11/08/2025
Squandered Opportunities as Vestal Bows Out
In a Class A semi final game played at Dick Hoover Stadium, it would be the visiting Horseheads Blue Raiders who would win 21-7 to advance next week against Union-Endicott for the Section 4 Class A title.
The playing field seemed quite level until Vestal quarterback Josh Kweller took off around the right end for a 4-yard gain midway through the first quarter. On the play he suffered an ankle injury and had to be helped off the field. At this point the Bears were forced to send Joe Pierce in to punt for him. The Blue Raiders readily took advantage of the situation and partially blocked the punt, one that netted just 3 yards.
Starting at the Golden Bear 36-yard line, it took the Blue and White seven plays to score on a 3-yard run around the left end. The two-point conversion run put them up 8-0.
Vestal woes continued on the first play from scrimmage as the back-up quarterback Grayson Burns was unable to handle the snap from the shotgun, immediately pushing the Bears back 14 yards. After a three-and-out, Vestal was forced to punt and Horseheads took over with good field position once again, at the Vestal 49.
This time it took the visitors nine plays to score. On a 4th-and-9 at the Vestal 15, a run up the middle increased the Blue Raider lead to 14 points.
Shortly before halftime, with Kweller now back in the game, Vestal managed to move the ball on five plays from their own 35 to the Blue Raider 17. This time however, the Bears suffered another form of ailment, penalties. They were flagged on four consecutive plays, moving the ball back from the Horseheads 17 to the Vestal 47. Opportunity squandered. The Bears were forced to punt once again.
At 3:52 in the third quarter the Golden Bears closed the gap when Kweller connected with a deep pass to Gavin Brady, who angled under it, secured the pass, and then crossed the goal line. The play covered 51 yards. Preston Antesberger’s kick made it a 7-point game.
After a three-and-out, Horseheads was forced to punt from their own 38-yard line. The snap sailed far over the punter’s head and Vestal took over at the 8-yard line. Vestal was handed a golden opportunity to tie it up.
A key point had arrived in the contest, but it would be the Blue Raiders who would dig-in and assert themselves. Four plays later, two runs and two incomplete passes, and the visitors took over at the 11-yard line. Defensive mission accomplished! Opportunity squandered.
The game’s final score came with 2:16 remaining when the Horseheads quarterback ran around the left end for 35-yards.
The Blue Raiders will meet Union-Endicott next week to decide the Section 4 Class A champion and determine who will enter the New York State playoffs.
Senior defensive back Michael Hogan led the Bears with 19 tackles, including 8 unassisted. Hobbled but still effective, Kweller completed 7 passes for 110 yards with one TD. Gavin Brady caught two passes for 58 yards and scored Vestal’s only touchdown.
Facing a very challenging schedule, the Golden Bears would beat some very strong teams, come close in others, and finish the season a very respectable 5-5.
