Sports

Batavia High School graduate and former "voice of the Muckdogs" Griffin Della Penna has been recognized by the Buffalo Broadcasters Association with the annual BBA Russert Award.

The BBA recognizes an undergraduate or graduate student with a promising future in radio, television, digital media and/or social media with the annual Tim Russert Media Career Award. The awardees are given a $1,000 scholarship and are honored at the Hall of Fame dinner, which was this past weekend.

Della Penna is a Canisius student who has worked with the Buffalo Sabres and Bandits. He has worked on the Sabres website, including prospect updates, practice reports, and community events. He is also a Canisius College Athletics reporter.

He was a broadcaster for the Muckdogs during the first year the Muckdogs competed in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League.

The BBA Russert Award went to two budding broadcasters who both aim for a career in Sports broadcasting.

Also honored was Sara Holland, a senior at the University at Buffalo.

Photo via social media.

Le Roy shut out Hornell on Friday night in Hornell, 33-0.

Adrian Stephens was 3-8 passing for 51 yards and a TD.

The TD was a 17-yard connection to Merritt Holly, Jr.

Jackson Fix was 1-4 passing for 21 yards, hitting Cal Koukides for a touchdown.

Emmanuel Fisher gained 90 yards on five carries and scored a TD.

Fix rushed 16 times for 54 yards and a TD.

Stephens, 47 yards on nine carries, also scoring a TD.

Photos by Ed Henry.

Top photo: Connor Hegeman displays perfect tackling technique. 

Ryan Higgins’ pressure led to an incomplete pass.

Le Roy center Holden Sullivan taking on multiple linemen. 

Le Roy’s Merritt Holly pulls in a TD pass for the Knights. 

Mav Cook (left) and Cal Koukides double-team on defense. 

Le Roy’s Bryce Lathan smothers the Hornell QB. 

Xavien Walker (left) congratulates Manny Fisher on his 84-yard TD run.

Colleen Pimm of Bergen, who came up through the youth bowling program at her hometown Rose Garden Bowl, registered her first United States Bowling Congress-certified 700 series on Saturday night in the Every Other Saturday League at Rose Garden.

The 47-year-old right-hander rolled games of 246-236-225 for 707. The daughter of the late Don Rich, a longtime league secretary at the Bergen bowling center, secured the 700 with a spare in the 10th frame. She consistently averages in the 180s, with a high of 196 in 2019-20.

In other Genesee Region USBC league action:

• Curtis Foss of Medina posted his second 800 series of the season with a 279-244-279--802 effort in the Rick & Morty's Friday League at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion;

• Mickey Hyde of Le Roy came close to his first 800 series, recording 279-286-212--777 in the American Legion Thursday Men's League at Legion Lanes. A pocket 8-10 split in the 10th frame of game three cost him a chance at the honor score.

• Dennis Meyer of Rochester led the way in the Thursday Owls League at Rose Garden Bowl with a 276 game and 761 series.

For a list of high scores, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.

Genesee Gymnastics finished third on Friday at MCA Gymnastics competition in Byron.

Results and photo submitted by Stephani Hamilton.

Team Results: 1. Gates-Chili/Brighton: 122.5, 2. Genesee: 113.55, 3. Corning: 106.9

All Around: 1. Anna Pecor (Gates-Chili/Brighton): 34.4, 3. Roan Finn (Genesee): 30.05,  6. Emily Salmonds (Genesee): 29.45, 9. Gianna Trigilio (Genesee): 26.95, 10. Mikayla Yohon (Genesee): 26.9, 12. Hannah Spencer (Genesee): 25.4

Vault: 1. Anna Zahradka (Corning): 8.2, 3. Roan Finn (Genesee): 8.0,  4. Mikayla Yohon (Genesee): 7.8, 5. Emily Salmonds (Genesee): 7.75, 11. Nee'Kay Smith (Genesee): 7.25, 14. Gianna Trigilio (Genesee): 7.05, 16. Hannah Spencer (Genesee): 6.65

