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Brian Moran honored for 25 successful seasons as Le Roy's head coach

By Howard B. Owens

Le Roy football is built around toughness, but even the man who has toughened up a lot of boys for 25 years had trouble fighting back a tear or two after being honored by his fellow coaches and team for all those years of dedication.

Very successful years.

Head Coach Brian Moran is closing in on 200 wins and would love to see his team snag its 14th sectional title this season under his guidance.

"It's like anything else, it's not my job, it's my life," Moran said after being presented with a medallion commemorating his 25th anniversary. "I've been blessed. I've been blessed to be here. I've been blessed to part of this community, and obviously, they take their football here very seriously. They've been playing it since 1897, so I'm just happy to be a part of it. Every day, it's really just enjoyable for me."

Tomorrow, the Oatkan Knights get a chance to prove what they're made of when they face Hornell, the team that vanquished Le Roy in last season's Section V title game.

With several key players from that 8-2 team returning this season, the Knights promise to be a hard team to beat. Tomorrow, Moran said, will tell us a lot.

"Tomorrow is going to be a great indicator of where we are," Moran said. "Obviously, we're playing a great football team with a great tradition. So tomorrow, let's find out where we are. I think we're prepared and the kids have worked hard."

Game time is 7:30 p.m., and if you love the whole "Friday Night Lights" aura, Hartwood Park will be the place to be.

Local high school football kicks off 2013 season with games Friday and Saturday

By Nick Sabato

The air is getting cooler and the leaves will begin to change soon, which means it is once again football season. Several area teams are looking to have big seasons or build upon last year’s success. Here is a look at each local squad:

Batavia High School Blue Devils
2012 Record: 3-5
Head Coach: Brennan Briggs (2nd Season)

Second-year Head Coach Brennan Briggs is embracing a daunting task ahead of him and his football team. Batavia High is moving from an independent schedule back into the Monroe County League. Of their seven games, six will come against Class A schools.

“I truly believe Monroe County is the best league for speed, athleticism and talent in Section V, so it will be a tough task for us,” Briggs said. “We are a Class B school, with six of our seven games coming against Class A schools, which have a little bigger pool to choose from.”

Briggs and his coaching staff have been stressing mental toughness, and doing the little things to offset any physical disadvantages. The Blue Devils have also adopted a new motto, “keep chopping.”

“We have been stressing that there is only one speed. There is no practice speed or game speed, everything is done at full speed,” Briggs said. “We’ve been trying to instill that mental and physical toughness to try and limit any physical disadvantages we may face.” 

The Blue Devils will be led by Brandon Stevenson, a player who will see time at both quarterback and running back, as well as in the defensive backfield. Senior Nick Canzoneri, who was the team’s leading rusher a year ago at the fullback spot. Three-year varsity player Devon Koepp will lead an inexperienced offensive and defensive line.

Batavia will be inexperienced at certain positions this season but that doesn’t seem to concern Briggs.

“We will be relying on quite a few sophomores at a few spots on offense,” says Briggs. “I not only think that they are up to it now, but it will help them in the long run.”

The Blue Devils open up the season on the road with a matchup against Edison Tech on Saturday afternoon.

Alexander Trojans
2012 Record: 2-6
Head Coach: Tim Sawyer (10th Season)

Alexander has not reached the sectional playoffs since 2009, but they look to bounce back this year under Head Coach Tim Sawyer, who has spent 10 years overall as head coach, this being the second season after a hiatus.

One of the players that Sawyer will lean on heavily will be 2012 Genesee Region League All-Star Zach Laird, who finished the season with 24 receptions, 351 yards and three touchdowns, including a 10-catch, 141-yard outing against Holley last fall. 

Another returning G-R All-Star is senior lineman John George, who should anchor the line. Quarterback Nelson Burke returns from a year ago, as well as running back/linebacker Dylan Scharlau to help guide the Trojans to success.

Alexander opens the season at home on Saturday against Elba/Byron-Bergen.

Elba/Byron-Bergen Lancers
2012 Record: 6-2
Head Coach: Michael Cintorino (3rd Season)

Elba/Byron-Bergen had a disappointing end to their 2012 season after being upset at home to Bath in the first round of Class C playoffs. The Lancers also have a great deal of offensive firepower to replace from a year ago, including the Genesee Region League’s leading rusher, Zack DuBois (1,632 yards and 16 touchdowns), as well as the league’s second-ranked passer, Zac Gillard (921 yards and 12 scores). However, the Lancers do return a trio of players from a year ago that helped them to a share of the league crown.

