picked off a VVS pass on the very first offensive play of the game, giving APW the ball near mid-field. The Rebels were unable to capitalize, however. But the defense came through again on the Red Devils’ next possession, recovering a fumble. This time the offense moved the ball well down the field only to cough it up themselves.
VVS took advantage and drew first blood after a nice drive themselves with a one yard Mike Jones plunge. The PAT put the Devils up 7-0.
After an exchange of possessions, the Rebels answered on a 64 yard Matt Kolodzie run. The PAT missed and the Rebels trailed by one early.
The Devils extended their lead in the second quarter on a thirty yard run. With the ensuing kick APW was down 14-6. At this point, the weather took center stage as thunder caused a half-hour delay of the game. When play resumed, both defenses stiffened, with the Rebels stopping the Devils on their own five yard line. With their backs against the goal line and possession to start the second half, APW wisely opted to run out the clock, taking a one touchdown deficit against the heavily favored Devils into the abbreviated half time.
In the second half, the defense again forced a turnover and this time the Rebels were able to capitalize; and a Kolodzie TD run combined with a Paul Wilcox PAT run tied the score at 14.
Early in the fourth, VVS took the lead again, but a missed PAT kick left the door open for the Rebels, whose running game had been slowly wearing down the Devil defense. With a little over six minutes left in the game, the Rebels struck again with a Kolodzie touchdown run capping a drive that kept the VVS defense off balance with a mix of inside traps and outside sweeps. VVS stopped the PAT run, however, and the score was tied at 20 with time running down.
VVS then put together a drive that ended the Rebel upset bid. Yet it was a bizarre and seemingly petty call by an official that was the final nail in the coffin for the Rebels. VVS drove to the Rebel twenty, but an outside run was stymied by Rebel defenders for a loss. The ball came loose and Matt Kolodzie scooped it up and headed for the opposite end zone amid a cacophony of whistles and cheering fans. He crossed the goal line only to be informed that the play had been blown dead and ruled not a fumble. To add insult to injury, the Rebel player was flagged for delay of game.
As a result, instead of third and long, VVS now had a favorable second down and four situation. The Devils took advantage and took the 26-20 lead after the Rebels stopped the Devil PAT attempt.
APW was unable to answer this time, however, and VVS was able to run out the clock for the win, narrowly avoiding a Rebel upset.
The Rebels will take on Ilion at home next Saturday in their Homecoming game.
Game 7: APW - 40 Ilion - 12 10/12
REBELS DETONATE BOMBERS
By Rick Sherman
After nearly pulling off a stunning upset of second place VVS last week, the Rebels roared back with their best game of the year, dominating the Ilion Golden Bombers to win 40 to 13.
The early going did not have the look of a big APW win. On their first possession the Rebels were picked off on a third and seven pass play. Ilion then moved the ball well, putting the Rebel defense on their heels. But the defense regrouped and stopped Ilion at the APW 30 yard line. The Rebels then took over and drove to the Ilion 8 where Paul Wilcox ran it in for the score. The PAT missed and APW led at the end of the first period 6-0.
Through the first part of the second quarter, both teams traded punches, but neither could draw blood. Finally, the Ilion punter bobbled a snap and the Rebels tackled him at the Bombers’ 40 yard line. In one play the Rebels were back on the scoreboard as matt Kolodzie sprinted 40 yards for the touchdown. Nick Bullock ran in the 2-point conversion to give the Rebels a 14-0 lead.
On the very next possession, the Rebels scored again as Kolodzie scampered 39 yards for the touchdown. The PAT run failed. The Rebels led at half 20-0.
In the third quarter, the Rebels broke the game wide open. On their opening possession, Quarterback Brandon Burrows found Vince Turo wide open for a 40 yard touchdown pass. The PAT kick was good to give the Rebels a 27-0 lead.
After the score, Rebel coach Doug Clarke began substituting liberally. With 1:57 left in the third, Bobby Bush burst through the line and sprinted to a 63 yard touchdown. With the kick, the Rebels extended their lead to 34-0.
Ilion finally got on the scoreboard in the fourth on a 2 yard run. Bush scored again on a 21 yard run. The Burrows kick put the Rebels up 40-6.
Ilion scored again to make the final score 40-12.
Mike Lembo and Mike Phillips were standouts for a Rebel defense that stifled the Bomber offense all day.
The Rebels begin crossover play next weekend with teams and times to be announced.
