Skip to main content

football

Notre Dame losses in home game played at GCC, 25-14

By Howard B. Owens
Sep 17, 2023, 5:54pm
Image
notre dame football

A beautiful day and a beautiful field to play on, but not the outcome Notre Dame hoped for when they arrived at Genesee Community College on Saturday for a regular season game against Canisteo-Greenwood.

The Irish lost 25-14.

Jay Antinore was 12-20 passing for 134 yards and two TDs.

Also on Saturday 
The OAE Aggies sustained a rare loss on Saturday, losing to Avon 13-6.

QB Gavin Armbrewster was 4-9 passing for 113 yards and a TD.  He had 12 carries for 37 yards. Avery Waterson rushed for 68 yards. Shaun Alexander had 33 yards on eight carries and a 55-yard receiving TD.

On defense, Ashton Bezon had 11 tackles and a sack. Austin Pangrazio had eight tackles and an interception.

"Avon played a much cleaner game than us today," said Coach Tyler Winter. "When you have multiple uncharacteristic mistakes, it’s tough to rally against teams like them. This will serve as a good learning experience for us down the road, as we still have not scratched the surface of our potential. Plenty of ball left."

Photos by Pete Welker.

Image
notre dame football
Image
notre dame football
Image
notre dame football
Image
notre dame football
Image
notre dame football
Image
notre dame football
Image
notre dame football
Image
notre dame football
Image
notre dame football

Le Roy dominates Lyons/Sodus 38-16

By Howard B. Owens
Sep 16, 2023, 12:10pm
Image
LeRoy scores just before haltime to lead 20-8.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
LeRoy scores just before halftime to lead 20-8.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene

The Le Roy Oatkan Knights improved to 3-0 on the season with a 36-16 win over Lyons/Sodus on Friday at Hartwood Park.

Tony Piazza rushed for 152 yards on 20 carries and a TD. Tommy Condidorio was 5-10 passing for 110 yards and a TD. Jackson Fix had four receptions for 86 yards. He also rushed for a pair of touchdowns. Holden Sullivan had two sacks and four tackles.

Also on Friday:

  • Batavia lost to Honeoye Falls/Lima, 21-14.  Bronx Buchholz 11-24 passing for 139 yards, one TD and one interception. Mekhi Fortes had 16 carries for 155 yards and a touchdown. He had six tackles on defense. Cole Grazioplene five catches for 54 yards and a TD.
  • Attica/Alexander beat East Rochester/Gandada, 21-18.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

To view or purchase prints, click here.

Image
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Image
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Image
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Image
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Image
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Image
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Image
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Notre Dame can't overcome early Avon lead, fall 41-12

By Howard B. Owens
Sep 10, 2023, 6:26pm
Image
notre dame football

Notre Dame fell to Avon 41-12 on Saturday.

Both teams scored all their points in the first half.

Jay Antinore was 7-19 passing for 111 yards with one TD reception.  Gabe Castro gained 49 yards on the ground on 14 carries. 
Jaden Sherwood scored a TD on four receptions for 73 yards.

Castro also had 12 tackles on defense.

Photos by Pete Welker

Image
notre dame football
Image
notre dame football
Image
notre dame football
Image
notre dame football
Image
notre dame football
Image
notre dame football

OAE now 2-0 over after 41-6 win

By Howard B. Owens
Sep 10, 2023, 5:49pm
Image
oakfield-alabama aggies football

Oakfield-Alabama/Elba dominated York/Pavilion on Saturday for a 41-6 win in football.

Bodie Hyde ran 17 times for 219 yards and three touchdowns. On defense, he had eight tackles.

Shaun Alexander rushed for 42 yards on five carries and scored a TD.

Avery Watterson rushed 10 times for 102 yards and scored a TD.  He had an interception on defense.

Gavin Armbrewter tossed a 15-yard pass to Carson Warner for a score.

Junior RB Jack Cianfrini - 5 Rushes, 65 Yards

On defense:

  • Ashton Bezon - nine tackles, four for a loss
  • Angelo Penna - seven tackles, two for a loss
  • Austin Pangrazio - six tackles, two for a loss

"Total team effort on all three sides of the ball from our squad today," said Head Coach Tyler Winter. "We were thankful York/Pavilion presented moments of adversity throughout the game, as we are still looking to see what we are going to do as a team when those moments happen."

