The Shenendehowa high school football team mounted a remarkable comeback against Saratoga Springs, scoring 27 unanswered points in the second half to claim a 35-21 victory in a heated rivalry game on October 24, 2025, at Brent T. Steuerwald Stadium in Clifton Park, New York. This win improved Shenendehowa’s record to 7-1 overall and 5-1 in the league, while Saratoga Springs fell to 6-2 and 4-2.
Saratoga Springs began the game on a high note, with junior Tasiah La’Dore returning the opening kickoff for a 90-yard touchdown, putting the Blue Streaks ahead 7-0 just 17 seconds into the match. The momentum shifted further when senior running back Benjamin Coryea broke off an 84-yard touchdown run later in the first quarter, extending the lead to 14-0.
Shenendehowa’s head coach, Brian Clawson, acknowledged the early shock but praised his team for their resilience. “They stuck behind each other and fought for four full quarters,” he noted. This spirit became evident as the “Mean Green Machine” responded with a touchdown of their own, as senior running back Joseph Cardinale scored from 19 yards out, cutting the deficit to 14-8 after a successful two-point conversion.
Coryea continued to shine for Saratoga Springs, scoring another touchdown on a 31-yard run in the second quarter, bringing the score to 21-8. Despite being down, Shenendehowa would not surrender. Quarterback Jack Clawson connected with senior tight end Ryan Heptig for a touchdown later in the second quarter, narrowing the gap to 21-14 before halftime.
The turning point came in the second half. Shenendehowa’s offense, which had been outgained in the first half, dominated thereafter. On their opening drive of the third quarter, Carter Toth powered into the end zone from one yard out, tying the game at 21-21. “I knew I had to get in, so I did anything to get in,” Toth said, reflecting on the critical moment.
With their offensive line, bolstered by senior center Jack Bamberger and others, creating significant running lanes, Shenendehowa took control. The defense also stepped up, limiting Coryea to just 24 yards in the second half and preventing Saratoga Springs from scoring again.
Early in the fourth quarter, Cardinale scored his second touchdown, giving Shenendehowa a 28-21 lead. A critical interception by Heptig shortly thereafter allowed the team to extend its advantage. Cardinale capped off the night with his third touchdown, sealing the game at 35-21.
“It’s our brotherhood,” Cardinale said, crediting the team’s unity for their comeback. “Everyone on this team is a brother, and we love each other like a brother.” Toth, a senior, expressed the significance of the victory, stating, “As a senior, you get to come back and play another game here. It’s huge.”
Clawson celebrated his 100th career victory, emphasizing the collective effort that led to the comeback. “It’s not just the guys that are out in the field on Friday nights; it’s the guys in practice that are busting their butts,” he remarked.
With this victory, Shenendehowa secured the No. 2 seed heading into the postseason, ensuring home-field advantage for the first round. “Locking up the two seed is big,” Clawson noted, as the team now focuses on their upcoming match against Albany.
As for Saratoga Springs and their head coach, Eric Hayden, the focus will shift to regrouping for their next game against Schenectady. The Blue Streaks will need to reassess after a tough defeat that highlighted both the strengths and weaknesses of their team.
