Capital District High School Football 2013 Season Preview

Thursday, September 5, 2013 - 1
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Get to know the teams
From Albany Academy to Watervliet, Section II team previews: Pages 4-35, 38-71
No love lost
When these teams meet, the heat gets turned up. Read about the best rivalries in the section: Pages 36-37
Follow along all year on Twitter:

@SaratogaSports @TroyRecordSport
2 - Thursday, September 5, 2013
The Record www.troyrecord.com
The Record www.troyrecord.com/THE SARATOGIAN www.saratogian.com
Anthony Walker ready to write John Barnes determined to get final statement with Knights Greenwich a sectional title
lamato@troyrecord.com Twitte.com/LauraAmato
By LAURA AMATO
djohnson@saratogian.com Twitter.com/davidmichael10
By DAVID M. JOHNSON
TROY Anthony Walker needs this season to be perfect. The Lansingburgh running back, who finished last season with 194 total points, has certainly proven himself in the past. After all, the multi-year starter has been named to dozens of all-star and all-state teams over the past few seasons. But, as he prepares for his senior season with the Knights, Walker knows that his football future hinges on what hes able to do this year. Its really like my final statement, he said. I know I came out and made a name for myself young. But I feel like this is the year that I can really come out and make it better than everything else. I hopefully can give myself a better chance for college with this. Walker certainly has goals in mind for this year, and it all started in the offseason. The Burgh standout, who was named a First-Team Class B All-State player last year, attended dozens of football camps throughout the summer, meeting with coaches and players at all levels and taking in every bit of advice he could to improve his rushing game. I take my offseason really seriously, Walker said. I just use every little bit I can get. I take advice from every coach I see, any players in my position. I take any advice I can. Of course, Walker knows that it will be difficult to improve upon his performance from last year. As a junior, he averaged just more than 178 rushing yards a game and, in nine games last season found the endzone 29 times. With those kind of stats behind him, Walker is well aware that teams are going to stack the box against him this season in an attempt to slow him down. Not that it bothers him all that much. I actually look for that in most games, Walker said. I like to see what they try to bring, new defenses and blitzes and stuff. They always try to go head-hunting for me. But I look at that as motivation. It makes me want to be better. Part of the problem that opposing defenses face when they go up against Walker is just how patient he is at the line.
Lansingburghs Anthony Walker rushed for 1,603 yards last season. As a senior this year, hes hoping to top that and clinch a championship for the Knights. Walker isnt the kind of running back to push his way past his blockers only to make it 5 yards down the field. Hes one of the most thoughtful backs in Section II, letting the play unfold before he makes his move. He never tries to do too much, Burgh coach Jeff Pasinella said. Of course, he always ends up doing too much though. He just waits for the blocking schemes to develop. After last seasons disappointing loss to Schuylerville in the first round of sectionals, Walker is more determined than ever to see Lansingburgh take a dominant hold of Class B this season. That season ended not as we had planned, Walker said. That kind of gives us motivation to come in and exceed that game. We want to have our season be just as good, but we want it to end better. While the expectations for Walker are practically through the roof this season, he has no problem stepping up as a leader. Hes planning for it. As he looks to improve his chances for a top college offer, Walker is ready to do whatever it takes to get there and hell sprint all the way to the end zone if he has to.
Cover photo of Anthony Walker by J.S. Carras. Photo of John Barnes by Eric Jenks.
J.S. CARRAS/The Record
GREENWICH In the modern world of sports-specific athletes, John Barnes is a throwback. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound senior is not only a three-sport letterman, but a major contributor to the football, basketball and baseball programs at Greenwich. Entering the senior year of a career that has included numerous individual awards at the league, section and state level, there is one accomplishment Barnes still has his sights on a Section II title. He was called up to the basketball team that won sectionals as a freshman but didnt play any minutes in that game. Thats definitely a goal of mine in all three sports, to go out with a bang, Barnes said of winning sectionals. Id like to help the school get sectional and state titles in one sport if not all three. I know thats easier said than done. Its been 16 years since Greenwich won its last Class D title a 20-14 win over Cambridge. But with seven returners from a very good 6-2 squad in 2012, Barnes is among those Witches players who thinks this could be the year. Well be tough to stop again this year, Barnes said. Weve got a couple good younger kids filling in on the offensive line. We have a new quarterback (Lukas Whitehouse), and hes very athletic. Hell be just fine. His offensive stats in 2012 over an eightgame regular season were staggering. Barnes, a running back, rumbled for 1,481 yards and 23 touchdowns en route to a First-Team Class D All-State selection. In fact, his statistics accounted for about 70 percent of the Witches offensive production an impressive stat considering the team averaged 38 points per game. Hes a total package, Greenwich coach Brandon Linnett said of Barnes. He runs with power, hes also a slasher. Every carry can go to the house for a touchdown. He doesnt give up on any run. Hes probably the best offensive player Ive coached in seven years. As good as he was last year, Barnes has spent the time between baseball season and the start of training camp getting stronger.
Greenwichs John Barnes is determined to bring the Witches back to the playoffs this season after failing to capture a berth last year despite a 6-2 record.
ERIC JENKS/The Saratogian
Ive gotten a lot stronger since last year, he said. I felt last year all those carries and playing defense tired me out in the fourth quarter. I feel like coach has us doing more conditioning and its helping out a lot. Barnes ability is not going to surprise any Class D coaches this season especially Cambridge Coach Doug Luke. In last years Greenwich-Cambridge rivalry game, Barnes carried the ball 46 times for 377 yards and three touchdowns. The heroics turned out to be in a losing effort, but that doesnt mean Luke isnt aware of the challenge his defense faces when the rivalry resumes in Week 1 this season. He's 200 pounds and he runs faster than anyone we have, Luke said. Hes a big, strong kid. He scares us a lot. Having Barnes in the backfield should take some of the pressure off Whitehouse. The sophomore has two quality receivers to throw to in Jeremy Messina and Glen Taylor and a solid core of linemen to protect him. Still, the threat of handing the ball to Barnes is the one that will make defenses react. He sets up everything else for us our play action pass game, our other running backs, Linnett said. You might spend a lot of your week preparing for him and you might miss some of the other stuff we have. Were not all John Barnes, but it starts with him.
ALBANY ACADEMY CADETS
A CLOSER LOOK
Coming off a season in which he rushed for 912 yards, Austen Zeh was pretty pleased with the statistics. However, if opponents think that Albany Academys senior running back sat back all summer and rested on what he did in 2012, let this be their warning. Zeh was in the weight room four days a week, lifting for 90 minutes a day with his teammates, with the goal of having an even better year in his final high school season. I want to do a lot better than I did last year a lot better, he said. Last year was a good year, but I want to step it up. Zeh was a first-team Reinfurt Division All-Star last season as a junior. He rushed for 249 yards in a victory over Ichabod Crane, where he added a couple of touchdowns. While the stats were impressive, Zeh wasnt content with just coasting on the numbers. In addition to lifting weights in the offseason, Zeh had help from a running trainer and another weightlifting trainer in his spare time, to help increase the work on his feet and his overall speed. Now, hes hoping that it all translates into an even bigger season on the field this fall. Hes a freak in the weight room, Albany Academy coach Tony Fruscio said. He can lift as much as we put on the squat rack, as much as we put on the bench and he has high expectations for himself. With all of the hard work put in the offseason, Zeh seems primed and ready to go. We need him to have a big year for this team to win, said Fruscio.
Bench-pressing their way to a Class B title