Photos by Debra Reilly.

Image
oakfield-alabama aggies football
Image
oakfield-alabama aggies football
Image
oakfield-alabama aggies football
Image
oakfield-alabama aggies football
Image
oakfield-alabama aggies football

Dragons go to 2-0 with another high-scoring win

By Staff Writer
Sep 9, 2023, 3:14pm
Image
pembroke over cal-mum byron bergen

Submitted article and photos.

The Pembroke Dragons Varsity Football team improved to 2-0 on the season with a 58-22 victory over Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen

Behind the blocking of Ben Steinberg, Jayden Mast, Jayden Bridge, Madden Perry, JJ Gabbey, Octavius Martin and Caleb Felski, Tyson Totten rushed for 330 yards and five touchdowns on 15 carries -- all in the first half. 

Fullback Caleb Felski and Quarterback Vijay Dhanda had the other rushing touchdowns. 

Caleb Kimmel took a kick return 70 yards to the house, and the Dragons got a safety to finish their scoring. 

Defensively the Dragons were led by Hayden Williams with 10 tackles on defense. Madden Perry, Caleb Kimmel and Landon Suro each added seven tackles a piece, and Sean Pustkula had the game's lone interception. He also was 8-8 on extra points. 

The Dragons travel to Bolivar-Richburg this Thursday to take on the 2-0 Wolverines. 

Image
pembroke over cal-mum byron bergen
Image
pembroke over cal-mum byron bergen
Image
pembroke over cal-mum byron bergen
Image
pembroke over cal-mum byron bergen

Batavia's strong second half team effort gives them first home opener win 33-14 over Wayne

By Howard B. Owens
Sep 9, 2023, 3:10am
Image
Batavia takes the lead with 3.8 seconds at haltime 20-14.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Batavia takes the lead with 3.8 seconds left in the second quarter, making 20-14 at halftime
Photo by Steve Ognibene

In the closing seconds of the first half, the Batavia Blue Devils scored a go-ahead TD over Wayne Central to regain a lead the team wouldn't relinquish the rest of the way, leading to a 33-14 win. 

It was the team's home opener and made the Blue Devils 2-0 under new head coach Alex Veltz.

Bronx Buchholz was 7-11 passing for 59 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He also gained 130 yards on the ground on 15 carries, scoring twice.

Cole Graz snagged our receptions for 18 yards and a TD. He also had an inception on defense.

Carter Mullen had one reception for an 8-yard TD.

Mekhi Fortes, 14 carries, 85 yards, 5.5.

Zailen Griffin, nine rushes for 82 yards and a TD.

The Blue Devils take on Honeoye Falls-Lima this Friday in HFL. Game time is 7 p.m. 

Image
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Image
Cole Grazioplene scores first touchdown for Batavia in first quarter.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Cole Grazioplene scores the first touchdown for Batavia in the first quarter.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Image
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Image
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Image
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Image
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Image
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Week One Football: OAE beats Geneseo 55-14

By Howard B. Owens
Sep 3, 2023, 10:09am
Image
oae aggies week 1 win football

The Oakfield-Alabama/Elba Aggies started its new season with another convincing win, beating Geneseo 55-14.

The Aggies shut out Geneseo in the first half, going into the locker room with a 42-0 lead.

Key stats:

  • Senior QB/LB Bodie Hyde - 10 Rushes, 181 Yards, 4 TDs,  12 Tackles, (all in 1st half)
  • Junior RB/LB Avery Watterson - 11 Rushes, 90 Yards, one interception
  • Senior RB/DB Shaun Alexander - 9 Rushes, 50 Yards, one touchdown

Ronald Szpylman, Austin Pangrazio, and Gavin Armbrewster all also had rushing TDs (Gavin Armbrewster also had an interception).

