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PHOTOS: Girls Swimming -- Letchworth over Batavia in close finish

By Steve Ognibene

Batavia Girls Varsity Swim Team had its second meet on the road versus Letchworth Wednesday night and captured first place in eight of 11 events. Batavia came up 11 points short at the end the night 92-81.

Eighth-graders Maiya Reinhart and her teammate Norah Janes are pictured above. Maiya came in first place in the 100-meter fly at 1:05:75; Janes came in second with a time of 1:14:17. Norah also came in second in the 200 IM, time 2:45:70

Photo below is of Batavia sophmore Elle Fulton in the 500 freestyle. She came in first, time 6:26:09. Elle also came in second in the 50 freestyle, time 27:88.

Junior Natalie Amico took first place in the 100-meter freestyle 1:01:19 and also the 100-meter backstroke, pictured below, with a time of 1:12:03.

In other events, eighth-grader Anna Amico took first place in the 200 IM and third place in the 100-meter breaststroke. Batavia captured first place the 200 meter free relay with teammates Maiya Reinhart, Norah Janes, Alea Delong and Natalie Amico.  

The team won the 400-meter freestyle relay led by Elle Fulton, Alea Delong, and sisters Natalie and Anna Amico. In the same event, Batavia took fourth place led by Laura Guiste, Lexi Hoerner, Julie Caceres and exchange student Lucila Zane.

Batavia's next match is home today at Genesee Community College versus Wilson Magnet at 4:30 p.m.

For more stats and team schedule go to: www.section5swim.com

Freshman fillies close out NYSS series at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

The eighth and final division of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) will visit Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Sept. 16) when 15 2-year-old pacing fillies congregate to vie for their share of the $109,000 in purses up for grabs.

This will be the last time this class will compete before the $900,000 NYSS Night of Champions for 2-year-olds at Yonkers Raceway on Saturday (Sept. 26) and for some, the outcome of their performance here will dictate whether or not they make the cut in the point standings. The top six point-getters are solid to make the final, but the last two slots are definitely up for grabs.

The first $54,500 division (carded as race three) has four horses on the verge of making the final, but the morning-line favorite is making her first start in a NYSS event this year.

Upside Surprise (Art Major-Latte Lady) got a late start to her career after being scratched sick in her first race back on July 10 at the Meadowlands. She did not return to the track until August 18 when she broke her maiden in a big way, winning by 10-lengths at Pocono Downs in 1:53.4.

Her next engagement was the Shes A Great Lady Stake at Mohawk Raceway where she was second in her elimination before finishing sixth in the $341,250 final behind L A Delight in 1:51.2 on Sept. 5.

Upside Surprise (2-1) will leave from post 4 with Jordan Stratton at the lines for trainer Tony O’Sullivan.

The next four horses by odds are all looking to capture those last two spots in the final and they all need a win to have a shot. But that is something three of them have not done all year.

North American leading trainer, Ron Burke, has three horses in the race: Art Critic (Art Major-Snippet Hanover) and the coupled entry of Encore Deo (Rock N Roll Heaven-Docdor Cameo) and Rockin Date (Art Major- Rockin Beauty).

Art Critic (3-1) has not won at all this year but also has not missed a check in NYSS action either. Her best race time was 1:54.3 at Vernon Downs just two starts ago and she put out a good performance at Yonkers last week as well.

Art Critic will have Jim Morrill Jr. aboard and leave from post 2.

Encore Deo (7-2) does have one NYSS victory at Buffalo Raceway back on July 1 in a career best 1:57.3. She was race timed at Vernon in 1:53 flat two starts ago and moves back inside after drawing post six at Yonkers last week.

Encore Deo gets the driving services of Matt Kakaley and will leave from post three.

Rockin Date (7-2) is also winless this year but also never seems to get beat by much. Unfortunately for her, after drawing post one and two four times in her last five starts, she moves out to post seven for tonight and that will be difficult to overcome.

Local driving leader Kevin Cummings picks up the lines for the contest.

In the second $54,500 split (carded as race four) six of the top seven point-getters are competing in the absence of the overall point-leader, Soft Idea. With a lot of early speed behind the gate, Sassa Hanover’s track record of 1:54.2 could be in jeopardy.

Dime A Dance (Roll With Joe-Hat Dance Hanover) comes into this event red-hot. She has won her last two outings including a lifetime best, 1:52.2 at Vernon Downs before coming right back in 1:55.4 at Yonkers. She is currently fifth in the standings but could move up considerably with a win here. This filly likes to come off the pace and with the all the leavers entered, this race could set up just right for her.

Dime A Dance (3-1) is another student of Ron Burke and will start from post three with Matt Kakaley in the bike.

No Clouds Bluechip (Roll With Joe-B J’s Sunshine) currently sits second in points with 224 as well as NYSS earnings of $101,999. She strung three-straight wins in NYSS action in July and August and hasn’t finished worse than third in the series all year.

Pegged as the second choice at 7-2, No Clouds Bluechip gets the services of Kevin Cummings as chosen by trainer John Berger.

American Ivy (American Ideal-Haunted) is seven for seven in the money this year and finished second to Soft Idea in her last two outings. Last week at Yonkers she was beaten a narrow neck in 1:53.4 off a perfect trip, but that was the fastest of the divisions that night.

Joe Holloway trains American Ivy (9-2) and has assigned Mark Macdonald to steer from post 5.

Batavia/Alexander at Pembroke Varsity Soccer

By Rick D. Franclemont

In last night's contest Pembroke and Batavia/Alexander both scored early in the first half. The rest of the game was all Pembroke. They scored four more goals in the half, and in the second half, down a man, scored another. Batavia/Alexander managed two more quick goals near the end of the second half, but it was not enough. Final Pembroke, 6 -- Batavia/Alexander, 3.

http://francletography.photoshelter.com/gallery/2015-09-14-Batavia-Alexander-at-Pembroke-Varsity-Boys/G0000w5Ti4ho_l8s/C0000o8qnIUWIJ3w

Game Report: Elba/Byron Bergen over Holley

By Howard B. Owens

 Photo by Baily DeLelys

Richard Flores had 16 carries for 214 yards and three TDs plus a kickoff return of 82 yards for a touchdown. Tucker Bezon, two carries for 66 yards and two TDs. John Hochmuth was five for nine passing for 60 yards and a TD. he also had four carries for eight yards. Brendan Marsocci and Chase Toal each had rushing touchdowns.

On defense, Andrew Gotler had 15 tackels, Cody Kauffman, 14, David Castaneda, and Flores, eight.

Photos: Le Roy's win over Dansville

By Howard B. Owens

Photos submitted by David Boyce of Le Roy's game against Dansville on Saturday, which the Knights won 28-0.

Nick Egeling scored on a 43-yard run and a six-yard run. Josh Laurie had a 65-yard punt return and Dom Filio had a three-yard run. Mary Purdy knocked in four point after attempts.

Egeling rushed for 108 yards on 18 carries, Laurie 19 on 4 and Filio 16 on five. Laurie was two for nine passing for 38 yards. Catches by Reed Kacur for 40 yards and Ryan Boyce for two yards.

On defense, Luke Hogle, 12 tackles, Kacur, eight, Anthony Natrigo, seven, Filio, seven, and Nate Flint, five.

Photos: Notre Dame beats Alexander 34-14

By Howard B. Owens

In a key early season Genesee Region matchup, Notre Dame beat Alexander 34-14.

Alexander scored first on a 14-yard run by Jake Wozniak. Notre Dame scored twice in the second quarter, making it 12-8, on a two-yard run by Peter Daversa and a 44-yard run by Jack Sutherland.

Alexander tied the score early in the third quarter on a fumble recovery in the end zone by Josh Hylkema.

The rest of the game was all Notre Dame, as the Fighting Irish scored on a 51-yard run by Sutherland, a one-yard dive for a TD by Sutherland, and Deversa scored on a one-yard run.

Alexander finished with 172 yards of total offense to 307, all on the ground, for Notre Dame.

Sutherland gained 185 yards and Deversa had 104. For Alexander, Wozniak rushed for 120 yards on 20 carries.

C.J. Suozzi had nine tackles and Dane Meberlein, 12, and Hunter Marzolf had nine for Alexander.

Suozzi punted twice for 69 yards.

