Spencerports' running game fails to overcome in blowout loss

By: Elias Vega-Diaz / Sports Writer SPENCERPORT, N.Y. - The (2-3) Spencerport Rangers entered Ranger Field Friday night for their final home game of the regular season with an intention to position themselves strongly for the upcoming Section V playoffs against the (2-3) Webster-Schroeder Warriors. After initially starting the game in promising fashion, mistakes by special teams and costly turnovers offensively led way to a 37-20 defeat at home.

The Spencerport Rangers walking out on "Ranger Hill" on Oct. 10, 2025. (Mateo Ortiz/89.1 The Point)

“The kids, they keep battling. They’ve done it their whole career,” Spencerport Head Coach Brian Hugelmaier answered when asked about the fight Spencerport brought despite the loss.

Before kickoff, the Rangers made a striking entrance, descending “Ranger Hill” while waving American flags, a Clemson-style gesture that fired up the home crowd. That energy carried into the first quarter, where quarterback Cole Ciao and running back Amari Marianetti-Smith led a balanced opening drive highlighted by a play-action pass to wideout Andre Martinez and a jet sweep to senior wide receiver Kendall Brinson. Ciao capped the possession with a touchdown toss to Brinson, and wide receiver/kicker Richie Santos’s PAT gave Spencerport a 7–0 lead.

Webster-Schroeder responded right away, however. On the ensuing kickoff, Webster-Schroeder’s Jeremiah Dire ripped off a 40-yard return, setting up quarterback Kalin Watkins to orchestrate a bubble screen to AJ Amico, who turned upfield and sprinted untouched to the end zone for a one-play touchdown drive to respond.

From there, Spencerport struggled to recover. A promising second drive was derailed by penalties, leading to a costly fumble by Ciao early in the second quarter, setting up Webster’s offense at midfield. One play later, Watkins found Zachary Kaldas down the right sideline for an 80-yard touchdown, taking the lead 14-7. Webster immediately followed with an onside kick recovery. Despite a strong showing defensively in the red zone to turn the ball over on downs, Spencerport’s next possession proved disastrous. Pinned deep near their own goal line, Ciao was flagged for intentional grounding in the end zone, giving the Warriors a safety and an extended 16–7 lead as the second quarter dwindled.

Ciao and the Rangers tried to regroup on defense, but Webster’s offense continued to capitalize. Watkins connected with Amico for a 90-yard strike just before halftime, pushing the Warriors ahead 23–7.

Amari Marianetti-Smith grinds out yardage at the top of the third quarter. Oct. 10, 2025. (Dahani Woodward/89.1 The Point)

Coming out of halftime, Spencerport’s offense showed flashes after the break, with Marianetti-Smith grinding out tough yardage and Brinson adding bursts of speed on the edges. However, Webster’s relentless pass rush and explosive downfield plays routinely kept Cole Ciao uncomfortable, leading to a game-changing turnover on a surprise blitz that saw Ciao get flagged for intentional grounding in the face of pressure. Spencerport's defense was exposed again after Watkins found Kaldas once more on a deep post for a 46-yard touchdown early in the third quarter, stretching the lead to 30–7.

The Rangers finally broke through late in the third, as another Marianetti-Smith masterclass carried Spencerport to the four-yard line. Taking a pitch toss, Marianetti-Smith powered in a short touchdown to cut the deficit to 30–14. But another long drive by Watkins ended with a screen pass to Kaldas for his third score of the night, reestablishing control at 37–14.

Quarterback Cole Ciao steps back before connecting with Chris Harris for a late touchdown. October 10th, 2025. Photo Credits (Dahani Woodward/89.1 The Point)

Spencerport added a late touchdown when Ciao connected with Chris Harris in the corner of the endzone for 22 yards, but the failed two-point attempt sealed the final score at 37–20.

“I just told them that I’m proud of them, proud of their effort, proud of their work ethic, and I know that they’ll show up Monday and the sun will come up tomorrow, and we’ll go back to work and get ready for (Webster) Thomas,” Hugelmaier continued, commenting on the resilience of his team.

For Webster-Schroeder, the team will improve to 3-3 and will face the Brighton Bruins for their final home game of the regular season on Friday at 7:00 p.m. As for Spencerport, they will conclude their regular season on the road against the Webster Thomas Titans at 7 p.m. on Friday.