Linsky Races For Five TDs In Potsdam Hall Game Victory

Flyer On The Move

By JOHN TURCOTTE

POTSDAM — A merger agreement with Norwood-Norfolk has proved to be a formula for backfield success for the Potsdam Central football team.

Norwood-Norfolk student Nick Howard set Sandstoner rushing marks in 2008 and now Zac Linsky, another N-N student, appears headed for the record books as well.

Linsky rushed for 276 yards on just 11 carries and scored five touchdowns on Saturday before being lifted just one minute into the third quarter, as Potsdam rolled to a 38-14 Northern Football Conference victory over Route 11 rival Canton.

“Having backs from Norwood-Norfolk seems to work pretty well for us. Whatever works, I’ll take it. He’s as fast as or maybe faster than Nick,” said Potsdam coach Jim Kirka.

The speedy senior scored on a run of 43 yards in the first quarter, on bursts of 4, 37 and 59 yards in the second quarter and on a rush of 64 yards on his first-and-only carry of the third quarter as the Sandstoners ran out to a 32-0 lead.

“I used to watch Nick and then I tried to get better and now I want to do some of the same things he did,” said Linsky who delighted the Potsdam Hall of Fame Weekend crowd on hand.

“I’m happy. I was hoping to gain over 250 yards today. The offensive line did just a good job of getting me into the open where I could break through.

“Our goal is to just try and get better each week and win our section.”

Also for Potsdam (2-0), which did not attempt a single pass on the day, Jesse Bradish rushed 15 times for 141 yards as the Sandstoners outgained the Bears 501-261 in total yardage.

Potsdam’s offensive line, led by AJ Rivers, Derick Smith and Josh Adams, opened massive holes.

“It all starts with the offensive line for us. We expect them to push people around. The offensive line allows our backs to get a good head of steam,” Kirka said.

In the fourth quarter, Potsdam tacked on another score as Dominic Centofanti rumbled 36 yards for a touchdown while Canton scored twice, on a two-yard sneak by quarterback Jay Proulx and on a 33-yard pass connection from Jake Pitcher to Pat McGaw on the final play of the game.

Canton (1-1) was led in rushing by Jesse Miller with 50 yards on 19 carries.

Pitcher completed 2 of 3 passes for 79 yards

Courtesy of the Daily Courier-Observer