One of those returning players is the 2012 Class C Defensive Player of the Year, Andy Underhill. Underhill racked up an astounding 154 tackles, including 27 for a loss. He should also see more time on offense this year, where when called upon, he was effective (8.2 yards per carry on 31 touches). 

Another G-R League All-Star returning for Elba/B-B is senior Brandon Naylor, who will make the transition from offensive line to running back this fall. Naylor made a name for himself on defense last year, finishing second on the team with 87 tackles, 28 for a loss. 

The third returning G-R League All-Star is defensive back Austin Yockel, who will be looked at to be the receiving threat for quarterback Garrett Chapell. Yockel was second on the team in receiving a year ago with 287 yards and three touchdowns.

Reigning G-R League Coach of the Year, Michael Cintorino’s Lancers open the season on Saturday with a trip to Alexander. 

Le Roy Oatkan Knights
2012 Record: 8-2
Head Coach: Brian Moran (25th Season)

Le Roy has a New York State record 14 sectional championships in school history, 13 under Head Coach Brian Moran, but they have not managed raise a banner since 2008.

This year could be different for the Knights. After reaching the sectional finals, only to lose to Hornell in the midst of their 51-game winning streak, Moran’s squad returns with a host of weapons this fall. The arsenal includes senior running back Peter Privitera, who rushed for 962 yards and 12 touchdowns in only eight games due to injuries toward the end of the season. Privitera will be joined in the backfield by junior Tom Kelso, who proved himself highly valuable in Privitera’s absence toward the end of the season. Kelso was second on the team in rushing last year with 485 yards and eight scores.

The key to the success of the offense this season could be the play of strong-armed junior quarterback Mike McMullen, who threw for 655 yards and nine touchdowns a season ago. McMullen showed capabilities of igniting the offensive attack last year with a 7-of-10, 150-yard performance against Bath in the Class C semifinals in 2012. It will also help to have his top target from last year back in junior Ryan McQuillen, who accounted for half of McMullen’s yards last year (323 on 12 receptions) and also reached the end zone six times. 

The defense will be led by Kelso, the team’s leading tackler a year ago, at linebacker. The defensive front should be solid also with the return of junior Kody Lamkin, senior Brian Van Grol and Anthony Paladino, who transferred from Notre Dame. 

The Oatkan Knights will begin the pursuit of Coach Moran’s 14th sectional title on Friday night at Hartwood Park, ironically against Hornell, whose 51-game winning streak was snapped in the State championship game. But if Le Roy aims to hoist another trophy, it would be fitting to start their quest against the Red Raiders.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish
2012 Record: 8-2
Head Coach: Rick Mancuso (9th Season)

The 2012 season was one for the record books for Coach Rick Mancuso’s Notre Dame squad. Not only did they grab a share of the Genesee Region League title, but they were the only team from Genesee County to win a sectional championship; the school’s first since 2006 after narrowly missing several times, where they defeated Clyde-Savannah, 26 to 6. 

One of the big reasons for last season’s success was the play of quarterback Tim McCulley, who is back as a third-year starter at quarterback. McCulley set several school passing records, including 1,127 yards and 18 touchdowns, including a 270-yard, three-touchdown performance against Attica. He is also a dual-threat, picking up over 300 yards on the ground and scored on a punt return and an interception last year. 

Despite losing leading rusher Nick Taylor and top receiver Jared Thornton to graduation, McCulley will have a number of weapons due back at his disposal including 6-foot-4-inch tight end Charlie Herbert, running back Andrew Mullen, as well as receivers Jason Hart and Josh Johnson. So, Mancuso doesn’t believe that the offense will miss a beat.

“We have seven players who saw time returning on both sides of the ball,” Mancuso said. “We are very pleased with the way that the new additions to our program have stepped up and we expect big things from them this year.”

Notre Dame has also lost a number of key players along the offensive and defensive line, including John Lapple (graduation), Anthony Paladino (transfer to Le Roy) and Brenden Von Kramer (transfer to Pembroke). The Irish do return a few big bodies such as senior Tim Taylor, who will anchor the front for the Irish.

