The Friday Night Matchup featured a pair of old rivals squaring off on a brand new turf.

The V-V-S football team was looking to open up the new Sheveron Stadium with a win on homecoming night over 30^th ranked Oneida. With a victory, the Red Devils would clinch a playoff spot. On the other side, the Indians needed a win to earn at least a share of the Class B East Division title.  

It was a packed house for the grand opening of the new field, which had a new video board, turf and lights. The Indians were looking to spoil homecoming, so they didn’t take long to strike first. The crowd wasn’t fazed, and they loved watching their team answer early and often. V-V-S outscored the Indians 28-6 after that first score and went into the half up 28-12.

At halftime, the dance team performed and the V-V-S Hall of Fame class was inducted. When he came back out from the locker room, Oneida coach Jason Fuller said his team needed to make less mistakes and hold onto the football. The Indians came back out with some momentum and scored quickly to cut into the V-V-S lead, but once again, the Red Devils answered. When the final horn sounded, V-V-S had turned five Oneida turnovers into 34 points and the scoreboard would read 41-18.

The Player of the Game was Alex Oliver, who had four touchdowns and an interception in the victory. “It’s unexplainable. There’s people everywhere. It’s a beautiful night and coming out with a “W” is always amazing.”

Both Oneida (5-2) and V-V-S (5-2) will be in the playoffs after the Friday Night Matchup and will find out their sectional fate on Sunday.