The Pembroke Dragons Varsity Football team improved to 7-0 on the season with a 71-42 victory over Wellsville despite having just 17 eligible players.
Behind the blocking of Ben Steinberg, Jayden Mast, Jayden Bridge, Madden Perry, JJ Gabbey, Octavius Martin and Hayden Williams, The Dragons racked up over 500 yards of offense, drawing first blood with a 30-yard passing touchdown to sophomore tight end Madden Perry.
Tyson Totten ran for 345 yards and four touchdowns.
Junior Fullback Caleb Felski had 126 yards rushing and two touchdowns on just seven carries. He also took the opening second-half kick return 88 yards to the house.
Junior Quarterback Vijay Dhanda and Senior Sean Pustulka each had a rushing touchdown; Pustulka's coming from 20 yards out with 10 seconds left in the first half to break the one-score game.
Defensively the Dragons were led by linebacker Vijay Dhanda with nine tackles. Nose Guard Jayden Mast added eight tackles of his own, while Totten, Kimmel and Perry had seven each. Junior Jayden Bridge added 2 sacks each in a game that saw zero turnovers.
Like he always seems to do, Lougazi started slow but finished fast to claim his 58th career victory in the $15,000 Open I Handicap trotting feature at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Oct. 13).
As Lougazi (Ray fisher Jr.) got away fifth, the heavy post time favorite Dewey Arnold (Kevin Cummings) made a break in turn one and everything changed from there. Burn Notice (Jim McNeight Jr.) took the lead before Showme Some Muscle (Drew Monti) pulled the pocket to take the top and led the short field to the half in a moderate :58.4. There, Gracious Triumph (Shawn McDonough) rolled up first-over and matched strides with Showme Some Muscle to three-quarters, where he finally got the lead. Lougazi was still fifth at this point, but out and moving with cover from I Got The Looks (Dan Yetman) to the stretch. When they hit the straight, Fisher moved Lougazi to the middle of the track and the trotter closed it out, winning by a neck in 1:58.1.
It was the eighth win of the year for Lougazi ($10.00) and his owner Mary Warriner. Ryan Swift trains the winner.
In the $13,000 Open II Handicap trot, City Of Hope (Kevin Cummings) led handily through quarters of :29.2, :59.4 and 1:28.1, facing only a minor challenge from BJ Laredo (Jim McNeight Jr.), which he turned back. As he headed out of the turn for home, City Of Hope bolted under a line-drive by Cummings to a 2-¾ length win in 1:58.1.
The 3-year-old City Of Hope ($3.50) registered his 13th win of the year for trainer David Dewhurst, who also owns the gelding in partnership with Philip Hale.
Drew Monti was the top driver on Friday, scoring a grand slam on the card while Garry Martin led all trainers with two wins during the night.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Oct. 14) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $5,792 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.
Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.
Photo of City Of Hope courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
Photo of Won Surreal Deal courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
After hitting the board in three previous attempts at Batavia Downs, Won Surreal Deal finally cracked the winner’s enclosure there after a sharp outing in the $15,000 Open I Handicap pacing feature for fillies and mares on Wednesday night (Oct. 11).
It was a three-mare melee leaving the gate that saw Miss Rockadali (Jim Morrill Jr.) and Louie The Lilac (Kevin Cummings) take turns at the top, approaching and just past the :27.2 quarter. Louie The Lilac finally settled on the point and barked the orders until Won Surreal Deal (Kyle Cummings) pulled from fifth at the half with cover and made her way to second at three-quarters. By the top of the stretch, Won Surreal Deal took over the lead and then held off a late rush from both Center Attraction (Jim McNeight Jr.) and So Amazing (Dave McNeight III) to win by a length in 1:56.1.
It was the fifth win of the year for Won Surreal Deal ($17.00) who is owned by Parsimonious Racing and trained by Jeff Sorenson.