In other Genesee County football this weekend:

  • Attica beat Pembroke, 36-0
  • Geneseo beat York/Pavilion, 34-28
  • Elba/Byron-Bergen beat Holley, 60-14
  • Le Roy beat Dansville 28-0 (We should have photos from this game some time tomorrow.)
  • Previously: Photos: Batavia beats Cardinal O'Hara 32-8

To purchase prints of photos, click here

Batavia Downs cancels Saturday night card

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations:

Batavia Downs cancelled their live races on Saturday (Sept. 12) before they got under way due to unsafe track conditions. Western New York was inundated with heavy rain all day and as a result, the track surface became very slippery despite efforts to grade it and clear the water.

The main concern was traction for the starting car. It was deemed that the car could not properly grab the track and accelerate away enough to break from the field to provide a fair and safe start. With both the horsemen and track management concerned, it was decided for the best interests of all involved that the card be cancelled.

Todd Haight, general manager/director of Live Racing, said “Our main concern is always for the safety of our horses and horsemen and the track did not lend itself to providing that condition tonight. Once we determined we could not proceed in a manner that we felt comfortable with, we decided to cancel the races.”

Racing will resume at Batavia Downs on Tuesday (Sept. 15) with a special twilight post time of 4:30 p.m.

BZ Glide was smooth in Batavia Downs feature trot

By Billie Owens

(Photo of BZ Glide and driver Mike Caprio courtesy of Paul White.)

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

After coming off two subpar performances and no wins since July, BZ Glide put on the performance of his life in winning the $10,000 Open trot feature at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Sept. 11)

Winkys Pride (Drew Monti) took an immediate lead at the start of the race while BZ Glide (Mike Caprio) left just enough from post five to tuck in third. Monti took the field through a soft :58.2 half until Caprio swung out at that station to start his assault.

BZ Glide advanced with machine-like precision up the backside while trotting a :28.2 third panel. His momentum continued around the far turn as his margin of dominance widened. He trotted down the lane without a challenge from the field or encouragement from his driver and in victory, set a new lifetime mark of 1:56.3.

It was the fifth win in 13 starts this year for BZ Glide ($4.90) and the effort increased his earnings to $37,445 for 2015. The 6-year-old Yankee Glide gelding is owned by the Caprio Stable, LLC, and trained by Alana Caprio.

Drivers Mike Caprio, Jim McNeight and Dave McNeight III all scored driving doubles on the card.

One of the biggest win mutuels in recent memory occurred in the sixth race when Stirling Cadillac (Mike Caprio) overcame post 8 to win at 77-1 and return $156. The exorbitant payoff triggered some lofty exotics as well. The 8-3 exacta paid $3,428 and the 8-3-all trifecta returned $4,169.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on tonight night (Sept. 12) with the first post set at 6:35.

Makes Her Mark does so in Mares Open at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

(Makes Her Mark and driver Kevin Cummings are out in front in this photo provided courtesy of Paul White.)

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

After making quite a jump in class, Makes Her Mark ($15.00) took full advantage of an assigned inside post to trip-out in the $8,500 mares Open I-II Handicap on Wednesday night (Sept. 9) at Batavia Downs.

It was a pretty simple race most of the way: All About Boyz (Dave McNeight III) left and went right to the front while the rest of the field remained in post position order behind her. Makes Her Mark (Kevin Cummings) who had post one, sat in the garden spot as the group went through fractions of :28.1, :57.4 and 1:27.1.

When the field was approaching the third station, Call Me Maybe (Drew Monti) was moving on the outside with Ugly Betty (Mike Caprio) in tow. Then Caprio swung that one three-deep as the field entered the turn.

Call Me Maybe’s bid failed along with Ugly Betty’s and their demise opened the door for Makes Her Mark to come off the pylons and go after the leader. Cummings pulled the mare and went to the stick to get the advantage at the wire in 1:56.4. Badlands Love (Jim McNeight) snuck up the rail for second and Country Delight (Jack Flanigen) picked up the pieces for third.

It was the sixth win in 15 starts for Makes Her Mark and the victory pushed her yearly earnings to $20,732 for Jim Dunn, who owns and trains the 6-year-old Codyscoltfortyfive mare.

