Holley tops Pembroke in battle of 5-1 teams

Three early turnovers put Pembroke in a hole early against Holley in Saturday's match up of 5-1 teams, and a strong effort to recover still left the Dragons short, falling to the Hawks 41-25.

Pembroke struck first in the second quarter, taking a 7-0, but an interception returned for a touchdown and two fumbles -- one was converted into a TD on the Hawks' first play from scrimmage -- told the tale of the game.

By the half, the Hawks held a commanding 28-10 lead.

"We probably made more mistakes this game than any game during the year, but that’s a quality football team we played today," said Head Coach Chip Foster.

The Dragons opened the second half with two quick scores, cutting the Hawks' lead to 26-25, but Pembroke couldn't put the ball across the goal line again, while the Hawks would tack on two more scores.

“The kids kept their hearts in the game right until the end,” Foster said.

Pembroke travels to Wayland-Cohocton next week as the number five seed in the first-round of sectional playoffs. Holley secured the number two seed.

In other Genesee County football action:

• Notre Dame won the first round of its sectional playoff series, beating Geneseo, 21-20 in overtime. Mike Pratt rushed for 185 yards and scored the winning touchdown. On a muddy field, Geneseo was unable to convert a two-point attempt following a TD on its OT possession. QB Tom Whelehan tossed in two touchdowns and was 6-for-7 for 70 yards.
• The Batavia Blue Devils (3-4) secured the number eight seed in sectional playoffs with a 35-22 victory over Wellsville (0-7). Ryan Pyatt ran for 184 yards on 17 carries, putting the ball over the goal line once. Mitch Francis returned a kick-off 80 yards for a score and added a 24-yard TD reception. Ray Williams also ran it in once as part of his 80-yard rushing performance.
• Attica tied Holley for best Genesee Region record with a 14-2 victory over Elba/Byron-Bergen.
• Oakfield-Alabama (1-6) picked up its first victory of the season, beating Bolivar-Richburg (0-7), 32-14. Jeremy Crawford rushed for 114 yards on 18 carries. Kyle Metz tacked on 82 yards and scored a TD. Tommy Manzella had seven tackles.

More pictures from the Pembroke game after the jump: