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Geneva spoils Batavia's homecoming

By Brian Hillabush

 The Batavia football team will try to mimic what Geneva does all week in practice, in preparation for the Section 5 Class B Tournament next week.

But they got better looks than they will get all week Friday night in a 40-12 loss. The blowout spoiled the Batavia homecoming, but will hopefully give the team some ideas how to pull the upset next week as the Blue Devils will be the No. 8 seed, going up against No. 1 Geneva for the second straight week.

The Panthers are the No. 4 ranked team in the state and looked like it right off the bat, taking control of the game in the first quarter.

Quarterback Bobby Martin hooked up with DeAnze Williams and Junior Collins on passes before finding Derrious Thomas in the end zone on a 25-yard pass.

Batavia went three-and-out and Martin went right back to work.

There was a 21-yard strike to Collins before Martin scored on a 15-yard keeper, making the score 13-0 after a period of play.

The Blue Devils came out in the second quarter and Rob Williams entered the game at tailback. Williams injured his hip last week and was not expected to play, but was looked at by doctors just hours before the game and allowed to play, with limited duties.

He moved the ball five yards on that carry, but Batavia was pushed back on the next play and wound up in a fourth-and-6 situation.

QB Joe Canzoneri found a receiver, but he was two yards short of getting the first down.

The Blue Devils finally made a stop on defense, but a pass interference call helped prolong the Geneva drive. Martin found Collins after that and moved his squad down to the 15-yard line.

A short run and two incomplete passes set up a fourth-and-9. The Panthers knew where to go with the ball as Martin lofted a ball up into the end zone and Thomas skied above the defender and pulled down his second score of the game, giving Geneva a 21-0 advantage.

Thomas then made a play on defense, intercepting a Canzoneri pass and returning it deep into Batavia territory. But a personal foul and unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Geneva pushed the ball all the way back to midfield.

Williams had a 38-yard touchdown run shortly after that.

Batavia had a shot to score late in the first half when Vinny Pedro ripped off a 25-yard run and Canzoneri found a receiver on an 11-yard pass with one second left. But the final pass of the half fell incomplete.

The Batavia coaching staff found something at the half and made some good adjustments, allowing the home squad to finally start moving the football.

Anthony D'Aurizio broke off a 31-yard run and eventually scored on a 3-yarder. Geneva did answer right back with a 5-yard touchdown pass to Williams.

D'Aurizio and the Batavia offense again marched the football down the field, but a fumble gave the Panthers the ball back and killed all momentum.

Williams scored the final Geneva points in the fourth quarter on a 14-yard run. D'Aurizio scored another touchdown in the closing seconds on a 4-yard run.

Geneva improves to 6-1 while Batavia falls to 3-4. The two squads will play again next Friday night in the opening round of the playoffs, in Geneva.

 

NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE OCTOBER 23, 2008

By Amy Johnson

Notre Dame High School will hold an open house for prospective students on Thursday, October 23, 2008 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the high school’s campus located at 73 Union Street in the City of Batavia. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.

Faculty, coaches, current parents and students will be on hand to greet prospective students. The open house will feature personalized campus tours, opportunities to talk with faculty members and presentations from student clubs and organizations including Notre Dame’s athletic programs. Attendees will see first-hand why Notre Dame High School is ranked number eight among all public and private high school throughout Western New York.
 
Information about the many advantages of a faith-based, high school education will be available as well as financial aid options and admissions procedures requirements. Families will also have the opportunity to schedule a day to shadow a current student.
 
For more details or to pre-register, call Notre Dame High School at (585) 343-2783 or visit the Web site at www.ndhsbatavia.com.

Week 7 Geneva at Batavia preview

By Brian Hillabush

 Geneva (5-1) at Batavia (3-3)

7 p.m. Friday

Rob Williams is out, so the Blue Devils are going to have to change things up quite a bit.

Williams has been a monster this season but suffered a hip injury in last week's 34-14 loss to East Rochester/Gananda. But he was shut down, gaining only 26 yards on 15 carries, and left in the third quarter with the injury.

The senior with 904 yards rushing will be missing this week but should be back for the Class B playoffs the following week.