The Downs leading driver, Kevin Cummings, scored a driving triple on the card while Drew Monti and Dave McNeight III both tallied driving doubles.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Sept. 11) with post time set for 6:35.

Mickey Holliday wins Labor Day bike race at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

The Labor Day bike race at Batavia Downs is a tradition that goes back to 1979 and an event that many of the locals look forward to. This year it was held on Monday (Sept. 7) and the eight drivers going postward were (from the pylons out) Shawn McDonough, Rock Vinci, Lee Dahn, Bradley Jackson, Wade Tomaszewski, Denny Bucceri, Mickey Holliday and last year’s winner, Drew Monti.

It was an uncharacteristly hot and humid 91 degrees as the drivers lined up behind the gate at the quarter pole and the group was sweating before the start. They followed the car to the top of the turn (where the official start was) and pedaled away in a flurry as the wings closed to initiate the contest.

Denny Bucceri sped out to the early lead and set the pace to the top of the stretch. At that point Rock Vinci came out of the pack to take the front from Bucceri. But his advantage didn’t last long as Mickey Holliday swung four-high and barreled down the lane to score a convincing three-length victory. Bradley Jackson snuck up the rail for second and Vinci hung on for third.

Holliday made sure to pedal all the way to the wire this year; a mistake that cost him the win in 2014 when he pulled- up thinking he had the race won.

It was the second time Holliday has won this race besides the second place finish last year.

After the race, Holliday randomly selected eight names from his supporters who chose him to win and presented each of them one of the bikes used in the race.

The annual bike race was sponsored by Crazy Cheap Cars of Oakfield.

Lancers start 1-0 with win over Pembroke

By Howard B. Owens

Saturday night at Byron-Bergen, the Elba Byron-Bergen Lancers beat the Pembroke Dragons, 28-6.

For the Lancers, John Hochmuth was nine for 14 passing for 74 yards, and had a 10-yard carry for a TD. Richard Flores rushed for 226 yards on 17 carries, scored one TD through the air and one on the ground. Tucker Bezon had nine carries for 57 yards and a TD. Robert Stevens, three carries, 24 yards and a TD. Dakota Dillon hauled in three receptions for 41 yards and was 4-4 for point after attempts.

On defense, Flores had nine tackles, a fumble recover and blocked punt. Andrew Gottler had 12 tackles. Rider Farnsworth, eight tackles and Brendon Marsocci, six with a fumble recover.

On offense for Pembroke, Reid Miano, 12-29 passing for 195 yards and a TD. Zach Von Kramer, four receptions for 83 yards, Dakota Dieter, four catches for 53 yards and a TD, Zack Swant, four receptions for 60 yards and Jake Jasinksi, 18 carries for 61 yards.

Defensive stats for Pembroke are not available.

Fireyourguns takes third straight Open at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

One of the toughest horses to ever race in upstate New York continued his dominance at Batavia Downs by winning his third consecutive start in the $9,500 Open pacing feature on an 85 degree, late-summer Saturday night (9-5) in front of a full house of race-goers.

It was a battle from the start as Closing Credits (Dave McNeight III) pushed hard for the lead, parking Cobble Beach (Jack Flanigen) and Pocono Downs invader Scott Rocks (Kevin Cummings) two and three wide to the quarter in :26.4. Scott Rocks eventually cleared the front but didn’t slow the pace as the group rambled to the half in :55.1. At that point Fireyourguns (Mike Caprio) was sitting last.

Scott Rocks continued his unfettered lead past three-quarters in 1:23.2 when his immediate pursuers started to fan three-across the track at the top of the stretch, forming a wall in front of the trailing Fireyourguns. But undaunted, Caprio dinked inside one horse and dunked around another, finding just enough room to allow Fireyourguns to turn on the afterburners and make up about two-lengths in the final 20 yards and score a breathtaking victory in 1:52.3.

It was the eleventh win in 14 starts for the gelded son of American Ideal and it pushed his 2015 earnings to $68,625 for owners Jennifer and Robert Lowe and Terry McClory, who also trains the horse. The winner paid $9.20.

Saturday was also Drew Monti bobblehead night and the promotion seemed to have a decided effect on the attendance and handle. Not only were all the bobbleheads distributed to anxiously waiting fans, the on-track handle was up 16 percent, making it the second best live wagering night of the season. The overall handle was likewise up 11 percent.

