Sports

Press Release:

Although a furious second-half rally fell short, the Genesee County Spartans gave about 300 fans plenty to cheer about on Saturday night as the semipro football team took on the Watertown Red & Black at Van Detta Stadium in Batavia.

The Spartans trailed by 24 points after Jason Williams, the visitors’ highly skilled quarterback, threw his third touchdown pass of the game with five minutes left in the third quarter.

They stormed back, however, with three TDs of their own before ending up on the wrong end of a 31-26 final score.

Genesee County dropped to 0-2 while Watertown improved to 2-0 in the Northeastern Football Alliance AA Division. The Spartans’ next game is on June 14 against the Ithaca Warriors.

Following a 14-yard TD pass to Connor Crump (Spartans’ Aiden Pitts nearly intercepted that) to make it 31-7, the Spartans quickly responded. They took just three plays (aided by a personal foul call) and made the score 31-13 on a four-yard TD run by halfback Kareem Pryor. The two-point conversion pass failed.

A 21-yard pass from QB Corey Turpin to tight end Logan Pike and a 13-yard run by halfback Will Lamar set up Pryor’s touchdown.

With Watertown’s Williams out of the game, the Spartans forced a punt and took over at their own 6. On the first play, Turpin hit wide receiver Tai Reffell for 36 yards and, three plays later, connected with the tight end for a 44-yard catch-and-run touchdown to close the gap to 31-19. Again, a pass for the two-point conversion was incomplete.

The Spartans’ defense held again, stopping the Red & Black just short on a fourth-down run.

Taking over at their own 44, Genesee County closed to within 31-25 when Turpin found wide receiver Deyonci Farley in the left side of the end zone with 6:36 left in the game. Kicker Julia Petry kicked the extra point.

That drive was kept alive by offsetting penalties that negated what would have been an 80-yard interception return by Watertown linebacker Cory Smith.

At this point, Williams returned to the game, looking to seal the outcome for the visitors. With the home crowd rooting loudly, the Spartans’ defense came through again, forcing another punt after Watertown had driven to the Spartans’ 40.

Genesee County took over at its own 6. After two incompletions, Turpin hit Farley for 13 yards and Pryor for 10. Three plays later and facing a fourth-and-inches situation, Turpin rushed into the line and reached over with the ball to get the first down.

With a minute left, his pass intended for Pike was tipped at the last moment by Smith and his next pass was incomplete, making it fourth-and-10 at the Spartans’ 39. Turpin then dropped back to pass but was pressured into scrambling. He was stopped four yards short of the first down, turning the ball over to Watertown with 40 seconds left.

Williams knelt down on the final play to run out the clock.

The Watertown QB, who is enlisted in the Army stationed at Fort Drum near Watertown, proved to be the difference in the game as he was able to extend plays by avoiding the Spartans’ pass rush – either by finding open receivers in the middle of the field or by getting to the outside for big runs.

Williams, at 5-foot-10, 150 pounds, carried the ball nine times for 85 yards and a touchdown and completed 14 of 26 passes for 246 yards, three touchdowns – and an interception (in the end zone by free safety Takhi West in the second quarter). Two of those TDs went to Crump.

For the Spartans, Turpin completed 17 of 32 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns. Two of his passes were intercepted, leading to 10 Watertown points in the first half.

Genesee County rushed for 54 yards, with Lamar carrying seven times for 30 yards. Pike and Farley each caught five passes for 100 and 66 yards, respectively, while Toast Malone caught three for 36 yards.

Spartans’ Head Coach Harry Rascoe said he liked the way his squad didn’t give up but noted that penalties and missed assignments put them in a big hole.

“We stuck together and at times it was tough, but we stayed together,” he said. “Bottom line, we’ve got to play better football. Too many costly penalties. We’re still a young football team, and it’s a long season. But we’re better than what we showed tonight.”

The Spartans lost defensive end Gunner Rapone (foot) and lineman Alex Schmidt (knee) during the game and entered the contest without the services of wide receiver Jzon Richardson (hand) and defensive lineman Nick Mitchell (ankle).

