GUILDERLAND — The Guilderland football team finally got that elusive first win, and it was a total team effort.
"Each week, we do a few things better and better," said Guilderland Coach Dan Penna. "Friday we put it all together."

The Dutchmen got great efforts on both sides of the ball to defeat Ballston Spa, 13-6, on Friday night.
"They were really psyched," Penna said of his players. "The previous week, there were distractions our team had to handle. This past week, we were all about football. We were determined to come out with a victory. We blocked out everything else. We had a lot of intensity and that really made a difference."

The Dutchmen controlled the line of scrimmage and were able to move the ball. Kevin Doherty and Tim Montgomery combined to run for over 200 yards.

Doherty finished the game with 136 yards on 18 carries. Montgomery had about 80 yards rushing.
"Both kids are starting to see the field well," Penna said. "They are starting to come into their own as running backs and it’s at a perfect time."

The offense also had other contributors.
"The offensive line is starting to click," Penna said. "That started to show on Friday. Bill Rafferty has been solid at quarterback. The players are really starting to step it up."

Penna said that linemen Matt Glock and Chris Cortes had strong games for the Dutch.

"Pay off on the field"

Guilderland scored first with a touchdown in the first quarter.

Rafferty connected with Scott Raffensperger for a touchdown pass. Nick Zanotta added the extra point and Guilderland led, 7-0.

Ballston Spa came back with a touchdown late in the second quarter.

Guilderland had to punt deep in its own territory and Ballston Spa got the ball on the 35-yard line.
"They were able to get a quick drive," Penna said.

The extra-point attempt was missed and the Dutch led at halftime, 7-6.

The Dutch added to their lead in the fourth quarter on a touchdown run by Kevin Doherty.

The Dutchmen came up big on defense as they held the Scotties to about 150 yards of offense.
"They try to play power football," Penna said of Ballston Spa. "They have a good offensive line and a strong running back that they try to get the ball to 20 to 30 times a game and try to wear the other team down. I felt like we did the opposite. We contained him better and that helps the defense."

Penna said that the entire defensive line stepped up and played a tremendous game. Kyle Hussey, Zanotta, John D’Ambrosio, and Judd Robinson controlled the line of scrimmage during the game.

Penna also credited his linebackers — Pete Stanish and Chris Wolfe, who returned from an injury, and Ian DeSol.
"We were able to add stability to the linebacker position," Penna said. "Our coverage was better. We did a better job of covering their receivers."

Joe Lima had two interceptions for the Dutchmen and Brandyn Gaito and Kevin Forbes also played well from defensive-back positions.
"Boy, it feels good," Penna said of getting his first win as head coach. "We’ve been putting a lot of work in for the last few weeks and months with the entire program. It is something to be proud of. We’ve hit and been just as physical and hung with the best teams, in CBA and Shen.
"Last week, we were down 27-7 and, though the outcome was frustrating, I’m proud of the way the kids came back. It’s gratifying all the work we’ve put in is starting to pay off on the field."

The Dutchmen host Colonie on Friday in their last home game of the regular season.
"They always get better during the season," Penna said. "We’ll have our hands full. But we’re happy with the opportunity to go out and show them what we can do."