Uneven Bars: 1. Anna Pecor (Gates-Chili/Brighton): 8.65, 5. Roan Finn (Genesee): 6.2, 7. Emily Salmonds (Genesee): 6.0, 8. Gianna Trigilio (Genesee): 5.9, 11. Mikayla Yohon (Genesee): 5.35, 12. Hannah Spencer (Genesee): 5.25, 16. Samantha Copani (Genesee): 3.75

Balance Beam: 1. Anna Zahradka (Corning): 9.0, 4. Emily Salmonds (Genesee): 8.1, 6. Roan Finn (Genesee): 7.9, 10. Gianna Trigilio (Genesee): 6.8, 11. Nee'Kay Smith & Mikayla Yohon (Genesee): 6.7, 14. Hannah Spencer (Genesee): 6.45

Floor Exercise: 1. Anna Zahradka (Corning): 9.0, 5. Roan Finn (Genesee): 7.95, 7. Emily Salmonds (Genesee): 7.6, 10. Gianna Trigilio (Genesee): 7.2, 11. Hannah Spencer & Mikayla Yohon (Genesee): 7.05, 16. Samantha Copani (Genesee): 5.4

"The Genesee Varsity team may not have won the meet but they did have their best team score," Hamilton said.  "Each one of the gymnasts had at least one personal best.  I am super proud of their efforts." 

Their next meet is Saturday, Oct. 22 at MCA Gymnastics at 3 p.m. 

In a field of only 26 runners, a couple from Union City, Penn., won their respective races in Saturday's "Run Until Their Voices are Heard 5K" sponsored by YWCA of Genesee County. The event was part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month and was in honor of victims and survivors of domestic violence.

The race started and finished on North Street in front of the agency's building. 

Peter Boyd, 48, won the men's race with a time of 16:47 and Jeanette Boyd, 46, won the women's race with a time of 22:18.

Photos by Howard Owens

The Pembroke Dragons improved to 6-1 with a 28-12 win over Bolivar-Richburg in eight-man football on Friday.

Tyson Totten rushed for 260 yards and two touchdowns. He also threw for one TD.

Cayden Pfalzer had one rushing and receiving touchdown.

Jayden Mast and Caleb Felski each led the way defensively with 13 tackles, with Jeremy Gabbey Jr., Tyson Totten, and Cayden Pfalzer each notching 11 tackles.

Kicker Sean Pustulka was 4 for 4 on extra points.

Photos courtesy of Kim Dulski

Cal-Mum scored first, but Notre Dame scored last, and in the end, that's what mattered most as the Fighting Irish walked away with a 19-13 win on Friday night.

For Notre Dame, Hayden Groff scored twice in the first quarter -- on a 1-yard run and a 3-yard run.

The final touchdown against Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen came at 11:15 in the fourth quarter when Jay Antinore hit Jaden Sherwood for 13 yards and a touchdown.

Antinore was 15-27 passing for 157 yards and the TD.  He was not intercepted.

Bryceton Berry had four receptions for 67 yards, James Fanara, six for 45 yards and Ryan Fitzpatrick, three for 24 yards.

Groff gained 53 yards on 16 attempts. 

George Woodruff led the defense with 8.5 tackles and a sack.

The Irish improve to 4-2 on the season.

After six football games, the Alexander Trojans remain undefeated with a win Friday against Midlakes 32-0.

Tyler Marino started at QB for the Trojans and opened the scoring when he hit Benny Merrill on a 20-yard play-action pass down the middle.  

In the 2nd quarter, Marino found Merrill again on a 20-yard TD catch.

Marino then scored on defense with an interception, taking the ball 90-yards downfield for the TD. It was his second pick-six in two weeks. 

In the second half, the Trojans took the opening kickoff and on the first set of downs, Trenton Woods found Merrill on a 55-yard TD pass. Late in the third quarter, Woods scrambled in for a TD run from 4 yards out.

