By: Lucas Vargas
HILTON, NY--- In some sectional playoff action, the Hilton Cadets faced off against the Fairport Red Raiders. In a matchup earlier this year that saw the Cadets edge out a victory against the Raiders in overtime the Cadets left no doubt.
The first quarter saw the most success for the Red Raiders as they punched it into the end zone on their first drive to make it 7-0 early. The Cadets lost star player on both sides of the ball Robert Lowery to an apparent shoulder injury allowing John DiBattisto to step up for the Cadets at back. After a shaky start for Hilton, the Cadets found their stride finding the end zone but after a blocked extra point the score was 7-6.
With the momentum starting to swing, the Cadets tightened up their defense. With the offense starting to get into a rhythm the Cadets got into the end zone for a second time tonight also converting on a two-point try and extending their lead to 14-7. The next drive saw a Cadet turnover by quarterback and safety Colton Thorpe with an interception. Hilton drives the ball downfield but settles for three to head into the half ahead 17-7.
The second half was all Hilton as the Cadets outscored the Red Raiders 14-3. The Cadet's defense suffocated the Red Raiders and on the offensive side, DiBattsto had the game of his life. The Red Raiders could not bring down the big DiBattsto as he broke off a big 63-yard run in the fourth to put the game away for the Cadets.
Hilton Cadets head coach Rich Lipani was impressed by DiBattisto's game tonight.
"He's a good ball player. He's been playing great force and fullback he runs the ball quite a bit also. So he had to step up and play tailback tonight and drew a buck."
The Cadets will continue their quest for back to back sectional titles as they face a familiar foe in U Prep next week.
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