  • Senior LB Ashton Bezon - 12 Tackles,  1 Sack
  • Senior DL Angelo Penna - 8 Tackles, 1 Sack
  • Senior DL Austin Pangrazio - 8 Tackles

"It was great to see this team come out of the gate and play a style of football that we felt they were capable of playing," said Head Coach Tyler Winter. "They were physical, played well at the point of attack, and they executed at a level much greater than a typical group in a week zero game.  We are very pleased with the victory, but this group is more excited that they can now dive into film and begin preparations for the next challenge that awaits them."

Also on Friday and Saturday:

  • Le Roy beat Bath-Haverling, 43-6
  • Attica-Alexander beat Letchworth/Warsaw/Perry 16-14
  • York/Pavilion beat Notre Dame, 20-12
  • Batavia won 46-30
  • Pembroke beat Red Jacket, 55-28

Coaches: Send your team's results and stats to [email protected]

Photos by Debra Reilly.

Image
oae aggies week 1 win football
Image
oae aggies week 1 win football
Image
oae aggies week 1 win football
Image
oae aggies week 1 win football
Image
oae aggies week 1 win football

Batavia Bulldawgs claim 34-30 win over Blue Devils in annual scrimmage

By Steve Ognibene
Aug 31, 2023, 10:56am
Image
Max Monroe scores 4.7 seconds left in second half to win the game for Bulldawgs.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Max Monroe scores 4.7 seconds left in second half to win the game for Bulldawgs.  Photo by Steve Ognibene

The 11th annual scrimmage between the Batavia Blue Devils vs. the Batavia Bulldawgs was another win for the mini-squad on Wednesday evening at VanDetta stadium.  

The Bulldawgs opened the first drive with a 60-yard TD run by Logan Brooks.  They led at the half 20-16.

Bluedevils took a brief lead after halftime, 24-20, then on its next possession, the Bulldawgs scored Parker Davis on a 60-yard TD run, regaining the lead 26-24.   

With 3:44 left in the game, the Blue Devils scored and led by four, 30-26.

Then with 4.7 seconds left, Max Monroe scored to secure the Bulldawg's win, 34-30,

The Blue Devils, who over the past 11 years have won sectional titles and vied for a state championship, has yet to manage a victory against the much younger team.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Image
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Image
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Image
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Image
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Image
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Image
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Image
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Spartans down Ithaca, 16-12, in error-filled NFA game

By Mike Pettinella
Jun 18, 2023, 9:05am
Image
Spartans Football

The Genesee County Spartans outlasted the Ithaca Warriors, 16-12, in Northeastern Football Alliance semipro action Saturday night at Genesee Community College.

After Ithaca scored on an interception in the game's opening minutes, the Spartans took the lead for good with 24 seconds left in the first quarter on a five-yard run by fullback Brandon Bethel and the point-after kick by Marc Montana.

The home team made it 13-6 midway through the second quarter on a 70-yard burst up the middle by Jed Reese, who burst through the line and ran untouched to the end zone.

Montana's 28-yard field goal gave the Spartans a 16-6 lead early in the third quarter. Ithaca scored on a touchdown pass with 1:09 left in the game.

The game was marked by more than a dozen turnovers and at least that many penalties, including several personal fouls (and a couple of ejections) for unsportsmanlike conduct.

For the Spartans, Cody Wenner, Amir Cleveland, Tre Woods, Keith Neureuter and Max Rapone had interceptions, with Rapone's play ending a last-ditch effort by Ithaca in the closing seconds.  Defensive end Gunner Rapone had another outstanding game for Genesee.

The Spartans, 2-1, are home again next Saturday for a 7 p.m. clash against the Broome County Stallions.

Photos by Nick Serrata

Image
Spartans Football
Image
Spartans Football

 

Image
Spartans Football
Image
Spartans Football

Spartans football club set for scrimmage at Kibbe Park on Sunday afternoon

By Press Release
May 1, 2023, 8:36pm
Image
Spartans football club

Press Release:

With a roster of 55 players and about a dozen sponsors in hand, the Genesee County Spartans organization is moving full speed ahead toward competing in the Northeastern Football Alliance this summer.

“We’re into the third week of training camp, preparing for an intrasquad scrimmage at 1 p.m. on May 7 at Kibbe Park (which is open to the public at no charge),” said Head Coach Harry Rascoe. “It’s a very competitive environment for starting positions on the team.”