The track also catered to a sold-out crowd in the clubhouse and was encouraged to see a solid group fans on the apron and at the fence. Attendance was estimated at 3,000.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Monday afternoon (Sept. 7) for the annual Labor Day matinee with post time set for 1:15.

(Photos courtesy of Paul White.)

Football Roundup: Le Roy starts new era with a win

By Howard B. Owens

Apparently, Le Roy hasn't missed a beat. With a new head coach, new defensive cooordinator, first-time starter at QB, the Oatkan Knights started off 2015 in familiar territory -- by winning.

Le Roy beat Letchworth/Warsaw, in the first game for the two merged programs, 42-7.

The bulk of the offense came on the legs of Nick Eggling, who rushed for 255 yards and four TDs on 20 carries.

Josh Laurie, in his debut as the varsity starter, was 3-4 passing for 19 yards. He rushed 12 times for 43 yards and two touchdowns.

Dom Filio carried the ball seven times for 60 yards and Nate Flint nine times for 51 yards. Single receptions were recorded by Jason Doemling and Ryan Boyce.

On defense, Reed Kacur had nine tackles, Egeling, six and Filio five.

Also in Genesee County's Friday Night Football action:

Alexander beat Finney 47-14. Senior running back Jake Wozniak rushed for 290 yards on 19 carries. He scored four TDs. Dane Heberlein gained 80 yards on 13 carries, with two TDs, and QB Jared Brown had a TD pass of 15 yards to Derrick Bushe and had a two-point conversion through to Dustin Schmeider. 

Notre Dame beat Oakfield-Alabama 26-12. For Notre Dame, Connor Logsdon was three for six for 54 yards passing. Allen Chatt, QB for the Hornets, was 18-33 for 305 yards and a TD. For the Irish, Jack Sutherland ran 29 times for 185 yards with three touchdowns. Peter Daversa ran 12 times for 93 yards with one touchdown. For the Hornets, Sal Schwable had five receiptions for 73 yards, Austin Fisher, one for 71 yards, Jon Harris, three for 66 yards and a TD, Reice Woodward, four for 57 yards and Josia Yantz, four for 34 yards.  Defensively for Notre Dame, C.J. Souzzi had seven tackles as did Casey Midwick. For O-A, Gage Dieterie, seven-and-a-half tackes. Jon Harris, Cameron Smith had seven each, Sal Schwable, six and a half, and six for Josiah Yantz.

NOTE: Section V had an error on the schedule for today's games. Elba/Byron-Bergen hosts Pembroke at 7 p.m. at Byron-Bergen.

Photos by David Boyce.

Wings Of Royalty soars to victory in NYSS at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

(Wings Of Royalty with driver Chris Lems.)

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

Perfect weather and a lightning fast track greeted the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters to Batavia Downs on Friday (Sept. 4) and those participants took full advantage of the conditions to pursue their share of the $120,400 in purses available.

Heavily favored Wings Of Royalty (RC Royalty-Sparkling Cider) rewarded his backers as he turned in a very strong performance, winning his division convincingly in 1:56.3.

After pole-sitter Mythology Bluechip (Mark Macdonald) made a break in the first turn, Gabe The Bear Dean (Ray Schnittker) took the early lead until Wings Of Royalty (Chris Lems) motored on by before the quarter in :28.4. The participants then remained single-file behind the leader through a :59.1 half and 1:27.4 three-quarters.

At that point Schnittker pulled Gabe The Bear Dean from second and tried to mount a challenge, but the attempt was futile. Lems let Wings Of Royalty out a notch and he flew down the stretch to win easily by three lengths with a snappy :28.4 final panel.

“I knew Ray (Schnittker) would let me go (to the front) and once we made it, he was on cruise control. He was very strong finishing the mile,” said driver Chris Lems.

It was the fourth win in 14 starts for Wings Of Royalty ($3.20) and it raised his 2015 earnings to $178,323 for owner Raymond Campbell. The colt is trained by George Ducharme.

(Fashion Creditor with driver Jim Morrill Jr. and Royal Deceptor with driver Michael McGivern.)