Earlier in the $11,500 upper level pace for fillies and mares, P L Notorious (Kevin Cummings) sat second behind Imprincessgemma A (John Cummigs Jr.) who did the heavy lifting on the front end until the top of the stretch where P L Notorious tipped and paced away down the lane to a convincing two-length win in 1:55.3.
After four consecutive second place finishes, P L Notorious ($4.90) got her third win of the year for owner Mike Torcello. Sam Smith trains the winner.
P L Notorious was one of five wins for Kevin Cummings during the night as he also won with Rd Skippy (1:56, $9.50), Johnny Boy (1:58.4, $5.00), Isla Seelster (1:58.2, $2.90) and Millie’s Spirit (1:57, $4.70).
Jim Morrill Jr. also had a big night with four driving wins while trainers Sam Smith, Dave Russo and Kevin Reynolds Jr. all had two wins apiece.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Oct. 13) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $4,954 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.
Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.
With its 14th win of the season, and no defeats, The Batavia Blue Devils Girls Soccer team clinched the Monroe League Division 4 crown.
Batavia beat division rival Greece Olympia 6-1.
With one regular season game left, the Blue Devils are ranked #1 in Class A at 14-0-1 with 4.367 seeding points and Aquinas trailing at 13-1-2 and 4.188 seeding points.
Batavia's final game is Friday at home against Greece Athena (Class AA, 8-5-0).
On Wednesday, Batavia Sophomore Ella Shamp started the scoring 11 minutes into the game off a pass from Ella Radley. Anna Varland added a penalty kick goal three minutes later, and Ella Shamp added another goal in the first half off an assist from Anna Varland.
Batavia added three more goals in the second half by Ella Radley, Ady O’Donnell, and Anna Varland, with assists from Jaimin MacDonald, Anna Varland, and Isabella Walsh.
"The team is peaking at the right time and is really having fun," said Head Coach Roger Hume."They just want to play and play hard.
Mia Gray scores Byron-Bergen's third goal in the first half. Photo by Howard Owens.
Using artful ball handling and precision passing, Byron-Bergen picked apart Alexander's defense and notched its 13th win of the season in Girls Soccer, beating the Trojans 6-0.
Scoring:
Makenzie Hagen, assisted by Mia Gray
Emma Starowitz, assisted by Mia Gray
Mia Gray, unassisted
Mia Gray, assisted by Libby Starowitz
Grace Diquattro, unassisted
Makenzie Hagen, assisted by Mia Gray
Nova Pocock and Natalie Prinzi combined in goal for the shutout.
"We do have very talented players," said Head Coach Wayne Hill when asked about his team's quality play. "They’ve put a lot of time in over the years working on their skills. We have an excellent JV and modified program with equally fantastic coaches. They prepare our kids to succeed at each level."
The Bees, with one regular season game left at home on Friday against Wheatland-Chili, are 13-3 and seeded #4 in Class C2.
All three losses for the Bees game against higher-class teams -- 2-0 to Class AA Our Lady of Mercy, 4-1 to Class A Aquinas, and 5-4 against Class B Nichols.
"We’ve played a difficult schedule this year, which we are hoping prepares us for a successful postseason," Hill said.
Last season, Byron-Bergen went into the post-season undefeated and didn't lose until the state championship semifinal game in Cortland.
For more photos or to purchase prints, click here.
Elizabeth Starowitz takes at a goal in the first half of play. Photo by Howard Owens.
MacKenzie Hagen reacts to a missed goal opportunity after Alexander goalie Madison Bezon blocks the shot. Photo by Howard Owens.
Mia Gray. Photo by Howard Owens.
Alexander's Sophia Pellegrino with the ball. Photo by Howard Owens.
Emma Starowitz and Coach Wayne Hill. Photo by Howard Owens.
Alexander's Madison Fuller. Photo by Howard Owens.
Mia Gray. Photo by Howard Owens.
Emma Starowitz Photo by Howard Owens.