asantillo@troyrecord.com Twitter.com/Andrew Santillo
By ANDREW SANTILLO
ROSTER
2 3 4 5/15 7 9 10 12 14 21 30 31 32 34 36 41 40 45 53 56 60 64 68 70 71 74 75 79 80 81 88 A. Soldini W. Bennett K. Hartigan E. Woods V. DiCaterino Z. Thomas M. Balter A. Martin J. Hoyte-King A. Zeh C. Morgan M. Thomas L. Gueye J. D'Iorio C.Fiore E. Guloc Q. Epetein Z. Saifi M. Bohl R. Anderson A. Dawoodani W. Pausley D. Burgess S. McEldowney E. Mextorf N. Anyaegdunam R. Klimkewicz J. Duffy M. Ortiz R. Gleason B. Cherk 11 9 11 12 10 11 12 9 12 12 11 10 10 11 10 11 12 12 11 12 12 11 12 11 12 10 10 11 12 10 10 RB/LB QB/LB TE/DE QB/DB QB/LB RB/LB QB/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB RB/LB RB/LB RB/LB WR/DB RB/LB TE/DE RB/LB RB/LB OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB WR/DB RB/DB WR/DB
ALBANY As the 2012 season wore on, Tony Fruscio saw that his team was getting beat up. Albany Academy played some of its biggest opponents, in terms of school size, in the last few games. The Cadets finished the year with three straight losses to Queensbury, Lansingburgh and in the playoffs to Glens Falls, all schools that were Class A or had been recently. Already playing above its enrollment as a private school, Academy wore down, limping to a 4-4 finish. Not this season. The Cadets took to the weight room in the offseason, lifting throughout the summer to make sure that wouldnt happen again. We see the results already, Fruscio said. We think were going to be better up front. Were going to be faster and were going to be a little stronger. There were more than 20 kids who spent their summer mornings, Monday through Thursday, from 78:30 a.m., working out in hopes to be in better shape come football season. We came here ready to play from day one, said
Albany Academys (from left) Austen Zeh, Eric Woods and Ahil Dawoodani return to the field in 2013 with the the sole intention of lifting the Cadets to the Class B Super Bowl for the first time since 2011. senior Austen Zeh. Even on the first day of practice, we were all going hard. The offseason addition of strength and speed has the Albany Academy players believing big things are possible. This year, our younger kids are as strong as us, said senior Ahil Dawoodani. So even during practice it makes us better because were going full speed. Dawoodani, who plays on the offensive and defensive line, will serve as a captain, along with quarterback Eric Woods. We get everyone set, ready and we need to get everyone out on time, said Woods, who will run the offense for the second straight season. We need to lead by example. Woods feels comfortable leading the offense and being the guy with the ball in his hands on each snap. You own the game, you cant crack under pressure and you have to make sure everyone else is focused before you are, he said. With strong senior leadership, this team should be able to overcome many of the hurdles it ran into last season. We have the two best captains, Id say, to keep leading us, Zeh said. They keep getting everybody pumped up. The varsity team also has plenty of depth to get it through the season. Our depth is pretty good, Fruscio said. We have guys competing every day for positions. Were pretty much twodeep across the board. Class B will be tough as usual and the last time the Cadets won the Section II title was in 2006, when current NFL running back Dion Lewis helped
MIKE McMAHON/The Record
Academy get all the way to the state championship game. Its definitely a difficult Class, Fruscio said. Its difficult just to win your division because theres more than one good team on each side. Two years ago, the Cadets reached the Class B Super Bowl but lost in heartbreaking fashion to Schalmont. Thats our goal to get back, Dawoodani said. We have a lot of seniors, and all the seniors that we have played in that game. Its still an open wound. It hasnt healed yet.
2012 RESULTS
Sept. 1 Green Tech Sept. 8 Cohoes Sept. 15 Hudson Sept. 21 Ravena Sept. 28 Ichabod Crane Oct. 6 Queensbury Oct. 13 Lansingburgh Oct. 20 Glens Falls @ @- playoffs W 48-8 W 35-26 W 49-6 L 20-7 W 32-6 L 35-0 L 53-50 L 36-0
COACHS CORNER
Tony Fruscio 6th Season Career record 53 - 37
HUDDLE UP
Nickname: Cadets 2011 Record: 4-4 Offense: Wing-T Defense: 3-5 Starters Returning: 5 5 defense Last Playoff Game: 2012 Last Section II Title: 2006 Division: Class B, Reinfurt
offense;
Visit www.troyrecord.com or www.saratogian.com to watch a video about your team!
2013 ALBANY ACADEMY SCHEDULE

Sept. 7 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25-26 Nov. 1-2 vs. Green Tech at Cohoes at Hudson vs. Ravena vs. Ichabod Crane at Jamesville-Dewitt at Lansingburgh Playoffs Super Bowl 1 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 1 p.m. 1 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBA TBA
Photos by Mike McMahon/The Record
Above, Academy head coach Tony Fruscio discusses a play with his team during a recent morning practice. Right top, Eric Woods looks for running room. Right bottom, lineman Ahil Dawoodni runs through drills in preparation for the Cadets season opener against Green Tech.
FOLLOW
THE ACTION ON
TWITTER
6- Thursday, September 5, 2013
ALBANY FALCONS
A CLOSER LOOK
Christopher Wolcott knows that time is of the essence. The Albany High senior has been leaving it all out on the field during practices this preseason, knowing that this is his final year on the gridiron. Since this is my last year, Im going to put it all out there and hopefully something special happens this season, he said. Wolcott is a three-year varsity player and one of the guys coach Jon McClement is relying on, to get things going in the right direction for the entire Albany program. Those are the guys who really regulate things, guys who show the younger guys the way, McClement said. We always expect them to lead by example and show commitment and dedication to what it is were doing. The Falcons lost 17 seniors from last season and had a small JV squad in 2012, so this year, the team is a bit younger than it has been recently. Because of the teams youth, the veteran players are crucial in the effort to strive in creating a winning culture. We have some seniors returning who have quite a bit of game experience from last year and thats always a plus, said McClement. Wolcott is one of those key guys and hes hoping that if he can be a positive influence, and even a role model on and off the field, the team will continue to get better with every single practice. I feel like if I lead by example, theyll follow me, he said. I try to set the best example I can.
One victory sparks Falcons 2013 season

