Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

MASSENA -- The Seaway Valley Venom’s inaugural match of the season was cut short by weather and called in favor of the competition, and their coach says he thinks they are already improving over their last season.

“The atmosphere … was fantastic. Even though we lost, it is very evident to us that we have improved in all phases since last season,” Coach Elijah Winfrey said. “I’m very proud of my guys and I look forward to growing as a coach with them.”

The Venom lost 27-0 on July 9 at the Massena High School turf field. Two hundred and eighty-seven people attended the game that was cut short and considered a victory for their rivals, the Plattsburgh North Stars. The game was ended due to the thunder-and-lightning storm that blew through the area.

Early on in the game, the team showed promise by cutting Plattsburgh’s first drive short. Cornerback Devon Delaney picked off quarterback Tre Bucci’s pass and ran it back 15 yards. In the third quarter, quarterback Corey Campeau ran the ball 21 yards, setting a team high for longest rush. Abe Gravell and Evan Mannix recovered fumbles for the Venom, with squadmates Dakota Vallance and Jeremey Bailey forcing two other fumbles. Kicker Mike Horth booted a punt 56 yards, breaking the team’s prior record long of 28, Coach Winfrey said. He noted that Massena fielded 22 players compared to Plattsburgh’s 40.

“Our team played very well,” he said.

Randy Peters of Akwesasne played offensive and defensive line and was on the field for most of the game, the coach said.

Other stats include quarterback Abe Gravell completing two of seven passing attempts for 9 yards with two interceptions. Campeau went zero for one in passing tries.

Matt Shatraw caught one pass for six yards, while Vallance had one three-yard reception.

Gravell made six rushing attempts for 19 yards. Campeau ran twice for 21 yards. Cody Locey gained five yards on seven attempts. Joel Castro made it three yards in one rushing play. Shatraw gained six yards on one rushing attempt.

On defense, Nick Steenkamer made four solo tackles and assisted four others. Delaney tackled seven players and intercepted the ball once. Bailey logged three solo tackles, three assisted and a forced fumble. Cody Hartle had three solo tackles and two assisted. Vallance had five tackles solo, four assisted and forced a fumble. Gravell had three solo tackles and a fumble recovery. Mannix tackled one solo and recovered a fumble. Shatraw, Chris Fayer, Campeau, Locey and James Snyder each had single solo tackles.

On the kick return side, Vallance (20 yards), Steemkamer (12 yards) and Randall Ball (12 yards) each ran back the ball once.

Horth missed his lone field goal attempt.

The Venom are owned by Joe McDonald of Akwesasne.