Pembroke falls to Red Jacket 51-6
Pembroke traveled to Red Jacket on Saturday and the Dragons lost 51-6.
Photos by Elizabeth Gabbey
Sports
Kevin Cummings sweeps both Batavia features
Press release:
Perennial local driving leader Kevin Cummings had a big night at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Sept. 25) after winning both weekly pacing features with Black Is Back and Foo Fighter N and vaulting himself into second place for dash wins at the current meet.
It has been some time since Black Is Back visited the Purple Haze winner’s circle but he definitely earned the right this day as he turned a first-over move into a hard fought victory in the $12,300 Open Handicap pace.
Black Is Back got away third in the short field of six while Raksmach N (Denny Bucceri) took his usual position on the point where he led at the half in :57 flat. Looking solid on the lead, Raksmach N was soon visited by Black Is Back and Crockets Cullen N (Larry Stalbaum) who were rolling up the rim at the five-eighths. Black Is Back took command of the race on the backstretch after Raksmach N succumbed to his challenge and then Crockets Cullen N moved right alongside. and these two tangled all the way to the wire.
After tripping the third-panel timer in 1:25.3, Black Is Back and Crockets Cullen N tangled all the way to the wire. The pacing pair opened up 2-1/2 lengths on the field but couldn’t separate themselves with a sheet of paper. Both Cummings and Stalbaum drove hard down the stretch and to the line and after all their hard work, it took a photo to decide Black Is Back won by a head in a seasonal best 1:54.1
Black Is Back ($13.40) scored his fourth win of the year for owners Curtis Edholm and Mihajlo Zdjelar Sr. The 8-year-old Western Terror gelding is trained by Mihajlo Zdjelar Jr.
Then Cummings scored with Foo Fighter N in the $11,000 Open II Handicap with the fastest clocking of the night.
Foo Fighter N took the lead off the gate and held a 1-1/2 length advantage to the half with Itsonlyrocknroll A (Larry Stalbaum) tracking intently. Cummings tapped the gas and Foo Fighter N sped to a :28.1 third-quarter and extended his lead to 2-1/2. From there he was a runaway, opening up six lengths by the top of the stretch and then sprinted home in another :28.1 panel to win by eight in 1:53.
Foo Fighter N (7.20) is having a career earnings year with now $62,506 in the bank for owner William Emmons. Jim Clouser Jr. trains the winner.
Cummings is now in second place in the driving derby, tied with Dave McNeight III with 27 wins. However, they are both chasing the leading Jim Morrill Jr. who sits in the throne with 54 wins.
Other horsemen having multiple wins Saturday include drivers Jim McNeight Jr. and Larry Stalbaum along with trainer Jim McNeight, all tallying two wins for the evening.
When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Sept. 29) there will be a plethora of punting opportunities with major payouts available as “carryovers” is the word of the day.
First, there is an $837 carryover in the Pick-5 wager in the first race and Todd Haight -- General Manager of Batavia Downs -- has announced there will be a guaranteed $5,000 pool for that wager on Wednesday. The guarantee is in conjunction with the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program and as such, free past performance pages for races, one through five will be available on the USTA’s website on Monday as well as Batavia Downs website and Facebook page.
Then later in the card, there is a $467 carryover in the Jackpot Pick-6 bet in the fourth race and finally, in race nine, the Jackpot Super Hi-5 features a $3,449 carryover.
Free complete past performance programs are always available for download at bataviadownsgaming.com and the Batavia Downs Facebook page and Wednesday’s (Sept. 29) program with all these excellent betting options will be available tomorrow (Sunday, Sept. 26) so you can get a head start on handicapping.
Post time for the first race on Wednesday is 5 p.m.
OAE tops York/Pavilion 58-6
Oakfield-Alabama/Elba crushed yet another opponent -- this time, York/Pavilion. Final score: 58-6.
Bodie Hayes was 3-5 passing for 119 yards and two TD tosses. He ran for 61 yards on five carries, crossing the goal line three times.
Gaige Armbrewster rushed for 83 yards on eight carries and scored a touchdown on a 34-yard pass reception.
Noah Currier scored a TD on two carries for 42 yards.
Kameron Cusmano had a 54-yard TD reception and on defense, seven tackles.
CJ Gottler had seven tackles.
Connor Scott blocked a punt and returned it 30 yards for A TD.
TJ Andrews had nine tackles.
"We feel like we did a better job playing a complete game for foour quarters than we did a week ago," Head Coach Tyler Winter said. "Hats off to York/Pavilion. Their boys played much harder than the score may suggest. Some minor things to learn from and improve as we get ready to host CMBB."
