Ballston Spa sophomore Mike Degenhart runs for two touchdowns late in huge win

BALLSTON SPA - The game was over and handshakes had been exchanged. Ballston Spa two-way starting lineman Sean Paulsey glanced to his left to gaze at the scoreboard and smiled. Then, senior repeated the process to savor the vision another time.

"Getting a home playoff game is something we focused on all week," Paulsey said. "It is great they we are going to get it."

The Scotties put themselves in prime position to secure the Class A Grasso Division's No. 2 seed next week after securing their first win against Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake in six years Friday night by rallying past the Spartans 20-13.

Ballston Spa (4-3 overall, 2-1 Grasso Division) dominated statistically through three quarters, yet found itself trailing BH-BL (3-4, 1-2) 13-7 entering the fourth quarter. The Scotties tied the game when sophomore running back/linebacker Mike Degenhart powered up the middle for a 11-yard touchdown run. A chance to gain the lead on the extra point, however, was made more difficult because Degenhart was assessed a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for spiking the ball after his first touchdown of the season. The 35-yard PAT kick came up short, leaving things tied.

The Spartans were unable to get anything going offensively during the second half, and Ballston Spa got the ball back with 7:46 remaining. The Scotties proceeded to methodically march 89 yards over 10 plays. The culmination of the scoring drive came when Degenhart rumbled into the end zone from 8 yards out.

"It was great. I love everyone on that offensive line. We've grown so much from the first game," Paulsey said. 

"This is the closest we've gotten this season to playing four quarters. Defensively, we were outstanding," Ballston Spa coach Jason Ohnsman said after his Scotties limited BH-BL to 37 yards rushing. 

"We knew coming into the season, this would be our biggest game of the year," Ballston Spa senior quarterback Chris Duclos said. "We wanted to go out and get a win to get a home playoff game."

Key moment

The Scotties had the Spartans' reeling late try to slow down the bruising runs from Degenhart. The sophomore's 13th carry of the evening was the epitome of his sterling performance when he carried four defenders with him into the end zone on the game-winning 8-yard touchdown. 

"It was amazing what he did. He had eight dudes on him and they weren't stopping him," Duclos said.

"Oh my God, he is electric," Paulsey said. "Watching him is amazing."

Star of the game

Through six games, Degenhart registered 60 tackles, including 18 in a loss against Cornwall. On Friday, the sophomore produced on offense when his team needed it most in order to register its biggest win of the season.

"Our running backs earned every yard they got and offensive lineman worked their butts off," Duclos said. "(Degenhart) was impressive."

Numbers to know

170: Total yards produced by Duclos, finished the game with 112 yards passing while completing 7 of 18 attempts, plus 58 rushing yards on 14 carries.

113: Rushing yards produced on 13 attempts by Degenhart, who did much of his damage in the second half.

-4: Net rushing yards on just six attempts for Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake junior standout Peyton Marshall, who entered the game with 10 rushing touchdowns.

What's next

Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake: The perennial power now finds itself in an unfamiliar position, now facing a must-win scenario at home Oct. 24 vs. Mohonasen in order to lock up a playoff berth.

Ballston Spa: The Scotties conclude their Grasso Division slate Oct. 24 at South Glens Falls.

This article originally published at Ballston Spa sophomore Mike Degenhart runs for two touchdowns late in huge win.