Skip to main content

football

Semipro football returning to Genesee County

By Press Release
spartansfootballlogo2022.jpg

Press release:

Elba resident Harry Rascoe is spearheading the return of semiprofessional football to Genesee County.

Rascoe, 35, has announced that he will serve as head coach/offensive coordinator of the Genesee Spartans Football Club, adding that he is in negotiations for the team to play in either the Empire Football League or the Gridiron Development Football League.

“I have been part of two national championship teams while playing, and I know that there is more than enough talent in our area to bring a national title back to Batavia,” said Rascoe, a Plattsburgh native who competed at the semipro levels after his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps in 2010.

He said the plan is for the Spartans to play an eight-game schedule, with four or five of them at a location to be determined in Batavia.

“We’re looking for a place to call home,” he said. “Much needs to be done beforehand, including filling out the roster of players. All those who are interested in playing can contact me right away.”

Craig Tiberio of Le Roy, who played at Buffalo State College, will be the assistant coach/defensive coordinator; Otis Thomas, football coach at Notre Dame High, will assist on defense, and Jerry Smith Jr. will assist on the offensive side of the ball. Macy Paradise of Elba has been signed on as the team trainer.

Rascoe said he welcomes any players from Batavia’s semi-pro team in the 1990s – the Bandits – to become involved in the new organization.

“We also are seeking local sponsors to make the 2023 season happen,” he said, adding that winter workouts will start on Nov. 6 at the “Brick” gym on Harvester Avenue. “We have about 24 players now and would like to field a team of 40 to 50 players.”

For more information about playing, coaching or becoming a sponsor, call Rascoe at 518-570-4047.

“Our goal is to build a team and an organization that the community can get behind and be proud of,” he said.

A polite eight-year-old from Batavia wins Jim Kelly's favor, a trip to his football camp

By Howard B. Owens

img_0282.jpg

Greyson Good, 8, of Batavia, was a polite young man when he met Jim Kelly on Friday at the Legends and Stars Sports Expo at Batavia Downs, and Kelly was so impressed that he offered the youngster a special treat.

"Greyson had the most amazing night," said his mother Brenda Good (who submitted the info and photo). "He met both Dawson Knox and Jim Kelly! As we were walking away from Jim Kelly, he called Greyson back over to the table and told him that he was so impressed that Greyson said thank you. He asked for our names and address so he could send Greyson tickets to his football camp in June! Greyson is thrilled!!! What an amazing guy!"

The Batavian will have more coverage of the expo later today.

Le Roy beats Bath 28-20 to advance in post-season

By Howard B. Owens

1-9963.jpg

The Oatkan Knights edged out Bath/Haverling in their sectional playoff match-up on Friday in Le Roy, 28-20.

Jackson Fix gained 141 yards on the ground in 20 rushes, scoring once. Tony Piazza added another 112 yards on 11 carries and scored twice. Drew Strollo scored on one of his 12 runs in which he gained 52 yards. 

Connor Hegeman led the defense with eight tackles.  Tony Piazza, Jack Tonzi, and Maverick Cole had five each.  Tonzi also recorded a sack.

Photo by Ed Henry. Top photo:  Knights are led onto the field by senior Ryan Murphy (75). 

2-0415.jpg

Tony Piazza (far right) gives the Bath RB a lift. 

3-0312.jpg

Piazza putting the pressure on the Rams’ QB. 

4-0270.jpg

Antonio Martinez (17) puts an end to this run.

5-0211.jpg

Jackson Fix (5) leaving the Rams behind. 

6-0132.jpg

Jack Tonzi (33) gives the Bath QB nowhere to go in the backfield. 

7-0114.jpg

The Bath RB has a line of Knights to deal with. 

8-0186.jpg

 LeRoy O-line providing a wall of push for QB Drew Strollo (far right). 

