Winning the battles in the trenches has always been Shaker football’s identity.

“Effort, effort. We just hit hard, keep smashing, and that's really all it is,” Mack Mahoney, a senior offensive lineman.

What You Need To Know

  • Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Guilderland High School and on Spectrum News 1

  • Shaker is 2-0 on the season, while Guilderland is 1-1

  • The Blue Bison has ran for a combined 574 rushing yards in its first two games

That’s been evident once again for the Blue Bison through two games. Mahoney and fellow linemen have been clearing the way for the skill-position players to amass a combined 574 rushing yards in dominating wins over Shenendehowa and Niskayuna.

“As an offensive lineman, it feels really good watching [ball carriers] sprint all the way down, and seeing our blocks pay off,” Mahoney said.

“I think they've been a big part of what we've done, especially in the Shenendehowa game. We really had our backs against the wall in the fourth quarter, and they were able to really help us get a late score to put the game away,” said Greg Sheeler, head coach for Shaker. “And then last week at Niskayuna, they were really consistent for us throughout the game.”

Sheeler credits his linemen for answering the challenges so far this season. As the Blue Bison prepare for their Week 2 opponent in Guilderland, he’s expecting better practices with more confidence from the guys in the trenches.

“We really feel like our guys up front are really comfortable in what they're doing in our running game,” Sheeler said.

Sheeler is hoping to see that continue Friday night at Guilderland, who they’ve beaten in their last three meetings. The last time the Flying Dutchmen defeated the Blue Bison was spring 2021 for the Section 2 title.

“We've been working harder in practice and pushing ourselves more in individual drills,” said Dan Penna, head coach for Guilderland. “Trying to teach and recognize that it's not just the team and the schemes. It's about the little things – the drill work, the sprints, special teams, all that stuff counts.”

“We know we're playing a tough opponent and we know we have to come out 100% every single rep. So guys realize that, and we know if we want to win this game, we need to go 100% at practice every play,” said Travis Berschwinger, junior quarterback for the Flying Dutchmen.

The Blue Bison know it’ll take limiting their mistakes and winning those battles upfront to keep the win streak going.

“Hard hitting, and we don't stop. Keep going with what we got,” Mahoney said.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Guilderland High School and on Spectrum News 1.