asantillo@troyrecord.com Twitter.com/AndrewSantillo
By ANDREW SANTILLO
ROSTER
1 C. Wolcott 12 QB/DB 6 J. Willard 11 RB/DB 7 J. Gristsavage 12 RB/DB 9 K. Morton-Johnson 11 RB/DB 10 T. Morris 11 RB/DB 12 N. Sorce 11 QB/DB 15 J. Sturdivant 11 RB/DB 22 L. Cancer 12 RB/DB 23 A. Emi 11 RB/LB 25 J. Roberts 12 RB/LB 32 S. Mentor 11 RB/DB 34 D. Washington 11 RB/LB 35 M. Mickle 11 RB/LB 40 D. Keyes 11 RB/LB 44 P. Britt-Busler 11 RB/LB 51 J. Roberts 12 RB/LB 52 D. Ukpere 12 OL/DL 54 S. South 11 OL/DL 55 W. Cooperrider 11 OL/DL 56 I. Sturdivant 12 OL/DL 61 C. Osbourne-Caesar 11 OL/LB 63 J. Torres 11 OL/DL 64 C. Kippins 12 OL/DL 65 S. Conners 11 OL/DL 74 J. Jonson 11 OL/DL 77 S. Johnson 12 OL/DL 80 J. Turner 11 RB/DB 82 M. Carter 11 RB/DB 88 S. Arthurton 11 RB/DB 5-10 5-7 6 5-7 5-9 5-8 5-6 5-8 5-5 5-7 5-9 5-10 5-8 5-8 5-9 5-7 5-11 5-8 5-9 5-6 5-6 5-8 5-10 6-3 5-11 6-2 5-6 5-10 5-10 170 140 160 150 150 150 140 165 165 180 130 180 160 180 170 210 195 285 185 220 190 235 190 185 310 280 140 145 150
ALBANY There is reason for optimism around the Albany High football program. Following four straight winless seasons, the Falcons were staring at another 0-9 finish in 2012. Then, in the second to last game of the season they picked up a 24-0 victory against South Glens Falls in a crossover matchup. That one game, albeit just one victory, gives this years team confidence heading into the 2013 season. Practice has been going very well, said senior Christopher Wolcott. Weve all been working very hard. Weve been pushing each other to the limit and doing whatever we can to get a winning season. The players have already noticed a difference between this preseason camp and the start to other years. These are some of the best practices weve ever seen, said junior Tysheem Morris. People are ready to work and dedicate themselves to the team and football.
Albany High football players Christopher Wolcott (left) and Tysheem Morris (right) are feeling confident heading into this year after the Falcons won their last game in 2012. The last time Albany High posted a winning season was in 2005 (5-4). Being at a Falcons practice, you would have no idea that the team has struggled so much in recent years, as this team has a positive vibe heading into 2013. These are some of the best practices weve had, as a program, in a long time, said coach Jon McClement, who enters his fourth season at the helm. The practices have been very business-like and thats a big positive. McClement wants to see continued improvement from his bunch every day. There are certainly season goals, but he just wants his team to keep progressing forward. The goal is always to win against the competition thats in front of you, he said. I want to win every game we play. Hopefully were instilling that in the kids, that you go out there to win every game you play. The team has upped its conditioning and they are pushing each other to work hard in the preseason, knowing that those extra reps will eventually
get them to where they want to be. It will pay off, Morris says he tells himself and his teammates during practice. After getting a taste of victory last year, the Falcons are pushing harder to keep the wins coming. We dont like to lose, Morris said. Now, were working harder because we want more Ws. The players are taking it one game at a time, but they also have some big goals theyd like to achieve. My goal is to at least
make the playoffs, Morris said. Im trying to work harder than anybody else, so we can be a solid team. Im really trying to get to the postseason, echoed Wolcott. I see the work ethic that these guys have, and I think its something we could reach this season. While things are off to a good start, there is certainly a long way to go before this team achieves its goal of getting the program back on the right track. Its a long season because of the physical nature, McClement said. You want to be there at the end.
2012 RESULTS
Aug. 31 Shenendehowa Sept. 7 CBA Sept. 14 Saratoga Sept. 22 Bethlehem Sept. 28 Ballston Spa Oct. 5 Scotia Oct. 13 Guilderland Oct. 20 South Glens Falls Oct. 25 Lansingburgh L 58-6 L 46-6 L 47-25 L 43-6 L 47-14 L 25-0 L 43-15 W 24-0 L 35-14
COACHS CORNER
Jon McClement 4th Season Career record 1 - 26
HUDDLE UP
Nickname: Falcons 2012 Record: 1-8 Offense: Multiple Defense: Multiple Starters Returning: 10 total Last Playoff Game: 2001 Last Section II Title: 1996 Division: Class AA, Empire
2013 ALBANY HIGH SCHEDULE

Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25-26 Nov. 1-2 vs. Saratoga at Guilderland vs. CBA at Shenendehowa vs. Syracuse Fowler at Bethlehem vs. Ballston Spa Playoffs Super Bowl 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBA TBA
Photos by J.S. Carras/The Record
Above, Albany High players put in the work at practice. The Falcons hope to improve on last seasons 1-8 overall record. Right, Falcons head coach Jon McClement keeps a watchful eye on a recent practice.
FOLLOW
THE ACTION ON
TWITTER
AVERILL PARK WARRIORS
A CLOSER LOOK
Chris Arnold isnt all too nervous about taking over the starting quarterback spot in his senior year. Although hes taking over for graduated QB Taylor Hotaling, who sparked the Warriors with a solid combination of arm and leg strength last seaon, Arnold is feeling pretty certain of what he can do. After all, he does have game-time experience, seeing plenty of action on the field as the Warriors free safety in 2012. But what truly has Arnold confident in his ability to lead his teams offense this season is the relationship hes already formed with Averill Parks returning center, Pat Wellington. Although they havent even taken the field for the season opener yet, the pair have already started working towards finding a rhythm and making sure theyre prepared for this years compeititon. Wellington in particular has been working to find a sense of leadership on the offense and creating a rhythm with Anderson is a crucial part of that goal. Pats a two-year starter, coach Zach Gobel said. Theyve gotten a ton of reps here in the offseason, just working on those snaps. Thanks to a preseason workout routine, both Arnold and Wellington have formed a solid relationship that theyre hoping will be a building block for the entire Averill Park offense. Its pretty exciting, Wellington said. I have a good relationship with him, so it should be a good year.
A team on and off the football field