Emma Starowitz Photo by Howard Owens.
Mia Gray Photo by Howard Owens.
Mia Gray defended by Aaliyah Wright. Photo by Howard Owens.
The Batavia Boys Varsity Soccer team tied Greece Olympia 2-2 in overtime on Tuesday evening.
In this divisional matchup, Troy Hawley (#1) put Batavia ahead early in the game, assisted by Quintin Cummings (#4).
Olympia equalized and then went up 2-1. With 4 minutes left in regulation time, Owen Halpin (#11) headed the ball in the net off Finn Halpin's (#2) corner kick.
Since neither team scored in OT, the game ended in a 2-2 tie.
Batavia’s record improved to 8 wins, 6 losses, and 1 tie with one game left in the season.
Behind a hat trick by Ella Shamp, the Batavia Blue Devils won their 13th game of the season in Girls Soccer, beating Livonia on Monday 5-0.
Lilly Mileham and Ady O'Donnell (assisted by Ava Darling) scored Batavia's other two goals.
Shamp's goals were assisted by Kylee Brennan and Anna Varland (twice).
Coach Roger Hume said, "Junior Goalie Ava Higgins had another strong night in net after coming off a fantastic effort against Le Roy on Saturday night. Ava’s five GA accomplished so far this season is the lowest I have seen in my 15 years as BHS Varsity Girls Soccer Coach. This team continues to surprise me. The team's day off of school seemed to show up in a very lackluster warmup, but after 20 minutes of even play the team really started to control play by tying multiple passes together. Our pressure on the ball and our switching of the fields allowed us to take advantage of the space behind the back line.
Batavia is 13-0-1 on the season and plays Greece Olympia next.
After finishing second in his last two starts despite very strong efforts, Mirragon A got back to the winner’s circle after taking the $15,000 Open I Handicap pacing feature at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Oct. 7).
Jim Morrill Jr. sent Mirragon A to the front and comfortably led his five competitors through quarters of :28.2, :57.4 and 1:25 as no one from behind could seem to advance. As they made their way through the last turn, the pocket-sitting Ideal Artillery (Jim McNeight Jr.) finally pulled and then Stranger Things (Shawn McDonough) found an opening along the pylons. They both were driven hard down the lane but Mirragon A had the jump and got the win by one-quarter length in 1:53.4.
It was the second Open I win at Batavia and sixth win overall on the year for Mirragon A ($3.90) who is owned by his trainer, Mike Deters, in partnership with Joel Warner and John Manning.
There was another gate to wire winner in the $13,000 Open II Handicap pace. Avion Seelster (Dave McNeight III) cut the fractions while Warrawee Unique (Kyle Cummings) and Little Willy (Jim Morrill Jr.) gave chase, but their efforts were futile. Avion Seelster had a 1-½ length lead at the head of the stretch and extended it to 2-¼ at the line where he won in 1:54.2.
It was two in a row for Avion Seelster ($7.20) and owner Marissa Russo. David Russo trains.
Kevin Cummings had four driving wins on Saturday while Jim Rothfuss topped all trainers with two victories during the night.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Oct. 11) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $4,230 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.
Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.
Photo of Avion Seelster courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
Now in their 12th year, the Batavia Bulldawgs’ “family ties” are as strong as ever.
The youth football and cheerleading program has grown substantially since its start in 2011 thanks to a one-for-all and all-for-one philosophy that values each and every member of the organization, said Commissioner John Reigle on Saturday afternoon as he watched his players take on Tri-Town and Akron at the new Genesee Community College field.
“What makes the Bulldawgs truly special is the athletes, volunteer board members, coaches and families that take part in it,” said Reigle, who is one of the founding fathers of the program (along with Matt Della Penna, Paul Grazioplene, Tyrone Woods and Ken Proefrock). “I play a small part in this wonderful organization, and it’s been an honor.”