Photos by Kristin Smith. For more, click here.
Batavia obliterates Pal-Mac 55-0 on homecoming night
In their fourth game of the season, The Batavia Blue Devils once again proved a dominating team on offense and defense beating Pal-Mac 55-0.
Jesse Reinhart was 6-6 passing for 157 yards and three touchdowns.
Jameson Richardson carried the ball three times for 97 yards and two touchdowns.
Cam McClinic gain 79 yards on seven carries and Aidan Anderson scored a TD and ran for 68 yards on eight carries.
Javin McFollins caught two TD passes and Vincent Arroyo and Cole Grazioplene each had a TD grab.
Kaden Marucci had 12 tackles, Garratt Schmidt, seven, and Abel Hammer, six.
To view or purchase prints, click here.
Photos by Steve Ognibene
Batavia Downs top trotters go the distance
Three Open trots headlined the Friday night (Sept. 24) card at Batavia Downs and all three winners won in gate to wire fashion.
In the $12,300 Open I Handicap, Frank's Watching (Ray Fisher Jr.) left from post three and opened up a four length lead by three-quarters. From there he coasted home to a 1:57.3 win by 1-¼ lengths.
It was the second straight win and eighth of the season for Frank's Watching ($3.10) who is owned by Mary Warriner and trained by Ryan Swift.
Then in the $11,000 Open II Handicap, J-s Swanman (Jim McNeight Jr.) led comfortably to the half in a soft :59 until Willie B Worthy (Kevin Cummings) put the pressure on at three-quarters. But as he drew alongside J-s Swanman, Willie B Worthy made a break at the top of the turn and J-s Swanman was clear. He held off a late challenge from All About Thechase (Mike Caprio) in deep stretch to win by ¼ length in 1:59.
J-s Swanman ($15.80) is owned by Mike Ventura and is trained by Jim McNeight.
Finally in the $9,000 Open III Handicap, Majestic Kat (Jim Morrill Jr.) pulled a "drop-and-pop" from Open II and registered an easy 3-½ length win without any challenge at all in 1:58.2.
Majestic Kat ($3.80) is owned by Vogel & Wags Nags Stable, Team Rice Racing and Adelphi Bloodstock. Maria Rice trains the winner.
Morrill ended up the top driver on Friday after scoring a hat trick during the program.
There was no winner in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta wager again on Friday so there will be a carryover of $2,981 for that wager on Saturday (Sept. 25) when live racing resumes at Batavia Downs. The is also a small carryover of $360 in the Jackpot Pick-6.
Post time for the first race is 5 p.m.
ND coaching legend announces 2021-22 will be his final hoops season
Press release:
Mike Rapone, longtime Basketball Coach at Notre Dame HS, has informed the school that the upcoming 2021-2022 season will be his final one at the helm of one of Section V’s most successful boys basketball programs.
His final season will be his 42nd Varsity season and 45th season coaching basketball at ND.
On March 3rd, 2010, he surpassed legendary coach Ed Nietopski’ s 545 career wins to become Section V’s All-Time winningest coach. Coach Rapone has a Varsity record of 708-208 (Winning percentage 77.3) while his JV record of 47-7 includes consecutive unbeaten seasons in 1979 & 1980. Rapone coached teams won State Titles in 1992 & 2001, five regional titles, nine Section V titles (tied for the most all-time of any Section V coach), and 33 Genesee Region Division Championships.
He was inducted into the Section V Boys Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016 and Notre Dame HS Hall of Fame in 1996.
Winning the 2001 State Championship team provided one of the special memories of his distinguished coaching career as the roster included 11 players (of 13) that were sons of Coach Rapone’s Notre Dame High School classmate, his childhood friends or neighbors from LeRoy and included his son Mikey, his nephew and assistant coach Dave Pero’s son Jeff.
In the past 15 seasons, Coach Rapone feels blessed to have had the opportunity to work closely with his son Mikey watching him learn how to coach as he worked his way up from program assistant to JV Head coach to his current position as Varsity Associate Head Coach. This experience and time together with his son have made coaching at Notre Dame even more fulfilling.
When asked about why now to retire, Coach Rapone commented. “I always said I would know when it was time to move on from the job that I love. Being a basketball coach here has been a big part of my life but it is time. Coaching at Notre Dame provided me with the opportunity to help young men learn how to compete and work as a team while personally growing and maturing as individuals. I take great pride in the adults my players have become. Even though I will miss coaching, the time spent together with the team, and the thrill of competition, it is time for me to move on.”