lamato@troyrecord.com Twitter.com/LauraAmato
By LAURA AMATO
ROSTER
AVERILL PARK The players on the Averill Park football team all have one thing in common this season. Theyve all spent years on the gridiron together, growing as football players, as athletes, but perhaps most importantly, as friends. Its that kind of relationship, knowing each other as players and as friends that the Warriors are hoping will lift them to a season of success in 2013. As a team weve played together for a long time now, senior defensive end Max Tessitore said. We expect to win this year. That kind of comradery has been apparent throughout the offseason as the Warriors have worked to increase their skill and their strength months before the season opener against Amsterdam. Weve been working hard all offseason, junior center Pat Wellington said. Were just hoping it all pays off. While Averill Park was hit by some losses to graduation in the offseason, for the most part the Warriors return experienced play-
Jack Ainsley, Chris Arnold, Logan Fahrenkopf and Matt Ainsley are hoping that the Warriors relationship off-the-field will help lift the Averill Park football team to success in 2013.
FRANCINE GRINNELL/The Record
ers this fall, even if those players might be changing position on the field. There is some shifting as far as starting spots for Averill Park this year, but having players committed to an offseason program that was unlike anything the team had gone through before gives the Warriors a solid bit of confidence. A lot of guys worked really hard this offseason so I think were going to be in pretty good shape, senior quarterback Chris Arnold said. We had our whole roster pretty much in the weight room. Everyones training hard
and working hard. While theyve spent years together, these past few months have done more for the unity of Averill Park than anything before. Its that transition that the team is hoping will translate onto the field. When you know guys, you can work better, senior linebacker Jack Ansley said. You can push guys to work harder because you know what they need. Thats what I really like about these guys they push you to get better. Seeing that kind of dedication from their teammates day in and day out has only gone to strength-
en the bond between everyone on the Averill Park squad and it is has them anxious to compete in an incredible difficult Class A schedule. I think as coaches were always a little apprehensive going into the season, until we get a couple of games under our belt, coach Zach Gobel said. To see these guys willing to work makes me proud of them. I think it goes to show the character of the kids. After dropping out of the sectional tournament last year thanks to a first-round loss to Amsterdam, the Warriors are not only looking for a little revenge this
2 3 4 7 12 15 16 17 21 22 23 24 25 27 32 34 35 40 41 44 48 50 52 55 56 60 62 64 65 66 70 74 75 77 81 86 88 89 INJ INJ
T. Kiely 12 M. Ainsley 12 J. McPartlin 11 T. Vermiyla 10 S. Shoemaker 11 C. Arnold 12 D. Pasquariello 11 C. Radzyminski 12 B. Rice 12 B. Kirk 12 J. Mosher 12 N. Haase 11 J. Lettko 11 G. Ryan 11 G. Ackner 11 M. Ainsley 11 T. Kane 11 I. Moak 10 C. Ferra 11 J. Ainsley 12 D. Lamica 12 K. Sears 12 J. Lanzilla 10 M. Tessitore 12 T. Yetto 12 N. Horton 12 D. Rockwell 11 N. Plumley 11 M. Cardinoza 11 K. ONeil 11 S. White 10 J. Arsenault 11 P. Wellington 11 B. Weaver 12 L. Fahrenkopf 12 R. Fahrekopf 11 R. Warner 11 R. Mosall 12 C. Butterfield 11 D. Sanchez 11
WR/DB RB/DB WR/DB QB/DB WR/DB QB/DB RB/DB WR/DB RB/DB WR/DL RB/DB RB/DB RB/DB RB/DL RB/LB RB/LB WR/DL RB/LB WR/LB RB/LB RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB WR/DL WR/DL
5-10 5-6 5-7 6-2 6-1 5-10 5-7 6-3 5-10 6-4 5-6 5-7 5-10 5-9 6 5-7 5-10 5-10 5-9 5-6 5-8 6-3 5-10 6-1 6-1 5-6 6-1 5-8 5-10 6 5-9 6-3 5-10 5-8 6-2 5-9 5-7 6-1
175 150 165 160 160 170 145 195 159 195 140 150 160 235 170 165 165 165 150 175 160 250 230 200 200 176 265 255 225 205 235 250 220 175 175 130 160 180
season but also going farther than ever before. Thanks to a solid core of players that know exactly what they need to do in order to play off each other, Averill Park is actively seeking the programs firstever Section II title. For these players, it isnt about the individual glory, its all about becoming one team. Were just going to play together, Tessitore said. Its not about individual roles really. Were really excited.
2012 RESULTS
Aug. 31 Amsterdam Sept. 7 Queensbury Sept. 14 Mohonasen Sept. 21 Scotia Sept. 28 Bishop Maginn Oct. 5 Troy Oct. 12 Glens Falls Oct. 19 Amsterdam @ @ - playoffs W 30-24 L 26-12 W 34-20 L 34-22 W 22-6 L 14-6 L 30-20 L 58-14
COACHS CORNER
Zach Goebel 4th Season Career record 12 - 12
HUDDLE UP
Nickname: Warriors 2012 Record: 3-5 Offense: Multiple Defense: Multiple 4-3 Starters Returning: 4 offense; 4 defense Last Playoff Game: 2012 Last Section II Title: Never Division: Class A, Southwest
2013 AVERILL PARK SCHEDULE

Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25-26 Nov. 1-2 vs. Amsterdam at South Glens Falls at Bishop Maginn vs. Cohoes at Mohonasen vs. Troy at Burnt Hills Playoffs Super Bowl 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBA TBA
Above, Averill Park head coach Zach Gobel works with his team on blocking drills. Right, Warriors players go through calisthenics during a recent practice session.
FOLLOW
THE ACTION ON
TWITTER
Scotties boast improved leadership from 12

shudy@saratogian.com Twitter.com/StanHudy
BALLSTON SPA SCOTTIES

By STAN HUDY
A CLOSER LOOK
Two head coaches may prove to be better than one at Ballston Spa this year after first-year coach Dave Murello added former Schuylerville head coach Greg OConnor to his staff. They both said its a perfect fit. Weve had our team camp with Schuylerville for the past five years, so Ive seen him, Murello said. We see his kids when they are out here for Pop Warner; were always going to each others games. Ive had a good relationship with them, we run the same offense, weve shared different ideas. When I found out he was available and that he was still looking to coach, we jumped right on that right away. For OConnor, having a reduced role was a perfect fit for the Ballston Spa resident and former Schuylerville head coach. Ive been through everything that he is going to go through, OConnor said. Whether it is talking to the grounds crew, talking to reporters, little things that unless youve been a head coach, you dont really know. Tabbed as the elder statesman for the Scotties, Murello expects to lean on his new assistant. We have a real young staff; hes the older guy on staff, hes been around this longer and hes been a head coach for the past 10 years, Murello said. For all of our enthusiasm, hes the one to say slow it down, heres what weve done in that past. I think that he has been eating it up that this is his role now.
BALLSTON SPA First-year varsity coach Dave Murello remembers last year too well; four losses in the span of less than two minutes made the Scotties also-rans versus contenders. This year the difference will come from his upper classmen, the Scotties sense of teamwork and from his quarterbacks. We have to have leadership, senior lineman Jake Toomey said. I felt that last year there were only a few kids last year with leadership. I feel this year that there are more seniors and we can rely on them. His offensive linemates will be a key to the flexbone offense being successful and scoring late. We have to move people off the ball and get things done, do everything right, Toomey said. We have to know the playbook, not mess up the plays. Senior wide receiver Kyle Novak is seeing more reps in practice. Im seeing definitely more pass opportunities, and we have the tight end sets that are incorporated
into the offense, Novak said. Were seeing more passes to the split ends in team set more. If successful, Novak and the receiving corps could make for longer film sessions for the opposition. We were a one-dimensional team, but now adding the pass dimension ... if its successful, its going to be harder to defend, Novak said. On the defensive side, as a linebacker, Novak is confident. Were going to have a lot of returning guys who know what we are doing, not much different from last year, Novak said. Guys know what we have to do, where they have to be and (Murello) has been working on that since day one of practice. Murello also has a pleasant dilemma this preseason, deciding who will run the flexbone. Derek Chandler was up on varsity with us last year, he learned a lot, how things go, Murello said. The game has slowed down for him a little bit now, so he is making really good reads, good strides. Luke Kavanaugh broke his leg last year on JV, so hes having to
ROSTER
2 3 5 6 8 13 16 17 20 21 23 24 30 31 32 33 34 37 40 41 52 54 55 56 59 61 62 63 64 65 71 72 73 74 75 76 81 82 83 Matt Hommel RB/LB Sam Groves RB/DB Ryan Broe WR/DB Shane Winkle RB/DB Chris Vesic WR/LB Brian Bernier RB/DL Derek Chandler QB/DB Luke Kavanaugh QB/DB Logan Virkler WR/DB Andrew Van Avery RB/DB Kiernan Mack RB/DB Derek Kolberg RB/LB Kyle Basta SE/DB Joe Vukas WR/DB Taylor Gray RB/LB Jarrid Lynett RB/LB Taylor Kelsey RB/DB James Scott WR/DB Anthony Monaco WR/DB John Augustin RB/LB James Overocker OL/LB Mike Curcurito OL/LB Fred Lohaus OL/DL Will Oates OL/DL Nate VanPatten OL/DL Noah Marek OL/DL Robert Sands OL/DL Nate Welsh OL/DL Jake Toomey OL/DL Ryan Keefe OL/DL Nate Tinney OL/LB Chris Stedry OL/DL Scott Sparks OL/DL Jasper Graves OL/DL Jake Lohaus OL/DL Scott Boyland OL/DL Chris Northrop WR/DB Dimetri Otto WR/DB Kyle Novak WR/DB 11 12 12 11 12 12 11 11 12 11 12 12 11 12 11 10 12 11 12 12 11 11 12 12 12 11 11 12 12 12 12 11 12 11 11 12 11 SR 12 184 148 169 158 173 203 158 165 161 159 150 168 145 197 191 162 149 123 153 N/A 186 166 160 222 271 179 223 180 240 198 188 265 238 278 230 258 111 134 168
Ballston Spa returners WR/LB Kyle Novak and OL/DL Jake Toomey are looking to make new head coach Dave Murellos first season memorable with the Scotties. make up for that, but hes very coachable, a real hard worker. They both have a day where one does better than another and the next day the other has a better day. Murello said the decision will come down to the scrimmages before naming a starter. It could be great, especially in something like this, Murello said. They are in a high collision position, so its great. They are both juniors, so they are both going to be competing this year; they are both going to be competing next year. We never role into a new season with predetermined starters. We want competitiveness, not combativeness and the competition is making both of them better. The first preseason has brought nothing but smiles to Murello and his staff. I feel energized after having the same role for
STAN HUDY/The Saratogian
four years, I have new energy because of them, Murello said. We have a lot of really hard workers who want to learn how to play the game the right way. Each day we are getting a little bit better, just one guy away from having all 11 guys doing the same thing.
2012 RESULTS
Aug. 31 Bethlehem Sept. 7 Schenectady Sept. 14 Guilderland Sept. 21 Shenendehowa Sept. 28 Albany Oct. 5 CBA Oct. 12 Saratoga Springs Oct. 19 Shaker @ Oct. 25 vs. Scotia-Glenville @- playoffs L 19-18 L 34-27 L 21-20 L 49-7 W 47-14 L 12-6 W 34-0 L 28-0 L 32-21
COACHS CORNER
Dave Murello 1st Season Career record 0-0
HUDDLE UP
Nickname: Scotties 2012 Record: 2-7 Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-3 Starters Returning: 7 total Last Playoff Game: 2012 Last Section II Title: Never Division: Class AA, Empire
2013 BALLSTON SPA SCHEDULE

Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25-26 Nov. 1-2 vs. Guilderland at Saratoga vs. Shenendehowa at Bethlehem vs. CBA at Niskayuna at Albany Playoffs Super Bowl 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBA TBA
Above, a Ballston Spa player practices long snapping during a recent practice.
Photos by Stan Hudy/The Saratogian
Left, Ballston Spa players particpate in a line drill in preparation for the teams season opener against Guilderland.
BETHLEHEM EAGLES
By ANDREW SANTILLO
A CLOSER LOOK
If teams are hoping to slow down the Bethlehem rushing attack in 2013, they better be ready to work. The Eagles will have a stable of running backs coming at the opposition this season and they are all pretty talented. We have a lot more options than in past years with the run game, which is going to help us, said senior Jason Clas. You cant just zero in on any one guy. Mike Graves, who rushed for more than 1,100 yards in 2012, will be the No. 1 option. But there are others like Clas, and the team has a new back, a player who rushed for more than 1,500 yards on the JV team last year. Coach Rick Leach hasnt changed his offense too much, but he knows that he must figure out how to get his talented backs the ball, with a chance to make a play. We have to get ourselves in an offense that takes advantage of what those kids we can do, he said. Bethlehem lost four offensive linemen to graduation, but the Eagles are still relying on the rushing game to jumpstart their offensive attack. Itll probably be our strong part of the offense, Clas said. Even though the line is all new, theyve really been coming together well. With what they have at their disposal, the Eagles seem to have an early leg up on the field, when it comes to running the football. Thats our bread and butter, Graves said. We want to establish the running game, but still keep the defense on their toes.
Building off momentum en route to success

ROSTER
2 D. Robeson 12 QB/LB 6 S. Ferrigan 12 P 7 N. Crisorio 11 QB/S 9 R. Giglio 12 WR/S 11 D. Comber 11 TE/DE 12 J.Fredette 11 QB/DE 15 B. Bettinger 11 RB/LB 18 A. Herrman 12 WR/S 19 J. Clas 12 RB/DE 20 B. Zonca 11 RB/LB 21 T. Ganley 11 WR/CB 22 R. Shade 12 WR/CB 24 B. Rhatigan 12 RB/DT 25 M. Graves 12 RB/CB 26 Z. Davis 12 TE/LB 28 Z. Mendleson 11 WR/CB 33 V. Ferrara 12 RB/LB 36 C.Tangora 11 TE/LB 38 J. Barens 11 TE/DE 44 T. Russo 11 WR/S 45 S. Sontz 12 WR/LB 50 A. Comtois 11 OL/LB 52 T. Barrett 11 OL/LB 53 J. Hoffman 11 OL/DL 55 C. Lukacs 11 OL/LB 56 M. Latter 12 OL/DL 58 K. Starr 11 OL/DL 61 J. Dietz 12 OL/DL 63 J. LaClair 11 OL/LB 66 M. Burman 12 OL/DL 70 P. Demers 11 OL/DE 71 R. Wildermuth 11 OL/DE 73 D. Vickery 12 OL/DT 76 M. Whtney 12 OL/DL 77 J. Groesbeck12 OL/DL 79 T. Verstandig11 OL/DL 82 B. Stempsey 12 WR/LB 88 P. Rarick 12 WR/DB 5-7 170 6-5 17-0 5-10 135 5-6 140 6-2 190 6-1 190 6 170 6-2 175 6-2 215 5-10 180 5-10 160 5-10 145 5-4 178 5-7 160 6 180 5-8 155 5-7 170 6 205 5-11 180 5-11 155 5-6 135 6 205 5-10 180 5-10 215 5-11 170 5 205 5-11 190 5-10 260 6-1 215 5-9 190 6-1 200 6-2 190 6 265 6 215 6-3 235 6 205 6 180 5-11 155
DELMAR Rick Leach doesnt like to set seasonlong goals for his football team, but dont tell that to his players who have already established their initial goal for 2013 make the playoffs. Entering his fourth season as the Bethlehem High head coach, Leach is more concerned with dayto-day improvement and getting better as a team. We dont worry about results, he said. I think thats helped us, in the past, stay afloat when weve struggled at times. Leachs players arent looking past the preseason, but they know what they want to achieve. We want to make the playoffs since Bethlehem has not been able to that the past few years, said senior Jason Clas. Weve come up short. Last year, the Eagles finished the regular-season 3-4, but they won their last regular season game and two crossover games to give them momentum. Bethlehem hasnt reached the playoffs since 2009, falling in a quarterfinal to Ballston Spa, 21-14. The players believe this could be the year the pro-
Bethlehems Mike Graves and Jason Clas are hoping that end-of-the-season success last year will help spark the Eagles season and lead the team to a playoff berth this fall. gram returns to the postseason. Thats goal No. 1, said senior Mike Graves. Despite losing 10 starters on defense and four offensive linemen, there is optimism circling the Eagles nest. Were more confident than in most years, Graves said. Practice has been the most competitive since Ive been on varsity. Graves was a workhorse last year, rushing for 1,157 yards, which placed him 11th in Section II. He also rushed for 11 touchdowns and recorded more than 200 yards in two of the final three games of the year. But, Graves believes he can have a better year in his final high school season. I have a lot of confidence under my belt, he said. The preseason has been solid as the team is working hard. Practices have been going great, Leach said. We have a really good group of kids. Theyre very experienced and its been very smooth. The Eagles have spilt up their practice time into three portions, working on offense in the morning and
defense and special teams after lunch. Were going to have a few two-way starters this year, so we have to focus on doing our job and knowing our positions on the field, said Graves. Its something that Bethlehem has been doing the past few years with success. We have so many guys who are in the mix both ways, so we like to focus on one thing at a time, said Leach. Although they didnt qualify for the playoffs in 2012, Leach felt that by the end of the season, they
were a playoff-caliber club. Our seniors had a very good freshman season, a winning record last season as juniors, and our juniors were 7-2 on JV, Leach said. Theyve done some winning. Its a pretty confident group of kids. Bethlehem has posted a 4-5 record in six of the last nine seasons and the players are focused on a breakout season. The momentum from last year is helping us, Clas said. Its confidence. Were ready to do even better this year.
2012 RESULTS
Aug. 31 Ballston Spa Sept. 7 Saratoga Sept. 14 Shenendehowa Sept. 22 Albany High Sept. 28 CBA Oct. 5 Guilderland Oct. 12 Colonie Oct. 19 Niskayuna Oct. 26 La Salle W 19-18 L 21-13 L 57-0 W 43-6 L 61-26 L 25-21 W 26-7 W 25-24 W 34-3
COACHS CORNER
Rick Leach 4th Season Career record 15 - 21
HUDDLE UP
Nickname: Eagles 2012 Record: 5-4 Offense: Multiple Defense: Multiple Starters Returning: 4 offense; 2 defense Last Playoff Game: 2009 Last Section II Title: 2001 Division: Class AA, Empire Division
2013 BETHLEHEM SCHEDULE

Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25-26 Nov. 1-2 at CBA at Schenectady vs. Guilderland vs. Ballston Spa at Saratoga vs. Albany at Shenendehowa Playoffs Super Bowl 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBA TBA
Above, Bethlehem linemen work out during a recent practice at Bethlehem High School. The Eagles visit CBA in their season opener Friday night. Right, Eagles head coach Rick Leach instructs players.
FOLLOW
THE ACTION ON
TWITTER
Merger between two schools produces Sainted Knights

sports@saratogian.com Twitter.com/SaratogaSports
BISHOP GIBBONS-SARATOGA CATHOLIC SAINTED KNIGHTS

By BRIEN BOUYEA
ROSTER
1 J. Dobkowski 12 K/DB 5-7 7 D. Bhavsar 12 FB/LB 5-9 9 J. VanPatten 11 RB/DB 6 11 M. Niles 12 QB/DE 6-3 12 K. Mooney 10 WR/LB 6-1 17 P. Clare 11 WR/LB 6 21 R. Rikprashad 12 RB/DB 5-7 22 B. Maloney 11 TE/DE 6-2 24 S. Berard 11 WR/DB 5-11 25 B. Murfy 11 WR/DB 5-5 29 A. Coppola 10 WR/DB 5-9 34 D. Haskell 11 RB/DB 5-10 42 A. Craan 9 WR/DB 5-4 48 W. Tymeson 8 RB/DB 5-5 55 M. Cahill 11 OL/LB 5-6 61 M. Tatlock 11 OL/DE 5-11 60 L. Maloney 8 OL/DL 6-2 62 A. Tatlock 12 OL/DL 5-9 71 E. Blanchard 11 TE/DE 6 76 Z. Burt 12 OL/DL 6 88 R. DallArmelliba 12 WR/DB 6 148 190 175 220 165 170 130 175 135 130 148 175 140 140 195 166 201 157 180 225 170
SCHENECTADY The official name of the football team John Barber is coaching this fall is the Notre DameBishop Gibbons/Saratoga Central Catholic Sainted Knights. Barber is hoping the merger of the two small schools goes smoother than actually saying the full name. Its certainly a mouthful, Barber said. Were taking the first steps to what we hope leads us to building a successful, stable football program. Bishop Gibbons went 08 on the gridiron in 2012. The Golden Knights were outscored 253-80 and had to forfeit a game because of a lack of healthy players. Meanwhile, Saratoga Catholic was unable to field a team at all because of a numbers shortage. It made sense to see if Section II would allow us to merge the programs because otherwise neither school would have likely been able to field a team this season, said Barber, who played at Hudson Valley Community College and has coached on the high school level at Schuylerville and Greenwich. Weve got 15 kids from Gibbons and seven from Spa Catholic and were doing our best to make this work. The Sainted Knights will compete on the Class D level this season. They are slated to play two home games in Schenectady and two at East Side Rec in Saratoga Springs, including the
HUDDLE UP
Nickname: Sainted Knights 2012 Record: N/A Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Starters Returning: N/A Last Playoff Game: N/A Last Section II Title: N/A Division: Class D, South
From left, David Haskell, Zach Burt and Brendan Maloney (from Bishop Gibbons), and Zach Bell, Jake Van Patten and Mike Niles (from Saratoga Catholic) will be counted on to help the Sainted Knights in their first year. home opener Sept. 14 vs. Lake George. They open the season Sept. 7 against Schoburg. Weve certainly got a challenging road ahead of us, but the good thing is these kids are dedicated to football. Theyre making the best of this unique situation and theyre getting better each day, Barber said. Weve put a big emphasis on building team chemistry and playing good fundamental football. I see quite a bit of promise in this group. Barber, an assistant coach at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute from 2005-2010, says the Sainted Knights will employ many of the aspects of the spread offense that has been so effective at RPI throughout the years.
ERICA MILLER/The Saratogian
It made sense to see if Section II would allow us to merge the programs because otherwise neither school would have likely been able to field a team this season.
John Barber Sainted Knights coach
I think our skill players will really benefit from our style of play, Barber said. We want a quick tempo and we want to dictate the action. The biggest key will be taking care of the football. Barber said he is relying on returning Gibbons players such as junior David Haskell, sophomore Kevin Mooney, senior Zach Burt and junior Brendan Maloney to be key contributors to the offense. He added that Saratoga Catholics Zach Bell, Mike Niles and Jake Van Patten will play key roles and have been impressive so far in practice. Defensively, the Sainted Knights will run a 4-3 scheme, with former RPI assistant Will Headen making the calls. Its great to have a guy like Will as an assistant head coach and running the defense, Barber said. I think we work well together and were looking to be very aggressive
on that side of the ball. Barber hopes the merger is a lasting one and that this season establishes a foundation for future success. To have a truly successful program you have to build through the modified and junior varsity levels and right now were lacking that base, Barber said. With hard work and dedicated kids, I think we can steadily build something here that everybody will be proud to be associated with. The kids we have this year know that it all starts with them. Well certainly have our growing pains, but I think you will also see steady progress with this group and we have nowhere to go but up. Were looking forward to a fun season.
COACHS CORNER
John Barber 1st Season Career record 0-0
2012 RESULTS
None
BISHOP GIBBONS-SARATOGA CATHOLIC SCHEDULE

Sept. 7 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 20 Oct. 25-26 Nov. 1-2 vs. Schoburg vs. Lake George at Rensselaer at Canajoharie at Cambridge at Schoburg vs. Hoosic Valley Playoffs Super Bowl 1 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 1 p.m. 1 p.m. 7 p.m. TBA TBA
Photos by Ed Burke/The Saratogian
Above, Bishop Gibbons-Saratoga Catholic offensive line coach Willie Headen looks on during practice on Aug. 28. Right, Brandon Murray runs the ball during practice as the Sainted Knights prepare for their season opener against Schoburg.
FOLLOW
THE ACTION ON
TWITTER
BISHOP MAGINN GRIFFINS

