ATTICA — The Hillsdale Falcons made two big plays in the first 10 seconds Friday night to spur a 28-7 Division VI, Region 22 playoff win at Seneca East.
The Falcons (8-3) recovered an onside kick to start the game. On the first play from scrimmage, quarterback Trey Williams connected with Trace Stiltner for a 50-yard touchdown pass to give Hillsdale a 6-0 lead it would never relinquish.
“It was very important for us to get an early lead, especially against a team that likes to run the football,” Hillsdale coach Tom Williams said. “It put them in a tough spot and that’s what we wanted to do.”
Quarterback Trey Williams, who threw three touchdown passes – all in the first half, said scoring early was crucial.
“It was huge to start off with a big play, which got the momentum going,” he said “We were able to build off that throughout the game.”
Speedy Trace Stiltner caught two TD passes, while 6-foot-3 Josh Vinsack snagged a lob pass in the endzone, and running back Garrett Smith ran for a 68-yard touchdown and kept the chains moving all night.
The Tigers (8-2) kept it close in the first half. Wide receiver Brock Martin threw a touchdown pass to sophomore quarterback Chase Foos on a trick play to cut the deficit to 12-7 to start the second quarter.
The Tigers were also able to force two turnovers in the first half, recovering a dropped punt and a fumble. At times, they moved the ball, but Hillsdale’s stingy defense stymied Seneca East, which averaged 37 points per game.
The sixth-seeded Falcons advance to Week 12 to meet 7th-seeded Carey (8-3), which edged Wynford 7-0.
