The Niskayuna Silver Warriors will face off against the Troy Flying Horses at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Niskayuna knows how to get points on the board -- the squad has finished with 31 points or more in their past eight matchups -- so hopefully Troy likes a good challenge.
Niskayuna is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Friday. They breezed past Ballston Spa to the tune of 35-0. The win continues a trend for the Silver Warriors in their matchups with the Scotties: they've now won four in a row.
Cameron Grasso and Chase Meisner were among the main playmakers for Niskayuna as the former gained 128 total yards and two touchdowns and the latter rushed for 77 yards and two scores. Grasso was no stranger to the big play, turning on the jets for a run that went for 50 yards.
They were just one part of a punishing run game: Niskayuna was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 245 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 226 rushing yards in three consecutive contests.
Niskayuna didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off three passes before the game was over. It was truly a group effort as Brandon Merrill, David Sullivan, and Grasso picked up one apiece. Grasso got in on the action too, converting a pick into a touchdown.
Meanwhile, Troy made easy work of Queensbury on Friday and carried off a 39-16 victory. Considering the Flying Horses have won five games by more than 22 points this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.
On the defensive side of the ball, a lot of the credit has to go to Troy's defense and their five sacks. That dominant display was truly a team effort as five different players picked up one apiece.
Niskayuna's record now sits at 9-1. As for Troy, their record is now 8-2.
Friday's matchup might be decided on the ground. Niskayuna has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 198.8 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Troy struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 261.6 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's contest turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Everything came up roses for Niskayuna against Troy in their previous matchup back in October, as the team secured a 51-12 win. In that game, the Silver Warriors amassed a halftime lead of 31-0, an impressive feat they'll look to repeat on Friday.
