Every year Oakfield-Alabama Middle-High School hosts a Veterans Day celebration. They invite anywhere from 15-25 veterans from around the area to come and give a presentation on how the military has changed their lives and what it was like to be in the military. If the veteran went to war, he is asked to bring memorabilia such as metals, helmets, etc.

This year they had approximately 18 veterans come and share their stories. Several generations were represented. Some of the veterans included in this year's program were James Neider, Pastor Mark Perkins, Red Robinson, Leonard Gordon, Ray Cianfrini, Clayton Fry and Wallace Kornow.

The event is coordinated by Patricia Trinder, a middle school math teacher, who is running it for the first time by herself. When asked why she wanted to take over coordinating the event she said “I've always felt it was a special thing that needed to be continued.” She'd helped run it in the past, but when Darlene Bakos retired she handed the reins totally over to Trinder.

We asked some of the veterans if they thought other schools should hold events like this one.

“I hope that other schools and communities would really take time to educate people of the value of their veterans,” said Cianfrini.

Kornow, a fellow Oakfield veteran, said, “I think every school should take the opportunity to invite their local veterans to this kind of program.”

Oakfield-Alabama would be delighted to see other schools in the area hold events like this one. If you would like to learn more about Oakfield's celebration, please contact Patricia Trinder. You can email her at ptrinder@oahornets.org

With Oakfield-Alabama and Cal-Mum trading scores through the first three quarters of their quarterfinal sectional playoff game tonight, and both teams seemingly able to run the ball at will, it became evident as the fourth quarter started that the winner would be decided when one defense or the other made a stand and stopped a drive.

And that's exactly what happened.

On its first drive of the fourth quarter, the Hornets couldn't get past the Red Raiders 40 yard line and Cal-Mum took over on downs.

Minutes later, the Red Raiders were in the end zone and with a two-point conversion, and obtained what would prove to be an insurmountable lead, 30-21.

The Hornets would score one more touchdown, but fall short by two points, 30-28.

"It came down to them just pounding the ball at us and not getting away from what they do best," said Hornets Head Coach Brian Palone after the game. "They made the plays when they needed to make the plays."

The two-point margin can also be explained by two failed point after attempts. In the second quarter, kicker Jon Fisher hit an upright, and in the third quarter, a high snap spoiled the attempt.

The Hornets got off to a quick start when Fisher placed a perfect onside kick down the far sideline and OA scrambled and took possession of the ball.

The offense then marched the ball 45-yards down the field for a score and a 7-0 lead. Matt Osmancickli scored that TD on a one-yard run.

But the home team answered right back, bringing the ball down to the one-yard line, where Trevor Haut was able to shove his way into the endzone. Cal-Mum tried for a two-point conversion, so the score was 7-6.

On its first possession of the second quarter, OA again looked like an offense with an unbeatable run game, taking the ball down the field until Matt Osmancickli capped the drive with a one-yard TD rush. After Fisher missed the PA, OA's lead was 13-6

Cal-Mum answered right back, putting a long drive together that ended with a Trevor Haut three-yard TD run. Jon Cappotelli carried the ball in on the two-point conversion, giving his team a one-point lead, 14-13.

OA grabbed back a one-point margin when a high snap on a Cal-Mum punt attempt was kicked out of the back of the end zone for a safety. That made the score 15-14 Hornets.

Both teams scored again in the third quarter. But with a muffed extra point attempt and a successful two-point conversion, Cal-Mum was able to convert another two-point try, so now the Raiders were up 22-21.

The Raiders were able to stop Oakfield-Alabama on its fourth-quarter drive and immediately answer back with another touch down. This time it was on a 19-yard pass from Mike Anderson to Dan Whiteside, plus they tacked on two-more points. The Hornets found themselves in a bit of a deep hole, down 30-21.

But OA kept fighting, engineering another drive that culminated in a one-yard rush by Osmancickli and an extra point from Fisher, making it 30-28, which is how the game would end.

The Hornets got off to a slow start this season with Coach Palone taking over the program for the first time and finding himself with few returning seniors. Palone and other coaches around the league will tell you that OA has been a team that has improved greatly every week as the season progressed.