Batavia Downs is undergoing a major track resurfacing and grading project ahead of the 2025 harness racing season, with approximately $300,000 in improvements announced by President & CEO Byron Brown. 

The work, which began on Tuesday, marks the first full resurfacing since 2015 and is expected to be completed within 7 to 10 days, weather permitting.

The upgrades are designed to enhance racing conditions for drivers and horses, as well as improve the overall experience for fans. 

“Our goal is to continue to improve the live racing experience for our current fans and hopefully attract new racing fans,” Brown said. “Batavia Downs is a historic harness racing facility, and these upgrades will ensure that the track remains a jewel for the 2025 season and beyond. I’m looking forward to a great racing season that begins in late July.”

The upcoming season opens July 26 and will feature the New York Sire Stakes on September 6. 

In addition to the track work, improvements include renovations to horse barn areas, new fencing along turns one and two, a new suite area in the grandstand, window tinting to reduce heat and glare, and a new water fountain attraction in the infield.

Track consultant Gary Wolff, who has over 30 years of industry experience and currently works with the Meadowlands Racetrack in New Jersey, was hired to oversee the resurfacing project.

Submitted photos.

Joseph Flynn, of Batavia, finished first on Saturday in the Ninth Annual Run Baby Run 5K, which benefits All Babies Cherished.

Flynn's time was 20:16.

The top female, and second overall, was Ruby Parrish, 24:16.

Third place was taken by 9-year-old C. Johnson.

The race started and finished at the Northgate Community Center, 350 Bank St.

Photos by Howard Owens.

At the Class B state qualifier meet hosted by Batavia at VanDetta Stadium on Friday, Section V presented the Devin Snyder Class B2 MVP awards based on last week’s sectional results. 

The boys' track MVP was Cameron Garofalo, and the boys' field MVP was Sheldon Siverling. For the girls, the track MVP was Karizma Wescott, and the field MVP was Ella Shamp.

The Devin Snyder award is named in memory of Devin Snyder, an outstanding student-athlete from Wayland-Cohocton who excelled in track and field, as well as other sports, during her varsity career. The award is presented by Section V to recognize top track and field athletes in various classes, honoring Snyder’s legacy and contributions to the sport in the region.

Press Release:

Fifth graders from Batavia Middle School had the exciting opportunity to meet the Batavia Muckdogs. Students learned about each player's background, the dedication required for their training, and how much they love playing the game.

They also got the chance to explore both dugouts, play catch with the players, and even run the bases. Making the day even more memorable, students collected autographs from team members, including local baseball standout Jaden Sherwood, a 2024 graduate of Notre Dame who is playing with the Muckdogs this summer.

Submitted photos.

Press Release:

Notre Dame Senior Aiden Bellavia, the son of Deanna King of Batavia, has signed to continue his basketball career at Finger Lakes Community College (FLCC) in the fall. Aiden, a small forward, was named a Genesee Region All-Star in basketball as he helped ND win the GR Division 2 Championship.  

Aiden earned the Paul Fanara Team MVP Award after leading the team in scoring (14.3 pts/game), in three pointers (29), while also leading the squad in 3pt shooting percentage (41%). He was second in rebounding (7.0/game). Five times he scored 20 points or more and was a major contributor in ND’s upset of Alexander, scoring 19 points with 5 three-pointers.  

Aiden carries a GPA of 90 and is currently undecided on his FLCC major.

The Batavia Muckdogs fell short in a high-scoring contest at Dwyer Stadium, dropping a 10-8 decision to Niagara Falls America in Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League action Wednesday night.

Down 1-0 entering the third, Niagara Falls broke out for seven runs, highlighted by Nick Paszt’s two-run triple and Ian Huang’s two-run single. Grant Moore and Christopher Guzaldo each added RBI singles in the frame, giving the visitors a 7-1 lead.

