Throwback Feature: Salamanca finally slays Section V Goliath (1999)

Salamanca Warriors 22, LeRoy Oatkan Knights 13

ROCHESTER— The long wait is over. Salamanca is going to Syracuse.

With their 22-13 win over Section V champion LeRoy (9-2) Friday night at Rochester's Fauver Stadium, the Salamanca Warriors advanced to the New York State Final Four at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse. Salamanca (11-0) will face Delhi (7-4) at 7:30 p.m. Friday night for the opportunity to play in the following week's championship game.

After three attempts, and three losses in the Far West Regiona l (1993, 1996, 1998), Salamanca proved that they are among the state's elite in Class ' C this year with their come from behind win over heavily favored LeRoy.

"The kids are very excited about the upcoming trip to Syracuse," said Salamanca Head Coach Rich Morton. "These kids are ready to play football at this level. All we need to do is keep them focused throughout the week with everything that will be going on."

Kyle Miller broke free en route to a 60 yard TD run on the Knight's second play from scrimmage in the second half to give his team a 13-6 lead. Last season, Miller ran for a 80- yard touchdown on the Knight's opening play from scrimmage in the second half after Salamanca held a slim lead.

"We (the coaching staff) really laid into the kids at the half in the locker room," said Morton. "When Miller broke free at the start of the third quarter it looked very similar to last year's game when he did the same thing. But the kids never let up. They started to get very physical and they remained very poised."

"I think the game against Eden, in which we trailed at the half was a great confidence builder. Our backs were to the wall that game, just as they were on Friday night."

The turning point of the contest came late in the third quarter, as Salamanca punter Mike Potter boomed a kick 58- yards down to LeRoy's own goal line. LeRoy's offense could only muster a couple of yards on their ensuing possession as Salamanca's defense set up their own version of the 'Steel Curtain'. LeRoy was forced to punt as their kicker had a 21-yard shank which set up Salamanca's go ahead score.

The Warriors capped off their 4-play, 26-yard drive on a nice run off tackle hy bruising fullback Josh Hostuttler. Hostuttler went into the end zone unmolested from 6-yards out pulling the Warriors to within one point of a tie (13-12). On the two-point conversion, LeRoy's defense was keying on running back Chris Drugg, while quarterback Mike Potter went around the comer untouched for the go-ahead points (14-13).