Pembroke continues winning ways in eight man football

By Howard B. Owens

pembrokeoct29.png

Write-up by Coach Brandon Ricci

The Pembroke Dragons improved to 8-1 by defeating the Wellsville Lions 49-22 in the sectional Quarterfinals.

Behind the blocking of JJ Gabbey, Octavius Martin, Jayden Mast, Jayden Bridge, Ben Steinberg, Chase Guzdek and Caleb Felski; Tyson Totten rushed to become the all-time total yardage leader in school history.

Two interceptions by Cayden Pfalzer and an interception returned for a touchdown by Jacob Dulski helped lead a strong defensive effort.

Octavius Martin and Jacob Von Kramer led the Dragons in tackles while Sean Pustkulla was 7 for 7 on extra points. 

The Dragons host the sectional semifinal game this Friday at 7 p.m. against the Bolivar-Richburg Wolverines.

Submitted photos.

pembrokeoct29_5.png

pembrokeoct29_4.png

pembrokeoct29_3.png

Blue Devils win first-round playoff game 35-0

By Howard B. Owens

As expected, the Batavia Blue Devils made easy work of Dansville/Wayland-Cohocton in their first-round playoff game at home on Friday night, winning 35-0.

Scoring: 

  • Ja'vin McFollins, 31-yard pass to Vincent Arroyo.
  • McFollins, 63-yard pass to Cole Grazioplene.
  • Aiden Anderson, 57-yard run.
  • McFollins, 32-yard pass to Grazioplene.
  • Anderson, 27-yard run.

Anderson finished with 107 yards on the ground on six carries. McFollins was 8-6 passing for 136 yards.

Garrett Schmidt had seven tackles.

Notre Dame's football season ends with loss to York/Pavilion

By Howard B. Owens

ndyorknds_6895.jpg

The Fighting Irish put up a good fight against York/Pavilion in their first-round sectional battle on Friday night but came up a bit short, losing 40-30.

Jay Antonore was 11-16 passing for 69 yards and four touchdowns. 

Ryan Fitzpatrick had three TD receptions on six catches for 86 yards.  The other TD catch went to Jaden Sherwood.

Hayden Groff gained 69 yards on 19 carries.

For York/Pavilion, Maddox Timothy was 11-16 passing for 185 yards and two TDs.  Kadin Peete gained 132 yards on 16 carries.

Photos by Doug McFarland.

ndyorknds_6826.jpg

ndyorknds_6781.jpg

Alexander starts off post-season with another shutout, 33-0 win

By Howard B. Owens

The Alexander Trojans did on Friday night in a playoff game what it has done through the season: dominated an opponent.

This time the victim was Clyde Savannah.

The Trojans won 33-0.  All the scoring took place in the first half.

Scoring: 

  • Trent Woods hit Kaden Lyons in the flats for an 8-yard touchdown pass. 
  • Woods completed a 20-yard pass to Benny Merrill.
  • Ricky Townley scored on a three-yard run.
  • Woods hit Cristian Kissell.
  • Tyler Marino scored on a 16-yard run.

Defensively, the Trojans recorded their fifth shutout in the eight victories.  Kaden Lyons led the team with 9 tackles.  Ricky Townley had 8 tackles. Mason Bump had 6 tackles.  Cristian Kissell recorded a QB Sack. Kingston Woods had a fumble recovery.  Cole Dean also had a fumble recovery and 3 tackles. 

Woods ended up 5-10 passing for 120 yards and three TDs.   Woods also carried five times for 60 yards.  Ricky Townley led the Trojans with 62 yards on only 9 carries. 

 

Pembroke Dragons finish eight-man regular season 7-1 with win on Saturday

By Howard B. Owens

imagepembroke_2.png

The Pembroke Dragons improved to 7-1 by defeating CG Finney/Christian Northstar 47-12 Saturday.

Tyson Totten rushed for over 200 yards for the fifth time this season. Felski added three touchdowns while Sean Pustkulla caught a 48-yard pass from Cayden Pfazler for TD right before halftime. 

