By james art SYRACUSE NY – Syracuse Institute of Technology was completely beaten in Class B last year and suffered a remarkable 42-28 loss to Westhill. Flip the script this year and this team has turned things around – they just won against Westhill and remain undefeated in their division.
This team is a well-oiled machine. Coach Cedric Stevens said it starts with their offensive line holding passes so the quarterback has time to make the throw. This in turn allows the receivers to run their routes and get open. Last Friday night there was one player who really stood out with his attacking performance.
You’ll want to remember the name: Nyquan Gilbert. He is this week’s Toyota High School Athlete of the Week.
Last Friday, ITC took on Westhill in week six of high school football. When asked what this game meant to Gilbert, he said: “Last year we lost badly to Westhill like badly…so I knew I had to play with a chip on my shoulder today.”
The whole team seemed to remember the sting. They managed to pull out a 32-12 win.
Last year, ITC went 4-5 on the year, losing five of their last six games.
They are 6-1 this year, with their one loss coming to New Hartford in week two.
After a very hot summer of training, Gilbert is seeing his hard work pay off. Not only did he contribute to this week’s victory with his three touchdowns scored, but his final score of the night was an 82-yard touchdown run, the longest of his career. He shed defenders, stayed on his feet, and with a Westhill defender wrapped around his leg at the five-yard line, Gilbert marched into the endzone.
“I wasn’t going down, I wanted it so bad.”
ITC looks ahead to next week’s game against a tough Indian River team (6-1).
“It all starts tomorrow, in the weight room and watching film,” Gilbert said. “We need everyone here in time so we can be ready for Indian River.”
This will be ITC’s final regular season game before the sectional playoffs begin.