Navigating coronavirus pandemic has not been easy for Section II teams - Times Union

Soccer practices conducted in gyms or on tennis courts. Home games played off campus. Games canceled because of coronavirus protocols.

Fall Season II is well under way, as Section II soccer, football and volleyball teams are currently competing during months normally considered the offseason. Football season is in the third week of five regular-season contests prior to a pair of playoff weeks. Six of the eight area soccer leagues that pushed play back from the fall are competing and volleyball is rolling along as well.

Talking with Shaker senior safety John Graney after his team's season-opening football victory over Shenendehowa, you could feel his sincerity when he stated he did not know if that contest would be his last as scholastic athletes around the state continue to navigate all of the complexities of competing during the coronavirus pandemic.

One aspect that struck me, no matter sport it is, regards the level of play being put forth despite limited practice time. All things considered, play has been top-notch.

“It has very difficult, especially without the spectators and having to wear the masks," Fort Ann soccer standout Justin Zeh said. "We've had to practice in the gym. That is a lot different than doing it on the turf (for games). We didn't think we were going to play at all, so every game we play now is special."

"Sometimes we don't give these kids enough credit," La Salle boys' soccer Matt Michaud said. "They have gone through a ton of adversity just to get to this point. I am not surprised by anything they do. ... They appreciate things and realize nothing is promised."

"Truth be told, I think the pandemic has matured a lot of our young people. They have all been through a lot of crap,"  Holy Names girls' soccer coach Chukwuma Asala said. "There are different parts of life, whether it is losing a family member, being at home, having to take virtual school or having chores to do. They have all had to grow up and appreciate so much of this year."

"If we had 10 feet of snow on the ground, these kids would want to play," Schalmont boys' soccer Vito Urbano said. "They have been waiting for this all year. They don't care what the rules are. They have been really good about it and are enjoying it."

Shaker football impressive

In the first two weeks of the Class AA football schedule, Shaker played the two teams that played in the 2019 Section II Class AA Super Bowl. The Blue Bison went to Steuerwald Stadium in Week 1 and posted a 20-0 victory over 2019 Class AA champion Shenendehowa. Friday, Shaker improved to 2-0 by holding off a late rally by Guilderland to post a 35-25 triumph. The Dutchmen upset Shaker in the 2019 sectional semifinals.

The Blue Bison look to move to 3-0 Saturday in a road game against Saratoga.
 
"We are going to keep getting better and treat each game like it is our toughest," Shaker senior defensive end Ghassan Chehade said.

Shaker managed to build a 28-10 cushion through three quarters against Guilderland, then watched Guilderland senior quarterback Logan Broomhall engineer a pair of scoring drives he capped with touchdown runs.

Facing a third-and-9 situation, the Blue Bison responded as senior running back Connor Strand busted off a 50-yard touchdown run.

"What we're going to take away is there is always something we can improve upon, and there were some little mistakes that could use some fixing," Strand said.

"It is a seven-game season. You know the end is Week 7," Shaker coach Greg Sheeler said. "There are no states. There is nothing after that. The goal is to be our best in Week 7."

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