Palone said tonight he's proud of the progress his team has made.

"I thought this was the best game we played all year and that’s all I can ask of them, to just get better every game," Palone said.

NOTE: About the video -- yes, I miss my high-def camera. It won't be repaired for another six weeks.

Saturday evening at the Oakfield-Alabama High School, the late 1st. Lt. Harmon J. Norton, Dr. Kenneth Bradt, Dr. Robert B. Diasio and Donald R. Carroll were inducted into the O-A Hall of Fame.

The Hornets' gymnasium was filled with about 100 friends and family of the inductees.

O-A students, Jennie Beverly, Leah Snyder, and Ashley Colopy introduced each inductee with a short bio. Wess Audsley, CEO/Director of the Genesee/Wyoming YMCA introduced Donald Carroll.

First Lt. Norton’s grandson, Harmon Norton accepted the award on behalf of his grandfather. He came all the way from Texas because of a quick Google search on his grandfather's name. 

He said the first thing that came up was the article from The Batavian. Once he started reading, he realized it was about his grandfather. He contacted Joe Cassidy, the Oakfield Town Historian, and arranged for a visit.

It seems as though he's been following his grandfather around, from enjoying the same hobby of airplanes and piloting, to being where, a 100 years earlier, his grandfather grew up -- in Oakfield. He thanked The Batavian for its story.

"Without your article, I would not be here today.”

When Dr. Bradt came to the podium, he not only got the audience laughing but enlightened us about the impact others have on your life and decisions. He started with a joke about making just a few notes for his speech while pulling out paper upon paper. Then he joked about his popularity with his female classmates, but sweetly gave the credit for his happiness to his wife of 62 years, Thelma.

He ended his speech challenging the audience to give some thought to the people who have made a difference in your life and to tell them how they influenced you.

Dr. Diasio was unable to attend the event. His classmate, Jan Witkowski,  who accepted the award for Diasio, said “We all knew Bob was destined for great things. We called him Doc from the very beginning.”

YMCA official Audsley shared memories of  Carroll and the struggles Carroll had as a child.

“He will do just about anything for people looking for help,” said Audsley. He said Carroll’s drive to help others is so they don’t have to go through what he went through.

The picture above is of previous and new inducted members. Below are this year's inductees by themselves.

The audience stood up as Carroll walked up to the podium with tears of gratitude flowing down his cheeks.

I got goose bumps. The moment seemed magical.

I felt hopeful and strenghtened as I listened to comments about Carroll's community contributions, and knowing all the inductees -- past and present -- have given above and beyond for others.

My husband even felt uplifted. The ceremony made me realize that people don't remember the material things as much as they do the moments spent with those they really care about.

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TOWN OF OAKFIELD PARK EXPANSION

HALLOWEEN PARTY

**RAIN OR SHINE**

SATURDAY OCTOBER 31, 2009 FROM 1:00-4:00 PM

ELROY D. PARKINS (LITTLE LEAGE) PARK

DRAKE STREET, OAKFIELD, NY

COME JOIN US FOR AN AFTERNOON OF FUN!!

1.   CHILDRENS HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARADE

2.   BOBBING FOR APPLES

3.   FACE PAINTING

4.  HALLOWEEN PUMPKIN PATCH PHOTO BOARD (BRING YOUR CAMERAS)

5.   PARK DEDICATION

6.   TOWN SCAVENGER HUNT WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED

7.   MUSIC BY DUCK ‘n COVER (weather permitting)

CHILDREN WISHING TO BE IN THE PARADE SHOULD ARRIVE AT 12:45; PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED ACCORDING TO AGE CATEGORIES AS FOLLOWS:  0-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12.  They will parade around the park. 

All children must be accompanied by an adult.  A FREE hot dog and drink will be provided for each child.  Parents/Guardians may purchase hot dogs with a drink for $1.50 each. 

Each child will receive a complimentary “goodie” bag.

 Contact the Town Clerk, Melissa Haacke at 585-948-5835 ext. 1 or www.townofoakfieldny.com  for further information.

