Batavia’s struggles in Monroe County League play continued as they fell to Eastridge on senior night, 38-14.
The Lancers got off to quick start after Batavia’s opening possession stalled after three plays, and Jametrius Lewis returned the Blue Devil punt 54 yards for a touchdown to go up 6-0 just a minute into the ballgame.
Batavia showed some signs of life though, taking the ensuing drive 57 yards on 12 plays and was capped off on a Greg Mruczek 1-yard quarterback keeper.
The Blue Devils also cashed in on a two-point conversion pass from Brandon Stevenson to James Cryer to take an 8 to 6 lead in the first quarter.
Eastridge would respond, however, going 73 yards on just five plays before freshman C.J. Turner darted 29 yards for the go-ahead touchdown.
Disaster would strike on Batavia’s next possession.
After another three-and-out, Eastridge recovered the ball at Batavia’s 16-yard line after the punt snap was too high to handle. The Lancers only needed two plays before Jay’Von Hampton scored on a 14-yard touchdown run to go up 18-8.
Batavia’s defense held strong in the second quarter as each team traded punts. The Blue Devils figured to have the Lancers pinned inside their own 10, but Lewis ripped off another big play. This time, he sprinted down the left sideline 92 yards for a backbreaking touchdown.
Bad luck continued for Head Coach Brennan Briggs’ squad as Mruczek was intercepted on the final play before halftime and Eastridge took a 24 to 8 lead into the locker room.
The Lancers would score on the opening drive of the second half, and then pick up another touchdown from Turner to put the game out of reach.
Senior Ryan Budlong made the most of his final home game for Batavia, rushing for 69 yards and a touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Batavia star Stevenson was held in check for most of the game, rushing for 38 yards and throwing for another 10. Mruczek went just 5-of-14 for 47 yards, two interceptions and was under duress for most of the night. Senior Nick Canzoneri ran for 48 yards and had another 27 receiving.
Turner went 4-of-5 passing for 61 yards and a touchdown for Eastridge (3-1).
Batavia falls to 1-4 on the season and will play at Greece Arcadia next Saturday.
Other games on Friday and Saturday (added by Howard Owens):
Notre Dame (5-0) remains the only undefeated team in the Genesee Region after scoring all the points it would need in the first half to put away Pembroke 32-13. QB Tim McCulley continued his dominance over opposing defenses this season going 12-22 for 140 yards and two TDs. He also carried the ball 16 times for 65 yards and a TD. Andrew Mullen had seven carries for 56 yards and a TD. Charlie Hebert had four receptions for 75 yards and TD, and Josh Johnson had three catches for 35 yards and a TD. On defense, Tim Taylor at 7.5 tackles and a sack. Hebert, seven tackles, Joe Zickle 6.5 and Tyler Stroud 4.5. Hebert also had a sack. ND had 285 yards total offense to 162 for Pembroke.
Le Roy (5-0) also preserved his undefeated record trouncing Avon 34-17. QB Mike McMullen was an efficient 11-15 for 138 yards and three TDs. Ryan McQuillen hauled in four of those passes for 62 yards and a TD. Tom Kelso had a TD reception among this three catches for 58 yards. Nick Egeling also scored on a McMullen toss. Peter Privitera carried the ball 24 times for 89 yards. Kelso rushed for 70 yards and a TD on 11 carries. Leading the defense was Kody Lamkin with 11 tackles and one sack. Brandon Van Grol had five tackles. With four tackles apiece were Tom Kelso, Ryan McQuillan, Zack Fitzsimmons and Brian Hodges.
Alexander's impressive 2013 campaign continued Saturday with a shutout victory over Holley, 42-0. The Trojans are now 4-1 on the season. Dylan Scharlau had 30 carries for 256 yards and two touchdowns. Nelso Burke was 9-for-15 passing for 157 yards and three TDs. Jake Riggs had four receptions for 62 yards and two TDs. Sam Browne gained 71 yards on four catches and scored a TD. Riggs and Browne also had two interceptions on defense. Tyler Laird led the defense with 14 tackles, including two for a loss.
It's been a few years since Oakfield-Alabama made it through the fifth week with a winning record, with but with Saturday's victory over Elba/Byron-Bergen, the Hornets are now 3-2 on the season. The Lancers drop to 2-3 with the 20-15 loss. Allen Chatt was 11-15 for 145 yards and a TD. Chris Nanni gained 58 yards on the ground and scored once. Chase Manzella had 10 tackles.
In week six: Wellsville (2-3, coming off two consecutive shutout victories) is at Le Roy, 7:30 p.m., Friday; Oakfield-Alabama is at Alexander, 7 p.m. Friday; Holley is at Pembroke, 7 p.m., Friday; Notre Dame is at Finney, 1 p.m., Saturday; Attica is at Elba/BB, 1:30 p.m., Saturday; Batavia is at Greece-Arcadia, 2 p.m., Saturday.
