By Brandon Koch
The Tonawanda News
ALDEN —
The Rob Gross era in Tonawanda Warriors football began Friday night, but not like the rookie coach and the Warriors had planned, falling at Alden, 41-0.
“Alden is a very good team,” Gross said after the game. “We lost some one-on-one battles. They capitalized, we missed tackles, lost one-on-one battles, and we just didn’t make plays tonight.”
Senior quarterback Steve Stich completed 6 of 11 passing attempts for 80 yards, adding nine tackles on defense. Kyle Gallivan contributed 126 all-purpose yards. John Schwab had eight tackles defensively as well.
Despite relinquishing 35 points in the opening half, Gross said he was pleased with the way his team continued to battle throughout the final 24 minutes.
“I was very happy with our resiliency,” he said. “It would have been very easy, for a team who’s down at halftime, to pack it in and head right to the bus. That’s not what this team did.”
Gross said his team will get back to the drawing board, and will be ready next week at home against Newfane.
“That gives me a positive outlook for next week.” Gross said. “I believe that as a team we have a positive outlook. An old football cliché is the biggest improvement a football team makes is between the first and second game. I’m confident that will be true for us as well.”
