​Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake running back Owen Huggins picks up yardage while in the grasp of Ballston Spa defender Logan Murtlow on Friday in Burnt Hills. (Jim Franco/Times Union)
BURNT HILLS – In winning its first four games, Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake football had not trailed at any point and had largely stayed away from in-game adversity.Adversity struck Friday night as the Spartans were trailing late in the second half to a fired-up Ballston Spa team, but coach Kevin DeBonis’ squad offered a big response by scoring late in the first half to take the lead and didn’t look back in a 35-13 win at Centennial Field in Class A action.The win improved Burnt Hills to 5-0 overall and 4-0 in Class A while Ballston Spa fell to 1-4 overall and in league play.”We talk about adversity all the time, there are different types of adversity,” DeBonis said. “All the credit to Ballston Spa, they were super physical and they took it to us. They punched us in the mouth and you get in a rivalry game and they did that.”Burnt Hills quarterback Tristan West hit a big 32-yard completion to Michael Bies to set up the go-ahead touchdown with 41 seconds left in the half.”That play was awesome, great job by Tristan and everybody in how they responded,” DeBonis said. “It gave us good momentum, went into the half, made some adjustments and we thought we had something on the (third quarter) kickoff.”Burnt Hills juniors Talon Immel and Owen Huggins combined for 28 carries and 156 rushing yards while the defense recorded two interceptions, including Oliver Suydam’s fourth quarter pick off a deflection by defensive end Jahmal Owens that was returned 68 yards for a touchdown.
Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake celebrates a touchdown during a game against Ballston Spa on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, in Burnt Hills, NY. (Jim Franco/Times Union) (Jim Franco/Times Union)
Key momentOn the opening kickoff of the second half, Spartans senior Ty Starr returned the kick 76 yards for a touchdown to increase the Spartans’ lead to 21-13.Starr, who had a kickoff return for a touchdown last season against Ballston Spa, fielded the kick on the right hashmark and turned to his left and after picking up a big block from Joseph DeMartino, scampered untouched down the left sideline for the score.”It is something that we practice every single week, being out here early before practice, we really strive for special teams,” Starr said. “We knew as soon as the hole opens up, we hit it. Every single guy on the field hit their assignment and great things happen when everyone does their job.”
Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake receiver Michael Bies makes a catch in front of Ballston Spa defender Logan Janis on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, in Burnt Hills, NY. (Jim Franco/Times Union) (Jim Franco/Times Union)
Star of the gameIn a physical game filled with punishing tackles and big-time hits, Huggins had 11 carries for 85 of Burnt Hills’ 215 rushing yards and three touchdowns.The junior scored the first Spartans touchdown with a