The school will name Coach Rapone’s successor before the start of the upcoming season to ensure continuity and a smooth transition in the spring. Resumes can be submitted until Oct. 3 to michael.rapone@ndhsbatavia.com or wade.bianco@ndhsbatavia.com
Photo: File photo
ND defense stands tall vs. Bolivar Richburg in 14-0 loss
Notre Dame staged a herculean defensive effort that included several “red zone” stops, two fumble recoveries and an interception but had little offensive success en route to a 14-0 loss to Bolivar Richburg in varsity football action Thursday night at Van Detta Stadium.
The visiting Wolverines, 3-1, scored on consecutive long drives in the first half and, despite running 63 plays to ND’s 34, failed to score after that as the Irish defense came through time and again with big plays deep in their own territory.
Powered by the senior foursome of quarterback Brayden Ellis and running backs Landon Danaher, Jarrod Polk and Kadin Tompkins, the Allegany County squad ran the ball 56 times for 258 yards.
Polk capped a five-play, 52-yard drive with an 11-yard burst off right tackle with 6:06 left in the opening quarter and, after a Notre Dame punt, Danaher put the finishing touches on a 10-play, 55-yard march with a 21-yard sweep to the left side on the first play of the second quarter.
Senior kicker Hunter Stuck converted both point after touchdown attempts.
The Irish, 1-3, could not run the ball against the Wolverines, with 14 rushing attempts netting minus 11 yards.
Quarterback Jimmy Fanara completed eight of 20 passes for 67 yards – with the biggest gains of 18 and 19 yards to Ryan Fitzpatrick and 22 yards to Evan Cummings. He was intercepted twice in the second half.
Bolivar Richburg’s offense featured a variety of formations. Mixing in misdirection plays and reverses with runs into the middle of the line, the Wolverines chewed up yardage and the clock all night long. The Irish defense, however, did not break as it made big plays to halt otherwise impressive drives.
Linebackers Vin DiRisio (who was named T.F. Brown’s Player of the Game by WBTA Radio (news partner of The Batavian), Andrew Edwards and Cummings, lineman Bryceton Berry and defensive back Hayden Groff led the charge for the Irish. Edwards went to the sidelines after suffering a leg injury late in the third quarter.
Berry recovered a fumble to thwart the visitors’ opening drive, DiRisio was credited with 21 tackles, including many behind the line of scrimmage and also to prevent long gains, while Cummings intercepted a pass on a fourth-and-9 play at the ND 39 in the third quarter and recovered a fumble on second-and-goal from the 1-yard line early in the fourth quarter.
Early in the third quarter, the Irish tackled Danaher for a 12-yard loss on a third-and-1 from the 6-yard line adding to Bolivar Richburg’s futility inside the Notre Dame 20 – which included a pair of missed field goal attempts by Stuck.
In the final minute, with the Irish not trying to stop the clock, Ellis threw two passes into the end zone from the ND 31. The first one was dropped by Polk and the second one was incomplete.
Statistically, Danaher rushed for 112 yards on 23 carries and a touchdown and Polk carried 13 times for 59 yards and a touchdown. Tompkins gained 56 yards on 11 carries. QB Ellis ran seven times for 16 yards and was 3-for-7 passing for 12 yards.
Notre Dame’s next game is at 7 p.m. Oct. 1 at Geneseo.
Misty Memory N scores fourth Batavia Downs victory
Press release:
The weather was cool but Misty Memory N stayed hot after she won her fourth race out of five starts at Batavia Downs, taking the $12,300 distaff pacing feature on Wednesday night (Sept. 22).
Misty Memory N (Denny Bucceri) played give-and-go with Protect Blue Chip (Jim Morrill Jr.) and finally settled on the lead for good past the :28 first quarter. Upon reaching the half, Stay Beautiful (Braxton Boyd) was on a first-over rush and hastened the pace to 1:26 at three-quarters. But it was a one-shot deal for Stay Beautiful and Misty Memory N left her and the rest of the field behind while she opened up a 2-1/4 length lead at the top of the stretch. From there she paced home on her own, extending her advantage further at the line where she won in 1:54.3, which was her fastest win time at the Downs despite the off track.
Overall it was the ninth win of the year for Misty Memory N ($5.60) who has now earned $71,976 in 2021. The 8-year-old daughter of Real Desire-Deja Vous is owned by the JP Houle Stable who claimed her for $24,000 on August 25. Gaston Lareau trains the winner.