This means drastic changes in how Batavia will run its offense, takes away the biggest playmaker on special teams and means the defensive secondary will be severely limited.

But the Blue Devils have a plan; give the ball to Anthony D'Aurizio as much as possible, play the field position game and try to control the tempo of the game.

D'Aurizio has carried the ball 83 times for 826 yards and eight touchdowns and has been the thunder to Williams' lightning. An experienced athlete, D'Aurizio is going to have to put the team on his shoulders and carry them this week.

"He's going to have to have a monster game, no doubt about it," coach Dan Geiger said. 

As good as D'Aurizio is, Geneva will be focusing on him and the Blue Devils are going to need to do other things.

Vinny Pedro has done some good work as the third back and would help his team a bunch if he could make a big play or two with the ball in his hands. Fullback Todd Logsdon could also see increased carries this week.

And it is time for quarterback Joe Canzoneri to step up.

The junior has not had to do much with his arm because of Batavia's strong running game, but expect him to be put in the position to make plays that could determine the outcome of the game.

Canzoneri is a skilled quarterback that will have to get the ball to receivers like Pedro, Devonte Rolle and Joe Schlossel. 

Batavia has been on the road for the last three weeks and returns home for homecoming and a game with a Geneva squad that is the top seed in Class B. The Blue Devils have clinched a playoff berth and will probably end up at No. 7 or 8.

Geneva has a stud quarterback in Bobby Martin and has won two consecutive sectional championships. The Panthers are ranked fourth in the state in Class B.

Martin is surrounded by good athletes and is going to be hungry after a 14-13 loss to Canandaigua last week, in a battle of unbeaten squads.

 

Notre Dame Playoff Preview

By Brian Hillabush

No. 6 DeSales (3-3) at No. 3 Notre Dame (4-2)

1:30 p.m. Saturday

Anybody that was at Aquinas High School for the 2006 sectional finals game between Notre Dame and C.G. Finney will always remember the Fighting Irish players running towards the stands to celebrate a championship with their fans.

The players were holding the trophy high as they were on top of the world, just knocking off state ranked Finney, which came into the game undefeated.

 Nick Bochicchio was a waterboy on that team and was as much there to support his older brother Christian, who was the quarterback on that squad.

Now, the younger Bochicchio is a junior and the starting QB that is looking to lead the Fighting Irish to a Class D championship. The playoffs kick off this weekend with a home game against DeSales.

Notre Dame has a lot to look forward to during this playoff run, including a possible matchup with Finney - which is always a good time - in the semifinals, but will not be overlooking DeSales in the opening round.

The Saints do not excel at any one thing, but do many things well. They will mix in the pass with a run offense that is led by running back Brandon Wright.

Senior Brendan Costello is a solid quarterback that will look to get the ball in the hands of sophomore playmaker Erin Edwards-Rhymes as much as possible.

DeSales plays in the tough Finger Lakes West and has scored 174 points while giving up 166.

Notre Dame has been playing some good football of late, with wins over Holley and Elba/Byron-Bergen in the last two weeks.

The running back duo of Kevin Schildwaster and Mike Pratt has proven to be a strong 1-2 punch. 

Schildwaster leads the squad with 487 yards and seven touchdowns with Pratt not far behind with 440 yards and five scores. The backfield has plenty of depth with Gianni Zambito and Greg Barr emerging as solid backups in recent weeks.

Bochicchio is well over 600 yards passing and has it made with receiver Kevin Francis on the field. Every time Francis gets the ball in his hands, he is a threat to take it to the house.

The winner of this game will play either No. 2 C.G. Finney (4-1) or No. 7 Perry (3-3) next weekend.

 

Former Batavia Muckdogs in World Series

By Brian Hillabush

 The Philadelphia Phillies are moving on to the World Series after beating the Los Angeles Dodgers tonight, and several of the players on that roster started their professional baseball career in Batavia.

The Phillies were the parent club of the Batavia Muckdogs before the St. Louis Cardinals took control two seasons ago and they developed some quality players that are now going to have a shot to win a Major League Baseball title. 

Philadelphia beat the Dodgers 5-1 in the NLCS and are moving on to the "Fall Classic" for the first time since 1993.

