Beacon Is 6–0. The Defense Gave Us the Response We Wanted.

Beacon had already shown it could score. Thursday gave the Bulldogs a stronger defensive result to put alongside that offense.

One week after beating New Paltz 63–34, Beacon defeated Saugerties 49–6 at home to improve to 6–0. The Sawyers, the defending Section IX Class B champions, fell to 2–3.

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The response we wanted to see

The concern entering Thursday was straightforward. Beacon led New Paltz 40–34 at halftime last week. The Bulldogs shut the Huguenots out after the break, but that opening half gave us something to watch.

Would Beacon carry that defensive response into its next game?

Holding Saugerties to six points was an encouraging answer. That does not settle every question about Beacon’s defense, and different opponents bring different tests. It does give the Bulldogs a convincing result after a week in which the conversation centered on how much they had allowed.

Over the last two games, Beacon has scored 112 points. Thursday showed it could follow a shootout with a much more comfortable win.

A playoff spot is secured. The next argument is about position.

Beacon is 4–0 in the same-class games that count toward Class B playoff qualification. Its playoff spot is already secured. Seeding and home field can still change.

That distinction matters: 6–0 is the full season record; 4–0 is the playoff qualification record. Both describe this team, but they answer different questions.

We kept Port Jervis ahead of Beacon in our Week 5 Class B rankings. Thursday adds another result to the Bulldogs’ case. The next rankings should weigh that response alongside what Port and the rest of the field do this weekend.

Read the Week 5 class rankings → · See the current standings and tiebreakers →

Week 5 continues tonight

Beacon has done its part to open the week. Friday brings 13 more games, including Valley Central at Middletown, Newburgh at Pine Bush, Wallkill at Washingtonville and Minisink Valley at Lourdes.

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