The $11,000 Open II pace for fillies and mares went to Queen Of Thrones (Jim Morrill Jr.) who took the lead after being parked the first quarter in :27.4 and continued to extend her lead from there. After getting to three-quarters in 1:26 on top by 1-3/4, Queen Of Throne gapped the field by three at the head of the stretch and ran away to a four length win in 1:55.1.
After three consecutive second-place finishes, Queen Of Thrones ($5.50) got her fourth win of the year for owner/trainer Ryan Swift.
Driver Braxton Boyd and trainer Jennifer Giuliani teamed up to win three races on Wednesday to lead all others in their respective categories. They both had pictures taken with Ohio Prince (1:56.1, $2.30), Thedoginthefight (1:56.3, $3.30), and Rural Art (1:58.2, $2.70).
When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Sept. 24) there will be two carryovers featured. The Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta has a carryover of $2,005 and the Jackpot Pick-6 has a carryover of $212. Post time for the first race is 5 p.m.
Stalbaum sweeps features at Batavia Downs
Press release:
Former Batavia Downs driving champion Larry Stalbaum returned to western New York and has already started to find his old groove. On Saturday night (Sept. 18) “The Bomber” swept both pacing features with horses he owns and trains and he did it in impressive fashion.
Stalbaum took the $12,300 Open I Handicap with recent acquisition Matticulous GB, with a tough first-over trip.
Art Scene (Jim Morrill Jr.) outfought Daylight Rush (Dave McNeight III) and Major Authority (Wade Tomaszewski) for the front and led the field to the half in :56. Stalbaum pulled Matticulous GB first-over and drew alongside Art Scene by three-quarters. The two pacers then went stride for stride around the last turn and into the final eighth. The battle continued into a deep stretch where Matticulous GB got the edge over Art Scene and then held off a late burst from Daylight Rush to win in 1:53.4.
Matticulous GB ($5.50) got his third win of the year, but first in two starts for Stalbaum.
Then in the $11,000 Open II pace, American Zest A returned to the Downs after two starts at Saratoga and despite being a beaten favorite in four previous Genesee County starts, demolished the resident group this night.
Stalbuam played give-and-go with Catch A Lefty A (Mike Baumeister) at the start of the race before taking control of the race with American Zest A by the quarter and from there, the race was history. After getting to the half in an unchallenged:56.4, American Zest A started to lengthen his lead at three-quarters and by the top of the stretch he was clear by four. Stalbaum sat chilly as American Zest A cruised down the lane by open lengths and won in a sparkling 1:52.3.
American Zest A ($3.00) got his sixth win of the year and pushed his earnings to $58,168 this year.
Stalbaum added a win with catch drive Better Watch Out (1.56.1, $) to lead all drivers with three wins and all trainers with two.
There was a guaranteed $5,000 pool in the Pick-5 wager on Saturday and $5,438 of new money was generated on the strength of the $898 carryover and a USTA Strategic Wagering guarantee. The combination of 2, 1, 1, 2, 4-3, 5 paid $142 for a 50-cent wager.
There was no winner in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager on Saturday so there will be a carryover of $1,527 for that wager on Wednesday (Sept. 22) when live racing resumes at Batavia Downs with post time for the first race at 5 p.m.
OAE Aggies dominate second half, run past visiting Notre Dame, 34-7
Undefeated Oakfield-Alabama/Elba rode a second-half ground game sparked by Gaige Armbrewster, Noah Currier and Bodie Hyde to overcome underdog Notre Dame, 34-7, Saturday afternoon in varsity football action at Elba’s field.
Armbrewster rushed for 111 yards on 19 carries and a touchdown, Hyde ran eight times for 79 yards, including a 56-yard TD scamper, and Currier carried six times for 64 yards and two scores as the Aggies overcame a 7-0 deficit to improve to 3-0.
The visiting Fighting Irish, 1-2, gave O-A/E all it could handle in the opening 24 minutes – taking the lead on a 32-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jimmy Fanara (photo at top) to wide receiver Evan Cummings and Brandon Carrick’s extra point with 41 seconds left in the first quarter.
ND had a chance to take that advantage into intermission but the Aggies stopped a third-and-one play with about a minute left, and took over at their own 44 with 52 seconds on the clock.
From there, Hyde connected with Kaden Cusmano for gains of 12 and eight yards, and then hit Currier for 36 yards to put the ball at the ND 8. Armbrewster found the end zone on the next play on a sweep to the left and Max DeMare’s kick was good, knotting it up at 7-7 with 21 seconds remaining.