TOWN OF OAKFIELD PARK EXPANSION

HALLOWEEN PARTY

**RAIN OR SHINE**

SATURDAY OCTOBER 31, 2009 FROM 1:00-4:00 PM

ELROY D. PARKINS (LITTLE LEAGE) PARK

DRAKE STREET, OAKFIELD, NY

COME JOIN US FOR AN AFTERNOON OF FUN!!

1.   CHILDRENS HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARADE

2.   BOBBING FOR APPLES

3.   FACE PAINTING

4.  HALLOWEEN PUMPKIN PATCH PHOTO BOARD (BRING YOUR CAMERAS)

5.   PARK DEDICATION

6.   TOWN SCAVENGER HUNT WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED

7.   MUSIC BY DUCK ‘n COVER (weather permitting)

CHILDREN WISHING TO BE IN THE PARADE SHOULD ARRIVE AT 12:45; PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED ACCORDING TO AGE CATEGORIES AS FOLLOWS:  0-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12.  They will parade around the park. 

All children must be accompanied by an adult.  A FREE hot dog and drink will be provided for each child.  Parents/Guardians may purchase hot dogs with a drink for $1.50 each. 

Each child will receive a complimentary “goodie” bag.

 Contact the Town Clerk, Melissa Haacke at 585-948-5835 ext. 1 or www.townofoakfieldny.com  for further information.

TOWN OF OAKFIELD PARK EXPANSION

HALLOWEEN PARTY

**RAIN OR SHINE**

SATURDAY OCTOBER 31, 2009 FROM 1:00-4:00 PM

ELROY D. PARKINS (LITTLE LEAGE) PARK

DRAKE STREET, OAKFIELD, NY

COME JOIN US FOR AN AFTERNOON OF FUN!!

1.   CHILDRENS HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARADE

2.   BOBBING FOR APPLES

3.   FACE PAINTING

4.  HALLOWEEN PUMPKIN PATCH PHOTO BOARD (BRING YOUR CAMERAS)

5.   PARK DEDICATION

6.   TOWN SCAVENGER HUNT WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED

7.   MUSIC BY DUCK ‘n COVER (weather permitting)

CHILDREN WISHING TO BE IN THE PARADE SHOULD ARRIVE AT 12:45; PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED ACCORDING TO AGE CATEGORIES AS FOLLOWS:  0-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12.  They will parade around the park. 

All children must be accompanied by an adult.  A FREE hot dog and drink will be provided for each child.  Parents/Guardians may purchase hot dogs with a drink for $1.50 each. 

Each child will receive a complimentary “goodie” bag.

 Contact the Town Clerk, Melissa Haacke at 585-948-5835 ext. 1 or www.townofoakfieldny.com  for further information.

TOWN OF OAKFIELD PARK EXPANSION

HALLOWEEN PARTY

**RAIN OR SHINE**

SATURDAY OCTOBER 31, 2009 FROM 1:00-4:00 PM

ELROY D. PARKINS (LITTLE LEAGE) PARK

DRAKE STREET, OAKFIELD, NY

COME JOIN US FOR AN AFTERNOON OF FUN!!

1.   CHILDRENS HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARADE

2.   BOBBING FOR APPLES

3.   FACE PAINTING

4.  HALLOWEEN PUMPKIN PATCH PHOTO BOARD (BRING YOUR CAMERAS)

5.   PARK DEDICATION

6.   TOWN SCAVENGER HUNT WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED

7.   MUSIC BY DUCK ‘n COVER (weather permitting)

CHILDREN WISHING TO BE IN THE PARADE SHOULD ARRIVE AT 12:45; PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED ACCORDING TO AGE CATEGORIES AS FOLLOWS:  0-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12.  They will parade around the park. 

All children must be accompanied by an adult.  A FREE hot dog and drink will be provided for each child.  Parents/Guardians may purchase hot dogs with a drink for $1.50 each. 

Each child will receive a complimentary “goodie” bag.

 Contact the Town Clerk, Melissa Haacke at 585-948-5835 ext. 1 or www.townofoakfieldny.com  for further information.