First baseman Ryan Howard hit six home runs in 48 games for the Muckdogs in 2001, including a shot to right field that is often talked about as the longest in Dwyer Stadium history.

Second baseman Chase Utley had a .307 batting average while playing 40 games with Batavia in 2000.

Starting pitcher J.A. Happ started 11 games and went 1-2 for the Muckdogs in 2004 and reliever Ryan Madson went 5-5 in 15 starts for Batavia back in 1999.

 These former Batavia Muckdogs along with the rest of the Philadelphia Phillies will open up the World Series next Wednesday against either the Tampa Bay Rays or the Boston Red Sox.

Tampa Bay currently leads that series 3-1.

Batavia volleyball a sleeper?

By Brian Hillabush

 I see that the Batavia girls volleyball team just improved to 7-7 with a 25-16, 25-11, 22-25, 25-20 win over Brighton Wednesday.

The Blue Devils have had a very strong program for a long time, graduating some great players over the last 5-6 years.

But with just a .500 record, is Jeremy Mettler's squad going to be overlooked in the playoffs? It could happen.

The team plays very good competition in the Monroe County League and has players like Sarah Reynolds and Rachel Hale leading the team this year. Reynolds had 11 kills and Hale added eight in Friday's victory.

When a Class BB team has to battle powerhouses like Pittsford Sutherland and Victor in the regular season, they are going to be ready for the playoffs. 

The Blue Devils sit behind just Sutherland (12-2) and Victor (12-1) in Monroe County League Division III, so the regular season has probably been better than a 7-7 record shows.

When the playoffs start in two weeks, Batavia will be prepared. I've seen Mettler take teams to the sectional finals in the past, before Monroe County volleyball moved to the fall, and Batavia could be a sleeper in Class BB.

Newark, School of the Arts, Wayne and Aquinas all over 10-or-more wins and have quality programs at the top of the sectional bracket, and Batavia could end up seeded fifth by the time the regular season ends. 

I like Batavia's chances to make a run.

 

Batavia Daily News for Wednesday: Hydrant flush set for Thursday

By Philip Anselmo

Here's what we've got from the Daily News for today... Batavia's city fire crews will be flushing fire hydrants most of the day Thursday on and around the following streets: Mill Street, Apollo Drive, Brooklyn Avenue, Franklin Street, Industrial Boulevard, Orleans Avenue, Treadeasy Avenue and Walnut Street. Folks may notice a bit of discoloration in their water in these areas during the flush. In case of rain Thursday, the flush will take place on Friday.

Two of the three stories on the front page were already reported on The Batavian. Ellicott Street's sidewalk project was featured on the site over a month ago. And a story about the school district's request for $2,750 from the city to look at possibly sharing recreation services has been featured in a pair of posts on the site Monday and Tuesday, and again this morning in a post picked up from WBTA.

In other news, Tom Rivers has another enormous article about picking apples featured on the front page... and he'll have another one in tomorrow! Well, New Yorkers do love their apples. Fortunately, Rivers peppers in some human interest throughout his apple saga to keep things interesting. There are only so many paragraphs we can read about apple picking. I especially enjoyed the story at the end of today's piece about a 54-year-old Jamaican laborer who has worked to put his kids through school.

We encourage you to pick up a copy of the Daily News at your local newsstand. Or, better yet, subscribe at BataviaNews.com.

Video: Cleaning up Downtown

By Philip Anselmo

In case you wondering, those youths walking around downtown Batavia by the side of the road and up and down the sidewalk collecting trash—they're not part of any chain gang, and they're not in any trouble.

Much to the contrary.

They are students from Batavia High School putting in their community service time required for graduation. Don Burkel, who heads up the downtown Business Improvement District, told me that some of the students had volunteered to clean up Main Street. We found a couple of them literally picking up butts in front of Main Street Coffee. It was poignant and sad that as this young man told me about his efforts to help clean up the mess downtown, a pair of fellows smoking cigarettes behind the camera threw their still lit butts right onto the sidewalk.

