It did not take long for Potsdam junior O’den Robertson to return home after transferring from St. Lawrence Central.

Robertson’s family moved to Potsdam over the summer, though he had already competed on the Sandstoners’ outdoor track and field team as part of a merger agreement.

The first football game of the season for the Sandstoners was at Robertson’s old school and he scored the first two touchdowns of the game as his new team routed his old team 41-0. He also returned a kickoff 91 yards for a touchdown to start the second half.

“It was a little weird,” Robertson said. “It was my old teammates but I had fun playing against them.”

Robertson had a good sophomore year for the Larries, leading the team with 338 yards rushing, averaging 7.2 yards-per carry and scoring two touchdowns.

He’s also blended right in to his new team in Potsdam, leading Section 10 in scoring after two weeks with six touchdowns and one 2-point conversion.

“He’s added depth,” Potsdam coach Jim Kirka said. “The big thing is he has a great attitude. Right now, he’s just learning what we do here at Potsdam and he’s real eager. He works hard. He wants to win and he loves the game of football. He’ll play wherever he can play and he’s competitive.”

In just two weeks at Potsdam, Robertson has already won two games, one more than he won all of last year at SLC.

“I feel settled in,” Robertson said. “It feels good and it’s a good experience. My first day at school was kind of uneasy, because I didn’t know the whole school. Once I got there it just grew on me.”

On the football field, Robertson’s speed has provided a nice running back combination with senior Adam Lewis, who is more of a power back.

Lewis has rushed for 248 yards on 28 carries with four touchdowns, and Robertson has gained 159 yards on 15 carries and scored five touchdowns.

“As the game goes on, to have two tailbacks that can really run the ball, it gets hard (on defenses),” Kirka said. “You have two backs that are quality backs. Adam is more of a tackle-to-tackle runner and O’den has the outside speed.”

Said Robertson of the tandem, “I like playing football with (Lewis). He’s a good kid and he’s intelligent and nice.”

Tonight at 7 marks what could be the biggest game of the year for the Sandstoners as they host undefeated Malone, a team that defeated Potsdam twice last season, winning 31-24 in the regular season and 48-20 in the Section 10 Class A title game.

The Huskies feature a talented offense as well, with quarterback Mitchell Gallagher, who has rushed for 220 yards and passed for 209, running back Jake Perry (155 yards) and wide receivers Harvey Smith (7 catches-154 yards) and John Picaro (161 yards rushing).

Robertson’s speed has not only helped the Potsdam offense, it’s also played a big role in the Sandstoners’ defense, where he has played both at linebacker and in the secondary.

“We’re hoping his speed adds another wrinkle offensively,” Kirka said of tonight’s game. “As important, as if not more important, will be his speed on the defense to keep up with their speed.”

Said Robertson, “I’m very excited for the game. I think it’s going to be interesting to see the two teams play.”

This will be an important season for Robertson’s future. He hopes to play college football and will try to draw the notice of coaches heading into his final year next fall.

“I’ve got to get noticed,” Robertson said. “It’s a big year for me in football. My goal is to play college football. My dream is to play (NCAA) Division I, but as long as I can play college ball.”

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