Batavia answered with two runs in the bottom of the third on Sean Mindas’s two-run single, then closed the gap to 7-5 in the fourth when Jacob Veczko delivered a two-run single. The Muckdogs pulled within a run in the fifth when Justin Espinal and Mindas advanced scored on separate wild pitches.

Niagara Falls extended its lead in the sixth. Huang singled home Guzaldo, and Moore’s two-run single capped a three-run inning to make it 10-7. Batavia added a run in the eighth on Brian Fry’s fielder’s choice, but could not complete the comeback.

Both teams finished with 12 hits. Cooper Fesh led Niagara Falls with three hits and three runs scored, while Mindas and Fry each had two hits for Batavia.

Carter Hall earned the win in relief for Niagara Falls, tossing two innings and allowing two runs. Bryceton Berry took the loss for Batavia.

The game drew 2,889 fans.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Press release:

Written by Mike Pettinella for the Genesee County Spartans

The Genesee County Spartans lost to the Buffalo Stampede, 18-17, on Saturday in a Northeastern Football Alliance AA Division season opener at Mulray Park in South Buffalo.

Stampede backup quarterback Anthony Davis found Kendrick Benson from 10 yards out with 54 seconds remaining to complete the host squad’s comeback from a 17-6 deficit.

The winning play was set up by a fumble recovery at the Spartans’ 20-yard line by Tyler Wilson with about three minutes to play.

After falling behind, the Spartans drove down to about the Stampede’s 30-yard line before a deep pass down the sideline was intercepted by Marcelus Tolivar to seal Buffalo’s victory.

Julia Petry’s 30-yard field goal had given the Spartans a 17-6 lead in the third quarter before Buffalo rallied.

Wide receiver Deyonci Farley scored both of the Spartans’ touchdowns on passes from QB Corey Turpin – the first capping a 60-yard opening drive and the second late in the first quarter. Julia Petry was successful on both extra point attempts.

Spartans’ Head Coach Harry Rascoe said the loss was a case of “taking our foot off the gas and committing a couple of costly turnovers.”

“We played probably our best first half ever and dominated the statistics,” he said. “We just didn’t finish it off.”

Rascoe said that tight end Logan Pike had a big day, with seven catches for 150-plus yards, while running back Will LaMar carried for about 70 yards.

On defense, Cody Wenner had an interception while defensive end Gunner Rapone, free safety Takhi West and linebackers Marley English and Martin Krayna each had multiple tackles.

The Spartans limited the Stampede to about 230 yards of total offense.

For the Stampede, Davis completed eight of 11 passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns – the first was a 15-yarder to Kaleb Walker – while running back Auston Neal tallied the team’s other TD. Defensively, Amir Dubose led the way with five tackles and forced the fumble late in the game.

The Spartans’ home opener is set for 7 p.m. next Saturday (June 7th) at Van Detta Stadium in Batavia against the Watertown Red & Black.

The team’s schedule is as follows (game times to be determined):

• June 7 – Watertown Red & Black (Van Detta Stadium, Batavia), 7 p.m.
• June 14 – at Ithaca Warriors, 5 p.m.
• June 21 – Upstate Predators (Pembroke Town Park), 5 p.m.
• June 28 – at Lockport Wildcats (Outwater Park), 7 p.m.
• July 12 – Southern Tier Stallions (Pembroke Town Park), 5 p.m.
• July 19 – Lake Erie Power Pines (Pembroke Town Park), 5 p.m.
• Aug. 2 – TBA.