UPDATE (11:14am): As if everyone wants to do his part to negate the efforts of the students trying to clean up downtown... About a minute ago, I spotted from my window looking out on Main Street a truck that sped through the intersection at Bank Street, likely trying to beat the yellow-turning-red light. Whoever was driving the truck either didn't realize or didn't care that the back door was wide open. Because of the hasty run through the intersection, some trash and such in the back of the truck was tossed out into the street where something large and ceramic crashed in the crosswalk. Some other crud also littered the street, including a bag of wires (maybe). Kudos to the fellow working on the restoration of the Cultural Center on the corner there. He picked up a shovel and a broom and cleared the hazard from the roadway, which could have possibly caused an accident. Geez!

News roundup: Rec decision postponed

By Philip Anselmo

Batavia's City Council last night postponed a decision on whether to pitch in $2,750 to look into maybe sharing recreation services with the school district and town, according to WBTA's Dan Fischer. The Batavian reported earlier this week on the proposal by the school district to fund an $11,000 needs assessment.

Fischer reports that Council members Bill Cox and Kathy Briggs were willing to support the study because "it was keeping with council's to share services among municipalities." Councilwoman Rose Mary Christian was opposed to the plan, saying that we already pay enough in school taxes.

Council will take up discussion again at its conference meeting later this month and vote on the request at its business meeting in November.

Tim Sullivan is still automatic from downtown

By Brian Hillabush

Tim Sullivan was an unlikely Division I basketball player when he graduated from Notre Dame High School back in 1978.

He lacked the size and didn't put up numbers in high school that would make big schools look at an undersized player from Genesee County.

But he did just that, walking on to the Canisius basketball team and playing at that high level. He also played for the Syracuse Shooting Stars and spent a few weeks on the roster of the Buffalo Rapids of the ABA, just a few years back.

I have gotten to know Sullivan over the years as he has helped many area youngsters with the game of basketball and we had a chance to catch up Tuesday afternoon.

It turns out, things are going quite well for the shooting expert.

He recently won a 3-point shooting competition  - at the still Hooping 3-on-3 3-point shooting contest - against some pretty hefty competition, namely former NBA stars Glen Rice, Hersey Hawkins and Dale Ellis. He won the contest two years ago and was second last year.

Sullivan is continuing to work as an instructor at camps all across the country.

He puts on about 250 clinics per year and works for ADIDAS Phenom camp in San Diego, California.

Sullivan does one-on-one work with individual D-1 prospects and helps with instruction at many colleges, including Syracuse University, Indiana University and the University of Kentucky.

Sullivan said he has studied the science of shooting and has figured out how anybody can be a 3-point shooting star. Check out this video I found on YouTube, where he does not miss an attempt in almost 3 minutes.

You can also check out his Web site for more information.

 

Michael Hall wonders what his father would think of today's world

By Howard B. Owens

Michael K. Hall, a Batavia resident, reminisces about his dad in the Buffalo News this morning.

My father was interested in politics but he did not have a formal party affiliation. He was more interested in the quality of the man running for president than whether he was a Democrat or Republican. I wonder what he would think of the extreme polarization within our country concerning politics and the two major parties.

I have a general idea of how he would feel about the war in Iraq. He was not a supporter of the Vietnam War, and when my brother Stuart and I were there it must have been hard on him. I think that the year I spent in Iraq would have been hard on him as well. I believe that he would be appalled at the notion one could be labeled unpatriotic if you had a different viewpoint or opinion than the one that was put out by the government supporting the war. He was also a student of history and would wonder why our country does not seem to learn from our past history in this area. He would have little sympathy for terrorists or terrorism as a means of political change. The concept of suicide bombers would boggle his mind.

Emphasis added, because that "year I spent in Iraq" is the kind of thing that could use more explanation in context. Hall is a retired superintendent of schools, so what was he doing in Iraq?  I'm curious.

Best burger in the county goes to...

By Philip Anselmo

For those of us who know, all of the commercials on television that tout the greatness of this or that fast-food patty have got it all wrong. No Wendy's or Burger King or MacDonald's slab can hold a candle to a real, fresh ground beef burger made from scratch.

When we first began to sample the culinary bounty of Batavia back in May, I was sure that I had found the best hamburger to be found at Jackson Street Grill. It was thick, grilled and seasoned almost the way my Italian grandfather would do it: as if it were a meatball.

