Watkins retains bucket in 38-12 win

ODESSA--The Watkins Glen varsity football team came away victorious in the annual Bucket Game rivalry with Odessa-Montour Friday, Oct. 11 in Odessa with a score of 38-12. The Senecas jumped to a 13-0 lead in the first quarter, taking a 25-6 lead into halftime. The Senecas would go on to score another touchdown in each of the two remaining quarters to finish the game 38-12.
"Offensively, we continued with our traditional double-wing offense," Head Coach Lou Condon Jr. said. "We believe in the system and the kids buy into it and they did a really good job tonight."
Jon Brown led the team in rushing with 17 carries for 161 yards and two touchdowns. Tony Simiele followed with 14 carries for 101 yards and one touchdown and Keith Rekczis with five rushes for 72 yards and one touchdown. Brady Bond had five rushes for three yards and Adam Tuttle had one carry for two yards and one touchdown.
"It feels good," Simiele said. "I think we played really well offensively. We had a few slip-ups on defense but nothing we couldn't handle. We played all 40 minutes and it all came together."
Defensively, Cole Bliss led the team with three interceptions. He also had one touchdown reception in the game. Justin Kelly also contributed one interception.
"It was absolutely fantastic," Condon said. "Our defense really, really stepped up tonight. We switched our defensive coverage package a little bit this week and it really paid off. They did a good job."
Watkins Glen's record stands even at 3-3. They play Notre Dame at home Friday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. to end their regular season.
"So far we are still in the running for the playoffs," Condon said. "A lot will depend upon how Spencer-Van Etten and Moravia do tomorrow (Saturday, Oct. 12). If Spencer wins that, then we have a shot at the playoffs. If Moravia wins then I think we are eliminated mathematically."