TOWN OF OAKFIELD PARK EXPANSION

HALLOWEEN PARTY

**RAIN OR SHINE**

SATURDAY OCTOBER 31, 2009 FROM 1:00-4:00 PM

ELROY D. PARKINS (LITTLE LEAGE) PARK

DRAKE STREET, OAKFIELD, NY

COME JOIN US FOR AN AFTERNOON OF FUN!!

1.   CHILDRENS HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARADE

2.   BOBBING FOR APPLES

3.   FACE PAINTING

4.  HALLOWEEN PUMPKIN PATCH PHOTO BOARD (BRING YOUR CAMERAS)

5.   PARK DEDICATION

6.   TOWN SCAVENGER HUNT WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED

7.   MUSIC BY DUCK ‘n COVER (weather permitting)

CHILDREN WISHING TO BE IN THE PARADE SHOULD ARRIVE AT 12:45; PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED ACCORDING TO AGE CATEGORIES AS FOLLOWS:  0-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12.  They will parade around the park. 

All children must be accompanied by an adult.  A FREE hot dog and drink will be provided for each child.  Parents/Guardians may purchase hot dogs with a drink for $1.50 each. 

Each child will receive a complimentary “goodie” bag.

 Contact the Town Clerk, Melissa Haacke at 585-948-5835 ext. 1 or www.townofoakfieldny.com  for further information.

TOWN OF OAKFIELD PARK EXPANSION

HALLOWEEN PARTY

**RAIN OR SHINE**

SATURDAY OCTOBER 31, 2009 FROM 1:00-4:00 PM

ELROY D. PARKINS (LITTLE LEAGE) PARK

DRAKE STREET, OAKFIELD, NY

COME JOIN US FOR AN AFTERNOON OF FUN!!

1.   CHILDRENS HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARADE

2.   BOBBING FOR APPLES

3.   FACE PAINTING

4.  HALLOWEEN PUMPKIN PATCH PHOTO BOARD (BRING YOUR CAMERAS)

5.   PARK DEDICATION

6.   TOWN SCAVENGER HUNT WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED

7.   MUSIC BY DUCK ‘n COVER (weather permitting)

CHILDREN WISHING TO BE IN THE PARADE SHOULD ARRIVE AT 12:45; PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED ACCORDING TO AGE CATEGORIES AS FOLLOWS:  0-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12.  They will parade around the park. 

All children must be accompanied by an adult.  A FREE hot dog and drink will be provided for each child.  Parents/Guardians may purchase hot dogs with a drink for $1.50 each. 

Each child will receive a complimentary “goodie” bag.

 Contact the Town Clerk, Melissa Haacke at 585-948-5835 ext. 1 or www.townofoakfieldny.com  for further information.

When people have a strong motivation that drives them to devote all their time and effort to something worthwhile, they are bound to find happiness; at least this is the case for Batavia resident Donald R. Carroll, who has spent countless hours helping local youth.

He is one of four inductees for the Oakfield-Alabama High School Hall of Fame ceremony, which takes place the first weekend in October.

For the last 35 years, Carroll has lived by his motto, “Pay it forward.” He graduated from Oakfield-Alabama Central School in 1974. Instead of following the trend of going off to college after getting his diploma, Carroll decided to join the workforce and focus on his passion for helping less fortunate children.

For his first organized project, he partnered with the Genesee/Wyoming YMCA to raise money to send kids to camp. The fundraiser was successful for 23 years.

Erik Fix, branch director of the Genesee/Wyoming YMCA said Carroll has collaborated with the organization over the years on many different occasions. Fix said most recently they have combined efforts on Don’s Secret Santa fundraiser to give gifts to children at Christmas time.

This fundraiser started because Carroll wanted to ensure every underprivileged child he was aware of was not disappointed on Christmas morning. This project has recently been expanded to provide grade school kids with supplies for school and winter coats.

Shortly after the camp fundraiser, Carroll switched his focus to helping students with college expenses. He started a 5k and 10k run in Batavia that ended in 2005 to support the Genesee Community College Foundation.

In 1997 he was named Geneseean of the Year (A person who has made an outstanding contribution to the community, contributed or volunteered beyond the call of duty and who is a resident of Genesee County) by the Chamber of Commerce.

Donald R. Carroll, the quiet, shy orphan who by chance grew up in Oakfield, NY, has become a true “Guardian Angel” of the less fortunate children of Genesee County.

