Peters’ four-TD night leads Salamanca in win over Silver Creek/Forestville

By SPENCER BATES, Sports Editor

The Warriors are over the hump, and now charging full steam ahead at the possible expense of their remaining regular-season opposition.

On Oct. 4, the Salamanca football team was able to keep its undefeated campaign alive with a 44-16 win over Silver Creek/Forestville in its homecoming game.

And oh did the hosts put on a show.

The Warriors compiled a 44-0 lead before halftime, an advantage comfortable enough for coach Chad Bartoszek to send in some of those who don’t see the field with great consistency.

“What I enjoy the most about those types of games are just seeing some of the guys who don't always get in, get some playing time and make an impact,” Bartoszek said. “We get to work on a little bit of that depth, but our top end guys are pumped up, and we were just physical last night again and flying around.”

True to its identity thus far this season, Salamanca struck fast and struck often, much thanks in part to the presence of star running back Xavier Peters. Fondly referred to as “X” by his coach, the impact Peters has had this season after being one of those that did not see the field all that much last year, has been a massive boost to a program known for its explosive capabilities.

“He's really been the difference,” Bartoszek said of Peters. “We still have weapons, all over the field that we're still able to use. … But the difference has been him from that running back position, just that explosiveness has added a new dynamic. … It's crazy, he's just got another gear that you don't really see at this level. Our offense has shown spurts over the last couple years of being explosive, but adding a running back that can just break it at any time, really opens things up.”

Peters broke off 142 rushing yards on just five attempts, scoring two touchdowns in the process. He found his way into the endzone twice more through the air, catching two touchdown passes from quarterback Maddox Isaac. Over the course of this season as a whole, Peters has amassed 628 yards on 28 carries, culminating to an average of over 22 yards per carry and nine total touchdowns — a team high.

HOWEVER, Peters was not Salamanca’s only source of offense against the winless SC/F. Isaac and Conner Seeley both posed threats in the run game, combining for 99 yards and scoring one touchdown apiece.

For as much offense as Salamanca posted in the first half, that is where the production stopped. The Warriors were unable to find the endzone in the second half while conceding 16 points to their opposition. However, the second half was mainly for the reserves to get some game time as Bartoszek pointed out.

“It's oftentimes guys who are stuck with being on the scout team all week, or some of those guys who play in the JV games that have to do double duty for us,” Bartoszek said. “It's a little bit of a reward for them to get to play. Now, we get to analyze and we get to assess how they're doing, and we definitely feel good about the group that's coming as well.”

Looking forward, Salamanca has two more big tests in front of it after two straight weeks of games where they have been more able to cruise across the finish line. This upcoming week, the Warriors will face the current third-place team in Section 6 Class C South, Falconer/Cassadaga Valley/Maple Grove. Then it will be a non-league challenge in the form of run-heavy Randolph from Class D. Both teams pose different challenges according to Bartoszek, who also noted that his players must remember to enjoy the wins when they come.

“On one hand, Falconer, they have the ability to slow the game down and grind it out, which you can't really replicate in practice. … And Randolph, for sure, we know what we're getting there. It’s crazy, on one hand, five weeks in and we are stressing that there's much more to play, but these guys got to enjoy it as well.”

SC/Forestville 0 0 8 8 — 16

Salamanca 22 22 0 0 — 44

First Quarter

Salamanca - Maddox Isaac 33 run; Bradley pass from Isaac, 8-0

Salamanca - Xavier Peters 21 pass from Isaac; pass failed, 14-0

Salamanca - Peters 2 run; Cory Holleran pass from Isaac, 22-0

Second Quarter

Salamanca - Peters 74 run; Isaac run, 30-0

Salamanca - Peters 16 pass from Isaac; Easton Chudy kick, 37-0

Salamanca - Conner Seeley 21 run; Chudy kick, 44-0

Third Quarter

SC/Forestville - No. 7 5 run; No. 7 run, 44-8