Nate Duttweiler had a sack and forced a fumble on defense while Cayden Pfalzer had an interception with Joe Gibson recovering a fumble. 

Tyson Totten, Jacob Von Kramer, Jayden Mast, Octavius Martin, Jacob Dulski, Caleb Felski, Jayden Bridge, JJ Gabbey and Cayden Pfazler all had five or more tackles on the day. 

Photos courtesy of Kim Dulski.

imagepembroke_3.png

imagepembroke_5.png

imagepembroke_4.png

imagepembroke_6.png

imagepembroke_7.png

Aggies unstoppable again to cap 7-0 season against Notre Dame

By Howard B. Owens

oaendoc23-8_websize.jpg

For the seventh time in seven games, the Oakfield-Alabama/Elba Aggies scored at least 38 points on their way to a dominating win.

Only once has an opponent scored more than one touchdown against the Aggies.

This time, OAE beat Notre Dame 48-0.

Scoring:

  • Bodie Hyde runs for 2 yards.
  • Bodie Hyde passes to Kyle Porter for 55 yards.
  • Bodie Hyde runs for 67 yards.
  • Noah Currier runs for 27 yards.
  • Bodie Hyde runs for 27 yards.
  • Noah Currier runs for 33 yards.
  • Noah Currier runs for 41 yards.

Avery Watterson hit six of seven point after attempts.

Hyde was 7-9 passing for 154 yards, a TD and an interception.

Currie rushed for 169 yards and three touchdowns on 12 attempts.  Hyde gained 145 yards, scored three times, on 12 carries.

Porter had three receptions for 74 yards and a TD.

"This was a great game to wrap up the end of the regular season with," said Head Coach Tyler Winter. "It was a solid performance on the scoreboard and we took a step in our team's process.  However, there is still plenty to take back to the film room and dive into as we prepare for our second season."

The Fighting Irish finish the regular season 4-3.

Photos by Kristin Smith.  For more, click here.

oaendoc23-4_websize.jpg

oaendoc23-11_websize.jpg

oaendoc23-34_websize.jpg

oaendoc23-76_websize.jpg

 

Batavia finishes regular season undefeated vs. Newark on senior day

By Howard B. Owens

a76y0629.jpg

In a season in which no opponent has even come close to beating Batavia, for the fourth time in seven games the Blue Devils held a challenger to fewer than seven points.

This time it was Newark/Marion that Batavia dominated for a convincing 54-6 win.

Scoring: 

  • Ja'vin McFollins 30-yard pass to Aidan Anderson.
  • Cam McClinic, six-yard run.
  • McFollins 6-yard pass to Brendan Burgess.
  • Anderson, 3-yard run.
  • McFollins 15-yard pass to Carter McFollins
  • Anderson, 6-yard run.
  • Newark scores on a kickoff return.
  • Bronx Buchholz 30-yard run.
  • Devan Flanagan, 7-yard run.

McFollins was 10-11 passing for 141 and the three TDs.

Mekhi Fortes gained 67 yards on six carries. McClinic, 54 yards and a TD on six carries. Anderson 34 yards and two TDs on five carries.  Bucholz, 45 yards and a TD on three carries.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

a76y0662.jpg

a76y0672.jpg

a76y0685.jpg

a76y0705.jpg

a76y0746.jpg

a76y0736.jpg

a76y0737.jpg

Tony Piazza leads Le Roy on offense, defense in 21-0 win

By Howard B. Owens

8022.jpg

The Le Roy Oatkan Knights shut down Letchworth/Warsaw/Perry in football on Friday, 21-0.

Tony Piazza scored all three of Le Roy's touchdowns on runs of 36 yards, three yards, and six yards, leading to three successful point after attempts by Andrew Pocock.

Piazza finished with 102 yards rushing on 13 carries.

Drew Strollo gained 87 yards on 22 carries.  Strollo was 3-4 passing for 31 yards.

Piazza also led the way on defense with nine tackles and a sack.

