ARDSLEY – Thaddeus Kromelis insisted in August that his team would be a title contender, reasoning that improved chemistry and greater familiarity with the new coaching staff would unlock some untapped potential for them.
He smiled proudly while walking off the field on Nov. 7, having just helped Sleepy Hollow prove his Section 1 media day comments prophetic.
Of course, most football players are optimistic and full of bravado during the offseason, but his near-guarantee also was backed by logic.
“I believe what I say,” the left guard said. “So, when I said this team can go far, I meant it. Seeing the work we’ve put in, being in the second year of a system our coaches installed, I knew it was possible. Plus, we have great athletes who can execute those game plans.”
Among them is Brayden Richardson, a game-breaking running back who, when given the proverbial inch, might literally go a mile.
The senior rushed for four touchdowns, leading Sleepy Hollow in a 42-26 win over No. 2 Ardsley in a Section 1 Class B semifinal, advancing this team to the section final for the first time since 2012.
The third-seeded Horsemen will face Westlake or Pearl River on Saturday, 3 p.m. at Mahopac High School.
“It was really important to us to make this happen,” said Richardson, whose team surpassed its win total from the previous three seasons combined. “We’ve come so far and I’m proud of what we’ve become, and what we can be.”
The Horsemen eked out a five-point win over Ardsley on Sept. 13, but in this rematch, the players said, they were determined to “take care of business” and avoid a nail-biter.
With a plethora of big plays on both sides of the ball, including three turnovers, Sleepy Hollow took a 30-point lead to the fourth quarter and, in doing so, made a loud announcement about its legitimacy.
Next up
This was the first season the Horsemen finished with a better than .500 record in a decade. But a nine-win season and a trip to the final, they said, this isn’t cause for celebration.
“It’s awesome, and it’s a testament to the work these guys have done,” coach Anthony Giuliano said of the turnaround. “They’ve bought into what we’re doing. But, ultimately, the job isn’t done yet. We bought ourselves another week of football.”
Assistant coach Steven Bencosme was on the Sleepy Hollow team that made the Class A final in 2012, but them being throttled by Somers in that game took a good deal of luster off an otherwise excellent season. He has regaled this group with stories of that run and stressed to them the significance of postseason success.
“We’ve got more work to do,” Kromelis said. “Just getting here isn’t enough. We don’t wanna be another team that did well and got far but didn’t accomplish their goal… It’ll be critical for us to have the best week of practice possible, then hopefully show out.”
Takeaways
Sleepy Hollow put on display the formula that’s gotten them to this point: speed and explosiveness coupled with technically-sound line play. Really, those are Michelin-star ingredients for any team.
Kromelis, Daniel Naughton, Abel Perez Rosario, Brandoll Almonte, Mikel Oquendo and super sub Egzon Dakaj form an excellent offensive line that has consistently opened holes and created creases for a cadre of playmakers. That group, Giuliano said, “has done a phenomenal job.”
Richardson set the tone immediately, breaking a 70-yard touchdown run on the opening drive. The senior also ended the half with another that proved to be the deciding score. He cut around Oquendo at right tackle and slipped the grasp of defenders before darting up the sideline for a 48-yard touchdown as time expired, sending the Horsemen to halftime with a 28-12 lead.
“All I saw was green (turf) in front of me,” Richardson said of those runs. “When you have a line as good as ours, all you have to do is read the blocks properly and cut at the right time, and the opportunity for a big play is there.”
Sleepy Hollow got a turnover to start the third quarter when Amare Estevez forced a fumble that Kromelis recovered. It set up a 41-yard drive that ended with Ben Meyer’s 1-yard plunge into the end zone.
Perez Rosario ended the Panthers’ ensuing drive with a fumble recovery at the 30 (then broke out Dexter Lawrence’s signature dance). That preceded Richardson’s 11-yard scamper that made it 42-12 with 22 seconds left in the third.
Player of the Game
Richardson’s production obviously was a factor, as was the timing of his scores, some of which were back-breakers for the opposition.
“All he needs is a little room,” Kromelis said. “When you see guys like him and Gilbert (Onwe) in the spring, they’re some of the better track and field athletes in the state. If we can make good blocks and give them a chance, they’re gonna do special things.”
By the numbers
Sleepy Hollow (9-1) — Onwe caught a 23-yard touchdown pass from Jeremiah Bowen and had a fourth-quarter interception… Kromelis had a tackle for loss and a pass deflection… Almonte recovered a teammate’s fumble.
Ardsley (6-3) — Ahmady Dolcine rushed for two touchdowns, including a 60-yard score with 5:04 remaining… Nate Caldara had a 22-yard touchdown… Lucas Kaplan threw a 30-yard touchdown to Peyton Francis.
They said it
“We have playmakers all over, on both sides, and these guys came up clutch,” Richardson said.
“Everyone is now comfortable in the system,” Giuliano said. “We’ve got everyone flying around, making plays, and that’s what it takes. We have 31 guys on the roster doing their job with relentless effort.”
Stephen Haynes covers sports for The Journal News/lohud.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Sleepy Hollow advances to B sectional final behind Richardson’s four touchdowns
Reporting by Stephen Haynes, Rockland/Westchester Journal News / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
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