The first division was historic as it was the only time a NYSS race at Batavia Downs ended in a dead heat. The judges camera could not separate Fashion Creditor (Credit Winner-Bon Voyage) and Royal Deceptor (RC Royalty-Art of Deception) at the wire.

There was a stiff battle off the gate when Royal Lad (Aaron Byron) would not let Maestro Bluechip (Trond Smedshammer) go, who in turn parked-out Royal Deceptor (Michael McGivern) and the three horses went three-wide to the quarter in :28.3. As they hit the turn, they all finally seated with Royal Deceptor being the best of the bunch. At this point, Fashion Creditor (Jim Morrill Jr.) was a gapped fourth watching the proceedings.

After the dust had settled, McGivern grabbed leather and grabbed it hard as he gave Royal Deceptor a serious breather with :31 and :30.3 second and third quarters. During that time, Royal Lad made a break from third and Fashion Creditor advanced to that spot, creeping closer to the leader.

Then Morrill pulled at three-quarters and began to force the issue. Royal Deceptor still had a three-length lead but the advantage was clearly perilous. At the head of the stretch, Fashion Creditor was trotting his hips off down the lane, gobbling up ground with every stride while Royal Deceptor was expending every ounce of energy he had left to hang on to his lead. At the wire, both horses’ best efforts gained them victory in 1:58.3.

It was the third win in 13 starts for Fashion Creditor ($2.10), pushing his earnings to $106,380 for the year. The gelding is owned by Joseph Smith and trained by Tom Fanning.

For Royal Deceptor, it was his seventh win in 13 starts and it increased his 2015 bank to $137,163 for owners Charles Foster, Michael Sentiwany Jr., and Michael James. The colt is trained by Cheryl McGivern.

There were also two divisions of the NYSS Excelsior Series “A” trot that went for a combined $30,000 in purses.

Crazshana (Crazed-Keystone Shana) won the first division in 1:59.2 for trainer-driver Trond Smedshammer. The gelding is owned by Wanda Polisseni’s Purple Haze Stable.

The second split was won by Bavaro (Credit winner-Repetitions) in 1:59 flat for trainer-driver Ray Schnittker. Schnittker shares ownership of the colt with Paul Bordogna and Jonathan Kurnit. The winner returned a handsome $46.80.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Sept.5) with post time set at 6:35 p.m.

(Photos courtesy of Paul White.)

Blue Devils open 2015 with win over tough team

By Howard B. Owens

University Prep walked onto Woodward Field on Friday night with a reputation for being big, fast and athletic, and as a Class A team, the Griffins were expected to give the Batavia Blue Devils all they could handle.

Instead, the tables were turned. UPrep was a tough challenge for the defending Section V Class B champions, but even after giving up a couple of big plays, Batavia seemed to be in charge and never really surrendered that all-important intangible, momentum. 

Even so, this wasn't a statement game for the varsity squad, said running back Dom Mogavero.

"Every game is important to us," Mogavero said. "We work so hard, all the way from two-a-days, we've been working out since winter; we've all been together, doing the off-season work, and all of that just leads up to this game and then the next one. We just wanted to play as hard as we can, get a W and start the season right."

Mogavero once again proved to be a key part of the Blue Devils' effort on offense and defense, helping the Blue Devisl to a 33-26 victory. Offensively, he had 23 carries for 135 yards and two TDs. He had eight tackles.

QB Greg Mruczek was 13 for 18 for 124 yards and one touchdown.

Newcomer Ray Leach opened the game with a kick return for a TD and 110 total return yards.

Danny Williams, back on defense this year, had eight tackles.

Even for all the success on opening night, Head Coach Brennan Briggs wasn't entirely satisfied. The defense exposed a couple of weaknesses and missed some assignments. That left the fourth-year coach a little frustrated after the game, a fact he shared with his team.

“Obviously a win is a win, but we talk about improving ourselves every single week and I guess this is the baseline right here," Briggs said. "If we can improve our mistakes and tighten up some things we didn’t do right, I think we can get to where we need to be."

Picked as the preseason #1 small school team in Section V in a coaches' poll, Batavia has a schedule full of strong teams looking to knock down the top team, so Briggs said he expects the hard work to continue.