Photos by Ed Henry.  Top photo: Le Roy’s Bryce Lathan drops another kickoff returner.

8098.jpg

Tony Piazza posted three TDs to power the Le Roy offense.

8520.jpg

LeRoy’s Jack Lathan (51) contests a Let-Saw-Perry pass.

8546.jpg

Tony Piazza drops the L-S-P QB.

8582.jpg

Le Roy speedster Maverick Cook.

8678.jpg

Drew Strollo spots his receiver downfield.

8776.jpg

Jackson Fix cuts back on this run.

8836.jpg

Manny Fisher breaks free.

8908.jpg

Keegan Park (72) and his teammates halt this run. 

Alexander ends perfect regular season perfectly

By Howard B. Owens

The Alexander Trojans finish the regular football season at a perfect 7-0 after a perfect shoutout when over Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen on Friday, 43-0.

Touchdowns were scored by:

  • Christian Kissell on a 9-yard reception.
  • Ricky Townley scored on a 1-yard run.
  • Kaden Lyons scored on a 1-yard run.
  • Benny Merrill on a 12-yard reception.
  • Tyler Marino scored on a 2-yard run.
  • Mason Bump scored on a 3-yard run.

QB Trenton Woods was 7-11 for 106 yards and 2 touchdowns and an interception. 

Tyler Marino gained 71 yards on nine carries. Rickey Townley finished with 55 yards.  Kaden Lyons added 40 yards rushing.

Benny Merrill led the Trojans with three receptions for 57 yards and a TD.

The Trojans have outscored their opponents 282 to 29 on the season.

The Trojans expect to be the #2 seed in the Class D sectionals.

Le Roy shut down Hornell for 33-0 win

By Howard B. Owens

5581_hegemantackle.jpg

Le Roy shut out Hornell on Friday night in Hornell, 33-0.

Adrian Stephens was 3-8 passing for 51 yards and a TD.

The TD was a 17-yard connection to Merritt Holly, Jr.

Jackson Fix was 1-4 passing for 21 yards, hitting Cal Koukides for a touchdown.

Emmanuel Fisher gained 90 yards on five carries and scored a TD.

Fix rushed 16 times for 54 yards and a TD.

Stephens, 47 yards on nine carries, also scoring a TD.

Photos by Ed Henry.

Top photo: Connor Hegeman displays perfect tackling technique. 

5604_higginsrush.jpg

Ryan Higgins’ pressure led to an incomplete pass.

5807_holdenpush.jpg

Le Roy center Holden Sullivan taking on multiple linemen. 

5817_hollytd.jpg

Le Roy’s Merritt Holly pulls in a TD pass for the Knights. 

6322_doubleteam.jpg

Mav Cook (left) and Cal Koukides double-team on defense. 

6335_brycelathan.jpg

Le Roy’s Bryce Lathan smothers the Hornell QB. 

6437_congrats.jpg

Xavien Walker (left) congratulates Manny Fisher on his 84-yard TD run.

Dragons improve to 6-1 with 28-12 win

By Howard B. Owens

pembrokedragons.png

The Pembroke Dragons improved to 6-1 with a 28-12 win over Bolivar-Richburg in eight-man football on Friday.

Tyson Totten rushed for 260 yards and two touchdowns. He also threw for one TD.

Cayden Pfalzer had one rushing and receiving touchdown.

Jayden Mast and Caleb Felski each led the way defensively with 13 tackles, with Jeremy Gabbey Jr., Tyson Totten, and Cayden Pfalzer each notching 11 tackles.

Kicker Sean Pustulka was 4 for 4 on extra points.

Photos courtesy of Kim Dulski

pembrokedragons_1f555edb-40b0-4f35-b237-5361c7b63a30.png

pembrokedragons_2.png

pembrokedragons_3.png

pembrokedragons_4.png

Notre Dame breaks tie with fourth-quarter TD for 19-13 at Cal-Mum

By Howard B. Owens

Cal-Mum scored first, but Notre Dame scored last, and in the end, that's what mattered most as the Fighting Irish walked away with a 19-13 win on Friday night.