Genesee Spartans’ roster (uniform number, name, position):

0    Gunner Rapone       DE

1    Jzhon Henderson     DB

2    Alex Rood           LB
3    Jzon Richardson     WR
4    Kareem Pryor        RB
5    Deyonci Farley      WR
6    Nick Santos         WR
7    Brandon Robinson    LB
8    Ryley Elliott       DL
9    Marley English      LB
10   Corey Turpin        QB
11   Malkolm Taylor      LB/DB
13   Ben McMindes        WR
14   Aiden Pitts         WR
16   Martin Krayna       LB
17   Takhi West          FS
18   Devan Flanagan      WR
19   Jalen White         DL
20   Will Lamar          RB
21   Delonta Curry       LB
22   Cody Wenner         DB
23   Caleb Cudzillo      DB
24   Eric Snell          LB
25   Dontre Woods        DB
26   Emmanuel Fisher     RB
27   Jaysen Wylie        DB
28   Keith Neureuter     DB
32   Jayden Osborne      LB/DL
33   Robert Thurston Jr. TE
40   Julia Petry         K
51   Mekhi Rivera        LB/DL
54   Nick Mitchell       DL
55   Aaron Treleaven     G
60   Thomas Richmond     G
61   Alex Merica         C
70   Timothy King        T
78   Baylee Vercruysse   T
80   Tai Reffell         WR
89   Logan Pike          TE
97   Jack Fox-Salah      DL
99   Franklon Rice       DL

The Batavia Boys won the Class B Track and Field Sectional Championship on Friday night. 

They scored 226.5 points, with HFL finishing 2nd with 102 points.  

"This was an incredible performance by our Blue Devils team, earning their 9th sectional title, and this is Batavia track's 48th sectional championship, boys and girls for Indoor and Outdoor track," said Coach Nicholas Burk.

Winners for Batavia include:

• Cameron Garofalo - 3000 Steeple (10:38.38),
• 1600m (4:24:24), and the 800m (1:58.83)
• Sheldon Siverling - Shot Put (54-1) Disc (147-6)
• Cooper Konieczny - Pole Vault (13-0)
• Jamari Irvin - Pentathlon (2681 pts.)
• 4x800 Relay -  E'Nhazje Carter, Grant Gahagan, Nate Kinsey, Mason Bellamy (8:32.38)
• 4x100 Relay - Zailen Griffin, Isaac Varland, Keagan Calmes, Ja'Lon Richardson (45.08)

Oakfield-Alabama’s softball season ended Friday with a 5-0 loss to Bolivar-Richburg in the Section V Class C final.

Bolivar-Richburg scored single runs in the second and third innings, then added three in the fifth. Oakfield-Alabama managed four hits but could not push a run across.

Chloe Lamb led Oakfield-Alabama at the plate, going 2-for-3. Piper Hyde finished 1-for-3, and Allison Williams added a hit and a walk.

Savannah Durham pitched all seven innings for Oakfield-Alabama, allowing nine hits, two walks, and one earned run while striking out eight.

Coach Jeff Schlagenhauf said, “Tough day for us, especially defensively, but I can’t say enough about my team and the season they had. 16-3, GR Co-Champions and a sectional final. A great season for sure. This one will sting for a while, but hats off to BR. Their pitcher, Whiting, kept us off balance all day. We say goodbye and good luck to our four seniors, but with eight starters who are 9th or 10th graders, we will be back for sure. I am incredibly proud of this group.”

Photos by Jordyn Tobolski.

The Batavia Muckdogs (1-1) defeated the Elmira Pioneers 13-1 in their 2025 home opener Saturday night at Dwyer Stadium.

Batavia took the lead with two runs in the second inning and added two more in the third. The Muckdogs broke the game open with a seven-run fourth, then tacked on two in the fifth and one in the sixth. Elmira scored its only run in the top of the fourth.

Sean Mindas tripled and drove in two runs for Batavia. Tyler Castrataro finished with three RBIs. Justin Espinal and Jackson Inman each drove in two runs. Brian Fry, Braedon Reina, Blake Ewing, and Caleb Walker added RBIs. The Muckdogs collected 14 hits, stole three bases, and turned a double play.

Gavin Chandler started and earned the win, pitching 5.1 innings and allowing one run on seven hits. Jay Creighton and Garrett Beaver combined for 1.2 scoreless innings in relief.

A crowd of 2,681 attended the home opener. Fireworks followed the game, marking the first of four fireworks nights this season at Dwyer Stadium.

