The Salamanca (NY) varsity football team faces East Rochester-Gananda (East Rochester, NY) in a neutral-site playoff game today at 3 PM. This matchup is part of the “2024 NYSPHSAA Football Championships – Class C” tournament.

Salamanca vs East Rochester-Gananda Football Game Info:

What: New York High School Football
Who: Salamanca vs East Rochester-Gananda
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 3 PM
Bracket: 2024 NYSPHSAA Football Championships – Class C
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Game preview: Salamanca vs East Rochester-Gananda

The stage is set for an electrifying matchup as East Rochester-Gananda and Salamanca prepare to battle on the gridiron. With near-perfect records and dominant performances throughout the season, both teams bring distinct strengths and styles to this highly anticipated contest. Let’s break down what makes each team a formidable contender.

Season Performance and Rankings

East Rochester-Gananda boasts a 10-1 record, ranking 12th in their state class and 18th in their section, reflecting a successful season marked by strong performances on both offense and defense. Their only loss came in a closely contested matchup, but they have excelled in league play with an undefeated 6-0 record, showcasing consistency.

Salamanca, on the other hand, has been unstoppable, going 11-0 with a flawless record in both league (7-0) and non-league games (2-0). The team is ranked 3rd in their state class and 4th in their section, making them one of the most dominant forces in the region. Their balanced attack and defensive prowess have made them the team to beat.

Offensive Firepower

Both teams excel offensively, but Salamanca’s scoring averages highlight their explosive potential:

• Salamanca averages 42.3 points per game, fueled by quick starts with an impressive 19.0 points in the first quarter alone.
• East Rochester-Gananda averages a solid 36.5 points per game, relying on consistent scoring, especially in the second quarter, where they average 13.0 points.

While Salamanca’s offense is built for early dominance, East Rochester-Gananda’s balanced scoring across all quarters ensures they remain competitive until the final whistle.

Defensive Strength

Defensively, both teams have held opponents in check:

• Salamanca has allowed only 139 points all season, an average of 12.6 points per game, demonstrating their ability to shut down even high-powered offenses.
• East Rochester-Gananda’s defense has given up 169 points, averaging 15.4 points per game, still a respectable mark given the strength of their schedule.

Home and Away Records

Both teams have proven they can win in any environment:

• East Rochester-Gananda is 6-1 at home and undefeated in both away and neutral-site games.
• Salamanca has been perfect across all settings, with a 6-0 home record and dominant performances on the road (4-0) and at neutral sites (1-0).

Key to Victory

For East Rochester-Gananda, the key will be maintaining a balanced attack and controlling the clock. Slowing down Salamanca’s early momentum could force the game into a defensive battle, where their resilience has shone throughout the season.

Salamanca, meanwhile, will look to capitalize on their explosive starts and overwhelm East Rochester-Gananda early. If they can establish a commanding lead by halftime, their defense is more than capable of holding the line.

Final Thoughts

With Salamanca’s perfect season and East Rochester-Gananda’s impressive resilience, this matchup has all the makings of a classic. Salamanca enters as the favorite, but East Rochester-Gananda’s ability to adapt and perform under pressure could make this a game for the ages.

Who will emerge victorious? Football fans can only wait in anticipation for what promises to be an unforgettable showdown.