By JAMES ALLEN, Staff writer 
Friday, November 7, 2008

So does his jersey.

Larkin has worn No. 97 since the fifth grade.

"I tried to pick No. 99, but they didn't have it," Larkin said. "I've had 97 ever since. I thought it was unique — not your typical running back."

There is nothing typical about Larkin's abilities on the gridiron. He has been a star throughout his varsity career, but the 6-foot, 215-pound senior standout still has one piece of unfinished business left before joining the Marines after graduation.

Tonight at 7 at Christian Brothers Academy, the Black Horses (9-0) will look to capture the Section II Class C Super Bowl title when they meet Watervliet (7-2).

Schuylerville appeared poised to win the 2007 Super Bowl after racing out to a 20-0 lead over Cambridge, but the Indians rallied for a 21-20 triumph.

"It was pretty bad," Larkin said. "We have worked 12 months to get back here. It is a championship and it means you are the best in the section. We like to win."

Larkin not only helps Schuylerville win football games, he also scores countless victories during his battles at fullback and nose guard. Last week in a 56-26 semifinal verdict over Fonda, Larkin carried the ball 15 times for 162 yards and three touchdowns.

"When he gets his shoulders squared up and he's a downhill runner, it is pretty scary. He is a beast," Schuylerville coach Greg O'Connor said. "Shane is a 215-pound kid who is extremely strong and knows how to play the game."

Larkin has rushed for 610 yards and 11 touchdowns, numbers that could be much higher if the Black Horses did not build so many huge early leads.

In addition to rushing the football, Larkin has helped spring quarterback Austin Bateman and Brad Lyon on several long runs with devastating lead blocks.

"He brings incredible strength, speed and power to the position," O'Connor said. "He enjoys carrying the ball and good fullbacks are very hard to find, but he loves being a lead blocker, too. He seeks out contact because he wants to blow somebody up."

The sting of last year's Super Bowl setback is something Larkin thinks fueled preparation for the 2008 season.

The Black Horses have outscored eight Class C opponents 383-98.

"That loss to Cambridge drove all of us, even when we were playing other sports," Larkin said.

On defense, Larkin has registered 20 solo tackles (including eight for loss) and 41 assisted stops. Those statistics don't begin to speak to the senior's overall impact.

"I know he makes the others around him better. Shane is very disruptive," O'Connor said. "He commands attention from two or three guys. Shane only knows one speed. He is relentless. If a lineman makes a false step, he will overpower him."

"It is rough down there. You get double-teamed," Larkin said. "It is fun."

James Allen can be reached at 454-5062 or by e-mail at jallen@timesunion.com. 

Opponent Attempts. Yards TDs

Corinth 6 30 1

Hoosick Falls 10 28 1

Granville 17 128 1

Broadalin-Perth 11 63 1

Mechanicville 11 59 2

Stillwater 4 78 1

Cambridge 8 46 1

Tamarac 4 16 0

Fonda 15 162 3

Totals: 86 610 11