Utica Proctor Powers Through to Section 3 Class AA Semis
Utica Proctor picked up the win at home in the Section 3 Class AA Quarterfinals this past Saturday. A back and forth battle ensued at Proctor High School as the Raiders led the Warriors of Liverpool at half 8-0 after…
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Continue ReadingUtica Proctor picked up the win at home in the Section 3 Class AA Quarterfinals this past Saturday. A back and forth battle ensued at Proctor High School as the Raiders led the Warriors of Liverpool at half 8-0 after a score in the 2nd Quarter. Liverpool battled back in the 2nd Half to take the lead 14-8. It took the 4th Quarter and Overtime for Proctor to tie it up and then ultimately squeeze out a victory by the final score of 20-14 advancing them onto the Semifinal round. A handful of Raiders stepped up to make it happen.
Todd Abraham came up huge all day long for Proctor as he threw eight completions for 106 yards and two touchdowns. The versatile Quarterback also carried the rock 15 times for 132 yards. While Abraham is a Division One Commit for baseball heading to Binghamton next year he showed why he could easily play at the next level on the football field. His ability to drive the ball downfield and hit his receivers with accuracy most likely comes from that baseball background but his physical, downhill running style was also quite impressive. Abraham also showed that he has the burst to hit the hole and finish runs, breaking away from defenders.
Jerquell Henderson was key all day long for the Raiders as well. He ran the ball seven times for 64 yards and contributed three catches for 33 yards. Henderson came up clutch as he caught the game winning touchdown pass in Overtime. Impressive on both sides of the ball, Henderson showed off his quickness, acceleration and explosiveness all day long which helps him find the crease in coverages to get open in his routes. He is a reliable receiver and could play at the next level on either side of the ball at the D2 level somewhere in the NE-10 Conference or at the D3 level competing in the Empire 8.
Domante Cook proved to be another important piece against the Warriors. On nine carries he rushed for 44 yards and he also hauled in two passes for 22 yards. Cook showed off his abilities all day long as a reliable and versatile threat for the Raiders getting around ten yards a pop every single time he touched the ball.
Joseph Depaul accounted for some big plays on Saturday as everything he touched turned to gold! The Tight End/Linebacker had one carry for 16 yards and a touchdown. He also snagged in one catch which led to a 46 yard scamper and score. Even with a smaller stature at 5’9, 180 pounds he proved himself to be a physical and aggressive player for the Raiders who showed up all day long when needed.
Kenijaymes Johnson was another member of the helpful handful that helped lead Proctor into the Semifinals. Mr. Dependable on the ground came up with eight carries for 33 yards on the day. With his size at 6’1, 190 pounds he is an impressive all around threat carrying the ball. Johnson uses his size to intimidate by getting downhill in a hurry but don’t be mistaken as he has the speed to make it happen in the openfield. He will also pave the way as a punishing lead blocker. Johnson could definitely help out a college program next year as I could see him landing at the FCS level in the NEC as a Walk On, in the NE-10 at the D2 level or helping out an Empire 8 program in D3. This is a player that can make an impact at the next level if he really puts the work in to do so.
The Raiders will have a big task ahead of them this week as they travel to undefeated and top ranked Christian Brothers Academy of Syracuse for their Semifinal Matchup. These five key players are going to need to have a similar impact to pull out the upset.