Donald credits his success to having grown up in Oakfield and attending OACS where one individual in particular took a special interest in him. Donald will always be indebted to Coach Bill Burns for guiding him in high school, and getting him his first job as a counselor at YMCA Camp Hough. Coach Burns taught him by example about lending a hand, "paying it forward."

OA Alumni HOF dinner details: 5 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 3. at OA Middle High School. Tickets are $17. How to get tickets:

• 1. Write your check to "Dollars for Scholars"
• 2. Put "Hall of Fame" in the memo area
• 3. Mail check to -- Hall of Fame Treasurer, OACS, 7001 Lewiston Road, Oakfield,  NY 14125

Sometimes we get so caught up in our everyday tasks, we tend to forget those who've helped create the life Americans enjoy.

Like the late 1st Lt. Harmon J. Norton, for example, who served his nation admirably during the Great War.

He graduated in 1913 from Oakfield-Alabama High School and served in the Marine Corps. He was widely regarded as one of the best fliers in America. Joe Cassidy, the Town of Alabama historian, will be representing Norton at the O-A Hall of Fame induction ceremony at 5 p.m. Oct. 3.

After graduating high school, Norton studied law at the Detroit College of Law. For two years during college he was a clerk for the New York State Legislature and the Constitutional Convention of New York State. In 1916, he joined the military and two years later he was appointed as an officer in the air branch of the Marine Corps.

During World War I, Norton served as a flying instructor at various air bases throughout the country.

The lieutenant was known as an able and skilled aviator, an "ace" famous among his fellow officers and aviation enthusiasts.

Along with piloting planes, Norton also represented defendants in court martial trials. His success in court had him traveling to different parts of the country to defend men facing court martial.

In 1923, his focus was back on aviation. He was appointed to command a newly established land airplane squadron at Pensacola, Fla.

Captain J.J. Raby, Navy Commandant at the time, described Norton as a pilot of long experience and sure ability especially in landing planes. Raby also noted him as an exceptional all-around officer particularly valuable to aviation.

Norton became the aviation liaision officer in the Marine Corps of the expeditionary forces. This position is responsible for handling all matters between the force and its flying section. His skill at making short trips quickly and manipulating safe landings on hazardous fields were the primary reasons he was selected for the job.

Norton was going to compete in the Schneider Trophy, a prize competition for seaplanes. But he died in 1926 when a military plane he was testing crashed into the Potomac River.

Norton's grandson, who lives in Texas, and granddaughter, who lives in Florida, plan to attend the ceremony.

Kenneth Bradt, Ph.D, is one of four inductees for the Oakfield-Alabama High School Hall of Fame ceremony the first weekend in October.

They will be introduced to students at a pep rally Oct. 2 and recognized publicly at that night's football game.

The Hall of Fame honors will take place Oct. 3 at the O-A Middle-High School. Dinner begins at 5 p.m. with the ceremony following.

Bradt has had an illustrious career. To prepare for it, he attended Syracuse University with an interest in chemistry but found he was more intrigued by people’s decisions and behaviors. He quickly switched his major and earned his bachelor's and master’s degrees in psychology.

In 1951, he earned his doctorate in psychology at Illinois' Northwestern University.

After getting his education, Bradt achieved the rank of first lieutenant in the Army Medical Service. He served as chief clinical psychologist at the Army Hospital at Camp Atterbury, Ind., and later became a research psychologist with the Department of Defense in Washington, D.C..

During the '70s Bradt counseled CIA employees coping with unfamiliar, unpredictable and potentially dangerous situations. For his work, he received the Intelligence Medal of Merit from the CIA director for outstanding contributions to agency management.

For 21 years, Bradt shared his knowledge and wisdom with students at George Washington University, the University of Virginia and George Mason University.

In 1981, he was teaching at George Mason University and originated one of the first graduate-level courses in organizational leadership in the country.

In 2004, he was elected Fellow in the American Psychological Association in recognition of outstanding and unusual contributions to the science and profession of psychology. 

The other inductees are Dr. Robert Disasio, Donald Carroll and 1st. Lt. Harmon J. Norton, who will be represented by Joe Cassidy, the Town of Alabama historian. Some previous inductees will also be attending.

