You always wonder before a big game. Sure, you're confident, but you still wonder. You wonder if you're as good as last year and you wonder if the opponent is better than they were last year. The Ellenville Blue Devils football had to wonder before their rematch with Sullivan West in last Friday night's game on their home field. Ellenville defeated Sullivan West in last year's Section 9 championship game, avenging an opening day loss. Heavy graduation losses would affect the Blue Devils who had to replace two running backs who rushed for well over 1,000 yards and who found the end zone with regularity. Also graduating was an all-everything defensive player who was the heart and soul of the Blue Devils. Ellenville also lost most of their linemen, a group small in size but large in heart. The starting quarterback also graduated. With few exceptions, the 2009 version of Blue Devils football was largely inexperienced. And there was no doubt that Sullivan West would be looking for some measure of revenge to extract their pound of flesh — because, after all, Sullivan West had been the best Class C team in Section 9 over the last several years.

Both teams entered the game state ranked and undefeated with 3-0 records. But despite the fact that Ellenville had defeated Sullivan West in the title game last year, the Bulldogs were ranked ahead of the Blue Devils. No need to worry though. Because at the end of the game last Friday, all that wondering turned out to be nothing short of wonderful for the Blue Devils, who downed the Bulldogs 22-12 and assumed the lead in the Class C division. No doubt the Blue Devils will move up in the state rankings and it appears as though only Millbrook will stand in the way of Ellenville going undefeated in class play.

Here are some game observations from my spot on the sidelines:

Success often breeds popularity and the Ellenville football team is no exception. Often, former Blue Devils players can be seen on the sidelines, rooting the current team on. Friday night was no exception as former lineman Andrew Rogers (Class of 2006) and the popular "300-pound quarterback," Anthony Casamento (Class of 2008) were present. Rogers remained stoic but Casamento was vocal, encouraging players and offering suggestions, perhaps providing evidence of Coach Borriello's assertion that Casamento would one day make a great coach……….Ellenville senior Amiel Maerling is developing a reputation as a hard hitter. On one kickoff, Maerling drove a Sullivan West blocker backwards and fought him off with one hand while grabbing the kick- returner by the jersey with the other before wrestling both to the ground. Maerling was also involved in several other hits, including one that left a Bulldog runner dazed and slow to get up……….Sophomore quarterback Robert Borriello is developing nicely. More sure of himself, Borriello does not hesitate to take the lead and can often be observed exhorting his teammates. Borriello was exceptional on his touch passes, often leading the receiver to the outside so as to avoid any potential interceptions by the linebackers………..The Blue Devils remain a running team and the offensive line once again was outstanding………..The Blue Devils defense has only given up 25 points in their four wins, an average of just over 6 points per game………..Watching the defense play against Sullivan West it is obvious that these Blue Devils swarm to the ball, maybe even more so than last year's squad……….Ellenville Head Coach Tony Borriello is a large man. For my own personal safety I will not divulge his exact height and weight but suffice to say that if I were a player on his team I would not want him directing his displeasure at me because of a missed assignment or lack of effort. Borriello is normally a gentle giant but he does get fired up for four to five seconds in between plays when he thinks one of his players is not doing their job. Borriello gets more animated in big games like this but the players probably take some solace in the fact that Borriello remains on the sidelines, 20 or 30 yards away from them. Still, you rarely see a player make the same mistake after being "encouraged" by his coach……….The crowds are starting to get bigger for Blue Devils games but it sure would be nice to see the stands completely full, especially as the Blue Devils are in the midst of another title run……….It is great to see Ellenville running back Doug Lewis get his time in the spotlight. Lewis has usually served as a backup running back since junior high school football but the senior running back is showing he can hold his own. Lewis has over 500 yards rushing and seven touchdowns in just four games so far. Lewis is also adept at turning the corner and just as the defender appears to have an angle of pursuit to make the tackle, Lewis shifts to a higher gear and gains additional yardage……….Ellenville takes on Liberty this week and the Blue Devils must resist taking Liberty too lightly. Several years ago Ellenville was on their way to a great season but played badly in a loss at Liberty. Let's hope the Blue Devils do not repeat that mistake……….In other Blue Devils news……….I have written ad infinitum that Ellenville track coach Phil Althouse is a good one. Need proof? Witness Althouse running several heats of 400-meter dashes with younger kids at halftime of the Sullivan West game. There were heats for both boys and girls and not only did the young kids get to run in front of a big crowd, everyone who finished was awarded a medal. A good percentage of those kids will remember this when they enter high school and are considering which sport to join……….Coach Maxwell Mead has his varsity boys' soccer team performing well also. The Blue Devils recently finished second in the Margaretville Tournament, losing to the host team on penalty kicks. The Blue Devils won the tournament the last two years, and even though Mead hails from Margaretville one has to believe that the hometown fans were getting a little tired of Mead and his Ellenville team claiming the trophy. You can bet that Mead wants to return home next year and reclaim the championship for the Blue Devils………. The Yankees open their playoff run this week. GO Bronx Bombers! Until next time!