The Spartans are practicing on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. at Farrall Park in preparation for a May 20 scrimmage at the Watertown Red and Black, which plays in the Gridiron Developmental Football League.

Rascoe’s squad is on the road for its first three NFA games – at Auburn on June 3 and at Lockport on June 10 – before hosting Ithaca on June 17.

The remainder of the schedule: June 24 vs. Broome County; July 15 at Broome County; July 22 vs. Lockport; Aug. 5 at Ithaca; Aug. 12 vs. Auburn.

Rascoe said the team is finalizing arrangements to play its home games at Genesee Community College.

Team sponsors include Iron Reps gym, R.A. Haitz, Dan’s Tire & Auto, The Brick Gym, Eli Fish, Batavia Downs Gaming, Liberty Pumps, Los Compadres Mexican Restaurant, Get Sealed and Village Restaurant.

For more information about the team, including how to become a sponsor, go to the team’s Genesee County Spartans Facebook page or contact Rascoe at [email protected].

Image
Spartans football club

Submitted photos.  Top photo: Head Coach Harry Rascoe, football in hand, calls out a play for the offensive line as the Genesee Spartans prepare for their season this summer.  Bottom photo: Assistant coach Craig Tiberio conducts a drill for defensive backs at a recent Genesee Spartans football practice.

Mike Humphrey becomes first former player named head coach in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens
Apr 13, 2023, 1:31pm

Image
mike_h_coahing.jpg

The Le Roy football program is a program with a lot of wins, a lot of history, a lot of tradition, and Mike Humphrey has been a part of it.

This week, the Board of Education approved Humphrey's appointment to head coach of the Oatkan Knights, making him the first former player to be named head coach in the program's history.

Humphrey was a wide receiver and defensive back with the Knights through three championship seasons -- 2006, 2007, and 2008.  He's been part of the coaching staff, including head JV coach, for a decade, and has worked for the past five years at the elementary school as a physical education instructor.

"I'm excited," Humphrey said. "This is something I've been a part of for a long time, as a player and as a coach.

"This is something that has always kind of been on my mind, and so here we are," he added. "I'm excited to get the process going."

One of his assistants, Jim Bonaquisti, who was also once his coach at Le Roy, said Humphrey clearly has a plan and is already moving forward to get the team ready for the 2023 season. 

"He knows what he needs to do," Bonaquisti said.  "He knows what it's supposed to look like.  He's going to do a great job."

With Humphrey and assistants Pete Green and John Whiting, Bonaquisti will be working alongside three coaches he coached when they were high school players.

"Either I've been here a long time or I'm getting old," Bonaquisti quipped.

But that's all part of the tradition, said Bonaquisti, who serves as the team's historian.  

"He was a hell of a player," Bonaquisti said. "He was an all-state player.  He was a really good college player at Cortland. He's in the Top 10 among receivers in several categories at Cortland. He's young, and hopefully, he's going to stay a while."

Humphrey replaces Brian Herdlein, who has been head coach since 2015.  Herdlein, who previously served as an assistant under Brian Moran, lives in Batavia, and Bonquisti said Herdein's sons are coming of age in Batavia's football program, and he wants to be around to be part of their football careers.

"We all get it," Bonaquisti said. "When I was JV coach, I had to miss one of my son's Little League games, and I said, 'Never again.'  We love him.  I loved coaching with him, and I understand."

It's been a few years, however, since the Oatkan Knights claimed a sectional title.  There was even talk earlier this year, because of declining participation numbers in football, of merging the Le Roy program with Cal-Mum.  That isn't going to happen, and Bonaquisti thinks Humphrey has the experience, knowledge, and commitment to return Le Roy to championship football.

"It's time for another title," he said.

Humphrey said he feels good about the program.  He coached winning teams at the JV level for five years and said there are players coming up who can help the team win.

"We have a lot of skill position players coming back at the varsity level, and while we lost some on the lines, we've got great players coming," Humphrey said. "I'm confident in their skill and their ability.  I've got nothing but confidence and enthusiasm for our kids."

