LIVINGSTON MANOR — The first week of 8-Man football came to an end in Sullivan County on Saturday night with Eldred putting together a dominant 46-0 victory over Livingston Manor.

Eldred started hot in the first quarter and never looked back, putting up 30 points in the first quarter alone. On their first play from scrimmage, a long completion from Quarterback Koen McGill to Trai Kaufmann. On the very next play Connor Ranaudo scampered into the endzone to make it 6-0 in the first minute of the game. McGill punched in the 2-point conversion and the Yellowjackets were off to the races.

Livingston Manor, who played just one game at the varsity level last season, started their first offensive series well, earning a first down before getting stalled with a fourth and long. On the ensuing punt, Kaufmann took it to the house making it 14-0 with 6:10 to play. Mason Tice converted the 2-point attempt to make it 16-0.

Shortly after his successful conversion, Tice intercepted a pass on Manor’s first air attempt of the evening.

On the very next play, Kaufmann took it to the house to make it 22-0 with three minutes left in the first. Ranaudo punched in the 2-point attempt to make it 24-0.

After a turnover on downs from the Wildcats, the Yellowjackets took over around midfield. After an offensive penalty, the Yellowjackets were backed up a bit, but with 30 seconds left in the first quarter, James Dyermond was able to break free for a 35-yard touchdown catch and run.

The Wildcats continued to work through their offensive sequences, but to no avail as they punted back to Eldred early in the second. On the ensuing Eldred drive, Jake Card was able to get free for a touchdown rush to make it 36-0 with 5:36 to play. Dyermond converted the 2-point conversion and made it 38-0.

For the rest of the first half and throughout the third quarter, both teams continued to battle for field position with no score. Finally, around the six minute mark of the fourth quarter, McGill found paydirt for the final score of the game, making it 44-0. Joseph Bernhardt punched in the 2-point conversion for the final points of the game.

“All credit to Eldred tonight, they came prepared and controlled the line of scrimmage,” Wildcats Coach Mike Hill said after the game. “We have to find our toughness. We stayed healthy tonight so we’ll get to go out and play Millbrook next week.”

“The kids dedicated themselves during the offseason, and it paid off tonight,” Eldred Coach Sean McAveney said after the win. “We have a core group that continues to work hard and get better. I’m happy to see Manor playing, being the two smallest schools in Section 9, I root for them and want to see the small schools succeed. We wish them the best of luck this season.”

 Tri-Valley takes down Ellenville in overtime

The Bears had a tough matchup to start their season, facing off against the Ellenville Blue Devils. It took a fifth quarter but Tri-Valley was able to break through with a 22-16 win in overtime.

 Nate Closs, Travis Capawana and Zach Whipple were able to break through for Tri-Valley earning their three touchdowns of the afternoon, including the game-winner in overtime. Defensively, Easton Scanna, Travis Capawana and James Kachelriess recorded 4.5 tackles apiece.

The defense also forced a lot of turnovers, with Easton Scanna and Travis Capawana each recovering two fumbles, while Anthony Ingrassia and Nathan Closs recovered one apiece.

Joe Douglass had two onside kick recoveries, using special teams to give the offense a boost and good field position in a tight game.

The Bears will have an opportunity to bring the momentum of their overtime win this weekend to Sullivan West on Saturday where they will take on the defending champs.

11-Man teams struggle in Week 2

It was rough going for the county’s 11-Man squads this weekend as they went 0-3 on the weekend, combining for a total of just ten points across three games.

Liberty traveled to Port Jervis on Friday evening, having to face off against one of the best Class A schools in Section 9. The Raiders showed their prowess en route to a 54-0 shutout victory over the Redhawks.

Fallsburg was also on the road Friday night, taking on Dover. The Dragons were another former 8-Man team, but after making the switch back to 11-Man last year they were a bit more prepared, defeating the Comets 32-8.