By JOHN LIKANJE
BATAVIA, N.Y. – The New York State Far West Regional class B matchup featured two very similar squads in Batavia and Iroquois (VI). Both teams displayed explosive, run-heavy offenses and physical, stout defenses. When the sectional champions clashed on Monday night at VanDetta Stadium, they knew that one player had to step up to be a difference maker. That individual would be No. 24 for the Blue Devils, Carter McFollins-Cramer.
McFollins-Cramer fueled his jets for an 83-yard touchdown late in the contest and hauled in an interception to end the game as the Blue Devils grinded out a 20-8 victory. It’s the Blue Devils’ first regional title since 2018 when Ray Leach navigated the program all the way to the state title game.
Clinging to a 14-8 edge with 5:14 remaining, the Blue Devils executed their possession at their two-yard line with four consecutive run plays. Junior fullback Mekhi Fortes contributed in running the clock with a 10-yard burst for a first down plus a three-yard scamper. Aidan Anderson and Cameron McClinic both chipped in a one-yard run each. Then senior quarterback Ja’Vin McFollins received a snap, faked a handoff to lure the Chiefs’ defensive front and tossed the ball to a wide open McFollins-Cramer in the middle of the field. McFollins-Cramer burned the Chiefs’ cornerbacks en route to the splashdown zone for a crucial insurance score with 2:52 left.
With the Chiefs driving down the field in an attempted late rally, McFollins-Cramer anticipated a one-legged heave and jumped the passing lane for an interception to secure the victory. It was the Blue Devils’ third takeaway of the match, including their second pick.
Along with scoring the game-clinching touchdown, McFollins-Cramer conducted the defense with 12 tackles.
Anderson and McFollins provided the Blue Devils’ momentum in the first half with a touchdown apiece. Trailing 8-0 after the opening stanza, Anderson started the second period with his 10th rushing touchdown of the season. McFollins navigated a direct snap seven yards into the end zone to give the Blue Devils a 12-8 lead they wouldn’t relinquish. The junior wideout duo of Vincent Arroyo and Cole Grazioplene connected for a two-point conversion.
TD!
It’s McFollins on the keeper & the hop with 2:16 left in Q2. PAT pass for 2 is good & @bataviabhs has a 14-8 lead.
@jjDandC @MarquelSports pic.twitter.com/hFP5OiuXjf
— Bob Chavez (@MPN_bchavez) November 21, 2022
McFollins concluded the contest by completing 5-of-6 passes for 145 yards and two total tallies. Senior linebacker Garrett Schmidt recorded a team-high 13 tackles, including four for loss, and a fumble recovery. Arroyo and Aavion Bethel both followed up with eight tackles. Three of Arroyo’s takedowns resulted in lost yardage as he forced a fumble as well. Bethel picked off a pass.
Pick!!
Batavia comes up with the INT on 4th & 5 for Iroquois. Batavia ball at its own 36 midway through Q2. pic.twitter.com/rQrLbV1K5L
— Bob Chavez (@MPN_bchavez) November 21, 2022
For Iroquois, 2,000-yard rusher Trevor Barry accounted for the team’s lone score with a one-yard touchdown late in the first quarter.
Batavia advances to the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) semifinals to take on Section IV champion, Maine-Endwell (IV). The contest is scheduled for Saturday at 3 p.m. at Union-Endicott High School.
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