Sherburne-Earlville entered uncharted territory last season when it qualified for the Section III playoffs for the first time. Perhaps the Marauders were just happy to be there a season ago, and were dismissed from postseason contention in their opening game. A year later, S-E is certainly pleased by the return to the playoffs, but nothing less than a victory will be acceptable.
“The team realizes what is out there, and we won’t face anything but good teams from here on out,” said Marauders head coach Mike Jasper.
Visiting S-E country tonight at 7 p.m. is the Thousand Islands Vikings, who reside near the northern tip of the section’s boundaries. The Vikings lost three of four to start the season including defeats to Section III Class C playoff teams Watertown IHC and General Brown. But, they have won three straight, and clinched a postseason berth last week defeating Lowville, 32-18. Tavis Anderson ran for 194 yards and two touchdowns in Thousand Islands’ victory. Vikings running back Collin Bourcy also eclipsed the 100-yard rushing mark and added a touchdown run.
“They are a decent team and they were put in a situation where they had to win against Lowville, who is also a quality team,” Jasper said. “They showed they can perform, and did what they needed to do to win that game pretty solidly.”