Tickets go on sale in late August at the school’s main office or from committee members. The public is welcome.

Today is Fun Day at Oakfield-Alabama, but unfortunately for two students, it was a little more painful than fun.

One student suffered a reported facial cut and another a broken collar bone, resulting in ambulance calls to the school.

Principle Lynn Muscarella said the accidents were unfortunate, but unusual. This is the sixth year of the event, which comes right before finals.

"We've had minor cuts and scrapes before, but nothing like this," said Muscarella.

The day starts with an awards program, is followed by lunch and then fun and games in the field.

Muscarella praised the quick response and professionalism of the ambulance personnel who responded to the calls for the minor injuries.

She also praised the student council which organized the event and said the students have done a great job each year of putting it together.

"They do a tremendous job of putting together a structured program," she said. "This year we had lots of students participate, which I was happy about."

Kerry Hoffman, age 27, of Bergen, the former band director of Oakfield-Alabama High School has been arrested and charged with sexual abuse in the third degree.

Hoffman is accused of abusing a female student.

Besides the five misdemeanor counts of sexual abuse, Hoffman is charged with one count of endangering the welfare of a child and one count of official misconduct.

WBTA's Dan Fischer spoke with Oakfield-Alabama Superintendent Christopher Todd, who said Hoffman voluntarily resigned when the allegations surfaced in March. Todd said parents in the district were immediately notified of the allegations.  School officials became involved when information came forward that raised concerns about Hoffman's conduct with the student.

Juvenile Officer J.K. Dehm of the Sheriff's Office said in a release, "During a period from February 2009 to March 2009 Kerry Hoffman acted in a manner likely to be harmful to a child less than seventeen years old."

Hoffman was arraigned in the Town of Oakfield by Justice Graham and released under supervision.

There is a National Technical Honor Society Induction tonight at GCC at 6:30 p.m. for students from all area schools  who attend Vocational BOCES .

Richard Dunlap, former treasurer for the Oakfield-Alabama Little League, was sentenced to five years in prison today, the Buffalo News reports. Dunlap was accused of stealing as much as $30,000 from the organization during his time as treasurer. He was then alleged to have used the money to purchase, among other things, child pornography.

From the Buffalo News:

A tearful Richard L. Dunlap, 40, of Batavia, apologized for his crimes but was immediately remanded to the custody of prison officials by the judge.

Federal agents said Dunlap stole thousands of dollars from the Oakfield-Alabama Little League Association and used the money to buy child porn, adult pornography, a family vacation to Florida and other items.

Dunlap, 40, of 9 Irving Parkway, Batavia, plead guilty last September to the possession of child pornography, according to a Daily News article from October. Dunlap had also been granted a plea bargain for the theft charges and was ordered to pay $5,559 in restitution, funds that Little League officials found arbitrary.

 This was a pretty easy call for the folks that pick the Players of the Week in Section 5.

Oakfield-Alabama's Tim Smith put up sick numbers against a solid opponent and because of that was named Class C Offensive Player of the Week.

He is the second local player in a row to earn the honor as Andy Ruddock won in Class B last week.

Smith's Hornets had a slim 7-0 lead at Notre Dame on Saturday and he blew up in the second half en route to a 28-6 win.

Smith gained 185 yards on the ground, picking up 25 carries. The number of carries alone is an amazing number in O-A's offensive system.

He had 79 punt return yards and intercepted two passes and returned them for 54 yards.

His 6-yard TD run in the second quarter put the Hornets on top before he added a 21-yard touchdown run and broke a 31-yarder on a fourth-and-1 that set up his 8-yard score.

Smith has 489 yards and seven touchdowns this season.

 Genesee Region League

Standings

Team                        Record                          PF                             PA

Pembroke                  4-0                               187                           55

Oakfield-Alabama     4-0                               181                          47

Attica                            3-1                               157                          61

Notre Dame                2-2                               91                             94

Alexander                   1-3                               42                           174

Elba/Byron-Bergen   1-3                               78                            153

Barker                          1-3                               58                           143

Holley                           0-4                              39                               99

 The Oakfield-Alabama football team has had the luxury of giving the backups plenty of playing time in the first three weeks of the season.