For Notre Dame, Hayden Groff scored twice in the first quarter -- on a 1-yard run and a 3-yard run.

The final touchdown against Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen came at 11:15 in the fourth quarter when Jay Antinore hit Jaden Sherwood for 13 yards and a touchdown.

Antinore was 15-27 passing for 157 yards and the TD.  He was not intercepted.

Bryceton Berry had four receptions for 67 yards, James Fanara, six for 45 yards and Ryan Fitzpatrick, three for 24 yards.

Groff gained 53 yards on 16 attempts. 

George Woodruff led the defense with 8.5 tackles and a sack.

The Irish improve to 4-2 on the season.

Trojans now 6-0 after 32-0 win

By Howard B. Owens

After six football games, the Alexander Trojans remain undefeated with a win Friday against Midlakes 32-0.

Tyler Marino started at QB for the Trojans and opened the scoring when he hit Benny Merrill on a 20-yard play-action pass down the middle.  

In the 2nd quarter, Marino found Merrill again on a 20-yard TD catch.

Marino then scored on defense with an interception, taking the ball 90-yards downfield for the TD. It was his second pick-six in two weeks. 

In the second half, the Trojans took the opening kickoff and on the first set of downs, Trenton Woods found Merrill on a 55-yard TD pass. Late in the third quarter, Woods scrambled in for a TD run from 4 yards out.

Behind a stout line of Cristian Kissell, Jaden Snyder, Connor Thompson, Dom Kwiatek, Cole Dean, and Dylan Pohl, running back Ricky Townley became the Trojan's first 100-yard rusher in a game this season, running for 114 yards on 16 carries.  Kaden Lyons gained 73 yards on seven carries.

Defensively, Mason Bump and Ricky Townley each had 6 tackles and Townley forced a fumble.

The Trojans are home next week against Cal-Mum.

Batavia beats Class B rival HFL 35-20

By Howard B. Owens

a76y9821.jpg

After a 35-20 win on the road against Honeoye Falls-Lima on Friday night, the Batavia Blue Devils, at 7-0, are a lock on first place in the Class B division of Section V football for 2022.

Late in the first quarter, HFL pulled within a touchdown of Batavia but the Blue Devils tacked on one last score at the close of the game on a 43-yard pass from Ja'vin McFollins to Cole Grazioplene.

The scoring started with McFollins dashing into the end zone on a 3-yard run. Batavia scored again on a McFollins pass of 64 yards to Vincent Arroyo, and then Aiden Anderson scored on a 2-yard run late in the second quarter for 21 unanswered posts at the half for the Blue Devils.

HFL scored twice in the third quarter, then Batavia increased its lead on a short run by Aiden Anderson.

McFollins was 6-8 passing or 95 yards and two TDs. Anderson rushed for 124 yards and two TDs on 29 carries. Grazioplene caught three passes, including the TD, for 61 yards.

Avion Bethel had seven tackles to lead the Batavia defense.

HFL is now 5-2 on the season.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

a76y9758.jpg

a76y9856.jpg

a76y9844.jpg

a76y9863.jpg

a76y9917.jpg

a76y9929.jpg

a76y9833.jpg

a76y9871.jpg

a76y9938.jpg

OAE Titans and Batavia Bulldawgs clash under the lights

By Howard B. Owens

oaebulldawgs-266_websize.jpg

The Oakfield-Alabama/Elba Titans hosted the Batavia Bulldawgs in three youth football games at O-A's field on Saturday, with a 7 p.m. start time on the third game, giving the JV squads an opportunity to play under the lights.