The Bulldawgs are comprised of four teams – Beginners (ages 6-7), Mini (ages 8-9), Jayvee (ages 10-11) and Varsity (ages 12-13) – with 25-35 players on each squad. They are supported by the cheerleading squads, which currently list 72 girls.
“We’ve come a long way,” Reigle said. “The first year, we had 52 players, and we didn’t start the cheerleading until the second year.”
Reigle mentioned that he coached his oldest son, Bryce, during that initial season. Bryce continued through every level and now is one of the Bulldawgs’ assistant coaches.
“Right now, we have two junior coaches who came through the program – Bronx Buchholz and Karvel Martino – and are standout players for the Batavia High varsity team,” Reigle said.
The Bulldawgs aren’t officially affiliated with the Batavia City School District (of which Reigle is a Board of Education member), but they have forged a tight relationship over the years.
“We definitely see ourselves as a feeder system for Batavia High football,” he said. “(Former) Coach (Brennan) Briggs promoted it that way, and Coach (Alex) Veltz has continued that. He sees us as one big family – the Bulldawgs and the Blue Devils. Our goal is to have the kids with us for eight years and then see them move into the school football program.”
Reigle said Veltz conducted coaching seminars for the Bulldawgs, and the Mini division team enjoyed a Blue Devil Experience Night where they took on the pad-less BHS varsity squad in a fun-filled exhibition game.
The head coaches are Scott Perry (Beginners). Gary Good (Mini), Reigle (Jayvee) and Matt Beach (Varsity). Kate Smith is the cheerleader director.
The Bulldawgs compete in the Niagara Orleans Football Association, which also includes Tri-Town, an Alexander-based organization with a rich history in its own right; Akron, Attica, Albion, Newfane, Roy-Hart, Pembroke, Le Roy and Holley.
The players and cheerleaders’ membership dues enable them to participate over nine weeks, with each member receiving uniforms and equipment.
Reigle said playoffs are scheduled for Oct. 21 at Van Detta Stadium for the Mini, Jayvee and Varsity divisions, and the championship round is set for Oct. 28, also at Van Detta Stadium, for all divisions. The cheerleading “playoffs” will take place on Nov. 4 in Lyndonville.
Later in November, each Bulldawg team is treated to a season-ending party at the Polish Falcons on Swan Street in Batavia, Reigle noted.
“Every participant receives a plaque at their banquet,” Reigle said. “It’s our way of letting them know that ‘once a Bulldawg, always a Bulldawg.’”
For the record, all four Bulldawg squads were victorious on Saturday. The Beginners beat Tri-Town, 26-7; the Minis defeated Tri-Town, 20-13; the Jayvees blanked Tri-Town, 32-0, and the Varsity downed Akron, 26-0.
The Batavia Blue Devils and Le Roy Oatkan Knights capped Soccer Saturday with a Girls Soccer game that ended with a 3-2 OT win for Batavia.
The boys lost their OT game to Wilson/Early College 3-2.
"It was a wonderful night for our boys and girls senior soccer players," said Roger Hume, head coach for Batavia. "Le Roy didn’t make it an easy win."
In the nightcap, Batavia started the scoring early in the first half with a breakaway run and finish by Ella Shamp, with an assist from Jaimin MacDonals.
Le Roy scored the next two goals, leaving it senior Ella Radley to tie up the game with two minutes left.
Batavia came out strong in OT, and senior Anna Varland finished the game with a goal five minutes into the first OT.
"Batavia did a fantastic job coming back from two goals to one to make this its 12th win of the season," Hume said.
The Blue Devils remain undefeated.
The Batavian did not receive scoring stats from Le Roy. Le Roy is 9-4-1 on the year.
The girls' next game is Monday away at Livonia.
In the boys' game, goals were scored by Quintin Cummings, assisted by Troy Hawley, and Troy Hawley, assisted by Rylan Bohn.
Batavia’s record is now 8 wins and 5 losses on the season.
