After an undefeated regular season a year ago, Cooperstown opened the season with a 21-0 victory at Sauquoit on Saturday, as junior quarterback Ben Ayers threw a pair of touchdown passes and sophomore running back Brendan Hill rushed for 109 yards on 11 carries. Senior Jeremy Holmes, who missed much of last season with an injury, ran the ball nine times for 67 yards.

But the big story for the Redskins was their defensive effort, which included a safety by Jesse Torruella and interceptions by Holmes and Aaron Thayer. Sauquoit managed just 70 total yards and two first downs in the game.

But Cooperstown head coach Steve Pugliese said while he was happy with the victory over Sauquoit, his team would have to play a much better game to defeat Herkimer Friday.

"We made a lot of mental mistakes, especially offensively, which cost us some chances to score," Pugliese said. "We were down inside their 20-yard line seven or eight times, including twice when were stopped on fourth down inside the five-yard line. I'm happy to get the win, and happy with the shutout, but we've got some work to do."

Pugliese and the Redskins have a short week to get ready for Friday's 7 p.m. game, then travel to Herkimer for the first game on the new football field at the school. Herkimer defeated Mt. Markham 34-13 in their opener Saturday.

"I scouted them, and they have eight returning players and are a very good football team," Pugliese said.

Pugliese said he feels his team has the advantage at the line of scrimmage, while Herkimer's backfield, which includes 1,000-yard rusher James Reile, gives them the advantage.

"We have to stop their running game," Pugliese said. "If they are going to beat us, we have to make them do it through the air. Offensively, we have to eliminate the mental mistakes and execute our offense more efficiently."

Cooperstown jumped out on top against Sauquoit on their first possession, as Hill returned a kickoff to the Sauquoit 30-yard line, then scored from a yard out to cap the scoring drive. The game remained 7-0 until Torruella's third quarter safety, and Ayers capped the scoring with a six-yard touchdown pass to Matt Barown near the end of the third quarter.

Pugliese said defensive lineman Torruella had a dominating game against Sauquoit; Hill made some outstanding defensive plays at middle linebacker, and end Sean Graham had an outstanding day, not only because of his four catches for 52 yards, but also his excellent blocking.

"This is a key game on our schedule," Pugliese said. "If we beat Herkimer, we're in great shape, but if we lose we'll be in a dogfight for the rest of the year."