Shen beats Shaker 35-7

by Jacob Walker

The Shenedehowa Plainsmen defeated the Shaker Bison on neutral ground in Latham last Friday. Shaker’s loss sent them packing by eliminating them from the playoffs.

The game, with a final score of 35-7, was Shen’s second win over Shaker this season. Based on this season it could be argued that even Emeril Lagasse can’t cook bison like the plainsmen… BAM!

The Shen Plainsmen will advance in the playoffs and take on the number two seed, the Lasalle Institute Cadets, next week.

It should be an intriguing game as Lasalle is a team that can put points on the board in a real hurry. They have averaged a little over 45 points per game, even more than Shen’s high volume offense has. If the Plainsmen wish to keep their run of perfection going against the Cadets, it’s going to be a real test of their defense. That game will be played in Troy, on Friday, October 28^th.

Shen vs. Shaker pre-game analysis

by Jacob Walker

Last week the Plainsmen finished off their perfect regular season, beating Saratoga Springs 55-13, thus earning them the top seed in the playoffs. Their opponent will be bottom seed, Shaker. The last time these two teams clashed Shen defeated the Shaker Bison in a 34-0 shutout.

On paper, in pretty much every statistical category, this matchup clearly favors Shen over Shaker. For one, Shen’s defense has been absolutely smothering, accumulating 5 shutouts over the course of seven games, and allowing fewer points than any other team in their division.

Their offense has been prolific as well, leading the division in points scored and averaging just under 42 points per game.

For every field goal, or three points, given up by Shen, they themselves have scored about 27 points. This is why Shen ranks 16th in the state.

The Bison have had quite a different season. Far from perfect, they stumble into the playoffs with a 3-4 record and a 33% winning percentage…at home. On average they’ve scored a little over 25 points per game. They have also have averaged about 29 points allowed per contest. They’re ranked 218th in the state.

Shen is expected to win in this rather auspicious match-up. But games are not won on paper. They’ll still have to play four quarters of football and if Shen underestimates their adversaries, the outcome could be shocking.

National Honor Society inductions

by Sara Macaluso

Congratulations to the 140 seniors who were inducted into National Honor Society last night.

Speeches were made by High School East principal, Mr. Flynt; Shenendehowa Superintendent, Dr. Robinson; Board of Education President, Mary Blaauboer; Board of Education Vice-President, Mr. Mincher; and Board of Eduction member, Mrs. Wiggins.

The National Honor Society officers were inducted first by NHS advisor Mrs. Strait, who then lit the candle of knowledge from which all other candles were lit. President Phil Necaise, Vice-President Michelle McCarthy, Secretary Kirthana Bhat, and Treasurer Karl Anderson then lit the candles of scholarship, leadership, service, and character.

All inductees then walked across the stage, lit their candles and were given their NHS folder. The ceremony ended with all of the National Honor Society members reciting the pledge.

*Editor’s Note: Due to technical difficulties, we were not able to post pictures. We will try to get them up as soon as possible.

Green and White Awards

by Elizabeth Marra

Congratulations to all who received Green and White Awards on Thursday, October 13. Those who received the Green Awards were recognized for getting an average of 95% or above during the 2010 to 2011 school year.  The White Awards were given to people who demonstrated outstanding service throughout last year.  Students who were receiving the award for the first time were given a patch and students who had received the award in previous years were given a pin.  A certificate was given to students who scored a 100% on their Regents Exams.  Good job, award recipients, on your achievements.

The show must go on

by Devon Sosnowski

For the High School Drama Club this year is full of firsts which will bring new challenges to all the aspiring actors. For years, Mrs. Myers has been not only directing, but motivating young actors to grow and expand their horizon. She created an atmosphere so welcoming and productions so elaborate, that nobody could replace her.

After forty years, she has passed down her legacy to Mr. Kott. He is well aware of the high expectations but is ready to take on the challenge. “The Importance of Being Earnest,” this years drama, has everyone earnestly waiting to see what Mr. Kott will cook up.

“I was obviously so excited. I just love the theatre and this is something I’m so passionate about. Fear a lot came after, Mrs. Myers built this whole program, and stepping into her position is a humbling experience. It’s a task you look at and think, where do I even start?,” said Mr. Kott, in regards to his initial feelings about taking on this prestigious directing role. 

The main thing he is concerned about is living up to the expectations. He wants to be sure the kids make a production they are proud of. However he also explains how it’s an “emotional high” to be working with students who love to do what he loves – theatre.

Mr. Kott has also worked with Mrs. Myers on numerous productions and she taught him all the different aspects of putting on a great show. “She started out as my mentor and that grew into a really great friendship,” said Mr. Kott.

“The Importance of Being Ernest,” will be held at High School West auditorium on November Thursday, Novemebr 17; Friday, Novemebr 18; and Saturday, November 19.

Shen beats CBA

On Saturday October 8, the Shendehowa Plainsmen beat Christian Brothers Academy 42-0. Both Shen and C.B.A. were undefeated going into the game. This was Coach Steurwald last regular season home game.

A tribute to a legend

by Jacob Walker

Mike Bonesteel couldn’t believe it had been almost 40 years. When asked to sum up his former coach in one word he was baffled. After a few moments of reflection, he gave an answer: “Class.”

Mike Bonesteel, Shenendehowa alum and varsity football player on the 1972 undefeated team is one of many who have been coached by Brent Steuerwald over his 44 years.

“It’s hard to sum it all up in one word,” Bonesteel said, “but I would say class just because of the way he would carry himself both on and off the field. It didn’t matter if you were the star running back or the team manager; he treated everybody with the same level of respect. He has the same enthusiasm as when he first started,” Bonesteel said, “He makes us all feel young as long as he’s still on the sidelines.”

Norman Hayner, varsity football center in 1981, said, “He was a father figure to all of us. His charisma made you feel important.”