The second half was all Aggies as they’re offensive line took control, powering a consistent rushing attack.
O-A/E put together an eight-play, 72-yard drive, culminating with a 13-yard TD pass from Hyde to Cusmano with 53 seconds left in the third quarter. DeMare’s kick made it 14-7.
The drive was sparked by runs of 13 and 14 yards by Armbrewster and a 15-yard run by Connor Scott that moved the ball to the ND 19. From there, a pair of short runs by Armbrewster set up the touchdown play.
An interception by Armbrewster set up the Aggies’ next drive at the ND 41. His 14-yard burst and a three-yard run by Hyde move the ball to the 24, where Currier broke through the left side of the line untouched to the end zone. DeMare came on for the PAT and O-A/E had a 21-7 lead early in the fourth quarter.
Cusmano recovered a fumble on ND’s first play of its next possession, and that led to a six-yard score by Currier, with lineman Brayden Smith applying a key block. A pass for the two-point conversion failed.
The Aggies forced ND to punt at took over at their own 44. Armbrewster picked up 22 yards on three runs and Scott ran for a nine-yard gain to set up Hyde, who escaped a few tackles near the line before breaking clear for the 56-yard score. DeMare’s PAT closed out the scoring.
The Irish fell just short of their second touchdown on their final drive behind fullback Vin DiRisio, who gained 54 yards, including a 44-yard burst up the middle, breaking several tackles before being upended at the O-A/E 9. He carried twice more but was stopped at the 5 when time ran out.
Fanara passed 15 times, completing seven for 107 yards, while Cummings caught four passes for 86 yards, all in the first half. On defense for ND, George Woodruff, Drew Edwards and Connor McWilliams led the way with 10 tackles each and Cummings made a one-handed interception.
For the Aggies, Scott recovered a fumble. O-A/E outgained ND, 347-193.
ND hosts Bolivar-Richburg at 7 p.m. Thursday at Van Detta Stadium, while O-A/E travels to York/Pavilion at 7 p.m. Friday.
Photos by Kristin Smith. For more, click here.
Connor Scott breaks free for OAE.
OAE's Gaige Armbrewster brought down by two ND defenders.
ND's Fanara puts a hit on Noah Currier.
OAE's Noah Currier.
ND's Brandon Carrick for the PAT.
Fanara lets one fly.
Armbrewster on a couple of big gains (see below).
Photos: 2021 Friends and Family 5K in Elba
Brandon Rebert set a new course record of 18:09 today in Elba in the annual Arc of Genesee Orleans Friends and Family 5K.
Rebert beat his 2019 winning time -- the last time the race was won -- by nine seconds.
Kim Mills took yet another women's 5K title with a time of 21:37.
Le Roy trounces Hornell 38-0 on home opener
It was all Le Roy under the lights at Hartwood Park on Friday night as the Oatkan Knights ran away with a 38-0 win.
Drew Strollo ran for 100 yards and a TD on 18 carries. Brock Flint also scored a TD on eight carries for 74 yards.
John Panepento was 6-9 passing for 70 yards and TD.
One of two receptions by Adam Riswick was the Panepento TD lob. Risewick gained 50 yards and also had five punt returns for 128 yards including a 60-yard TD.
Tony Piazza had five tacks. Ty Strollo, four, and Jack Lathan two tackles and a fumble recovery for a TD.
The Knights are now 2-1 on the season and travel to Mynderse on Friday.
Also on Friday night:Batavia beat Geneva 42-0
To view or purchase prints, click here.
Photos by Steve Ognibene
Guaranteed $5,000 Pick-5 pool Saturday at Batavia
Press release:
When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Sept. 18) there will be two carryovers and one guaranteed pool.
With no winner of the Pick-5 on Friday (Sept. 17), there is a carryover of $898 and the management of Batavia Downs has announced that the track will offer a $5,000 guaranteed pool for that wager on Saturday (Sept. 18). The guarantee is part of the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program and as such, free program pages are available courtesy of Trackmaster on the USTA’s website or by clicking here. (https://www.trackmaster.com/freeContent/usta/freeContentFiles/hpl/btv0918x.pdf)
Free program pages can also be downloaded at bataviadownsgaming.com under the live racing tab.
The Pick-5 wager begins in race one and runs through race five. It is a 50-cent base wager and if all five winners aren’t selected, any carryover pool will be moved to the Pick-5 wager on the next day of racing.
Then in race 9, the Jackpot Super Hi-5 has a carryover of $1,156. Free program pages for these races can also be downloaded at bataviadownsgaming.com under the live racing tab where free full card past performance programs are always available for every live racing night at Batavia Downs.
