Lumberjacks win Rivalry game in lopsided battle

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There have been many, many changes in the United States in the last 100 years, but one thing that still exists today as it did here a century ago is the North Tonawanda versus Tonawanda football game. This year marked the 100th game in the rivalry’s history as well as another big win for Coach Eric Jantzi’s North Tonawanda Lumberjacks.

The game was the last event in a week-long celebration around the Tonawanda community celebrating the 100th anniversary of this historic rivalry. Although final score of 68-7 indicated a lopsided battle, the spirit both schools showed throughout the evening was remarkable.

North Tonawanda's senior quarterback Mike Tuzzo was the star of the night from beginning to end, winning awards before and after the game. Tuzzo received the Great American Rivalry Series Scholar Athlete Award before the game and won the Great American Rivalry Series Game Most Valuable Player Trophy after the game. Tuzzo’s 234 yards on the ground running and three touchdown runs all took place in the first half and paced the Lumberjacks to an almost effortless 48-7 lead at the half.

In the second half, the Lumberjacks called the dogs off, put in the second string players, and kept on rolling, scoring an additional 20 points in the third quarter, putting the game out of reach and recording a victory for the Lumberjacks in the 100th game between the two teams.

The annual rivalry game drew 7,745 who came out to cheer on their team.