Photo: Mike Humphrey on left.  Photo by Ed Henry.

Le Roy Central School considers merger with Cal-Mum/B-B

By Joanne Beck
Feb 1, 2023, 8:57pm

Image
le_roy_football_2022.jpeg

Le Roy Superintendent Merritt Holly asked students and parents to consider a few things during his talk this week about a potential merger of the district’s football program.

First, he didn’t want their immediate feedback, but, rather, he wanted the stats and details he was to provide to marinate for a while before they shared their comments and concerns. The deadline for feedback is Feb. 13.

Second, a merger doesn’t signal a “superpower” team of those earlier days of the game, he said. It’s not Le Roy football in the 1980s, 90s and early to mid-2000s, when enrollment numbers and participation were of a different nature, he said, and “the game of football” has drastically changed over the past 45 years.”

That isn’t what this proposition is about.

“This is about long-term sustainability in the sport of football,” he said.

Third, what is a potential merger with Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen about?

There’s a rationale — the method behind the madness, so to speak — for considering a merger, Holly said. One issue is the safety factor: Eighth and tenth graders wouldn’t have to play to fill rosters of the junior and varsity levels, and students wouldn't be required to be on the field more than necessary.

“Imagine if we could have some balance in practice and playtime,” he said.

Student-athletes wouldn’t be overplayed, which would reduce the risk of injuries, he said, during times of, for example, athletes playing both sides of the ball.

“You have to be very careful,” he said. “You have to worry more about injuries in practice. When it comes to accountability, when you have no one else in that position to play, it becomes an issue.”

A merger could mean sustainability. A roster would be maintained at three levels, modified, JV and Varsity, with a continuous foundation of youth programs being built. Plus, the other two school districts “have a need and want to be part of this relationship and one (B-B swim team) we have already partnered with,” he said.

Not to be left out of the equation was perhaps Holly’s biggest influential statistic: a decreased enrollment of more than 500 students in 2022-2023 from 1987 figures. He called it a “staggering” slide, though also later noted that numbers seemed to be slightly on the uptick. He did so with caution.

“We could end the presentation right now and say the numbers are coming back, but there’s more,” he said.

Much of the issue was about future roster sizes, the safety of students and the ability to be competitive.

“Sometimes we’re doing our students a disservice,” Holly said. “Sports is one of the best ways to have healthy competition.”

Other districts may decide to merge at some point, and this could be Le Roy’s moment to do so, but it’s up to the school community to decide, he said. Feedback is due by Feb. 13, and the school board is to vote on Feb. 28.

If it’s yes for the merger, that would mean splitting home games, operating costs amongst the school districts, sharing homecoming and senior nights at the home game district, each district paying its own insurance costs, uniforms purchased from a stockpile, and other details to be worked out, he said.

“We’d be looking at a whole new process,” he said. “There’d be a three-year commitment with a 30-day opt-out clause.”

If the merger is a no, Le Roy moves forward with a football program.

“We need to get feedback from you. This is just an initial conversation,” Holly said.

To view the entire presentation, go HERE.

2022 File Photo of Le Roy Oatkan Knights versus Attica by Howard Owens.

Coach who rebuilt winning tradition for Batavia football steps down after 11 seasons

By Howard B. Owens
Dec 18, 2022, 7:00am

Image
dsc_1933-2briggs2013.png

Six sectional titles and two state semifinals isn't a bad legacy for most coaches who have been leading varsity football squads for a lot longer than Brennan Briggs coached in Batavia.

Briggs accomplished that feat -- along with a career record of 88-25 -- over 11 seasons. 

In reality, Briggs won six sectional titles over nine seasons because the football program he inherited in 2012 was in shambles.  After years of posting losing records, the Blue Devils needed a coach who could restore player development, discipline, vision, and a relentless drive to win.  It took a couple of seasons for Briggs to fully instill a new system and new attitude in Batavia.  Once he did, the Blue Devils were consistently formidable opponents year after year, game after game.

In 2014, the Blue Devils won the school's first football sectional title since 1991.

"As a fellow BHS grad like Brennan, I know the pride that existed in Blue Devil football when I was a BHS student, and over his successful coaching tenure, Brennan re-instilled that great pride and tradition for all of us Batavians," Superintendent Jason Smith said.

