Watkins wins homecoming 34-6


WATKINS GLEN--The Watkins Glen varsity football team won their homecoming game Saturday, Oct. 11 with a score of 34-6 over Candor. The Senecas advance their record to 4-1 with the win. 


The Senecas received the opening kickoff, but punted after a quick three and out. Candor's offense also struggled to get moving their first drive, punting back to the Senecas. Keith Rekczis scored the first touchdown of the game on a six-yard rush. After a failed two-point conversion, the Senecas went up 6-0. 


The Watkins defense forced a Candor punt, but turned the ball over on downs on offense. In the second quarter, Candor turned the ball over on downs in Senecas territory. Watkins scored on an 11-yard Rekczis rush set up by a long run by Jon Brown. After Brown's conversion, Watkins went up 14-0. 


Candor pinned the Senecas on their own 10-yard line following a punt with 3:19 left in the half. The Senecas converted on fourth and short during the drive, which was followed by a Senecas passing attack resulting in a touchdown pass as time expired to take a 20-0 lead into halftime. 


At halftime, LynnAnn Caslin and Luke Flahive were named the homecoming king and queen. 
The other members of the court included Victoria Wixson and Jon Evanitsky, along with Mackenzie Swarthout and Dean Laughlin Jr. 


Candor's offense opened the second half, but punted after a three and out. The first Senecas play resulted in a fumble that was recovered by Candor. The Senecas defense held on fourth and one to get the ball back on downs.


Watkins Glen drove down the field on the strength of their running attack culminating in a touchdown to go up 28-0.


Candor ran back the following kickoff for their first score of the game, making it 28-6 Watkins. 


The Senecas recovered an onside kick attempt by Candor to start their drive at their own 45-yard line. After turning the ball over on downs, Candor turned the ball back over to Watkins on a fumble. After the Senecas punted on fourth down, Candor was stopped on a fake punt to give the ball to Watkins. 


Brown scored the next Watkins touchdown to take their lead to 34-6. That would prove to be the final score of the game. 


The Senecas play their next game away at Moravia Saturday, Oct. 18 at 1:30 p.m.