LIVINGSTON MANOR –– The Ellenville Blue Devils travelled to Wildcat country Saturday afternoon for a battle of the Blue Devils. The combination of Roscoe, Livingston Manor and Downsville handily defeated the Blue Devils of Ellenville 20-0 behind great defense and timely scoring.

Defense was the key factor in the first half, both teams would bend for a few first downs, but neither team gave up any points. That is, until just over a minute left in the half, for a TD rush by Anthony Teipelke. Alaniz Ruiz punched in the 2-point conversion, and the Blue Devils led 8-0.

Things got a bit hectic in the final minute, with Ellenville punting back the ball and Roscoe fumbling it back to them with 11 seconds remaining, but Ellenville ran out of time at the Roscoe 5-yard line.

The third quarter was much like the first, with neither team finding the endzone. At the start of the fourth quarter, Ellenville fumbled and Roscoe recovered deep in Ellenville territory. Ruiz broke tackles and bullied his way into the endzone with 10:36 left in the game. The 2-point conversion attempt would be denied, so the score stood at 14-0 in favor of the R/LM/D Blue Devils.

On the ensuing drive, Ellenville dropped back for a pass, and scanning, found what appeared to be an open receiver deep down the field. Ruiz seemed to materialize out of nowhere, getting up in front of the receiver and bringing the ball down for the interception.

Following the turnover, Roscoe marched down the field, taking time off the clock before Ruiz found the endzone again, finding room to run and outpacing the defenders. Another failed 2-point conversion kept the score at 20-0 for the Roscoe Blue Devils, which is where the score would stay when the game ended. The Roscoe Blue Devils are now 1-2 (1-0) for the season.

“It felt good to get into the win column,” Coach Mike Hill said after the victory. “We worked on the basics in practice this week and it worked out for us. We’re going to need the momentum for Friday’s game in Fallsburg since we’re both coming off league wins.”