But the effort it takes to consistently win in varsity-level football takes its toll. The coaching doesn't just happen between the lines on Friday nights or during afternoon workouts. There are scouting trips, hours of film review, team meetings, meetings with coaches, meetings with players and parents, and nights just thinking about the next game. Planning and preparation are hard work.  And it is year-round work.

"Brennan is the kind of coach who would never be out-coached," Athletic Director Mike Bromley said. "But that kind of work wears you down."

That's why Briggs is stepping down as head coach of the Batavia football team, and it's what Briggs said in his resignation letter:

It has been an unbelievable journey, but It's time for me to focus on the things I lost sight of over the years, and that's being a good husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. I've been caught up in the ‘process’ for so long, and it is affecting the people who I love the most. In this position, if you’re doing it right, the hours are endless, late nights are a regular, and stress is the norm. Everyone talks about balance. Balance has never been a strength of mine. I’m all in or I’m out. Balance is great, but when you want to be on top, there’s no such thing as balance, and that’s part of why I need to step down. My family needs me to be all in with them, for the long haul. Unfortunately, with my family health history, I believe if I continue down this path, I won’t be around for the ones who need me the most when they need me the most.

It's that all-in character about Briggs that both Smith and Bromley mentioned in discussing the coach's decision to step away from football.

"I have known Brennan and his family over the course of my life through a family friendship, and actually taught Brennan swimming in the Red Cross backyard swimming program in the 80s and early 90s," Smith said. "He is a class act all around -- a humble and confident leader, and I congratulate him personally and professionally on his success.  His wife Justine and children are certainly more than deserving of having their husband and father around more in their lives, and I wish them great happiness."

Bromley said he and Briggs have been discussing the coach's eventual resignation for a couple of years and what a hard decision it was to make, but, in the end, Briggs put his health and his family first.

"He is doing the right thing," Bromley said.

Briggs -- who had himself been a football and hockey star for Batavia --  joined Batavia's football program right out of college, first as a modified coach, then he spent two seasons as JV coach (going undefeated his second year).  He will continue on as a hockey coach, Bromley said. He also remains in his teaching position at Batavia Middle School.

Briggs will continue to have a positive impact on academics and athletics in the Batavia City School District, Bromley said.

"Anything Brennan wants to do, he’s going to be successful at because of his high energy, his work ethic, his character, and people feed off of those things," Bromley said.

Because Briggs built such a robust program, Bromley isn't worried about maintaining the high standards Briggs set.  All of the coaches at all levels of the program are invested in the system and understand it, so whoever steps into the head coach role next, while he might have his own ideas to impart, will find the scaffolding already in place that can build championship teams, he said.

In the near term, the JV team has had three consecutive undefeated seasons, and the modified team lost only one game this past season.

"Brennan has put a program in place that can be sustainable," Bromley said.

Van Detta has been regularly filled to capacity on Friday nights for the past couple of seasons. Bromley doesn't expect that community spirit to fade now that Batavia has a winning program in place.

Bromley hopes to have the new coach hired by the end of January.

Smith said Briggs represented Batavia well as head football coach, and he and the Board of Education are grateful for the positive impact he had on the community as head football coach.

"His program, coaching staff, and student-athletes under his leadership took great pride in representing all of us at BCSD," Smith said. "All the wins and titles weren't too bad either!  On and off the field, Brennan demonstrated commitment, a second-to-none work ethic, and a passion for all that is Batavia."

Photo: Previously unpublished file photo of Brennan Briggs during football practice in 2013. Photo by Howard Owens.

Photo: Thursday Night Football

By Howard B. Owens
Dec 1, 2022, 6:32pm

Image
thursdaynightfootball.jpg

These two pooches know who to root for in tonight's big game.

Photo submitted by Paul Nichiporuk.

Dragons prove the obvious, Pembroke is the best eight-man football team in the state

By Howard B. Owens
Nov 26, 2022, 6:39pm

Image
img_1149dragons.jpg

The Pembroke Dragons beat Groton on Friday afternoon 38-18 at Union Ellicott HS near Binghamton to become the 2022 state champions in eight-man football.

