Onondaga hosted Newtown in a battle of undefeated teams Saturday night with the Redhawks winning 8-5. Onondaga lead throughout the contest but it was the power play that got the home team rolling. Breaking a 2 all tie, Pete Benedict faked an outside blast drawing all defenders as he zipped a pass to the Gewas Schindler on the crease as he beat the sliding goaltender for a 3-2 lead that the Redhawks would not relinquish.
The rest of the game was dominated by the best player on the floor tonight, goaltender Jeff Powless. Jeff was the difference maker as he stopped outside shots, one on one breakaways, point blank shots, and rebounds from all angles. Jeff anchored the defense while also pushing the tempo with his fast break outlet passes. For the final 40 minutes of play, Jeff allowed in only 2 goals and withstanding a barrage of shots to close out the game.
The Redhawks were lead by AJ Bucktooth (2-2), Ed Shenandoah (0-4), Gewas Schindler (2-1), JD Jones (2-1), Pete Benedict (1-1), Butch Elm (1-0), Percy Shenandoah (0-1) and Jeff Powless (0-1).
Editors Note: Tonight was a sight I couldn’t believe. I saw my brother Barry Powless wearing the green and yellow of Newtown! Although he is now married and living on the Catteragus Reservation, I remember him telling me of his first games playing Senior ball at the age of 13 for Onondaga. Playing in the old time dirt floor arenas, Barry remembers the big green jerseys chasing him. Back then, the black horned rimmed glass wearing teen, would score just as the flash of green jersey would send my brother rolling into the dust. Barry follows in the steps of his father and grandfather (Irving Powless Jr. & Sr.) who played well into their late forties. Barry’s next goal is to play as long as our great-grandfather Welcome Powless (age 61). Way to go big Bro!