Skip to main content

Class C, first round: Dansville at Oakfield-Alabama

By Brian Hillabush

 Dansville (3-4) at Oakfield-Alabama (7-0)

7 p.m. Friday

The Hornets were the best of the best in the Genesee Region League this season and are looking to win the first sectional title since 2006, after getting knocked out early because - well, many reasons last season.

Quarterback Tim Smith quit in the middle of last season, injuries decimated the roster and Bishop Kearney was a darn good football team.

But O-A is back on track this season, with Smith being one of nine all-stars on the roster. He's rushed for 771 yards and 11 touchdowns as the Hornets have ran for over 2,200 yards.

Coach of the Year John Dowd's offensive philosophy is to run the ball, take time off the clock and get points after long drives. This year's squad does that very well.

Fullback Brad Riner has picked up 639 yards and scored 10 times while Jason Stanley (309 yards), Joe Natalizia (270) and Josh Athoe (137) also get attempts.

Expect quarterback A.J. Kehlenbeck to get some passes off in this game as the Hornets prepare for down the road.

But this is not a no-brainer. Oakfield-Alabama - ranked eighth in the state - will be tested in the first round against a solid Dansville squad, that has had to play Hornell, Bath, Honeoye Falls-Lima and Livonia this season.

The Mustangs have a diverse offense and can attack with both a running and passing attack. 

Quarterback Garrett Hoag has experience and spreads the ball around. Hoag has completed 89-of-180 attempts for 1,361 yards with 11 touchdowns and five interceptions. 

Matt Schuster has caught 30 of those passes for 520 yards with five touchdowns, while Jordan Van Dunk and Colton Green have each hauled in 23 passes. Brandon Doyle has 13 catches.

Schuster is also the top rusher on the team, gaining 461 yards with five touchdowns on 40 carries.

Caleb Perry has 284 yards with four scores and Doyle has pitched in 227 yards.

Assuming the second-seeded Hornets get past the seventh-seeded Mustangs, there is the possibility O-A will play Pembroke again. The Hornets beat the Dragons by just one point in Week 6.

Authentically Local