Undefeated Tigers and Spartans Clash Saturday

The High School Football showdown fans have been talking about for months is just about here.  The "Battle of the Unbeatens"  will take place Saturday at Spartan Stadium in Endwell as the Maine-Endwell Spartans (7-0) host the Union-Endicott Tigers (7-0) at 2:30 PM(News Radio 1290 WNBF).  Gametime has been moved back from the usual 1:30 start to accomodate PSAT testing in the morning. This backyard rivalry does not have playoff implications since M-E has moved from Class A to Class B this season and the Tigers remain in Class A.  But for area bragging rights this game is IT !

Both teams come into the game in the top 10 in their classification in New York State.  Both feature outstanding, shutdown defenses and both have explosive offenses that can cripple an opponent in the air or on land.

Speed to burn...something both the Spartans and Tigers possess.  For M-E Luis Uceta and Justin Jacoby form a potent one-two punch from their wingback positions while bruising fullback Nick Sorrenti can carry the mail between the tackles with the best of them.  Quarterback Kyle Gallagher has shown that he and his brother Adam can be a formidable force through the air.

For U-E Michael Cheslock ran over and through the Binghamton Patriots defense for 260 yards a couple of weekends ago.  Cheslock has taken over the bulk of work in the Tigers' ground attack since the season-ending injury to speedster Sammy Davis.  Dan Davis counters the Spartans' Sorrenti as a bruising fullback capable of carrying two or three defenders with him for a pile of inside yardage.

In what could be the key for U-E in this game quarterback Joe Orlando leads the passing attack for the Tigers.  He has shown he can get the ball to 6' 5" tight end Caleb Scepaniak and wide receiver Nick Yesensky in clutch situations .

Some observers feel Orlando has been overshadowed by  several Section  4 quarterbacks this season. But he has shown he can throw the ball on the money when needed. Orlando will have his work cut out for him against a stellar Spartan defense.  Tigers' fans may well find out just how good Orlando is on Saturday.  Watch for him to be the pivotal part of this game when the Tigers have the ball.

Tomorrow, we'll breakdown the Spartans vs Tigers on the defensive side of the ball.

Remember: Before the game on Saturday, be sure to vote in our poll: Who has more spirit? The Tigers or Spartans?