And if you can't attend the races in person, you can still watch a live stream of the entire night's action on the Batavia Downs Youtube channel.
Post time for the first race is 5 p.m.
Fisher, Swift, Warriner sweep Batavia trots
Press release:
Driver Ray Fisher Jr., trainer Ryan Swift, and owner Mary Warriner were a formidable team at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Sept. 17) as they won both top trotting features of the week.
Friday's "A" Team took the $12,300 Open I Handicap trot with Lougazi ($3.00) who made his first Batavia Downs appearance of 2021.
Willie B Worthy (Kevin Cummings) led to the quarter in a slow:29 split, so Fisher pulled Lougazi early from third and sat outside the leader pushing the pace. After a :56.4 half and 1:26.4 three-quarters, Lougazi finally crossed over and took command heading into the final bend. From there he trotted home with authority and won by a length in 1:56.
It was the 39th-lifetime win for the 7-year-old gelded son of Lou's Legacy.
Then in the $11,000 Open II Handicap, Frank's Watching was assigned post eight and dismissed by the betting public at 25-1. But that had little bearing on the outcome.
Frank's Watching went right to the front, increased his lead incrementally at each quarter station, turned for home with a 3-⅓ length margin and coasted home to win in a new lifetime best time of 1:57.1.
That was the seventh win of the year for the upset-minded Frank's Watching ($52.50).
Shawn McDonough was the leading horseman on Friday with a driving hat trick and also two training wins.
Frank's Watching wasn't the only longshot to hit the board on Friday. The card opened with a real bomb when Western Passage was sent off at 37-1 to pay $77.50. Being the first race of the Pick-5 wager, it resulted in no one having the winning combination. As a result there is an $898 carryover for that wager on Saturday (Sept. 18) and the management of Batavia Downs has announced there will be a $5,000 guaranteed pool as well. That will be part of the USTA's Strategic Wagering and free program pages for those races are available on the USTA's website or by clicking this link.
https://legacy.trackmaster.com/usta/btv0918x.pdf
There is also a carryover of $1,156 for the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the last race on Saturday and free full card program pages are always available for download at the Batavia Downs website and Facebook page.
Post time for the first race is 5 p.m.
Trojans just miss chance to beat Avon
The Alexander Trojans suffered the team's first loss of the season at the hands of Avon, 12-10.
The Trojans drop to 2-1 and Avon remains undefeated at 3-0.
Alexander scored first on a 30-yard field goal by Eric Cline to cap a seven-minute offensive drive.
Avon took the lead early in the second quarter on a one-yard TD. A failed extra-point try made the score 6-3.
Alexander's final score of the game came on a Nick Kramer one-yard TD dive followed by a Cline PAT, 10-6.
With two minutes left in the half, Avon scored again on a 23-yard pass, setting the score at 12-10.
The Trojan's last gasp came with 30 seconds left on the clock and a 37-yard field goal attempt that drifted wide, allowing Avon to hold on for the win.
Braden Woods carried the ball 19 times for 132 yards. Kramer rushed for 32 yards and a TD on nine carries.
Photos By Philip Casper. Top photo: Nick Kramer QB #3 scrambling out of the pocket
Brayden Woods RB #2
Nick Kramer QB #3 being brought down after a commanding run
Eric Cline K #9 with the field goal attempt
Benny Merrill DB #6
Trojans special teams making their way onto the field before a field goal attempt
Clayton Bezon, FB #40 powering through the Avon line
Protect Blue Chip back to winning ways at Batavia
Press release:
Protect Blue Chip finished third in her first start back last week after returning from a five-week respite. That start served her well as she bounced back with a season’s best effort in winning the $12,300 Distaff Open Handicap pace at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Sept. 15).
Jim Morrill Jr. hustled Protect Blue Chip to the lead and kept everyone honest through fractions of:27.4 and:57. At that point the field split -- three in and three out -- with the outer flow consisting of Stay Beautiful (Braxton Boyd), Wonderful World (Drew Monti), and Misty Memory N (Shawn McDonough).
Feeling the pressure, Morrill tapped the gas and Protect Blue Chip sped up the third panel to:28.2. However, despite the increased tempo, Stay Beautiful continued to reel in the leader and Misty Memory N tipped three high and was full of pace. Heading for home and in the midst of the attack, Protect Blue Chip stayed brave and fended off all comers under a mere line drive by Morrill and won by a 1-1/4 lengths in 2021 personal best of 1:54.