“It was great having to defend athletes like this because there is no doubt that they are very athletic and a very good football team,” Briggs said. “I’m proud of these guys because the next three weeks we play against teams that are very much like this.”

To purchase prints of these photos. click here.

It's Friday Night Lights time in Genesee County

By Howard B. Owens

The 2015 football season kicks off this evening. It should be an interesting year. Batavia High School starts the season ranked #1 in the region. Le Roy, always a powerhouse, has a new coach. And the Genesee Region league is stacked with talent and experienced, quality coaches.

The Batavian will cover games every week, doing our best to cover each team at least once.

This year's schedule for local teams is below. Head out to a field near you and catch a game. It should be interesting and exciting.

Tonight:

  • University Prep at Batavia, 7:30
  • Notre Dame/Batavia at Oakfield-Alabama, 7 o'clock
  • Le Roy at Letchworth/Warsaw, 7:30

Tomorrow:

  • Pembroke at Elba/Byron Bergen, 1:30 p.m. (CORRECTION: Section V listed this game on the schedule incorrectly. It's at 7 p.m. at Byron-Bergen's field)

Friday, Sept. 11

  • Cardinal O'Hara at Batavia, 7:30 p.m.
  • Pembroke at Attica, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 12

  • Alexander at Notre Dame, 1:30 p.m.
  • Elba/Byron-Bergen at Holley, 1:30 p.m.
  • Dansville at Le Roy, 1:30 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 18

  • Batavia vs. Wilson, at Sahlen's Stadium, 7 p.m.
  • Oakfield-Alabama at Pembroke, 7 p.m.
  • Attica at Alexander, 7 p.m.
  • Le Roy at Wayland-Cohocton, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 19

  • Notre Dame at Elba/Byron-Bergen, 1:30 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 25

  • Edison Tech at Batavia, 7:30 p.m.
  • Elba/Byron-Bergen at Oakfield-Alabama, 7 p.m.
  • Bath-Haverling at Le Roy, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 26

  • Alexander at Holley, 1:30 p.m
  • Pembroke at Notre Dame, 1:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 2

  • Batavia at Penn Yan, 7 p.m.
  • Notre Dame at Bishop Kearney, 7:30 p.m.
  • Holley at Pembroke, 7 p.m.
  • Oakfield-Alabama at Alexander (TBD)
  • Le Roy at Hornell, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 3

  • Attica at Elba/Byron-Bergen, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 9

  • Wayne Central at Batavia, 7:30 p.m.
  • Le Roy at Cal-Mum, 7:30 p.m.
  • Alexander at Pembroke, 7 p.m.
  • Notre Dame at Attica, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 10

  • Oakfield-Alabama at Holley, 1:30 p.m.
  • C.G. Finney at Elba/Byron-Bergen, 1:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 16

  • Batavia at Geneva, 7 p.m.
  • Attica at Oakfield-Alabama, 7 p.m.
  • Elba/Byron-Bergen at Alexander, 7 p.m.
  • Livonia at Le Roy, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 17

  • Holley at Notre Dame, 1:30 p.m.

Here's a recap of our football preview stories:

Here's a slide show of all of our pre-season photos, including some that weren't published with the original stories. Prints of photos may be purchased through this link to my photography Web site.

BHS Blue Devils seek to boost pride, chearleading coffers, by spraying chalk designs

By Billie Owens

The Batavia High School Blue Devils want to spray chalk designs on your dirveway, your lawn, your parking lot -- wherever you choose -- to raise money for the Batavia Cheerleading Program and boost pride.

Each design is $10 and can be done once, or weekly, to suit your budget. All designs are to be completed each week by Thursday. They feature a giant capital letter B with the well-known Blue Devil logo superimposed over it. Size is 3 feet by 55 inches.

All spray chalk is temporary and can be removed with water. The designs fade in one to three days and/or in water. All design completions are final.

"The community will be full of pride and Devil Spirit -- Show yours!"