To view more photos or purchase prints, click here.
Photo of I Got The Looks courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
Completely overlooked by the betting public at 28-1, I Got The Looks put in the effort of his year and blew up the tote board in the $15,000 Open I Handicap trotting feature at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Oct. 6).
They were three wide almost the entire first quarter as I Got The Looks (Dan Yetman), Mugshots Bro (Jim Morrill Jr.) and Dewey Arnold all argued for the lead, with the latter getting the front just past the :27.4 quarter. Once everyone settled on the pylons, positions remained unchanged until the five-eighths where I Got The Looks pulled first-over and advanced. Dewey Arnold still led at three-quarters, but I Got The Looks drew even with him in the last turn and the two trotted together to the lane. As they headed down the stretch, I Got The Looks kept inching closer to the top and finally got the lead in the shadow of the wire to win by three-quarters of a length in a season’s best,1:56.2.
It was the fourth win of the year for I Got The Looks ($58.50) who is owned by Tronolone Racing and trained by Frank Mays.
Earlier in the $13,000 Open II Handicap trot, the lone mare in the race, Gracious Triumph (Jim Morrill Jr.), made a first-over move from fifth at the half in pursuit of the front-running Lunar Credit (Jim McNeight Jr.) and pulled alongside that leader in the final turn. At the top of the stretch, City Of Hope (Kevin Cummings) joined the leaders and the three charged side by side down the lane until Gracious Triumph got a slight advantage and hit the line first by a head in 1:57.2, which also gave her a new seasonal mark.
It was the third win in the last four starts for Gracious Triumph ($2.90) and owner Harry Wortzman. Shawn McDonough trains the winner.
Jim Morrill Jr. led all drivers on Friday with three wins on the card while trainer Jim Clouser Jr. topped the conditioners with two.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Oct. 7) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $3,634 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.
Photo of Gracious Triumph courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
Attica resident Mark Brown rolled his second 300 game in three weeks on Friday night -- finishing with 12 strikes in the County Line Friday Trios League at Mancuso Bowling Center.
The 54-year-old right-hander struggled a bit on lanes 13-14 in the first two games but found the line in game three to finish with a 647 series.
Two weeks ago, he posted a 300 game en route to a 754 series in the same league, on lanes 21-22.
In other Genesee Region USBC league action at Mancuso's:
-- Jason Quilliam of Batavia fired a 289 third game for a 760 series in the Meyer's RV Monday Night NFL League;
-- Brian Cline of Middleport spun a 248 triplicate for a 744 series in the Mancuso Real Estate Monday Doubles League;
-- Nick Johnson of Bergen rolled a 279 middle game on the way to a 750 series in the Brighton Securities Tuesday Triples League.
In Tommy Kress 60-and-Over Tour action today, Jim Foss of Medina took first place at Brad Angelo Lanes in Lockport, firing a 224 final game for the $250 top prize. Paul Spiotta of Batavia also made the finals, earning $70.
For a list of high scores, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.
The Buffalo Bills played a rare Sunday morning game -- because the game was in London -- and multiple bars and restaurants opened early for fans, including the Smokin' Eagle in Le Roy.
The Oakfield-Alabama/Elba Aggies picked up a win on Saturday, beating Geneseo 31-0.
OAE stats:
QB/DL Austin Pangrazio - 21 Carries, 134 Yards, four TDs., three Tackles, one TFL, one Fumble Recovery
RB Avery Watterson - 15 Carries, 128 Yards, one TD
LB Ashton Bezon - 10 Tackles, five TFLs, one Sack, one Forced Fumble
DL Angelo Penna - nine Tackles, three TFLs
"It's good to get one back in the W column," said Head Coach Tyler Winter. "These boys have been working hard. I'm happy they got to enjoy the fruits of their labor. However, we know we need to remain grounded and stay the course. Class D is wide open this year. We keep saying, 'The team in our class who has the best October is going to really like their November.' We'll continue to grow and prepare for the next challenge."