It was the eighth win of the year for Protect Blue Chip ($3.40) who is owned by Vogel & Wags Nags, Team Rice Racing and Adelphi Bloodstock. Maria Rice is the trainer.
Morrill ended up as the winningest driver on Wednesday after he added scores with Willy Mouse (2:00.1, $5.40) and Hey Kobe (1:56.4, $4.20) to take home the hat trick.
A scratch shortened field of five mares started in the $9,900 Open III pace and when they hit the wire they were all only 1-1/2 lengths apart from each other.
Ellieonthemove (Kevin Cummings) got away easy and led to the half without opposition. Then Twin B Kini (Drew Monti) tipped first-over at five-eighths and drew even with the leader by the 1:27.3 three-quarters. At the top of the stretch the entire field fanned out across the track and all five horses had a shot to win, but Twin B Kini was toughest of all and hung on by a neck in 1:56.4.
Twin B Kini ($5.00), who came in fresh off winning the New York Sire Stake County Fair final for 3-year-old pacing fillies at Historic Track in Goshen on Sunday (Sept. 5), increased her 2021 win total to 11 on the strength of this victory for her owners John Sixt and Judy Blaun, who also does the training.
Monti and Blaun combined to score a consecutive double after they won with Barry Hanover (1:55.3, $3.10) in the following race.
The Jackpot Hi-5 perfecta was not hit in the last race on Wednesday so there will be a $946 carryover for that bet on Friday when live racing resumes at Batavia Downs at 5 p.m.
GCC will induct new members of Athletic Hall of Fame on Saturday
Press release:
This Saturday, Saturday at 5:00 p.m. Genesee Community College will welcome its 2021 inductees into its Athletic Hall of Fame. This year the College will honor:
Jessie Jaszko Rapone, born in 1990 in Batavia, NY, Jessie is the daughter of Diane Donohue and the late Joseph Jaszko and has one brother, Joey Jaszko. She graduated from Batavia High School in 2008 where she played varsity soccer player. She attended GCC and played soccer until graduation in 2011, and went to work as a Medical Administrative Assistant. Her career has taken her to Three Little Birds Pediatrics in Batavia, NY. In 2015 Jessie married Mikey Rapone and they have two children. They reside in Batavia where she coaches Notre Dame High School's girls' varsity soccer team. She continues to play soccer all year long and shares her love of the game with her children.
Chris Page played baseball for the GCC Cougars from 2007-2009. As a freshman Page was selected Third Team All- American. In his sophomore season, he led the Cougars with 52 hits, 4 Home Runs, and 34 RBIs. In 2009 Page set the single-season school record with 34 RBIs, 34 walks, and 18 doubles. He was selected GCC's male athlete of the year, in addition to being named 2nd team All-American and 1st team All-Region. Page was ranked 22nd in the nation with a batting average of .456. To conclude his final season with GCC he was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds and was the first GCC athlete in baseball to achieve this honor. Page continued his baseball career at Embry Riddle, where he was a two-time first-team all-conference selection.
Last, but certainly not least, the entire 2016 Men's Lacrosse Team is being inducted for their outstanding season and Genesee Community College's first-ever National Lacrosse Championship title. The team ranked #4 from the start of the pre-season to the last poll before playoffs began. During the regular season, they lost only to the three top teams in the country - Onondaga Community College, Nassau Community College and CC-Broome County-Essex in overtime. Genesee beat every other team in the league by 10 or more goals. In the regional playoffs, GCC dominated, automatically qualifying for the National Tournament. GCC hosted Howard CC in the first round and won, putting GCC in the National semi-final game against Nassau, the then #1 seed. In the semi-final game, GCC was winning at halftime, tied at the end of the third quarter and with five seconds left in the game, GCC earned a spot in their first-ever National Championship Game. The National Championship game was the third time facing off against Onondaga CC. In overtime, GCC came up with huge saves and caused turnovers and in the end, scored the most important goal in the history of GCC's lacrosse program, for the school's first National Lacrosse Championship.
The community is invited to join the Athletic Department and Alumni Affairs Office in welcoming these deserving individuals and team members into Genesee Community College's Athletic Hall of Fame.
OAE gets second win of season, 68-0
The Oakfield-Alabama/Elba Aggies enjoyed another day of domination on both sides of the football in their second game of the season on Monday.
The final score: OAE 68, Clyde-Savannah 0.
The Aggies gained a total of 589 yards on the ground.
