Offensive lineman Baylee Vercruysse (78) and Aaron Treleaven (55) zero in on their blocks as Genesee County Spartans’ teammate Will Lamar looks for running room during Saturday’s semipro football game against visiting Southern Tier. Photo by Lauren Donovan.
Press release:
BY MIKE PETTINELLA/Genesee County Spartans
The Genesee County Spartans suffered another close defeat on Saturday afternoon, falling to the Southern Tier Stallions, 6-0, in a Northeastern Football Alliance interdivisional game at Pembroke Town Park.
Playing in sweltering heat, the Spartans offense moved the ball throughout the game but was derailed by two potential touchdowns that were called back.
Referees ruled that wide receiver Jzon Richardson dropped a pass in the end zone and that quarterback Aiden Pitts fumbled just before the goal as he was looking to score.
“Running back Will Lamar had around 100 yards rushing, we passed for at least 150 yards and got to the red zone three times,” Spartans Head Coach Harry Rascoe. “We had our chances to win but couldn’t finish it. That’s been our motto all year, unfortunately.”
Southern Tier, 4-2 in the AAA Division, scored in the third quarter when, on 4th down-and-15 yards to go, connected on a 60-yard catch-and-run for the game’s only touchdown.
The Spartans take a 1-5 record into this Saturday’s home game (5 p.m. kickoff) against the Lake Erie Power Pines, also 1-5. Four of Genesee County’s five losses have been by six points or less. Lake Erie’s only “victory” was a forfeit against the Rochester Chargers.
With a win over Lake Erie and the forfeit victory they will be receiving on Aug. 2, the Spartans would have a 3-2 divisional record, likely good enough to make the AA Division playoffs that start on Aug. 9.