Losing so many big bodies and having a roster of just 18 players also doesn’t seem to concern Mancuso and his staff.

“We’ve got size, but we are a spread team,” Mancuso said. “So, we don’t necessarily need size to compete. Our talent and our numbers dictate that we are a spread team so we will be just fine.”

The Fighting Irish begin defense of their Class D crown with a home game against Holley on Saturday afternoon.

Oakfield-Alabama Hornets
2012 Record: 5-4
Head Coach: Brian Palone (5th Season)

After finishing the 2011 season winless, and being outscored 84-0 in the first two games of 2012, Brian Palone’s Oakfield-Alabama squad finished the season 5-2. It was the Hornets’ first winning season since 2008 under Jon Dowd, but Palone will look to continue to push Oakfield back to the powerhouse it once was. 

The Hornets return four-year starter Chris Nanni, who was a standout on both sides of the ball a year ago, registering 75 tackles while punching in 10 rushing touchdowns. 

Chase Manzella also returns after being a do-it-all player last year. Manzella split time between running back and quarterback last year, but with the emergence of Allen Chatt at quarterback last season, Palone should be able to keep him in the backfield alongside Nanni. 

Oakfield-Alabama will open up their season at home with a tough test against Attica on Saturday night.

Pembroke Dragons
2012 Record: 1-7
Head Coach: Justin Loeber (2nd Season)

The 2012 season was a forgettable one in several aspects for Pembroke. Low numbers and an 0-7 start, including a game that was forfeited due to being unable to field enough players for that week, led to a poor start to the head coaching career for Justin Loeber.

However, the Dragons finished strong, shutting out Geneseo in the Connors and Ferris Bowl to end the season. Now, Loeber is looking to build off of the momentum started at the end of last season.

“Our biggest weapon is that we that confidence now,” Loeber said. “We have players who played a lot as sophomores, have a year under their belt and know the system and have confidence in the system.”

Pembroke returns all but three players from a season ago that saw them play several underclassmen. They also return to key players, quarterback/safety Tyler Bruning and running back/linebacker Pete Thomas.

“Tyler is our general on the field,” Loeber said of Bruning. “Football is his sport, he loves it. He knows the offense and he can direct anyone on where to go.”

Thomas was the team’s lone G-R League All-Star from 2012, and the Dragons will lean on him heavily after compiling 250 yards and four touchdowns on offense, while leading the team with 75 tackles on defense.

“Pete is a three-year varsity player,” Loeber said. “We called him up as a sophomore and he knows what it takes to be successful. The other players really look up to him and he is becoming a solid leader for us.”

Pembroke will open up the season at home against C.G. Finney on Friday night.

Schedule for Genesee County Football Teams on Opening Weekend

Friday, September 6

  • 7:00 p.m. – C.G. Finney at Pembroke
  • 7:30 p.m. – Hornell at Le Roy

Saturday, September 7

  • 1:30 p.m. – Batavia at Eidson Tech
  • 1:30 p.m. – Elba/Byron-Bergen at Alexander
  • 1:30 p.m. – Holley at Notre Dame
  • 7:00 p.m. – Attica at Oakfield-Alabama

Results from Batavia Area Jaycees 5K on Monday

By Howard B. Owens

Here are the results from the Batavia Area Jaycees 5K held on Labor Day.

  • Overall male runner: Kevin Sheehan, 51, 18:24
  • Overall female runner, Alexis Kindig, 16, 21:30

By age, female:

  • 14 and under, Serena Strollo, 13, 26:46
  • 15-19, Kerry Mills, 18, 21:56
  • 20-29, Jenna Nichols, 26, 24:51
  • 30-39, Melissa Demoy, 38, 22:41
  • 40-49, Christine Klein, 49, 25:41
  • 50-59, Toni Mills, 54, 29:16
  • 60+, Kathy Jenson, 71, 44:25

By age, male:

  • 14 and under, Campbell Anderson, 14,19:21
  • 15-19, Ty Demmer, 17,17:44
  • 20-29, Christian Caccamise, 23, 21:24
  • 30-39, Dave Bateman, 30, 19:06
  • 40-49, John Kirkwood, 42, 21:26
  • 50-59, Ken Scott, 51, 22:37
  • 60+, Bill McMullen, 60, 22:05

Lady Cougars drop home opener

By Andrew Crofts

The Genesee Community College women's soccer team lost its home opener on Tuesday night to visiting Monroe Community College, 8-0.

