Northeastern Clinton senior Chase Ross goes in for the slide tackle on Chazy’s Colby Drake in the second half of the Cougars’ 2-1 victory to open the season. The Cougars of Northeastern Clinton kicked off their season Friday with a 2-1 senior-night win at home over Chazy. In a game that Chazy coach Rob McAuliffe estimated was the first between the neighboring school districts since 1998, the hosts got the better of the back-and-forth action. In the 27th minute, the Cougars found themselves on the receiving end of two quick fouls in the offensive end, and Lucas Bedard found the back of the net with the second free-kick to open the scoring. The Eagles created multiple opportunities to tie the game late in the first half, but Northeastern Clinton goalkeeper John Bulson was up to the task, and the teams entered the break with a 1-0 scoreline. As the teams continued trading periods of offensive pressure in the second half, the Cougars converted on a fast break up the field in the 51st minute, as Kai Birtz-Sisson crossed the ball into the box, setting up Samuel Bulson for the goal. As the second half went on, the fog began to roll in across the field. At the height of the foggy nighttime conditions, when visibility on the field was at a minimum, Chazy got a goal back when Joey deOndarza found the back of the net in the chaos off a corner kick. Tanner Conners was credited with the assist on the 44th-minute goal. The goal proved to be the Eagles’ last shot of the game, and Northeastern Clinton held on for a win to open their season and honor their seniors. Gallery.