Behind the blocking of JJ Gabbey, Octavius Martin, Jayden Mast, Madden Perry, Ben Steinberg, Chase Guzdek and Caleb Felski, Tyson Totten rushed 29 times for 276 yards and three touchdowns.

Cayden Pfazler added a rushing TD as well and a 24-yard pass to Chase Guzdek for another score.

Octavius Martin had 8 tackles, Caleb Felski had 10, Jeremy Gabbey Jr. had 12, and Chase Guzdek led the way with 14.

Coach Brandon Ricci said, "The team would like to thank Superintendent Matthew Calderon, the Board of Education, district administration, the Pembroke Teachers Federation, who led fundraising efforts, the local fire and police who provided home escorts and, of course, the fans and families who showed unconditional support all season. The Dragons are honored to represent Section V as the number one eight-man Team in New York State!"

Submitted photos.

Image
img_1023dragons.jpg

Image
img_0579dragons.jpg

Image
img_0693dragons.jpg

Image
img_0727dragons.jpg

 

Randolph beats OAE in Far West championship game

By Howard B. Owens
Nov 22, 2022, 11:57am

Image
oaefarwest-1.jpg

A great football season for the Oakfield-Alabama/Elba team came to an end on Monday when the Aggies lost to Randolph in the Far West Regional Championship for Class D, 42-26.

Noah Currier, Connor Scott, Bodie Hyde all scored touchdowns and Kyle Porter had a 26-yard fumble recovery for a TD, but it wasn't enough to overcome a big game for Randolph's Xander Hind, who gained 276 yards on 48 carries.  He scored five touchdowns.

Currier had 16 carries for 166 yards.

Brayden Smith led the defense with 17 tackles.   Hyde had 12 Tackles, and Aiden Warner had 13 tackles.

"Hats off to Randolph," said Aggies' Head Coach Tyler Winter. "They were a physical football team that played a style we struggled with tonight.  They stayed ahead of the chains, and we couldn't get anything rolling on either side of the ball.  I wish them the best of luck the rest of the way.  My heart hurts for these seniors that have given so much to this program.  But they're walking out the door with no regrets and a heck of a football resume.  I couldn't be more proud of them.  For the underclassmen, the quest for the three-peat is coming soon."

Photos by Kristin Smith.

Image
oaefarwest-6.jpg

Image
oaefarwest-5.jpg

Image
oaefarwest-3.jpg

 

Blue Devils win Far West Championship in 20-8 win

By Howard B. Owens
Nov 21, 2022, 11:54pm

Image
untitled_shoot-8045.jpg

The Batavia Blue Devils are the Far West Regional champions after defeating Iroquois 20-8 at Van Detta Stadium on Monday night.

Iroquois scored first with 1:27 remaining in the first quarter, but the Blue Devils went on to score three unanswered touchdowns.

Aiden Anderson scored on a 3-yard run. Ja'vin McFollins scored on a 7-yard run.  And McFollins connected with Carter McFollins on an 83-yard pass with 2:52 left in the fourth quarter.

Ja'vin McFollins was 5-6 passing for 145 yards. Anderson ran for 28 yards on 13 carries. Cole Grazioplene had three receptions for 54 yards.

Photos by Jim Burns.

Image
untitled_shoot-7941.jpg

Image
untitled_shoot-7901.jpg

Image
untitled_shoot-7675.jpg

Image
untitled_shoot-7762.jpg

Image
untitled_shoot-7822.jpg

Image
untitled_shoot-7897.jpg

Image
untitled_shoot-7947.jpg

Image
untitled_shoot-7988.jpg

Image
untitled_shoot-8058.jpg

Trojans fall short in state quarterfinal, losing 12-7

By Howard B. Owens
Nov 21, 2022, 2:07pm

Image
tps_4399.jpg

Alexander got one more shot at extending its football season this weekend in a state tournament quarterfinal game against Cambridge-Salem in Broadalbin and, in the cold, wind, and snow, found it tough sledding.

The game was close, but close isn't a win. The Trojans fell short in a 12-7 loss.