The #6 Lady Tribunes got two goals from Katie Knell less than a minute apart in the first half to take a 2-0 lead into halftime. Jessica Riggall assisted on both goals, which were scored in the 15th and 16th minutes respectively.

MCC tallied six more goals in the second half, including a third from Knell in the 81st minute. Riggall chipped in two goals of her own and Miranda Colon added two assists.

The Lady Tribunes outshot Genesee 31-6 on the night.

The loss drops GCC to 1-2 overall and 1-1 in conference play. The Lady Cougars will travel to Herkimer County Community College on Thursday for their next contest beginning at 4 p.m.

Recap of photos from pre-season football practices

By Howard B. Owens

Here's a recap of our photos from the pre-season practices of Genesee County's football teams (excluding Pembroke, which was covered by another photographer for us). Some parents have asked about purchasing prints. To purchase prints, click here.

The season opens Friday. The first week's games locally are:

  • Finney at Pembroke, Friday, 7 p.m.
  • Hornell at Le Roy, Friday, 7:30 p.m.
  • Batavia at Edison, Saturday, 1:30 p.m.
  • Elba/Byron-Bergen at Alexander, 1:30 p.m.
  • Holley at Notre Dame, 1:30 p.m
  • Attica at Oakfield-Alabama, 7 p.m.

Photos: Football practice for Alexander Trojans

By Howard B. Owens

With only 19 varsity players this year, Alexander's Head Coach Tim Sawyer hopes what the team lacks in quantity it will make up in quality.

"We don't have a lot of kids, but they're definitely a tight-knit group," Sawyer said. "They care about each other and they work hard together.

"We've got a chance every week and it's nice for a small school like us to be able to say that," he added.

The offensive and defensive lines will be anchored by Johnny George and Kelsey Patton, a pair of three-year starters now in their senior year.

"They're both about 250 pounds," Sawyer said. "They're pretty strong. Those guys love the weight room. It's nice to have some size there."

At tailback, Dylan Scharlau brings 205 pounds of strength to the job and Tyler Laird isn't far behind him in ability or strength.

Sawyer said he would like 24 or 25 varsity players, he also sees hope going forward in the JV team, which has 30 players this year.

Last year, the Trojans were 2-6. Sawyer thinks his team this year can improve on that record.

"We had a lot of growing pains last year," Sawyer said. "I think I have 12 seniors on this year's team. They're excited. They've worked hard. We've got quality kids."

The top three pictures are from the watermelon relay, a drill Sawyer said is also designed to keep practice fun. The drill came right before the dinner break and watermelon was the dessert. Drop the watermelon and your team will have to deal with grass blades mixed in with the melon. Despite some coaches best efforts to jar the melons loose, not one broke.

Terry Hills crowns season's champions

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Club Championships were held on Saturday, Aug. 24 and Sunday, Aug. 25. The Championship Flight winner was Bob Chmielowiec. Runner-up was Matt Lee, who made a dramatic charge on Sunday to shoot a 76, but fell one shot short. “B” Flight winner was Jim Dommer, followed by Ray Valtin. Congratulations to all the golfers.

The Ladies Championship was also held. This year’s Club Champion is Danielle Rotondo.  This is a repeat Championship for Danielle. Runner-up is Jean Berry, followed by Nancy Bachulak and Terry Starowitz. Congratulations to all the golfers who took part in this year’s Club Championship. Thank you for a great season.

The Fall Golf League begins Wednesday, Sept. 4.

Fighters from Hands Up make strong showing at tournament in Jamestown

By Howard B. Owens

This weekend, MMA fighters from Hands Up Gym on Harvester Avenue had a strong showing at a tournament in Jamestown.

Josh McCarthy won his first bout.

From left are, William Rupp, who also won his first kickboxing bout, and fifth from the left on the top row is Shariff Vascianne who won his first boxing bout.

Gym owner Joe Bailey is holding up the Hands Up shirt.

This tournament was an exhibition so it does not count toward their record.

