By Jordan J. Michael

GUILDERLAND –– Dutchmen football outlasted Christian Brothers Academy at home on Friday as time was running out.

The Brothers attempted a game-winning field goal during the final seconds as rain came pouring down. The kick was way short and Guilderland won, 14 to 13.

“I wanted to keep my team composed toward the end,” said Coach Dan Penna. “I told my guys to contain CBA’s big play makers. Ultimately, we kept them from scoring.”

Christian Brothers Academy opened the game with the ball. Andrew Vivian connected with Trey Williams for a 35-yard pass play. Shortly after, Guilderland’s Mike Kennedy fell on a CBA fumble.

Jack Reilly of CBA intercepted Ryan Smith’s pass on Guilderland’s opening drive. Smith, who split half the game with Bobby Falcone last week, played a majority of the game at quarterback.

Dutchmen defensive lineman Devan Van Auken had a big sack on CBA’s next drive, leading to a punt. The first quarter was a defensive battle that resulted in a scoreless game, going into the second quarter.

“The defensive and offensive lines were huge in this game,” said Penna. “The offensive line kept the ball moving and the defensive line did great against the run.”

Guilderland started the second quarter with the ball on its own 18-yard line. Smith tried to hookup with Mike Heiserman for a big pass play, but the crowd gasped as it fell short.

“Both defenses were strong in this game. It took a while for either of us to score,” said Penna.

Guilderland put together a good drive that included a steady run by Jason Lawrence. The offense went for it on fourth down, but got called for off sides and had to punt it away. However, the punter made an excellent kick and CBA would have the ball on the one-yard line.

Out of nowhere, Vivian threw a 60-yard completion to Williams and the ball was on the Guilderland 26-yard line. Vivian eventually threw a touchdown pass to Reilly with 0:42 left in the first half. It capped off a 99-yard drive by CBA.

The Brothers led, 7 to 0, at halftime. “Several of my kids made plays,” said Penna. “We came out with a real head of steam, unlike last week.”

The Dutchmen started the second half at their own 40-yard line after a decent return by Jesse Terzian. CBA and Guilderland traded punts, as both defenses remained tight.

Falcone came into the game to replace Smith with 6:20 left in the third. He had two consecutive runs for 36 and 18 yards respectively. “Falcone gave us a real lift. He also took some heat off of Lawrence, which made Lawrence more effective,” said Penna.

Guilderland found itself right on the goal line, and Lawrence took advantage, taking him and his tacklers into the end zone for a score. The game was now tied with 2:19 left in the third quarter.

Falcone was going for another big run, but he fumbled in the process, giving the ball back to CBA, early on in the fourth quarter. The Brothers eventually would go for it on fourth down, on Guilderland’s 24-yard line.

It looked like the Dutchmen had a sure sack on the fourth-down play, but Vivian miraculously got the ball to Donald Wilson for the first down. Reilly ran it in on a sweep to the left and CBA led, 13 to 7, with 8:32 left in the game.

After the score, Reilly made a gesture to the crowd that earned CBA a 15-yard penalty for the extra point. The kick was no good and that penalty would kill CBA in the long run.

“That penalty turned out to secure the game for us,” said Penna. “However, it didn’t mean anything at the time. We needed a score.”

Falcone and Lawrence ran a zone read for a touchdown with 6:25 left in regulation. It looked like a trick play from the sideline. “It’s an option between the quarterback and running back,” said Penna. “It’s not a trick at all.”

The Guilderland defense held strong, and the team secured the victory, 14 to 13.

“It was one of those classic high-school football games,” said Penna.