Kayla Greco | Democrat Roscoe’s Brad Dreher stiff arms Eldred Nik Dilles as he turns the corner during Friday night’s key  league game.  Dreher scored four touchdowns to lead the Blue Devils to the 39-13 victory and a berth in the Section IX Class D title game.

Roscoe advances with spirited win

Story by Kayla Greco
ELDRED — October 29, 2013 — The Roscoe/Downsville/Livingston Manor football ruined another team’s senior night. More importantly, it advanced to the Section IX Class D championship game after pummeling host Eldred 39-13 in what amounted to an elimination contest. 
On two previous senior nights this year, Roscoe crushed the spirits of their opponents, posting easy road wins over Pine Plains and Onteora. They did it again Friday against Eldred, easily defeating the Yellowjackets for the second time this season.  
This was the one that counted though – the first matchup was a non-league affair at Roscoe back in early September. And the Blue Devils played like they knew what was on the line – a chance to play highly-touted Chester in the Class D title game on Friday, November 8.
Roscoe (4-3, 2-1) capitalized on numerous Eldred mistakes including seven fumbles, botched snaps and penalties to break open a slim 20-13 halftime lead and pull away from the Yellowjackets in the final two quarters. The Blue Devils held Eldred scoreless in the second half.
Brad Dreher rushed 12 times for 134 yards and scored four -touchdowns on runs of 5, 1, 45 and 6 yards. Colin Tallman threw a five-yard touchdown pass to Rob Taurino and ran in from one-yard out to account for the Roscoe scoring.
While proud of his team’s efforts, Roscoe coach Fred Ahart was quick to acknowledge Eldred.
“They played tough,” said Ahart. “They were short on numbers but big on heart.”
Not losing focus at the task at hand, Ahart and the rest of the Roscoe team are amped and excited to face off against  powerhouse Chester.
Like Ahart, Eldred head coach Mike Hoover was equally complimentary of his team. 
“They played hard and did their best and that’s all I could ask for,” said Hoover.
Nik Dilles rushed for 151 yards and two touchdowns for Eldred (2-6, 1-2).