Gaige Armbrewster had five carries for 113 yards and three TDs. Noah Currier, six carries, 149 yards, two TDs. Aidan Weisbrodt, two carries, 117 yards. Connor Scott, eight carries, 74 yards, and a TD. Jayden Allport had one rushing TD and an interception on defense. Aiden Warner scored a TD on the ground.
Brayden Smith had a big game on defense with six tackles, two interceptions, and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. CJ Gottler had five tackles. Kameron Cusmano had an interception.
"In these first two games, our boys have really enjoyed the 'success by committee' approach the team is taking," said Head Coach Tyler Winter. "This was another complete team performance, and we had a lot of guys contributing to the win."
Photos by Kristin Smith. For more, click here.
Pembroke runs away with second victory in second game of the season
Pembroke moved to 2-0 to start the 2021 football season on Friday evening with a 47-6 win over Lyons/Sodus.
Tyson Totten rushed for 138 yards on 11 carries. He scored a touchdown. Caleb Felski, seven carried, 65 yards and a TD.
QB Cayden Pfalzer was 506 passing for 107 yards and two TDs. He also had six carries for 46 yards and a TD.
Chase Guzdek had three receptions for 68 yards and two TDs.
Alex Lamb and Giovanni Smart each had three sacks. Smart recovered two fumbles. Jacob Dulski had six tackles. Pfalzer contributed a sack and an interception.
In other football this weekend:
Batavia beat Attica 41-8. Jesse Reinhart was 8-12 passing for 184 yards and four touchdowns. He also rushed for 35 yards on two carries, scoring a TD. Cam McClinic also scored a rushing touchdown, gaining seven yards on two carries. Aidan Anderson rushed for 76 yards on ten carries. Carter McFollins caught two TD passes and Jamison Richardson and Javin McFollins each had a TD reception. Kaden Marucci had seven tackles, Garret Schmidt had six.
Alexander beat Geneseo/Mount Morris 63-14. Eight of the 17 players on the Alexander roster scored touchdowns. Braydon Woods had 11 carries for 73 yards. Nick Kramer, 48 on seven carries. And Clayton Bezon rushed for 312 yards on six carries. Kramer was 3--5 passing for 86 yards. Benny Merrill had two receptions for 73 yards. Bezon had seven tackles, two sacks, and a fumble recovering.
East Rochester beat Le Roy 18-6.
Previously: Wade, Essig, Cappotelli spark Cal-Mum/B-B to a 36-0 varsity football victory over host Notre Dame
Photos by Elizabeth Gabby.
Wade, Essig, Cappotelli spark Cal-Mum/B-B to a 36-0 varsity football victory over host Notre Dame
The Caledonia-Mumford/Byron-Bergen Red Raiders dominated on both sides of the ball this afternoon, blanking host Notre Dame, 36-0, in varsity football action.
Senior quarterback Kyle Wade and senior receiver Scott Essig led the way with Wade passing for three touchdowns – two of them in the first half to Essig, who also scored on an interception as the visitors led 22-0 at intermission.
Both teams are 1-1.
After stopping the Fighting Irish on a fourth down play at the ND 29, Cal-Mum/B-B took a 6-0 lead midway through the first quarter when Wade found Essig from 11 yards out. Senior running back Jacob Cappotelli ran it in for the two-point conversion.
The visitors went up 14-0 late in the quarter when Essig intercepted a pass in the end zone by ND quarterback Jimmy Fanara, who was chased out of the pocket and attempted to throw the ball away.
Cal-Mum/B-B scored again in the second quarter, this time on a 33-yard pass from Wade to Essig on a fourth-and-11 play, capping a 77-yard drive. Cappotelli’s run made it 22-0 at the half.
ND was held to just one first down in the opening half, that coming in the final minute.
In the second half, Wade tossed a 29-yard TD strike to tight end Mark Poles-Harrison in the third quarter – sophomore Anthony Leach tallied the two-point conversion – and junior David Bromsted scampered into the end zone from 17 yards out in the fourth period to round out the scoring. Bromsted also had an interception for the Red Raiders.
Cappotelli ran the ball 20 times for 97 yards and Wade’s three completions in five attempts all went for touchdowns. Cal-Mum/BB outgained Notre Dame, 221-89.
For the Irish, George Woodruff (19 tackles), Drew Edwards (18 tackles) and Vin DiRisio (13 tackles) were defensive stalwarts. Ryan Fitzpatrick came up with an interception on a pass that was deflected by DiRisio.
For the game, Cal-Mum/B-B had 16 first downs to Notre Dame’s three. Bryceton Berry’s 20-yard run in the fourth quarter was ND’s longest play of the day.