Then, last week, I stopped by the Alabama Hotel for lunch and ordered their half-pound burger. It, too, was thick, grilled and seasoned to perfection. Plus it came with fresh-cut french fries. Now I don't know who has got the best. Nor have I tasted all that's out there.

So I turn to you, trusted readers, to help settle this age old debate once and for all: Who's got the best burger in Genesee County? Feel free to send us your photos as proof. Because a good-tasting burger is often a good-looking one, too.

How to post Batavia news

By Howard B. Owens

If you have news about Batavia to share, tag your post "Batavia" and it will appear on this page. More help here.

Batavia can't beat passing ER/Gananda

By Brian Hillabush

 

Neal Dotterer is one of the most prolific passers in Section 5 history, and he did it to Batavia as the Blue Devils lost for the first time in a month, 34-13.

The East Rochester/Gananda star went 17-of-24 passing for 253 yards and four touchdown passes.

"We just got a few mismatches in the passing game," Batavia coach Dan Geiger said. "We were able to put them in a lot of third-and-longs, but they hurt us on those plays."

 

After the Bombers scored on their opening possession, Batavia fumbled the ball away deep in their own territory.

The defense stepped up and made a stop, but the Blue Devils started that drive at their own 1-yard line.

That was the theme of the night for Batavia's offense.

"We had a long field all night," Geiger said. "We started around the 10 yard line pretty much the entire first half. We stopped them, but we were starting deep."

Anthony D'Aurizio had a big game for Batavia, rushing for 192 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries.

Defending Class B Offensive Player of the Week Rob Williams only gained 26 yards with a TD on 15 carries before leaving the game with a hip injury in the third quarter. 

ER/G improves to 5-1 while Batavia falls to 3-3.

The Blue Devils did clinch the No. 8 seed in the Section 5 Class B playoffs because Dansville beat Wayland-Cohocton Friday night.

"We are definitely disappointed after a loss like this," Geiger said. "But I'm positive that these guys will get back at it and get going again in the morning."

 

 

Salvation Army Swiss Steak Dinner

By Howard B. Owens

June Rowcliffe posted the following in a comment.  I'm reposting it here:

Salvation Army Women's Auxilary will be having a sit down Swiss Steak (without tomatoes) Dinner on November 1 at the Citadel, 529 East Main St., Batavia. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. Only 50 tickets will be sold for the sit down dinner at $8.00 each. 30 tickets will be available for takeout at 5:30 p.m. All tickets are PRE-SALE from a member or by calling the office 343-6284, or Midge at 345-1663. Following the dinner will be a A Live Auction of several Gift Baskets.

Batavia Hall of Fame reminder

By Brian Hillabush

 This is just a reminder that Batavia High will be announcing six new members to its Athletic Hall of Fame on Oct. 18 at Terry Hills Restaurant and Banquet Facility.

Daily News Sports Editor Bill Bruton did a nice roundup in today's edition of the inductees, Donald Johnson, Thomas Vincello, Douglas King, Ralph "Buddy Houseknecht, Jonathan Walton and Nancy Viola.

The roundup is packed with information and even has a bit more than I had in my HOF preview that was ran on The Batavian on Sept. 23. Check that out.

You can still get tickets for the 7th annual ceremony, which has a social hour beginning at 5 p.m., followed by a dinner at 6 p.m.

You can get tickets by contacting the Athletic Director's office at Batavia High School at 585-343-2480 ex. 2003.

Batavia Daily News for Friday: Farm Bureau elects new president

By Philip Anselmo

Byron diary farmer Robin Keller, 39, has been elected the new president of the Genesee County Farm Bureau, according to the Daily News. Tom Rivers reports that Keller replaces Dale Stein, a Le Roy dairy farmer, who did not seek re-election after his four years in the position. Keller and her husband moved to the area a little less than a decade ago, looking to expand their dairy business.

"Genesee County was the ideal location for growing a farm business," she told Rivers.

Genesee County Legislature Chair Mary Pat Hancock told the Daily News that

the New York State Association of Counties is not going to sit back and allow the state to impose budget cuts without NYSAC having some say in how those adjustments are made and implemented.