Behind a stout line of Cristian Kissell, Jaden Snyder, Connor Thompson, Dom Kwiatek, Cole Dean, and Dylan Pohl, running back Ricky Townley became the Trojan's first 100-yard rusher in a game this season, running for 114 yards on 16 carries.  Kaden Lyons gained 73 yards on seven carries.

Defensively, Mason Bump and Ricky Townley each had 6 tackles and Townley forced a fumble.

The Trojans are home next week against Cal-Mum.

After a 35-20 win on the road against Honeoye Falls-Lima on Friday night, the Batavia Blue Devils, at 7-0, are a lock on first place in the Class B division of Section V football for 2022.

Late in the first quarter, HFL pulled within a touchdown of Batavia but the Blue Devils tacked on one last score at the close of the game on a 43-yard pass from Ja'vin McFollins to Cole Grazioplene.

The scoring started with McFollins dashing into the end zone on a 3-yard run. Batavia scored again on a McFollins pass of 64 yards to Vincent Arroyo, and then Aiden Anderson scored on a 2-yard run late in the second quarter for 21 unanswered posts at the half for the Blue Devils.

HFL scored twice in the third quarter, then Batavia increased its lead on a short run by Aiden Anderson.

McFollins was 6-8 passing or 95 yards and two TDs. Anderson rushed for 124 yards and two TDs on 29 carries. Grazioplene caught three passes, including the TD, for 61 yards.

Avion Bethel had seven tackles to lead the Batavia defense.

HFL is now 5-2 on the season.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

The Oakfield-Alabama/Elba Titans hosted the Batavia Bulldawgs in three youth football games at O-A's field on Saturday, with a 7 p.m. start time on the third game, giving the JV squads an opportunity to play under the lights.

Scores: 

• Beginners, OAE over Batavia 31-0
• Minis, Batavia beat OAE 40-0
• JV, Batavia 14, OAE 6

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more photos, click here.

Mancuso Bowling Center surrendered a couple more honor scores this past week, with Paul Bacon posting 300 on Monday night and Jason Quilliam spinning 814 on Thursday night.

In the Mancuso Real Estate League, Bacon started with 191 and 215 on lanes 3&4 before stringing 12 consecutive strikes in game three to finish with a 706 series. 

The 57-year-old Lockport resident (and Batavia native) now has six USBC-certified 300 games. He is off to a hot start with a 239 average after four weeks.

In the Toyota of Batavia Thursday 4-Man League, Quilliam registered 259-289-266--814 on lanes 17-18.

It is the 42-year-old Batavian's second 800 series and raised his average to 236.

At Medina Lanes, Joe Dellario rolled a 300 game in the Thursday Firefighters League on Oct. 5.

For a list of high scores for the week, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.

Press release:

Here are the results from today's meet at Monroe County Athletics Gymnastics in Byron:

Team Results: 1. Pittsford: 133.85, 2. Fairport: 119.05, 3. Genesee: 111.375

All Around: 1. Elizabeth Power (Pittsford): 36.050, 6. Roan Finn (Genesee): 30.0,  7. Emily Salmonds (Genesee): 27.45, 8. Gianna Trigilio (Genesee): 24.0

Vault: 1. Elizabeth Power (Pittsford): 9.2, 8. Emily Salmonds (Genesee): 7.75, 10. Roan Finn & Mikayla Yohon (Genesee): 7.7, 16. Nee'Kay Smith (Genesee): 7.2, 17. Lei St.Clair (Genesee): 7.1, 18. Gianna Trigilio (Genesee): 5.75

Uneven Bars: 1. Elizabeth Power (Pittsford): 8.95, 7. Haylie Leitten (Genesee): 6.25, 11. Emily Salmonds (Genesee): 5.95, 12. Roan Finn (Genesee): 5.9, 14. Gianna Trigilio & Mikayla Yohon (Genesee): 5.6, 17. Hannah Spencer (Genesee): 5.2