Scores: 

  • Beginners, OAE over Batavia 31-0
  • Minis, Batavia beat OAE 40-0
  • JV, Batavia 14, OAE 6

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more photos, click here.

oaebulldawgs-256_websize.jpg

oaebulldawgs-248_websize.jpg

oaebulldawgs-239_websize.jpg

oaebulldawgs-224_websize.jpg

oaebulldawgs-92_websize.jpg

oaebulldawgs-44_websize.jpg

oaebulldawgs-36_websize_1.jpg

oaebulldawgs-35_websize.jpg

oaebulldawgs-31_websize.jpg

oaebulldawgs-16_websize.jpg

oaebulldawgs-14_websize.jpg

oaebulldawgs-11_websize.jpg

 

 

OAE gets Senior Night win 48-13

By Howard B. Owens

oaeseniornight-224_websize.jpg

The Oakfield-Alabama Aggies remain undefeated on the 2022 season after swamping Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen 48-13 on Friday night.

It was senior night for the Aggies.

  • Noah Currier had Carries, 131 yards, three Rushing TDs, a 32-yard reception TD, and 60-yard fumble recovery returned for a touchdown.
  • Bodie Hyde, five carries, 121 yards, one TD, 2-4 passing, 59 Yards, two passing TDs, and on defense, eight tackles and a fumble recovery.
  • Connor Scott, two carries, 43 yards, 5 Tackles, and a fumble recovery.
  • Brayden Smith, 10 tackles
  • Aiden Warner, 10 tackles
  • TJ Andrews , nine tackles

"It's nice to get a win against a tough opponent like CMBB, but the story tonight was about how we need to continue to work towards cleaning up a few things if we are going to accomplish the goals we want to accomplish," said Head Coach Tyler Winter. "Luckily, true progress is not always linear.  We will enjoy the win tonight and look to our next opponent as an opportunity to take steps in the right direction for our team's journey."

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more photos, click here.

oaeseniornight_websize.jpg

oaeseniornight_websize_1.jpg

oaeseniornight-27_websize.jpg

oaeseniornight-28_websize.jpg

oaeseniornight-46_websize.jpg

oaeseniornight-54_websize.jpg

oaeseniornight-57_websize.jpg

oaeseniornight-66_websize.jpg

oaeseniornight-80_websize.jpg

oaeseniornight-2-2_websize.jpg

Drew Strollo helps key Knights 53-14 win over Vertus

By Howard B. Owens

3890.jpg

Drew Strollo helped Le Roy to four scores on four early possession on Friday night to help the Oatkan Knights to a 53-14 win over Vertus Charter.

Strollo scored hit Jack Tonzi on a 34-yard TD pass, ran four two yards to score, hit Tonzi again on a 33-yard pass, and ran for a three-yard touchdown.

The score was 27-8 at the half. 

In the second half, Tony Piazza scored on runs of 24 yards and one yard. Jackson Fix scored on a run of 30 yards and Simeon Fisher ran the ball in from 13-yards out.

Strollo was 2-5 passing for 67 yards.  He ran for 141 yards on 17 attempts. Jackson fixed gained 86 yards on ten carries and Piazza rushed for 66 yards on 10 carries.

Bryce Lathan had six tackles. Ryan Higgins had a QB sack and three tackles.

Photos by Ed Henry.  Top photo: Xavien Walker, Tony Piazza, and Jackson Fix halt the Vertus running back.

3970.jpg

Cal Koukides (24) celebrates (33) Jack Tonzi’s touchdown reception.

4003.jpg

Bryce Lathan (42) is a terror on the LeRoy kickoff team.

4063.jpg

LeRoy’s Andrew Pocock (40) boots another successful PAT kick.

4083.jpg

LeRoy’s Keegan Park drops the Vertus RB in the backfield.

4096.jpg

 LeRoy’s Manny Fisher disrupts the Vertus pass attempt.

4211.jpg

LeRoy’s Ayden Riggi provides a block for teammate Cal Koukides (24).

4701.jpg

LeRoy’s Drew Strollo avoids a would-be tackler.

5008.jpg

Drew Strollo (34) celebrates (5) Jackson Fix’s TD run. 

Authentically Local