To get your chalk-spray design, provide your name, the address, details of what/where, phone number, and e-mail and send cash or check to Batavia Cheerleading Boosters c/o:

Batavia High School

Attn: Athletic Department

260 State St.

Batavia NY 14020

If you have questions, please e-mail:

bataviacheerleading@gmail.com

Batavia Downs offers a promotion-packed weekend

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

Labor Day Weekend is the last hurrah for summer fun and Batavia Downs is taking full advantage of the great weather Western New York is in the midst of by presenting a full slate of giveaway’s and activities to help its racing fans ease into fall.

It all starts on Saturday (Sept. 5) when the Downs presents Drew Monti bobblehead night.

Monti is one of the rising stars at Batavia Downs and has quickly become a fan favorite. So much so the fans themselves asked for this promotion featuring “Driving Drew." So starting at 5 p.m. on Saturday, fans can pick up a ticket at the Players Club desk and redeem it for a Drew Monti bobblehead after the seventh race in the Paddock Room. Distribution is limited while supplies last. You must be a Players Club member for this promotion.

You are encouraged to bring your bobblehead back to the track on Labor Day, Monday afternoon (Sept. 7) to get it autographed by Monti trackside, prior to the first race.

The Drew Monti bobbleheads are sponsored by TAG Jewelers and Gold Brokers (www.tagjewelers.com), of Cheektowaga.

Saturday the Downs will also be honoring longtime local horseman, Anthony “Tony” Strollo with a memorial race in the seventh. Strollo died this past April after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

The Labor Day matinee card also features a list of promotions that offer something for everyone in the family.

The feature event of the day is the annual Batavia Downs driver’s bike race. This “friendly” competition between the horsemen has been going on at the Downs since 1979 and the tradition will continue this year. Eight local drivers will line up at the quarter pole and make their way around the far turn and head for the wire.

Last year’s winner was “Driving Drew” Monti in a photo over Mickey Holliday. Monti will be back to defend his title against Holliday and face new challenges from Shawn McDonough, Dave McNeight III, Lee Dahn, Rock Vinci, Denny Bucceri and Bradley Jackson.

But the best part is the fans get to win the actual brand new bikes used in the race.

Each patron can put their entry in one of eight boxes; each coinciding with a driver in the race. Then from the winning driver’s box, eight winners will be randomly drawn and each will be given one of the bikes. The bike race will be held after the seventh harness race and the drawing, after the bike race has been declared official.

There is no purchase necessary but you must be at least 18 years old to enter and present to win.

The bike race is sponsored by Crazy Cheap Cars (www.crazycheapcars.com), of Oakfield.

And what would Labor Day be without a cookout? Batavia Downs has that covered, too, and for any size appetite.

Charcoal grilled Sahlen’s hot dogs for $1 along with $1 beer and soda will be available on the apron from noon until the last race.

In the clubhouse, there will be a $10.95 chicken barbeque with all the fixings. And for every barbeque purchased you will receive $10 back in free-play on the gaming floor. So you can enjoy a holiday cook-out without the work or mess for only $0.95 net! This food special will only be available from noon to 3:30 p.m.

Chicken barbeques will be prepared by the Center Street Smoke House (www.centerstreetsmokehouse.com), of Batavia.

Post time for Saturday (Sept. 5) is 6:35 p.m. Monday (Labor Day, Sept. 7) is a matinee with first post set at 1:15.

Football Preview: Chatt, Schwable and Woodward ready to lead Hornets in 2015

By Howard B. Owens

There was a point during the off-season where it looked like the tradition of Hornets football might come to an end. The team was struggling to fill its roster and negotiations were under way to merge with Pembroke.

But the coaches and the players rallied, and when Oakfield-Alabama takes its home field tonight against Notre Dame, 26 players will suit up.

"We talked about keeping the football team here and keeping the tradition here and they (players and coaches) really stepped up to the plate and did a nice job of being here and keeping our program going," said Head Coach Brian Palone.

This will be a season where a young team needs to grow, especially on the lines, where this year's starters are last year's second string, or modified player. But it's also a team other GR coaches acknowledge needs to be taken seriously every week with returners Allen Chatt at QB and Sal Schwable and Reice Woodward as wideouts. Those three alone give Palone some weapons he can use to challenge opponents.

"Our goal is to improve every day," Palone said. "I tell the guys how fortunate they are to come out every day and wear the Hornets' uniform and represent their school and their community. We're going to compete and get better every game."

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