Not so much on Saturday as the Hornets had their first test of the season in Notre Dame, not passing until the second half. O-A held off a late charge and won 28-6.

Tim Smith actually returned the opening kickoff just over 50 yards to the Notre Dame 29-yard line. Notre Dame's Craig Houseknecht sacked A.J. Kehlenbeck on a pass attempt, but a couple of mid-distance runs moved the ball down to the 2-yard line.

This was where the first half tone was set.

Oakfield-Alabama fumbled the ball away and Cam McDonald fell on it to give the Fighting Irish possession. 

After Kevin Schildwaster popped a 53-yard run, O-A had a sack and fumble that was recovered by Noah Seward.

Notre Dame's defense stiffened up and caused a three-and-out, then ND started moving the ball as Nick Bochicchio found Kevin Francis on a 24-yard pass.

At this point the Irish fans were thinking upset, while the O-A fans were starting to sweat with a 0-0 score after a period of play.

But the Hornets stopped ND's offense and forced a punt. Then Notre Dame returned the favor and made O-A punt.

With just a few minutes left in the first half, Smith took over.

He killed a Notre Dame drive with an interception, had a 24-yard run and then scored on a 6-yarder to make the score 7-0 at the half.

Notre Dame received the second half kickoff and was moving the ball. Bochicchio hooked up with Francis on a 16-yard pass, that was moved to the O-A 28-yard line because of a late hit penalty.

This time the Fighting Irish tried a halfback option that was intercepted by Smith at the 4 and returned to the 40.

Smith capped off this drive with a 21-yard TD run.

Oakfield-Alabama took firm control of the game after a Notre Dame punt when Smith broke a 31-yard run on a fourth-and-1. He scored just moments into the fourth quarter on an 8-yard run.

A Seward sack put Notre Dame into a fourth-and-very long deep in its own territory, so Matt Thompson had to come on and punt.

Smith had a 20-yard return and the Hornets started a drive at the ND 26.

Jason Stanley finished off the O-A scoring with a 21-yard run.

With just five minutes left, Bochicchio got hot.

He had completions to Francis, Schildwaster and Gianni Zambito before hitting Mike Pratt on a swing pass that he took 25 yards for a touchdown.

Derek Hicks blocked the extra point attempt.

The onside kick attempt was recovered by Cody Proefrock and ND was still alive with 3:41 left on the clock.

But a couple of plays into the drive, Hicks picked off a pass to put an end to the game.

Notre Dame falls to 2-2 and will play at Holley Friday nights as the Hawks are going to rent lights for their homecoming game.

Smith - who rushed for 185 yards on 25 carries - and the Hornets improve to 4-0 and move on to play in Attica next week for the Blue Devils' homecoming game. Then comes the annual game with Pembroke that always has Genesee Region League title implications.

 The Oakfield-Alabama football team scored a school record 42 points in the first quarter and kicker John Fisher tied Matt Waldron's single game scoring mark for a kicker with nine extra points as the Hornets thumped Alexander 63-14.

O-A added 21 points in the second quarter before calling off the dogs.

A.J. Kehlenbeck completed 4-of-6 attempts for 72 yards and three touchdowns in the game. He also had a rushing touchdown.

"A.J. looked real sharp throwing the ball," O-A coach John Dowd said. "He had a nice night for a quarterback in our offense. We came out firing pretty hard."

Joe Natalizia made his first start at wingback and had a solid day, rushing for 94 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries. He also caught a TD pass.

Fullback Brad Riner rushed for just 56 yards in the game, but scored  a touchdown on the ground, through the air and on defense, when he returned an interception 67 yards for a score.

Tim Smith rushed for 63 yards on six carries and also caught a 30-yard touchdown pass.

Tyler Kowalcyzk  made seven tackles - including two for a loss - and returned an interception six yards for a score.

Alexander falls to 0-3 while Oakfield-Alabama improves to 3-0 and faces Notre Dame next weekend.

"Notre Dame is an outstanding team," Dowd said. "They are a little more athletic than we are, but we are a little bit bigger than they are. It will be a nice test for both teams."

