Story by Jon Dinan
LIVINGSTON MANOR — The Fallsburg Comets rushed their way to the first varsity football victory in school history on Saturday afternoon, a win they were seemingly in no rush to obtain.
Fallsburg had 20 consecutive losses and two winless seasons since starting the program in 2010. You can imagine the sense of relief and satisfaction after Saturday’s victory.
“Finally!” Fallsburg head coach Adam Ramirez said. I didn’t expect it to take this long, but it’s still a great feeling.
“The kids are totally excited. They feel good about themselves and are looking forward to building on it.”
Not only did the Comets win 52-6, they dominated an overmatched and rebuilding Livingston Manor team in the non-league game played at Manor.
Fallsburg (1-2) exploited Manor’s weak run defense rushing the ball 42 times for 389 yards. Junior Shakree Gibson led the ground attack with 152 yards on 12 carries and three touchdowns. Gibson also led the defense with 11 tackles. In all, five members of Fallsburg’s backfield had at least 40 yards rushing.
Another Fallsburg force on both sides of the ball was fullback Sebastian Sanchez who rushed seven times for 62 yards, recorded 10 tackles and had two sacks. Sanchez was also responsible for most of Fallsburg’s extra points, rushing for two two-point conversions and kicking two additional extra-points.
Fallsburg quarterback, Josh Carter was also impressive throwing for 100 yards and running for an additional 62. He accounted for three touchdowns, two passing and one running.
“We finally played a good complete game both offensively and defensively,” said Ramirez. “We had a few lapses on special teams allowing them a few big plays but I think our overall team effort was good.
“I’m just so happy for the boys. Nobody wanst to be part of a losing program. But these kids have stuck with it and worked hard.”
The home crowd had at least one thing to cheer about as Brian Eskridge scored Manor’s first touchdown of the season on a 5-yard run in the first quarter. Eskridge had 36 total yards rushing.
Manor’s Terrance Lockhart made 15 tackles and forced two fumbles.
Manor (0-3), still in search of their first win on the season, will travel to Delhi on Saturday for a 1:30 p.m. showdown.
Fallsburg will look to begin its first ever win streak when it hosts Sullivan West at 7 p.m. on Friday.
“We definitely have to keep everything in perspective and realize that we will be playing a very good, well-coached team in Sullivan West this week,” said Ramirez.