Batavia continues its homestand Sunday at Dwyer Stadium.

Photos by Nick Serrata.

Press release:

The Batavia Girls scored an incredible 267.5 points to run away with the Class B2 team title.  

The second-place finisher was Honeoye Falls/Lima with 138.5 points, and Wayne placed third with 71 points.

Team results:

• Karizma Wescott won three individual events, the 100m (12.4), 200m (25.6), 400m (57.89)
• Ella Shamp won two individual events, High Jump (5-0) and Long Jump (17-6.25)
• Campbell Riley won two individual events, 2000m steeple (7:04.86), and 800m (2:24.73)
• Mady Smith won the 100 hurdles(14.88s)
• Ava Anderson won the 400 hurdles (66.0s)
• Mallory Boyce won the 1500m (4:58.0)
• Ava Wierda won the discus (111' 3")
• Jaimin MacDonald won the shot put (34'4")
• Anna DiRisio won the pentathlon, scoring 2175 points

Batavia also won the 4x400m relay (4:11.46), consisting of Ava Anderson, Mallory Boyce, Campbell Riley, and Karizma Wescott.

Le Roy rallied from an early two-run deficit and walked off with a 3-2 win over Wayland-Cohocton in eight innings on Thursday in the Class B semifinal.

Wayland-Cohocton jumped ahead in the second inning. Matt Clark led off with a single, Owen Wolfanger drew a walk, and after a sacrifice bunt by Tony Schrimer, Hayden Wolfanger singled in a run. Orion Walker followed with an RBI single to make it 2-0.

Le Roy answered in the bottom of the frame. Peter Clark walked, advanced on a Holden Sullivan bunt, and scored on a sacrifice fly by freshman Jude Christ after a Luke Lathan single.

The Knights tied it in the seventh. Jake Higgins singled, advanced on an error, and scored after a Sullivan single and a Luke Lathan fielder’s choice.
In the bottom of the eighth, Jagger Smith singled and Alex Spezzano doubled down the right field line. With one out and runners on second and third, sophomore Brady McClurg delivered the game-winning RBI single.

Luke Lathan started for Le Roy and pitched into the fifth inning. Peter Clark came on in relief, retiring the next three batters and finishing with three scoreless, hitless innings to earn the win. Matt Clark pitched well for Wayland-Cohocton in the loss.

Coach Antonio Koukides credited both teams for their effort. 

“This was a tremendous baseball game all around, with both teams playing their hearts out and fighting all the way to the end," he said. "Steve always has his boys prepared, and their pitcher did a tremendous job tonight keeping us off balance. I have a lot of respect for their program and knew this would be a really close game.”

Oakfield-Alabama advanced to the Class C2 softball championship with a 9-0 win over Genesee Valley/Belfast. 

The Hornets broke through with five runs in the third inning and added three more in the fourth to take control of the game.

Piper Hyde led the offense with three hits in four at-bats. Allison Williams went 2-for-4 with two doubles and three RBIs, and Raine Denny was 2-for-4 with three RBIs. Chloe Lamb drove in a run, while Savannah Durham and Rylee Denny each collected a hit.

Savannah Durham pitched a complete game, allowing four hits and no earned runs while striking out 15.

“Just a great win for our team," said coach Jeff Schlagenhauf. "We got contributions up and down the line and once again. We were able to get our runners home once they got into scoring position. Allie and Raine had huge RBI hits for us in the 3rd and 4th innings that allowed us to extend our lead. ,Savannah was outstanding on the mound once again and we were solid defensively behind her. We are looking forward to the opportunity to play for a Sectional championship on Saturday.”

Photos by Jordyn Tobolski

Kendall edged Oakfield-Alabama 3-2 in eight innings on Wednesday. 

Kendall collected 10 hits and did not commit an error, while Oakfield-Alabama had eight hits and two errors.

Oakfield-Alabama scored first with a run in the second inning. Kendall answered in the bottom half. Oakfield-Alabama added another in the fourth, but Kendall tied it in the sixth. The game remained tied going into the seventh. Kendall walked it off in the bottom of the inning.

