Spartans

The Genesee County Spartans outlasted the Ithaca Warriors, 16-12, in Northeastern Football Alliance semipro action Saturday night at Genesee Community College.

After Ithaca scored on an interception in the game's opening minutes, the Spartans took the lead for good with 24 seconds left in the first quarter on a five-yard run by fullback Brandon Bethel and the point-after kick by Marc Montana.

The home team made it 13-6 midway through the second quarter on a 70-yard burst up the middle by Jed Reese, who burst through the line and ran untouched to the end zone.

Montana's 28-yard field goal gave the Spartans a 16-6 lead early in the third quarter. Ithaca scored on a touchdown pass with 1:09 left in the game.

The game was marked by more than a dozen turnovers and at least that many penalties, including several personal fouls (and a couple of ejections) for unsportsmanlike conduct.

For the Spartans, Cody Wenner, Amir Cleveland, Tre Woods, Keith Neureuter and Max Rapone had interceptions, with Rapone's play ending a last-ditch effort by Ithaca in the closing seconds.  Defensive end Gunner Rapone had another outstanding game for Genesee.

The Spartans, 2-1, are home again next Saturday for a 7 p.m. clash against the Broome County Stallions.

Photos by Nick Serrata

Press Release:

With a roster of 55 players and about a dozen sponsors in hand, the Genesee County Spartans organization is moving full speed ahead toward competing in the Northeastern Football Alliance this summer.

“We’re into the third week of training camp, preparing for an intrasquad scrimmage at 1 p.m. on May 7 at Kibbe Park (which is open to the public at no charge),” said Head Coach Harry Rascoe. “It’s a very competitive environment for starting positions on the team.”

The Spartans are practicing on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. at Farrall Park in preparation for a May 20 scrimmage at the Watertown Red and Black, which plays in the Gridiron Developmental Football League.

Rascoe’s squad is on the road for its first three NFA games – at Auburn on June 3 and at Lockport on June 10 – before hosting Ithaca on June 17.

The remainder of the schedule: June 24 vs. Broome County; July 15 at Broome County; July 22 vs. Lockport; Aug. 5 at Ithaca; Aug. 12 vs. Auburn.

Rascoe said the team is finalizing arrangements to play its home games at Genesee Community College.

Team sponsors include Iron Reps gym, R.A. Haitz, Dan’s Tire & Auto, The Brick Gym, Eli Fish, Batavia Downs Gaming, Liberty Pumps, Los Compadres Mexican Restaurant, Get Sealed and Village Restaurant.

For more information about the team, including how to become a sponsor, go to the team’s Genesee County Spartans Facebook page or contact Rascoe at rascoeh@yahoo.com.

Submitted photos.  Top photo: Head Coach Harry Rascoe, football in hand, calls out a play for the offensive line as the Genesee Spartans prepare for their season this summer.  Bottom photo: Assistant coach Craig Tiberio conducts a drill for defensive backs at a recent Genesee Spartans football practice.

Press release:

Elba resident Harry Rascoe is spearheading the return of semiprofessional football to Genesee County.

Rascoe, 35, has announced that he will serve as head coach/offensive coordinator of the Genesee Spartans Football Club, adding that he is in negotiations for the team to play in either the Empire Football League or the Gridiron Development Football League.

“I have been part of two national championship teams while playing, and I know that there is more than enough talent in our area to bring a national title back to Batavia,” said Rascoe, a Plattsburgh native who competed at the semipro levels after his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps in 2010.

He said the plan is for the Spartans to play an eight-game schedule, with four or five of them at a location to be determined in Batavia.

“We’re looking for a place to call home,” he said. “Much needs to be done beforehand, including filling out the roster of players. All those who are interested in playing can contact me right away.”

Craig Tiberio of Le Roy, who played at Buffalo State College, will be the assistant coach/defensive coordinator; Otis Thomas, football coach at Notre Dame High, will assist on defense, and Jerry Smith Jr. will assist on the offensive side of the ball. Macy Paradise of Elba has been signed on as the team trainer.

Rascoe said he welcomes any players from Batavia’s semi-pro team in the 1990s – the Bandits – to become involved in the new organization.

“We also are seeking local sponsors to make the 2023 season happen,” he said, adding that winter workouts will start on Nov. 6 at the “Brick” gym on Harvester Avenue. “We have about 24 players now and would like to field a team of 40 to 50 players.”

For more information about playing, coaching or becoming a sponsor, call Rascoe at 518-570-4047.

“Our goal is to build a team and an organization that the community can get behind and be proud of,” he said.