County Manager Jay Gsell said that the current fiscal crisis on Wall Street could be an "opportunity for reform in Albany" by getting the state to cut back its "expenditures, jobs, services" and "unfunded state mandates"—what Paul Mrozek describes as "the albatross on the back of county governments."

Mothertime Marketplace will roll into St. Joseph's School this Saturday and Sunday. The consignment sale event that often includes everything from bedroom sets to books, will run from 10:00am to 5:00pm Saturday and from 10:00am to 3:00pm Sunday. Admission is $2 per day or $3 for both days. Some coupons are available at selected locations around the city. Visit Mothertime Marketplace online for more information. St. Joseph's School is located at the corner of Summit and East Main streets downtown.

We encourage you to pick up a copy of the Daily News at your local newsstand. Or, better yet, subscribe at BataviaNews.com.

Week 6 Elba/Byron-Bergen at Notre Dame preview

By Brian Hillabush

 Elba/Byron-Bergen (1-4) at Notre Dame (3-2)

1:30 p.m. Saturday

The Fighting Irish are currently the No. 4 seed in Class D and will be looking to get things in order to start a sectional run next week. A loss would mean Notre Dame would lose a home game in the first round as they would probably move down to No. 5.

Notre Dame is doing it all on the offensive side of the ball.

Nick Bochicchio has over 500 yards passing and is getting better every week and he has a great target in Kevin Francis at wide receiver.

Bochicchio has the luxury of having a good running game to go with the passing attack.

Kevin Schildwaster had his best week of the season in last week's win over Holley and now has 358 rushing yards with five touchdowns. Mike Pratt has 348 yards and five TDs.

You never know what you are going to get from the Fighting Irish on offense.

The Lancers have had some serious struggles this season as the Byron-Bergen kids are still learning how to play the game.

But there have been some signs of potential.

Zach Green has become a star in the Elba/Byron-Bergen backfield and he gets plenty of help from Brandon Spurling.

The Lancers like to throw the ball around a little bit with quarterback Eric Kowalik and have the potential to do big things with Cody Torpey, who will line up at receiver, running back and quarterback.

Elba/Byron-Bergen is on the outside looking in when it comes to sectionals at this point. The Lancers are the No. 9 seed in Class C and a win on Saturday would be a big help if they want to get that eighth seed and the fun first round matchup against either Le Roy, Oakfield-Alabama or Pembroke. 

Week 6 Batavia at ER/Gananda Preview

By Brian Hillabush

 Batavia (3-2) at East Rochester/Gananda (4-1)

7 p.m. Friday

Batavia has won three straight games and would love to make it four.

But the Blue Devils will have their hands full with ER/Gananda, which is ranked No. 5 in the state in Class B and is currently No. 4 in Section 5 Class B sectional seeding points.

The only reason the Bombers have a loss is because of the mess that happened in Bath during the opening week of the season. ER/Gananda wound up forfeiting the game even though they were ahead when the lights went out.

Check out this thread on Section 5 Talksback about the issue.

The Bombers are led by quarterback Neil Dotterer, who is his school's all-time passing leader with over 4,400 yards. He is third on the all-time Section 5 passing list.

Batavia has several good athletes, but will need them to step up in the secondary as they will probably see several three and four wide receiver sets.

The Blue Devils need to get a pass rush from either the defensive linemen or blitzers.

As far as offense, Batavia will keep running the ball and hopefully keep doing it well.

Rob Williams earned Class B Offensive Player of the Week last week after rushing for 267 yards and returning to kickoffs for touchdowns in a win over Penn Yan.

He now has 70 carries for 878 yards and 14 touchdowns on the season.

His partner in the backfield is Anthony D'Aurizio, who is having himself a big season as well. He has 634 yards and seven touchdowns on 60 carries.

If the running game is slowed then quarterback Joe Canzoneri will have to do some passing.

D'Aurizio is the leading tackler with 52, with Troy Ireland getting 45 so far. Adam Hausfelder has 39 and Todd Logsdon has pitched in 30.

Batavia is eighth in sectional standings right now and will probably need to get a win this week or at home next week against Geneva to guarantee a spot in the sectional playoffs.

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