Overtime in a high school football game is rare, double overtime is even more seldom, but when a game reaches triple overtime, it’s a true testament to the wills of both teams to win. On Friday, October 23, the Alden Bulldogs faced off against the East Aurora/Holland Blue Devils for the second time this season. Last time these two met, the Bulldogs won 35-7 and dominated both sides of the ball.

“I felt confident but you can’t go into the game with over confidence because that’s when you get into trouble. You just have to treat it as a new opponent” said senior Jordan Stockweather going into the game.”

The game was a nail-biter but the Bulldogs were able to continue their season with a win by the score of 45-42. Alden experienced some trouble from the start with their first offensive drive ending in a  three and out. East Aurora was then able to find the end zone to put them up 6-0. Shortly after the score, Bulldog signal caller, Bryan Cybulski connected a 70 yard pass with Sophomore Christian Snell for a touchdown with Riley Pastuszynski kicking the PAT to put the Bulldogs up 7-6 in the 1st quarter.  After much back and forth between the two teams, Zach Loper was able to put up six more for the Bulldogs with a rushing TD with Pastuszynski kicking the PAT once again. The half ended shortly after that with the Bulldog defense preventing East Aurora from scoring any further.

“We were playing flat and lazy. We weren’t playing hard and it took the whole first half to realize that we needed to play harder to make sure we won the game.” -Bryan Cybulski

Alden came out of the half strong, kicking off to East Aurora/Holland and forcing a three-and-out drive. After a lackluster drive from the Bulldogs that ended with them punting the ball away, Lyle Grant picked off the ball at Alden’s 15 yard line and ran it to East Aurora’s 48 before being tackled. Grant capped off the ensuing offensive drive with a three yard touchdown run. East Aurora then had a surge of energy and was able to put up 15 points over two drives to tie the game 21-21. During the fourth quarter, East Aurora surpassed Alden with another touchdown putting them up by 7. With things starting to look bleak, Lyle Grant took matters into his own hands with a memorable 39 yard run.  Early in the run, Grant was corralled by four EA defenders but he kept his feet moving and was able to find the end zone.  Pastuszyinski’s fourth extra point tied the game at 28.

Alden won the toss and elected to defend first in overtime.  The Blue Devils took the ball from the 20 yard line and began the first of three intense periods of bonus football.  EA scored first.  With everyone’s heart racing, Grant found the end zone for the third time of the game to give the Bulldogs another chance to come off with the win. Cybulski was next to run into the end zone to take the lead in the second overtime but East Aurora was able to answer back with seven points of their own.  After two overtimes, the score was tied at 42. The third overtime started with East Aurora possessing the ball but having their drive shut down at the goal line. With the pressure on, the Bulldogs got to the 2 yard line and decided to have Pastuszynski go for the kick and the win. As the sidelines and stands were silent, the ball was snapped into the holder’s hands and Pastuszynski kicked. The ball sailed straight in and a roar of cheers erupted from the sidelines, with everyone charging the sophomore sensation.

“It was a amazing feeling knowing that wasn’t going to be my last football game with the kids I’ve been playing with for 10 years” said Stockweather after the game.

The Bulldogs performed Friday night, with Stockweather making three crucial catches for 35 yards. He also helped out on defense with five tackles. The defensive leader on the team was once again A.J Patterson with an astounding 14 tackles, one of which was for a loss. Zach Loper wasn’t far behind Patterson, with 13 tackles of his own, with two of those being for a loss. The game was a true showing of how the Bulldogs perform when put to the test. They continue their road to a sectional championship Friday, October 30 versus Burgard. Be sure to come out and cheer on your Alden Bulldogs!