Balance Beam: 1. Elizabeth Power (Pittsford): 8.65, 3. Roan Finn (Genesee): 8.15, 9. Haylie Leitten (Genesee): 7.35, 13. Nee'Kay Smith (Genesee): 6.225, 15. Gianna Trigilio  (Genesee): 6.15,  17. Emily Salmonds (Genesee): 6.0, 18. Hannah Spencer (Genesee): 5.6

Floor Exercise: 1. Katie Kull (Pittsford): 9.3, 8. Roan Finn (Genesee): 8.25, 10. Emily Salmonds (Genesee): 7.75, 13. Hannah Spencer (Genesee): 6.95, 16. Gianna Trigilio (Genesee): 6.5, 17. Lei St.Clair (Genesee): 6.15, 18. Samantha Copani (Genesee): 5.7

Even though the Genesee Varsity Gymnastics team placed 3rd at the meet, there were many personal bests! The girls will continue to work hard to achieve personal and team goals. Their next meet is Friday, October 14 at MCA Gymnastics at 6 p.m. 

The Oakfield-Alabama Aggies remain undefeated on the 2022 season after swamping Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen 48-13 on Friday night.

It was senior night for the Aggies.

• Noah Currier had Carries, 131 yards, three Rushing TDs, a 32-yard reception TD, and 60-yard fumble recovery returned for a touchdown.
• Bodie Hyde, five carries, 121 yards, one TD, 2-4 passing, 59 Yards, two passing TDs, and on defense, eight tackles and a fumble recovery.
• Connor Scott, two carries, 43 yards, 5 Tackles, and a fumble recovery.
• Brayden Smith, 10 tackles
• Aiden Warner, 10 tackles
• TJ Andrews , nine tackles

"It's nice to get a win against a tough opponent like CMBB, but the story tonight was about how we need to continue to work towards cleaning up a few things if we are going to accomplish the goals we want to accomplish," said Head Coach Tyler Winter. "Luckily, true progress is not always linear.  We will enjoy the win tonight and look to our next opponent as an opportunity to take steps in the right direction for our team's journey."

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more photos, click here.

Drew Strollo helped Le Roy to four scores on four early possession on Friday night to help the Oatkan Knights to a 53-14 win over Vertus Charter.

Strollo scored hit Jack Tonzi on a 34-yard TD pass, ran four two yards to score, hit Tonzi again on a 33-yard pass, and ran for a three-yard touchdown.

The score was 27-8 at the half. 

In the second half, Tony Piazza scored on runs of 24 yards and one yard. Jackson Fix scored on a run of 30 yards and Simeon Fisher ran the ball in from 13-yards out.

Strollo was 2-5 passing for 67 yards.  He ran for 141 yards on 17 attempts. Jackson fixed gained 86 yards on ten carries and Piazza rushed for 66 yards on 10 carries.

Bryce Lathan had six tackles. Ryan Higgins had a QB sack and three tackles.

Photos by Ed Henry.  Top photo: Xavien Walker, Tony Piazza, and Jackson Fix halt the Vertus running back.

Cal Koukides (24) celebrates (33) Jack Tonzi’s touchdown reception.

Bryce Lathan (42) is a terror on the LeRoy kickoff team.

LeRoy’s Andrew Pocock (40) boots another successful PAT kick.

LeRoy’s Keegan Park drops the Vertus RB in the backfield.

 LeRoy’s Manny Fisher disrupts the Vertus pass attempt.

LeRoy’s Ayden Riggi provides a block for teammate Cal Koukides (24).

LeRoy’s Drew Strollo avoids a would-be tackler.

Drew Strollo (34) celebrates (5) Jackson Fix’s TD run. 

