Queensbury football ends regular season with loss to Ballston Spa

QUEENSBURY — The Queensbury varsity football team rallied in the second half on Saturday, but couldn’t come all the way back in a 31-21 loss to Ballston Spa at home.

Both defenses held strong early, and neither team was able to score in the opening quarter of play. The Scotties were able to jump out to the lead in the second, with Darrien Insogna breaking free for an 18-yard touchdown run with 5:39 until halftime. 

The score gave Ballston Spa a 6-0 lead, but the Spartans responded quickly, with Zavry Ward finding Trevon Bailey for a 16-yard touchdown just two minutes later.

The extra point gave Queensbury an 8-7 lead, but the Scotties had a response of their own, as Blaine Zoller returned the ensuing kickoff 81 yards for a touchdown, giving Ballston Spa a 14-7 lead after a two-point conversion. 

The Scotties tacked on as time expired in the half, with Nico Savini connecting with Zoller for a 29-yard touchdown pass. Another two-point conversion sent Ballston Spa to halftime with a 22-7 lead.

The visitors continued to add on in the second half, with Savini breaking free for a 38-yard touchdown run on the first play from scrimmage in the third quarter. The score gave the Scotties a 29-7 lead, but Queensbury wouldn’t go away just yet.

With five minutes left in the third, Ryan Blanchard found the end zone from five yards out, cutting the deficit to 29-14. The Spartans quickly regained possession, and Ward found Blanchard for a 46-yard touchdown to make it 29-21 with 1:13 left in the third.

The Scotties’ defense buckled down, however, and did not allow any points in the fourth quarter. Ballston Spa added to their lead when Isaac Turenne blocked a Spartans’ punt out of the end zone for a safety, bringing the game to its 31-21 final score.

For Queensbury, Blanchard had 28 yards and a touchdown on four carries, and five catches for 98 yards and another score. Bailey had five carries for 31 yards, and a 16-yard touchdown catch, while Isaiah Engel added 21 yards rushing on seven carries.

Ward was 8 of 16 passing for 117 yards and two touchdowns, running for 21 yards on 11 carries. 

With the loss, Queensbury finishes the regular season with a 2-6 record (1-4 in the Grasso Division). The Spartans will play at Columbia (2-6) in a crossover game at 6 p.m. on Thursday. Ballston Spa finishes the regular season 7-2 (3-2 Grasso).