Holley (0-6) at Oakfield-Alabama (6-0)
7 p.m. Friday
The Hornets won the Genesee Region League title last week with a thrilling 25-24 victory over Pembroke as the two undefeated squads went blow-for-blow in front of about 2,500 fans.
With the playoffs just a week away, the Hornets just need to avoid a major let-down to clinch the No. 2 seed. O-A can still get the top seed in Class C if they win and Hornell beats Le Roy Friday night.
Oakfield-Alabama is the 10th ranked team in the state.
Tim Smith and Brad Riner had huge games for the Hornets in the title-clinching win and will look to wrap up the regular season by adding to their impressive rushing totals.
Smith has 771 yards and 11 touchdowns on 95 carries and Riner has pitched in a solid 505 yards and seven touchdowns on 89 attempts. Riner also had the big 2-point conversion run to give the Hornets the win last week.
Jason Stanley has picked up 260 yards and Josh Athoe has 105 and will likely each get some carries.
With such a mismatch, O-A might try to work on some things before the playoffs start, and that could lead to some passing by A.J. Kehlenbeck.
The senior QB has had a very good year - going 13-of-26 for 145 yards and four TDs - and may get a chance to open things up a bit before the second team gets in the game.
Oakfield-Alabama's defense is as good as the offense as the team has scored 241 points and given up just 91. That unit is led by a big, physical defensive line.
Chris Williams leads the way with 32 tackles with Riner and Noah Seward each pitching in 27.
These guys will have the job of shutting down the Holley rushers.
The Hawks have not had a lot of luck moving the ball this season and are looking to get through this game and attempt to contend in Pool Play.
Kyle Steadman has emerged as the top rusher for Holley and scored twice in a 50-15 loss to Attica last week. Guy Hills can also make plays for the Hawks.
Slight correction, Kehlenbeck
Slight correction, Kehlenbeck is only a junior.
Good call Ben. He has been
Good call Ben. He has been playing varsity sports for so long ...
So true. This kid is simply a
So true. This kid is simply a phenomenal athlete, in three different sports. He has been on the varsity squad for baseball, his best sport, since eighth grade. He was pulled up to varsity football as a sophomore, and is no slouch in basketball either. He can use his size to take over the paint, and can shoot as well. He's got that, as corny as it sounds, "country strength." Absolute cannon for a throwing arm, he can throw a football 50 yards just from arm strength, without taking a step, and can hit 80 mph throwing a baseball. Simply a well-rounded, versatile athlete. Actually I don't know why i'm calling him a kid.....I think he's older than me.
I've always been a fan of
I've always been a fan of Kehlenbeck. I remember when he was an eighth grade catcher and was one of the best in the GR. This will be a fun baseball season for him I'd imagine.
I think his passing skills have really added something to O-A's offense this year. He willl never put up 20 passes in a game, but the 5-6 that he does are all solid attempts. It really keeps defenses on their toes.