The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame were solid against Clyde Savannah on Saturday for a 20-6 win

Scoring:

• Notre Dame, Jay Antinore's pass complete to Jaden Sherwood for 27 yards.  PAT Brandon Carrick.
• Notre Dame, Jay Antinore connects with Jaden Sherwood for a 7-yard TD  PAT Brandon Carrick.
• Clyde Savannah, Zymere Smith runs for 17 yards. Two-point conversion attempt fails
• Nortre Dame, Jay Antinore runs for 16 yards.  

Antinore was 13-19 passing for 258 yards.  He also threw three interceptions. Antinore ran for 67 yards and a TD.

Ryan Fitzpatrick and James Fanara each had four receptions, for 140 and 51 yards respectively.

Jaden Sherwood and Ryan Fitzpatrick led the team in tackles with five apiece.

Alexander scored the first six times the Trojans touched the football on Friday against Cuba-Rushford leading to a 41-7 win.

Scores:

• A 25-yard pass play from Trent Woods to Kaden Lyons. 
• Woods, 25-yards, to Benny Merrill in back left corner of the endzone.   
• Woods again connected with Lyons and after breaking two tackles Kaden crossed the goal line from 15-yards out. 
• One minute later Tyler Marino had a pick-six from 50 yards out
• With 2 minutes to go in the half, 2-yard run by RB Ricky Townley. 
• In the third quarter, the Trojans moved the ball down the field and Trenton Woods finished the drive with an 8-yard keeper

Cuba-Rushford scored on the final play of the game.

Townley ran eight times for 65 yards and one TD. Woods had six carries for 64 yards and one TD  and was 4-6 passing for 64 yards and three touchdowns. Kaden Lyons had two carries for 23 yards and two receptions for 40 yards and 2 TDs.

Defensively Mason Bump and Kaden Lyons along with Ricky Townley each had seven tackles. 

From the start, the Batavia Blue Devils easily handled another opponent, cruising to a 41-20 win over Dansville/Wayland-Cohocton on Friday night.

Carter McFollins opened the scoring with a 90-yard kickoff return.

Batavia scored again on the first quarter on a 19-yard pass from Ja'vin McFollins to Cole Grazioplene.

In the second quarter,  Aiden Anderson on runs of 3 yards and 8 yards. 

In the second half, Mekhi Fortes scored on an 8-yard run, and Zay Griffin scored on a 65-yard run.

Wayland scored three times in the second-half.

For Batavia, Julia Petry connected on five of six point-after attempts.

For the game, Anderson ran for 109 yards on 14 attempts and Griffin 82 yards on three attempts.

Ja'vin McFollins was 7-11 passing for 121 yards.

Carter McFollins had two receptions for 55 yards.

On defense, Garret Schmidt had 10 tackles.

Batavia High School honored some of its outstanding Blue Devils of athletic seasons past at the Athletic Department's annual Hall of Fame induction dinner, held this year at Batavia Downs.

Inducted were:

• Benjamin Martino (1959): Football, Wrestling
• Paul Blossom (1968): Football, Swimming, Track & Field
• Richard Saunders (1971):Athlete: Swimming, Football, Baseball, Bowling; Coach: Swimming, Wrestling, Baseball
• Sandy (Samiec) Reeg (1979): Tennis
• Kristie (DuRei) DeFreze (2005): Gymnastics, Cheerleading, Track & Field
• Michael Chmielowiec (2005): Basketball
• Boys Basketball Team (2005): State Semi-Finalist
• Jermaine Henderson (2006): Football, Track & Field

Photos by Howard Owens.  Top photo: Sandy (Semiec) Reeg, Rick Saunders, back, Michael Chmielowiec, front Benny Martino, Kritstie (DeRei) DeFreze, Jermaine Henderson, Paul Blossom.

The 2005 Boys basketball team: Dan Kines, Justin Williams, Adam Brasky, Michael Chmielowiec, Kevin Saunders, Ballard Maye, Jon Tretter, Buddy Brasky.