Also pictured, on the right, Alexander Colon Colon, who won a traditional boxing bout. Also pictured is Colon Colon's instructor, Mr. Platt. At the far right is Gaffar Adams who is the owner of the gym in Jamestown.

Photos: Oakfield-Alabama football practice

By Howard B. Owens

Coming off a 5-4 record, a young Oakfield-Alabama Hornets team is hoping to show some improvement in 2013, but already the injury bug is starting to pinch, said Head Coach Brian Palone.

Three players will miss this Saturday's scrimmage, but it will also be a time for some players at key positions to show whether they're ready to step into starting roles.

"I'm pretty confident in two or three kids at each position now, but I just want to evaluate further as we go along in the week here and as this scrimmage rolls," Palone said.

The Hornets will lean heavily on captains Chris Nanni, linebacker, Chase Manzella, running back, and Hogen Mejia, a lineman.

"We started bring guys a couple of years ago when they were young and now I feel like we have some guys with years of varsity experience, especially at our skills positions, so I'm happy with what I'm seeing right now and how they're developing," Palone said.

Manzella is in line for a QB slot, but Allen Chatt, who finished out last season as QB, has the inside track as the starter.

"He's been working hard this summer and so far working hard in camp," Palone said. "We'd like to keep him at quarterback and Chase at running back.

Gordon three-peats in Batavia Downs Wiener Dog Race

By Luke Cullinan

Gordon, owned by Lindsay Ryan, notched a three-peat today in the annual Wiener Dog Race at Batavia Downs.

Gordon bested a field of 72 wieners that converged on the Downs from all over WNY.

The grand prize was a $100 free play at Batavia Downs Casino.

Lindsay Ryan, extremely happy with Gordon’s victory, was hinting of retirement for her fleet-footed canine.

“He’s going to be seven next year and we will have to see what happens, maybe it’s time for Gordon to retire. I’d like to give someone else a chance to win,” Ryan said.

Finishing second, two-dog lengths behind Gordon, was Daisy owned by Vernon Marzolf while Max owned by Chris Cummings and Isabella owned by Victoria Small tied for third.

Tater who was in Heat #4 enjoys a post race snack.

Gordan in the final race.

Winner Gordan and Lindsay Ryan with their prize.

Gordon favored in the Wiener Dog races set for Sunday at Batavia Downs

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Late August is considered the "Dog Days of Summer" and it also must mean it's time for the annual Petco Wiener Dog races. The popular event is once again part of "Family Fun Day" at the races, this Sunday afternoon (Aug. 25) at Batavia Downs with the dachshund race competition getting under way at approximately 4:15 p.m., after the completion of the live 11-race harness racing card.

Gordon, owned by Lindsay Ryan, is the two-time defending champion. He dead-heated with another wiener dog legend, Jake Arnold, in 2011 and then scored an extremely narrow win last year. He'll try to make wiener dog history by winning this event three consecutive years in a row.

There will be up to 10 heats with each winner scoring a $25 free play voucher to Batavia Downs Gaming. The heat winners then return for a championship race with the winning owner getting $100 in free play, second place gets $75 in free play while the third place finisher receives $50 in free play. The owners of the top three finishers will also get two complimentary buffets.

The first 70 entrants also receive doggie bags from the official sponsor of the Wiener Dog races, Petco of Batavia.

"It's a day we look forward to every year and judging by the size of the crowd we draw, so do our fans," said Batavia Downs General Manager of Live Racing Todd Haight.

Besides $1 Sahlen's hot dogs, soda, draft beer and snow cones, there will be free pony rides for the kids from 2-4 p.m. sponsored by Castilone Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep of Batavia, along with appearances by Pringles The Clown and Mr. Scribbles.

The live harness racing action begins at 1:15 p.m. Admission and parking is free.

Photos: National ATV race event opens at Batavia Motor Speedway

By Howard B. Owens

Batavia Motor Speedway on Harloff Road is hosting a national ATV race that has brought racers to the track from all over the United States, including world record holders.

Racing started Friday and continues on Saturday, with the first race at 11 a.m. and main races starting about 4 p.m. and the professionals expected to take to the track for pro-only races at about 9 p.m.

Photos: Pembroke Dragons Football practice

By Luke Cullinan

Today I visited the Pembroke Dragons football practice and they are really motivated for the upcoming 2013 season. 

