Friday Night Fever preview: Beekmantown and Springfield prepare for New York-Vermont showdown
BEEKMANTOWN, N.Y. —
NBC5’s Friday Night Fever game of the week will feature a cross-state matchup. A Southern Vermont squad will take on a Northern New York foe.
The game is a result of decreasing participation in football, leaving some schools unable to field teams and others with empty slots on their schedules.
“We’re, really excited to play somebody from Vermont,” Beekmantown head coach, Joe Fish, said. “We haven’t done that in quite a long time here at Beekmantown.”
“We’re very fortunate to be able to have this opportunity to face a different team, face a different color,” said Springfield head coach, Todd Aiken.
Two different teams from two different states. They will come together for a Friday night lights matchup of rare formula.
“It’s going to be different. Different refs, everything,” said Evan Farrar, Springfield senior center and defensive end. “So just going to be something to adjust to.”
The Beekmantown Eagles and Springfield Cosmos will get the pads cracking against one another.
It’s a game that is the result of AuSable Valley, Ticonderoga and Poultney not fielding teams in the 2026 Season.
“With Ausable and Ti not having teams this year, this gave us an opportunity to go out and find somebody else to play,” coach Fish said.
“They had a bye week, week two, and they reached out,” coach Aiken said. “It fit our schedule and it fits our talent pool, I think as far as school size.”
For both teams, going up against an unfamiliar rival can be tough to prepare for.
“They don’t know how we play. We don’t know how they play other than the film,” said Jonathan Lake, Springfield senior linebacker and offensive guard. “We just got to go over there for the long ride and play our game.”
“We have one game film of them. So, they could run something totally different than what they showed in the film,” said Carter Lapier, Beekmantown senior running back and cornerback. “It’s just hard to come out and prepare for a team that you really know nothing about.”
The goal is one that both teams know very well.
“They’re going to come in here wanting to beat us, and we’re looking to defend our home turf and come out with a win,” Lapier said.
“Just another game we got to win and we’re taking a long trip,” said Liam Rando, Springfield senior offensive tackle and defensive end. “We just got to be able to get off the bus and go execute.”
It also of course adds a little bit more on the line.
“Me personally and the team wants to take advantage of being game of the week, but I mean who doesn’t like a little Friday Night Lights,” said Garrett Pelkey, Beekmantown senior wide receiver and free safety.
The Eagles are set to take on the Cosmos on Friday, Sept. 11, at Beekmantown High School. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.