In a thrilling high school football rivalry, Shenendehowa staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Saratoga Springs 35-21 on October 24, 2025, at Brent T. Steuerwald Stadium in Clifton Park, New York. The victory secured Shenendehowa’s position as the No. 2 seed heading into the postseason and provided them with a critical home-field advantage.
The game began with a strong performance from Saratoga Springs, who initially built a 14-point lead. Junior Tasiah La’Dore electrified the crowd by returning the opening kickoff for a 90-yard touchdown, giving the Blue Streaks an early 7-0 advantage just 17 seconds into the match. Moments later, Shenendehowa fumbled the ball, allowing Saratoga Springs to capitalize on the opportunity with another touchdown run from senior running back Benjamin Coryea, extending their lead to 14-0.
Despite the shaky start, Shenendehowa head coach Brian Clawson remained optimistic. “It was a shock early on,” he stated. “But the guys rallied together and fought for four full quarters.”
Shenendehowa began to find their footing late in the first quarter. Senior running back Joseph Cardinale scored a crucial 19-yard touchdown, and a two-point conversion brought the score to 14-8. The momentum shifted further in favor of Shenendehowa when quarterback Jack Clawson connected with senior tight end Ryan Heptig for another touchdown, narrowing the gap to 21-14 by halftime.
The second half was dominated by Shenendehowa, who outscored Saratoga Springs 27-0. Senior running back Carter Toth capped off a strong opening drive in the third quarter with a one-yard touchdown run, tying the game at 21-21. Toth, who rushed for 129 yards on the night, credited the offensive line for their performance: “They opened up the holes. It’s easier for the backs,” he remarked.
After a strong defensive performance, Shenendehowa took their first lead of the game early in the fourth quarter when Cardinale scored his second touchdown from nine yards out. With the game in the balance, the Shenendehowa defense continued to apply pressure, limiting Coryea to just 24 yards in the second half.
Clawson sealed the victory with another touchdown run, finishing with three touchdowns on the night. “Just following my big guys up front, at the end of the day, those guys are amazing,” Cardinale added.
The win not only highlighted Shenendehowa’s resilience but also their sense of brotherhood. “Everyone on this team is a brother, and we love each other like a brother,” Cardinale explained. “We’re family, and that’s how we’re so resilient.”
As they celebrate this significant victory, Shenendehowa is focused on their upcoming challenges. Clawson emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum as they prepare for their next game against Albany. “Locking up the two seed is big,” Clawson said. “We like playing at home, so we’re focused on Albany right now.”
Meanwhile, Saratoga Springs will regroup following the disappointing loss as they prepare for their next matchup against Schenectady. The team will look to return to form and build on their strong season thus far.
This exciting rivalry matchup showcased the spirit of high school football, with both teams demonstrating skill, determination, and the drive to succeed on the field.