By ANDREW SANTILLO
A CLOSER LOOK
Small roster sizes are always an issue for the private schools. This years Bishop Maginn football team is dealing with that problem again. The Griffins currently have only 23 players and the school wont field a JV squad for the fourth straight season. Thats a challenge every day, said coach Joe Grasso. The Bishop Maginn players know they have to be in much better shape because they wont get many breaks during a game. Ironman football, said senior Andres Colon. We have to play both ways. The hope is more players will come out for the team, once the school year begins, as has happened over the past several years. The beginning of the season is a little bit tough, said Grasso. While his players get more reps, the toughest part is trying to get live matchups in the preseason. It makes it hard, Grasso said. The hardest part of having small numbers is trying to get a good look in practice, when you get to the team period. The increased conditioning and never stopping during practice should have the Griffins ready for the start of the season. As they look to bounce back after a disappointing 2012 season, the Maginn squad is confident that theyll be able to hold their own on the field. We run hard in practice so that wont be a problem, said junior Jeremy Nixon. You can see the difference between a couple weeks ago and today.
Young squad still has plenty of heart

ROSTER
ALBANY Andres Colon is ready to put the 2012 season behind him. The Bishop Maginn senior running back/defensive end knows that his team didnt have as much success as hed like last year. This time around, hes determined to make sure the Griffins achieve what theyre capable of. Were very excited, Colon said. This team is looking better than last year. We have a lot of guys working hard here. The Griffins finished 1-8, losing their final six games, but were in a few close battles. You can be competitive, but its hard to win against senior-laden teams, said coach Joe Grasso. Experience was an issue. Physical maturity was an issue. This years team is still young, mostly comprised of sophomore and juniors, but the experience gained last year will help them greatly. You can tell their experience level is different, Grasso said. Their physical contact is certainly much more aggressive. In 2012, the Griffins
2 4 7 8 9 11 20 21 22 25 42 44 56 60 66 70 73 75 77 79 80 81 87
A. Duckett 11 QB/S A. Colon 12 RB/DE P. Duell 11 RB/LB I. Anderson 11 WR/CB D. Storm 10 WR/FB N. Bianchino 11 QB/S J. Weaver 10 RB/CB J. Nixon 11 WR/S N. Foster 11 RB/DB M. Friend 9 WR/DB P.Jenkins 10 HB/LB K. Tillery 9 RB/DB C. P-Holmberg12 G/LB T. Le 12 OG/NG G. Sarrion 11 OT/DT K. Turner 10 C/DE S. Graham 10 OT/DE O. Johnson 11 OT/G A. Bourne 10 OT/DT K. Patterson 12 C/G J. Jones 12 TE/DE T. Vastion 10 WR/CB E. Sarrion 12 TE/DE
6-1 6 5-7 6-1 5-11 5-10 5-8 6-1 5-8 5-8 5-9 5-9 5-10 5-7 6-2 5-10 6-3 5-9 5-10 5-11 6-1 5-9 6-3
175 175 180 160 165 165 160 165 190 165 180 165 210 190 215 180 215 250 320 320 210 155 220
Jeremy Nixon, Neiko Bianchino, Andres Colon and Kamal Patterson are ready to help Bishop Maginn bounce this season after a disappointing performance in 2012.
FRANCINE GRINNELL/The Record
started three freshmen, seven sophomores and only had five seniors. Last year, we were a young team, said junior Jeremy Nixon. Were all growing as a team this year and I think well do well. Last season, the Griffins hung around in games, but had trouble closing the deal. They lost three games by seven points or less and lost another by two scores. Last year we were just so young, said Grasso. Bishop Maginn returns seven kids on both sides of the ball. While that doesnt necessarily mean they will
be better, Grasso knows that year of experience will benefit his club. The goal is to get back to the playoffs and rebound from the worst season in recent history. Playoffs are always the expectation, Colon said. Were just going to take it game-by-game and see how it goes. Winning games and making it back to the postseason is the feeling throughout the team heading into this year. We should have a way better season than last year, said Nixon. Preseason camp has been positive and the
team is just hoping to carry that over into the first game against South Glens Falls. Ive been pretty impressed with the work ethic of our kids, Grasso said. Theyve worked hard every day. Our goal is to get better as an individual and as a team every day in practice and thats what were trying to do. Bishop Maginn has three of its top four receivers back as well as pretty good depth in the backfield with Colon, sophomore Jaushirr Weaver and freshman KyEre Tillery. The Griffins also have junior
Neiko Bianchino at quarterback. Hes going to get me the ball, said Nixon, a 6foot-2 wideout, of Bianchino. He has a good arm, is a smart quarterback and I think hes going to win a few games for us. Grasso feels good about his talent at the skill positions in his split back veer offense, and is just hoping his offensive and defensive lines can come together. It all comes down to line play, he said. Grasso is entering his 37th year at the helm for Bishop Maginn and he knows at this time of year, things can be mixed. I see a lot of positives and I see a lot of room for improvement, he said.
2012 RESULTS
Aug. 31 Gloversville Sept. 7 South Glens Falls Sept. 14 Green Tech Sept. 21 Troy Sept. 28 Averill Park Oct. 5 Mohonasen Oct. 13 Scotia Oct. 18 Cohoes Oct. 25 Hudson Falls L 44-20 L 12-8 W 25-6 L 40-14 L 22-6 L 28-7 L 42-23 L 33-27 L 33-26
COACHS CORNER
Joe Grasso 37th Season Career record 195 - 142 - 5
HUDDLE UP
Nickname: Griffins 2012 Record: 1-8 Offense: Split Back Veer Defense: 5-2 Starters Returning: 7 offense; 7 defense Last Playoff Game: 2011 Last Section II: 1983 Division: Class A, Southeast
2013 BISHOP MAGINN SCHEDULE

Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25-26 Nov. 1-2 at South Glens Falls at Queensbury vs. Averill Park at Troy at Gloversville at Mohonasen at Niskayuna Playoffs Super Bowl 7 p.m. 1 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBA TBA
Above, head coach Joe Grasso runs a recent practice. The Griffins will kick off their 2013 season Friday night at South Glens Falls. Right top, Andrea Colon and Jeremy Nixon lead teammates through laps before practice. Right bottom, Joe Grasso gives instructs players on the finer points of the game. Grasso, who has compiled a career record of 195-142-5, is hoping to lead the Griffins back to the Class A playoffs for the first time since the 2011 season.
BURNT HILLS-BALLSTON LAKE SPARTANS

By STAN HUDY
A CLOSER LOOK
When Burnt HillsBallston Lake running back Dan Porter tore his ACL in June, the Spartan faithful held their collective breaths for one minute and then they remembered that this is the Spartan squad that seems to reload every year.
Defending state champs not resting on past