Pal-Mac (0-1) at Batavia (0-1)

7 p.m. Friday

The young man with the ball in his hands needs to have it in his hands a lot more than he did last Friday night.

Rob Williams had seven carries for just 17 yards, but is the most talented athlete on the Batavia roster, and should get a lot more touches against Palmyra-Macedon, which lost to a talented Livonia squad 14-7 last week.

Batavia coach Dan Geiger gave the ball to Anthony D'Aurizio a bunch of times in a 27-13 loss against visiting Le Roy last week, and the senior did a great job. But Williams has a proven history of putting his squad on his back and carrying them. 

He could line-up at quarterback, running back or wide receiver, but he needs to touch the ball more than seven times if the Blue Devils are going to get a first win.

If Williams gets 15 touches in the game, Batavia should run away with this one at home.

Junior quarterback Joe Canzoneri faced some pressure against a very talented Le Roy defense last week and will find this week a lot easier, so he could get the ball in the hands of Williams, Vinny Pedro or wild card Devonte Rolle. Any of those playmakers can bust out for a big play at any time.

Batavia's defense did a great job against a very talented Le Roy team, so expect a markedly better effort against a squad that has nowhere near the talent the Oatkan Knights have.

Barker (1-0) at Oakfield-Alabama (1-0)

7 p.m. Friday

O-A wingback Tim Smith was the best story of Week 1.

He rushed for 114 yards and three touchdowns after quitting on his teammates last year, and has proven to be a solid scoring option for the Hornets.

He will get his share of carries, along with fellow runner Jason Stanley and fullback Brad Riner. Smith talked about apologizing to his teammates in Monday's Daily News, and should be a leader on the field Friday night.

If the Hornets struggle with the run - which hasn't happened since coach John Dowd walked onto the O-A campus - then the passing game will be as good as it has been since he has shown up.

A.J. Kehlenbeck has experience and Tyler Tamblin played out of his mind last week, so  tight end Noah Seward would be a great GR fantasy football choice.

Another name you might not have heard of that could rush for over 100 yards would be sophomore Matt Ososolojaikonaowaksianskowdkonwoski (however you spell or say it).

He played in the sectional tournament loss last year and was awesome. The young man nicknamed the "OZ man" has had his issues holding onto the ball, but  could be the best young talent in the league.

Barker has improved under coach Bill Bruning, but O-A will run away with this game.

Letchwoth (1-0) at Le Roy (1-0)

7:30 p.m.

Two of the most respected coaches in Section 5 face-off in this one.

Letchworth's Tim McMullen might not have a roster that has a ton of stars, but the indians will play hard.

Le Roy and coach Brian Moran proved in a win over Batavia last week that solid players step in and fill roles every week.

The Indians will try to slow things down, but LR quarterback Travis Fenstermaker will have a huge game.

Le Roy won't win by 30, but should win pretty big.

Pembroke (1-0) at Alexander (0-1)

1:30 p.m. Saturday

While quarterback David Kleckler blew up last week, watch for running back Mike Dibble. He will rush for over 150 yards and at least one TD.

Alexander will continue to get better, but playing one of the "big 3" will not lead to a win.

Holley (0-1) at Elba/Byron-Bergen (0-1)

1:30 p.m. Saturday

Elba/B-B has too much talent.

Brandon Spurling rushed for almost 200 yards against Oakfield-Alabama last week and should be the top option this week. He comes from the Le Roy youth program and will do well.

Zach Green almost rushed for 100 yards and will provide a great support system. 

Holley gave Barker a great run, but E/B-B has too many athletes.

Attica (1-0) at Notre Dame (0-1)

1:30 p.m. Saturday

In what might be the game of the week in the GR, the quarterbacks are the show.

ND slinger Nick Bochicchio went 27-34 for 182 yards in the opener, meaning the Fighting Irish aren't exactly a power-running offense.

But Kevin Schildwaster and Mike Pratt can run the ball.

Attica's Brandon Rolling might be the best quarterback in the league, but Andy Ruddock might be the best running back in the league. Attica can put up a lot of points in a lot of different ways.

No other GR game will lead to more points than this one.