Pembroke seniors on the football team. 

Z&M Ag and Turf takes Pavilion softball championship

By Howard B. Owens

Photo and information submitted by Tim Kingdon.

The Z&M Ag and Turf's "Ballbusters" took the Thursday night Pavilion slowpitch softball league championship over the weekend. The Ballbusters met Smokin' Eagle BBQ & Brew in the finals where -- despite being down to only nine guys due to injury -- they were able to beat the Eagle twice in a row to capture their first league championship. They would like to thank the Pavilion Volunteer Fire Department and R.L. Jeffres & Sons, Inc., for the countless hours they put into the field all season.
 
Pictured from left in the front row: Scott Lazarony, Mike Hackett, Jon Parks, Mike Anderson, Tim Kingdon. Back row from left: Dale Buck, Adam Logsdon, Mike Lafex, Kevin Young and Brad Whight.

Opening weekend for NOFA football - Alexander at Pembroke

By Rick Franclemont

The opening weekend for NOFA football was warm and sunny. First stop this year was Alexander visiting Pembroke.

 

Beginners:

 

 

Scoring breakdown : Pembroke - Tyson Totten (2) and Isaiah Cary (1); Alexander - Tyler Marino (3), Clayton Bezon (2) and Brock Stout (1).

 

Minis:

 

 

Scoring breakdown : Alexander - Matthew Jason (Extra point by Matthew Jason), Nick Kramer (Extra point by Connor Scott), Connor Scott (Extra point by Nick Kramer), Bryce Stout (Extra point by Nick Kramer) and Mason Bump (Extra point by Connor Scott)

 

JV:

 

 

Scoring breakdown: Pembroke: Jonah Blake (Extra point by David Colby), Garrett Totten (No extra point), David Colby (Two point conversion caught by Matthew Barry), Colby Cerasini (No extra point), and David Colby (Extra point by Garrett Totten)

 

Varsity:

 

 

Scoring breakdown: 

Pembroke - Michael Natalzia (No extra point), Michael Natalzia (Extra point by Zack VonKramer), Zack VonKramer (Extra point by Trevor Cox), Jacob Howes-Garofalo (No extra point), Alex Linsenbigler (Extra point by Alex Linsenbigler), Jacob Howes-Garofalo (No extra point), Ethan Stone (Extra point byMichael Natalzia)

 

Alexander - Jacob Jasen (No extra point), Tyler Cook (No extra point), Jacob Jasen (Extra point by Kameron Lyons)

 

More pictures from the opening day can be found at : Francletography.com

Photos: Elba Lancers football practice

By Howard B. Owens

Today, The Batavian stopped in on the Elba Lancer's football practice for a few snaps.

Head Coach Michael Cintorino said that even with standouts Zach DuBois and Zac Gillard graduating, the Lancers have had some good young players waiting in the wings and are now ready to step into starting roles.

Garrett Chapel steps into the starting QB role, Andy Underhill will help anchor the backfield and Brandon Naylor will lead the defense.

Photos: Le Roy tunes up for a promising 2013 season

By Howard B. Owens

Expectations are high for Le Roy football this year, with players such QB Mike McMullen who started as sophomores when the Knights contended for a Section V title and now return as juniors. The group includes Tom Kelso, Kody Lampkin and John Pierce.

Here's some photos from today's practice.

The team captains were named today. The captains are Kody Lampkin, Mike McMullen, Tom Kelso and Brandon Van Grol.

McMullen wore his patriotic socks.

Mike McMullen

Tom Kelso

Lineman Anthony Paladino, who transferred from Notre Dame back to Le Roy, with head coach Brian Moran.

Center and defensive lineman Kody Lampkin

Conrado Caballero.

Tom Kelso

John Pierce

Team DirecTV takes Oakfield softball championship

By Howard B. Owens

Information and photo provided by Tony Ray.

Team DirecTV is the champs of the Monday Night Oakfield Softball League. DirecTV beat Larry's Steakhouse in the playoff 13-1 and beat Oakfield Hotel for the championship, 30-7.

First row from left to right: Jason Pratt, Chuck Gugel, Ryan Gugel, Ron Klienback. Back row: Evan Nenni, Andre Kinder, Tony Ray, Matt Dimartino, Otis Thomas, Drew Crofts and Rich Baird.

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