Jack Cianfrini and Avery Watterson each had two hits for Oakfield-Alabama. David Schnaufer pitched 6.2 innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on 10 hits, with two strikeouts and three walks.

Nic Cole got the complete-game win for Kendall, giving up two runs on eight hits with two strikeouts and no walks. 

Photos by Jordyn Tobolski

Batavia’s flag football season ended Wednesday night with a 7-0 loss to CG Finney in the Section V Class C championship game. 

The Lady Devils gave up an early touchdown but stayed in contention thanks to a strong defensive effort.

Senior defensive end Kylee Brennan led the way with 14 flag pulls, including seven for a loss. Senior linebacker Alyssa Turner recorded five flag pulls, and senior DE Nicole Doeringer added four, three of them for a loss. Junior free safety Libby Grazioplene intercepted two passes, returning one from inside the 5-yard line for 33 yards. Senior LB and quarterback Jaimin Macdonald also picked off a pass and returned it deep into Finney territory late in the second half, giving Batavia a final chance to tie the game.

On offense, Macdonald led Batavia with 51 rushing yards on eight carries. Brennan added 20 yards on four carries, and Doeringer ran three times for 24 yards.

Batavia finishes the season with a 9-4-1 record. Coach Matt McCracken thanked the community for its support and for highlighting the team’s accomplishments throughout the year.

The Batavia Muckdogs ushered in the 2025 baseball season with their annual Meet ’N Eat kickoff party Tuesday evening at Eli Fish Brewing Company in downtown Batavia.

More than 100 fans, sponsors, and season ticket holders gathered to meet the Muckdogs players and coaching staff, who took turns introducing themselves and sharing excitement for the upcoming season. 

Attendees enjoyed food, drinks, and live entertainment as they mingled with the team. Season ticket holders and sponsors also received their welcome bags as part of the festivities.
The event has become a tradition for the Batavia baseball community, offering fans a chance to connect with the team before the first pitch of the season.

The Muckdogs will open their home schedule at Dwyer Stadium on Saturday, at 7 p.m. against the Elmira Pioneers.

Le Roy edges Haverling, 3-1, to reach Class B semifinals

Behind a dominant outing from Alex Spezzano and some highlight-reel defense, Le Roy advanced to the Section V Class B baseball semifinals Tuesday with a 3-1 win over Haverling.

Spezzano tossed a complete game two-hitter, striking out seven. 

After Haverling’s Dylan Wenban reached on an error and scored in the first, Spezzano allowed just one hit the rest of the way.

Le Roy’s defense came up big, highlighted by left fielder Jude Sherman’s diving catch to end the fourth and strand a runner. At the plate, Adam Woodworth and Jake Higgins drew back-to-back walks in the fourth, pulled off a double steal, and both scored—Woodworth on a wild pitch and Higgins on a fielder’s choice by Holden Sullivan. Higgins later drove in Woodworth with an RBI single in the fifth.

Jude Christ and Jagger Smith added hits for Le Roy. Haverling’s Gage Thomas pitched well in the loss, allowing just four hits.

Le Roy moves on to face No. 3 seed Wayland-Cohocton in Thursday’s semifinal.

Photos by Leslie Higgins.

Oakfield-Alabama earned a spot in the Section V Class C2 semifinals Tuesday with an 8-2 win over Alexander.

Piper Hyde went 4-for-4 with a triple to lead the Lady Hornets at the plate. Raine Denny drove in four runs, including a triple, while Chloe Lamb added three hits and two RBIs. Allison Harkness finished 2-for-3 with an RBI, and Ysa Schrauger and Allie Williams each added a hit.

Savannah Durham pitched a complete game, allowing three hits and no earned runs while striking out five.

“We played well defensively and cashed in our runners when we got them into scoring position,” OA coach Jeff Schlagenhauf said. “This is a great opportunity for these girls to move on to the semifinals.”

Photos by Jordyn Tobolski