ADAMS, Mass, - - It was a big day for the Hoosac Valley Hurricanes (1-1) on the ground as they took down Amherst, 36-16, at Renfrew Field Friday night.
The Hurricanes benefited from the two-headed monster of Steve Stojda and Matt Hall, who carried the ball for more than 80 yards apiece, including a 73-yard touchdown run by Hall late in the game. Vance Eugene chipped in with two touchdowns to help keep Hoosac rolling.
Hoosac started off strong, scoring only two minutes into the game on a QB keeper by Hall, but Amherst didn’t back down. Quarterback Miles Foerster connected with Tajahn Joyner for a 25-yard touchdown on fourth down, allowing the visiting Hurricanes to take an 8-6 lead.
Amherst did a good job of eating up clock as it took its time on offense. It wasn't until late in the second quarter when Hoosac started to pull away scoring two rushing touchdowns in the final three minutes of the half giving them a 20-8 lead.
“We had different guys to see what they could do, and different guys stepped up and made plays,” Hoosac coach Dayne Poirot said.
The second half started off on a good note for Amherst as Tajahn Joyner had an interception deep in its territory to try and give them a boost. Foerster later made a big offensive play on a fourth down, breaking a few tackles and converting a 25-yard gain, but Hoosac's defense proved to be too hard to break down as they forced a turnover on downs.
The fourth quarter was all Hoosac Valley as it controlled the tempo of the game and tacked on two more touchdowns securing the victory. Amherst got some consolation as Foerster added a 44-yard throw to bring his total to 142 yards and two touchdowns.
Hoosac Valley gets a very important win after a disappointing loss in the previous week.
“We really needed to win and set the tone. We need to improve in which I think we did and we have more to make.” Poirot said. "Our team grew up a little bit from last week to this week.”
Hoosac will now enjoy a bye week and will kick back off on Sept. 30 against South Hadley. As for Amherst, will pick right back up next next Friday against Turners Falls.