The Pembroke Dragons continue to dominate other eight-man squads, picking up their sixth win against no defeats on Friday by beating Allegany-Limestone (Section VI), 68-22.
Coach Brandon Ricci credits the blocking of Ben Steinberg, Jayden Mast, Jayden Bridge, Madden Perry, JJ Gabbey, Octavius Martin and Hayden Williams with helping the Dragons amass 400 yards of total offense on just 27 plays.
Tyson Totten ran for 275 yards and six touchdowns on 19 carries. He also added a punt return for a touchdown.
Fullback Caleb Felski had 100 yards rushing and one touchdown on seven carries.
Quarterback Vijay Dhanda Finished the scoring on his lone carry for a 50-yard touchdown.
Defensively the Dragons were led by linebacker Vijay Dhanda with 11 tackles. Caleb Felski added nine tackles of his own, while Tyson had six and an interception that he took 80 yards back for a score.
The Blue Devils improved to 8-4 with a 2-0 win over Eastridge on Friday in Boys Soccer.
Head Coach Graham Halpin said it was a physical and spirited performance by Batavia.
Quintin Cummings, assisted by Owen Halpin, scored a first-half goal. The second goal for Batavia came in the second half when Ryan Bohn scored with a header off a corner kick by Finn Halpin.
Halpin highlighted The defensive line of Trevor Tryon, Will Fulton, Brandon Currier, Trey Tryon, and Darius Wahl, as well as goalkeeper Ben Stone for the shutout of Eastridge.
York/Pavilion beat Notre Dame 25-18 in a Thursday Night football game.
For Notre Dame, Jay Antinore was 7-13 passing for 112 yards and TD with one interception. He also ran for 70 yards on 17 carries and scored a touchdown on the ground.
Ryan Fitzpatrick had five receptions for 96 yards and a TD.
For York/Pavilion, Parker Bonefede was 13-20 passing for 189 yards and two touchdowns. He ran seven times for 21 yards and two TDs.
Tyler Brady and Jacob Pangrazio each had a TD reception.
Photo of Center Attraction courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.
Jim McNeight Jr. had a big night at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Oct. 4), winning five races on the card including both halves of the early double and a natural hat trick in races eight, nine and 10. The 9th race was the featured $15,000 Open I Handicap pace for fillies and mares where McNeight guided Center Attraction to her second top level win in her last three starts.
Doyoukissfirstdate (Dave McNeight III) rolled to the point off the gate and reached the half unfettered in a modest :58.1 before a four-horse outer flow approached in turn three. Come Out And Play (Jim Morrill Jr.) led that charge, followed by Center Attraction while the pocket-sitting So Amazing (Kyle Cummings) continued to track inside. The top four paced in close proximity to three-quarters and into the last turn where McNeight tipped Center Attraction three-high. At the top of the stretch, Come Out And Play took the lead from Doyoukissfirstdate, but Center Attraction came hard and ran him down at the line by a neck to win in 1:55.1.
Center Attraction ($3.00) got her sixth win of the year for trainer Robert Anderson, who co-owns the winner with Pamela Schiber.
McNeight's other winners included Veneno (1:58, $4.60), Catch The Wave (1:58, $6.40), Bet I’m Lucky (1:55.1, $8.90) and Cheekie Baby (1:57.3, $17.20).
McNeight is having a career year in all categories in 2023, boasting highs for wins (95), UDR (.241) and earnings ($744,125). And with his wins on Wednesday, he moved ahead of Ray Fisher Jr. into fifth place for dash wins for the current Batavia meet and now sits behind only Kevin Cummings, Jim Morrill Jr., Dave McNeight III and Kyle Cummings in that spot.
The top trainer on Wednesday was Joe Skowyra who had three horses from his stable entered and had all three of them win.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Oct. 6) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $2,846 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.
Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.