Game 8: APW - 0 Skaneateles - 19 10/19
Rebels Fall to Lakers
By Rick Sherman
In their first postseason crossover game the Rebels came out flat, fell behind early and were never able to recover as they lost 19-0 to Skaneateles.
The Lakers scored on the game’s opening possession, moving with ease through a Rebel defense that seemed to be on their heels from the first snap. Thomas Schoener powered in from the one for the early lead. With the Alex Richichi kick, the Lakers took an early 7-0 lead.
The wet field seemed to work against the Rebels; negating their team speed, the one advantage they had against a larger Laker team. Still they found some success with their inside game, but struggled to get their outside run – this team’s bread and butter – going. As a result, the Lakers quickly had the ball back and were on the scoreboard again in short order. Phil Weiss ran the ball in from the one and the PAT missed, giving the Lakers a 13-0 lead before the first quarter ticked away.
However, the Rebels did not fold; and the defense was solid for the rest of the game, only giving up a third score late in the fourth. Offensively, the Rebels were able to move the ball at times, but continually hurt themselves with penalties. In fact penalties plagued the Rebels on both sides of the ball throughout the second half; effectively quashing any hope of a comeback by keeping Laker drives alive, and stalling Rebel drives.
The Laker’s Matt Wood scored the final TD of the game in the fourth on a 2 yard run. The missed PAT kick made the score 19-0. The Rebels put on a last gasp attempt to score, moving the ball to the Laker 20 only to be intercepted there.
The Rebels will play Phoenix in their final game of the year. The place and time are yet to be determined.
Game 9: APW - 41 Phoenix - 19
REBELS DOUSE FIREBIRDS
By Rick Sherman
APW ended a sometimes Jekyll-and-Hyde season with a convincing win over Oswego County rival Phoenix, winning 41-19.
Although the Firebirds had the ball first, it was the Rebels who started out on fire. Forcing Phoenix into a quick three-and-out, the Rebels made quick work of their first possession. Starting at their own 43 yard line, two big runs by Paul Wilcox found the Rebels in the end zone for an early 7-0 lead.
The Rebel ‘D’ again forced a short possession and it looked like APW was going to score again, only to stall at the Firebird 21. After trading possessions a few times, the Rebels did score again. After a key Brandon Burrows to Justin Green pass to the Phoenix 11, Wilcox again powered the ball in from the nine. After a Firebird penalty, Burrows snuck the two point conversion in for the 15-0 lead.
Phoenix got on the scoreboard in the second quarter on an 8 yard pass. The rest of the half saw both defenses step up and the halftime score was 15-7.
But the Rebels blew the game wide open in the third quarter as they scored on their first three possessions while keeping the Firebirds out of the end zone.
On their opening possession of the second half, the Rebels again relied on big Wilcox runs to move the ball to the Phoenix 22 where Nick Bullock then took it the distance on a second and 8 play.
Phoenix moved the ball some, then, but the Rebel ‘D’ once again held and forced a punt. A stellar return by Matt Kolodzie gave the Rebels the ball on the Phoenix 30 and once again Wilcox scored from the 6. The PAT kick missed and the Rebels led 27-7.
On the next Firebird possession, Phoenix seemed to get on track with a seven play drive, only to have the Rebels force a fumble at the APW 26. After a penalty moved the ball back to the 41, Matt Kolodzie broke free for a 41 yard romp. Again the kick was no good and the score was 33-6.
The Firebirds eventually put together a long scoring drive that started on their own 9 and ended with a 1 yard run to cut the deficit to 20 points at 33-13.
The final Rebel score of the season came immediately afterwards, effectively ending any firebird hope of a comeback. After a nice kick-off return to their own 49 yard line, Ben Merritt took the handoff and streaked 51 yards to pay dirt. A bobbled snap on the PAT kick resulted in holder Justin Green flipping a 2 point conversion pass to Mike Phillips. The Rebels led comfortably, 41-13.
Phoenix tacked on another score late in the game for the final 41-19 score.
On the night, Paul Wilcox led all rushers with 121 yards on 14 carries and three touchdowns. Matt Kolodzie came up just shy of a thousand yard season with a very respectable 87 yards on 8 carries, while Nick Bullock carried the ball 7 times for 83 yards.
The Rebels end the year at 3-6, though could have easily been 5-4. The double overtime one-point loss to Sherburne-Earlville and a tough six-point loss to VVS could have both gone the Rebels’ way with a break here or there. Other than the Cazenovia loss, every game was competitive and exciting. Congratulations to the players and coaches for a thrilling year of high school football.