Cambridge-Salem is now 12-0 on the season, and Alexander finishes at 9-2.

Their only other loss came in the Class D sectional championship against Oakfield-Alabama/Elba last week.

Normally, a sectional championship loss would end a team's season but with only 11 sections in New York high school athletics, one section each year, on a rotating basis, is able to advance a second-place team to a quarterfinal game.  This year, that section is Section V.

Photos from Sunday's state quarterfinal football game between Cambridge-Salem and Alexander. Cambridge-Salem won, 12-7.

Weather delayed this weekend's Far West Regionals in football.

Tonight, Batavia plays Iroquois at Van Detta Stadium. Game time is 6 p.m.

Oakfield-Alabama/Elba plays Randolf at Brockport. Game time is 6 p.m.

Photos by Greg Brownell/Courtesy the Post-Star.

Top photo: Kaden Lyons​ on the carry.

Image
tps_4391.jpg

Trent Woods with the ball.

Image
tps_4348.jpg

Trent Woods.

Dragons win State semifinal game in eight-man football

By Howard B. Owens
Nov 18, 2022, 4:50pm

Image
tyson_and_octavious_state_semi_final.jpg

The Pembroke Dragons, already the school's first-time-ever boys sectional championship team, kept right on winning Thursday night with a 54-38 victory over the Morrisville Eaton Warriors (Section III) in the NYS Regional Semi-Final game.

Behind the blocking of JJ Gabbey, Octavius Martin, Jayden Mast, Madden Perry, Ben Steinberg, Chase Guzdek and Caleb Felski, Tyson Totten rushed 40 times for a single game school record 400 yards and five touchdowns.

Caleb Felski added an 80-yard kick return for a touchdown, while Chase Guzdek caught a 14-yard touchdown reception.

The Dragons (11-1) were down 22-20 at the half but played good defense, forced several turnovers and "just pounded the rock, being a tough O-Line." said Head Coach Brandon Ricci.

Dominic Boldt, Sean Pustkulla, and Avery Ferreira had to step into big roles with injuries to Section V and GR All-stars Cayden Pfalzer and Jayden Bridge.

Jayden Mast had 12 tackles, Octavious Martin had 11 and a forced fumble, Jacob Dulski had 6 tackles and an interception, and Chase Guzdek led the way with 15 tackles. 

The Dragons will represent Section V in the final eight-man football game in all of New York State (the New York High School Athletic Association apparently doesn't call it a State Championship but that is essentially what it is) on Friday, Nov. 25, at Union Endicott High School.  Game time is noon.

Photos by Guy and Elizabeth Gabbey

Image
chase_guzdek_state_semi-final.jpg

Image
felski_and_mast_state_semi_final.jpg

Image
img_9910.jpg

Image
jacob_dulski_state_semi_final.jpg

Batavia defeats Monroe 14-8 with one second left in regulation to claim back-to-back titles

By Steve Ognibene
Nov 13, 2022, 5:38pm

Image
a76y1294.jpg

Ja'vin McFollins tossed two TD passes, including one in the closing seconds of the game for a come-from-behind victory on Saturday in Brockport to give the Batavia Blue Devils the Section V Class B championship.

Batavia beat Monroe 14-8.

The 19-yard TD pass to Vincent Arroyo left one second on the clock and Julia Petrie kicked her second point-after of the game.

Batavia scored first in first quarter on a McFollins to Cole Grazioplene 38-yard TD pass.

McFollins was 9-16 passing for 172 yards.  He was intercepted once.

Cam McCinic was the leading rusher with 66 yards on 16 attempts.

Grazioplene had three receptions for 85 yards and Arroyo snagged two passes for 58 yards.

Garrett Schmidt led the defense with 13 tackles and Avion Bethel had eight and McClinic six.  Schmidt also forced a fumble and a fumble recovery.

To view or purchase prints, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

Image
a76y1298.jpg

Image
a76y1159.jpg

Image
a76y1111.jpg

Image
a76y1331.jpg

Image
a76y1350.jpg

Image
a76y1374.jpg

Image
a76y1404.jpg

Image
a76y1321.jpg

Authentically Local