Late INT by Thomas Georgeadis preserves Class AA semifinal win for Saratoga Springs football

SARATOGA SPRINGS – During an evening that featured 871 yards of offense and 77 points, defense ultimately won out for the Saratoga Springs football team.

Shaker found itself deep in Blue Streaks’ territory during the final minute of Friday’s thrilling Section 2 Class AA semifinal showdown ,trailing by seven points. But, Saratoga junior linebacker Thomas Georgeadis  put an end to Shaker’s comeback aspirations when he intercepted a pass to help preserve a wild 42-35 victory over the Blue Bison.

These two teams met in Week 5 at Saratoga Springs and the Blue Streaks easily prevailed 42-20 in a game that was not remotely as close as the final score would indicate. Friday night, Shaker fell behind twice by 21 points and refused to go away in a game where the Blue Bison outgained Saratoga Springs by 145 yards.

“That was a great game by Shaker. They definitely did a good job. The came with a good game plan and their kids were very physical,” Saratoga Springs coach Eric Hayden said. “Hats off to them. We found a way to win and that is all that matters.”

“I am so happy for the team,” Saratoga Springs senior quarterback Bobby Morris said. “We graduated a lot of guys from last year’s team (that beat CBA 14-13 for the title), but the new guys we have stepped up into new roles and done a hell of a job. I am really proud of them for that. We’ve got a big opponent next week coming off a big win. This wasn’t the Super Bowl. We are happy, but we’re not satisfied.” 

The victory by Saratoga Springs (9-1 overall), winners of the 2025 sectional title, sends them back to the Super Bowl for a rematch against top-seeded Christian Brothers Academy (10-0) Nov. 14 at Colonie High School.

Saratoga Springs led 28-14 at halftime and expanded the lead to 35-14 in the third quarter.

“A lot of times this season, our offense has not performed to its potential,” Morris said. “Defensively, they’ve had our backs. This game, I don’t think the defense played to their standard, but the offense had their backs. That is the thing with this team: we all have each other’s backs. It is something special and something dangerous, especially in the playoffs.”

Key moment

On a night where defense took a back seat to offensive efficiency, Georgeadis helped secure the Super Bowl berth with his interception.

“That kid deserved that play by far,” Morris said. “That kid is the definition of football in my head. I watch his film all the time. His life is football, football, football. What a play.”

“On that specific drive, we started sending the end in and widened out Thomas. It helped him get into that window to make that play,” Hayden said. “Man, sometimes you get lucky.”

Star of the game

All Morris did Friday was complete 8 of 15 passes for 145 yards and two touchdowns to go along with 17 carries for 172 yards and three rushing touchdowns. Both of the senior’s touchdown passes went to Jaden Lockrow, covering 66 and 13 yards.

“The first time we played (Shaker), we caught them off guard. This time, there was no catching off guard,” Hayden said. “They really found things that they attacked us with. They attacked some of weaknesses. Now, we have to figure a way to get better in some areas. The good thing is our veteran players came through when we needed them to.”

Numbers to know

508: 
Yards gained by the Shaker offense Friday night.

381:Yards gained on the ground by the Blue Bison, paced by 109 yards by senior running back Avery Jones.

4: Interceptions thrown by Shaker quarterback Austin Marohn, two coming in each half.

What’s next

Shaker: The Blue Bison, who failed to make it to sectional play in 2025, finish up their season at 7-3 overall.

Saratoga Springs: The Blue Streaks will play CBA in the Class AA Super Bowl on Nov. 14. It’s Saratoga’s second straight appearance in the Super Bowl, and the sixth consecutive title game berth for CBA.

Subscribe

There’s more to Albany with the Times Union. Subscribe today for just 25¢.

This article originally published at Late INT by Thomas Georgeadis preserves Class AA semifinal win for Saratoga Springs football.