ROSTER
2 Michael Civitello TE/DE 3 Garrett Snyder WR/DB 4 Dan Porter RB/DB 5 Packy Brown WR/DB 7 Max Charlton RB/DB 8 Dylan Guy RB/DB 9 Brian Dahlin TE/LB 11 Danny Maynard QB/DB 12 Joe Butler RB/DB 16 Abdellah Campbell WR/DB 17 Brendan VanAllen TE/LB 18 Donovan Power TE/DE 20 Tyler Dowdle RB/DB 21 James Prezioso WR/DB 24 Josh Quesada RB/DB 31 Ethan Perregaux RB/DB 32 Alex Roney RB/LB 34 Anthony Pedone OL.DL 37 David Nusbaum TE/LB 39 Matt Sterlina RB/LB 42 Paul Longi OL/DL 44 David Newell RB/LB 49 Seamus McCormick RB/DE 50 Alex Dodge OL/DL 51 Austin Manhey OL/DL 52 Roswell Warren OL/DL 55 Sam Bartlett OL/DL 56 Perry Ramsey OL/DL 57 Jake Ashcraft C/DE 58 Jeff Tope OL/DL 59 Andy Filimon OL/DL 64 Joseph Messare OL/DL 66 Taylor Russell OL/DL 68 Jacob Ellinger OL/DL 70 Nico Fragale OL/DL 71 Brennan VanSchaick OL/DL 74 Antonio Rodriquez OL/DL 77 Josh Harrison OL/DL OL/DL 78 Zack Zimolka 80 Kevin Gabay RB/DB 81 Noah Klehn OL/DL 88 Mike Foster WR/DB 89 Paul Krowel TE/DE 12 11 12 11 11 12 11 11 12 12 11 11 11 11 12 11 11 11 12 12 11 12 11 11 11 12 12 11 12 11 10 11 11 12 12 11 12 11 12 12 6-3 5-9 6-2 6-3 6-0 5-10 5-11 5-10 5-10 5-10 5-11 6-1 6-0 5-8 5-8 5-10 5-10 6-0 6-0 5-11 5-9 5-9 5-11 5-8 5-11 5-10 5-11 5-9 6-2 6-0 5-10 5-9 5-6 5-8 5-10 5-7 5-8 5-10 6-0 5-11 5-10 6-1 6-3 180 160 210 180 165 160 155 185 160 155 185 165 180 140 165 165 170 180 215 165 162 190 180 240 220 245 250 185 170 200 170 200 190 215 240 190 195 210 230 160 180 160 185
BURNT HILLS For the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake football squad, capturing a New York state Class A title last year was the culmination of hard work and dedication combined with a group of gifted athletes. But that was last year. It was a great season last year, but no one is going to hand us anything based on what we did last year, Burnt Hills coach Matt Shell said. These kids are the same; theyre not relying on last year. They are working real hard, have a great attitude and are excited to get the season started with the new things that come along with a new season. Shell rarely refers to the previous season, doesnt use the term repeating champions, and stresses that it is about today. To be good at this game you have to be willing to work hard and have a degree of talent and have to be willing to be good at the little things, the fundamentals, something we focus on all the time, Shell said. I dont think its any different with this group. Part of this years group will be the absence of running back Dan Porter who
Burnt Hills senior Dave Newell (44) and junior Danny Maynard (11) will have to lead the Spartan offense in the absence of returning senior starter Dan Porter, who tore his ACL in June, if the squad hopes to return to the Carrier Dome. tore his ACL in June. In his place, Dave Newell will take over once again and Dan Maynard will move from runner to signal caller in the Spartans Wing-T offense. Its his senior year, I feel worse for him than anything else, Shell said. The reality is that we have to get more kids ready to play to make sure we are competitive week one. By moving some kids around and repetition, I think well be OK. Newell understands the role he needs to fill. When I first found out I knew I was going to play both sides of the ball, and I started going into the gym every day looking to get my endurance up to play both sides, Newell said. I went through the motions last year, Ive done it before, its not all brand new, and its more endurance that I focused on. Its not like we have one superstar player, we have a whole team. When (Porter) went down (last year vs. Queensbury), we found a way through it and well be good. Newell understands Porters role in last years title run.
You cant replace Porter, and Im just going to do the best I can, but also its still the guys because you have the offensive line, who is a major part of it, Newell said. We have (Josh Quesada) and our people standing up at wing and wide receivers; its not like its a one-person thing, so that helps a lot. While the pressure may be on Newell to replace one of the areas top backs, Maynard is following in line with a group of historic Spartan quarterbacks. Paul Layton, hes punting at Temple; Phil
Neumann is at Ithaca, Keaton Flint is playing Division I baseball, Ryan McDonald is punting and kicking at Ithaca, state champion, with two appearances at the Carrier Dome, Maynard said. I have big shoes to fill. All these guys that played quarterback before me, its finally my turn. Ive been waiting since I was in eighth grade, and as a junior I finally start taking snaps.
Aug. 31 Troy Sept. 7 Schalmont Sept. 14 South High Sept. 21 Queensbury Sept. 29 Gloversville Oct. 6 Amsterdam Oct. 12 Columbia Oct. 19 Mohonasen @ Oct. 26 Queensbury@ Nov. 3 Amsterdam @ Nov. 9 Potsdam @ Nov. 16 Cornwall @ Nov. 23 Sweet Home @ @- playoffs
2012 RESULTS
L 17-7 W 37-0 W 62-0 W 49-14 W 54-7 W 32-22 W 62-8 W 68-6 W 36-20 W 48-6 W 42-0 W 28-13 W 40-20
COACHS CORNER
Matt Shell 12th Season Career record 98 - 23
HUDDLE UP
Nickname: Spartans 2012 Record: 12-1 Offense: Wing-T Defense: 4-3 Starters Returning: 8 total Last Playoff Game: 2012 Last Section II Title: 2012 Division: Class A, Northwest
I was at the YMCA playing basketball with a couple of buddies and we do it all the time, just something we do in the summer, Dan Porter said. I did a jump stop on a layup and landed wrong and it tore. It was weird, it felt like a pop. Tearing my ACL was one of my biggest fears my entire life, the first thing that came to mind. Porter is still at every Burnt Hills practice, finding a way to help his classmates and teammates. Im missing my senior year and it sucks, thats all there is to it, Porter said. If it didnt happen then, whos to say it wouldnt happen today. It was destined to happen, I guess. This isnt the first time that the Spartans were without Porter. I got hurt last year with my ankle and Danny (Maynard) filled in for me then, Porter said. Hes playing quarterback, and Dave Newell is going to fill in for me and they are awesome. Dave could be better than I would be this year, and they are going to come out to play. Porters reflection of his state title has changed as he reflects from the sidelines. When I did it, practice was a grind and I was like Lets get through it, Porter said. Now its like this is an awesome thing they have going on and Im going to try to make sure they enjoy every second of it.
2013 BURNT HILLS SCHEDULE

Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 28 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25-26 Nov. 1-2 vs. Lansingburgh at Troy at Gloversville at Queensbury South Glens Falls vs. Amsterdam vs. Averill Park Playoffs Super Bowl 7 p.m. 7p.m. 7 p.m. 1 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBA TBA
Above, Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake players take part in a recent practice as the Spartans prep for the season opener against Lansingburgh on Sept. 6. Right, Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake coach Matt Shell instructs players during practice. The Spartans are coming off a season in which they won the New York State Class A title at the Carrier Dome.
TheRecord www.troyrecord.com/THE SARATOGIAN www.saratogian.com
Expectations remain high for Cambridge

CAMBRIDGE INDIANS
By DAVID M. JOHNSON
A CLOSER LOOK
ROSTER
2 6 7 15 20 23 24 25 26 28 29 30 32 40 41 42 52 53 55 56 57 58 59 60 62 65 66 68 69 71 73 74 76 78 79 83 85 86 Brendon Holcomb QB Andy Romack RB Austin Dean WR Ethan English QB/DB Caleb Rowland RB/DB Jared Sausville WR Todd Gorman WR Cole Boggan RB Patrick Scheuer RB Ryan McLenithan RB Noah Neimier RB Zack Sherman RB Matthew Reedy RB Nick Rayhall RB Colton Dean RB Chris Warnke RB Kordell Benson OL/DL Christian Hunt OL/DL Lucas Motsiff OL/DL Tim Prive OL/DL John Volino RB James Morrison OL/DL Kiel Kyer OL/DL Zeb Lawhorn OL/DL Josh Haskell OL/DL Chris VanAlstyne OL/DL Ryan Telford OL/DL Evan Mattison OL/DL Jacob Harrington OL/DL Nathan WinchesterOL/DL Mason Mayo OL/DL Daniel Salzer OL/DL Noah Clifton OL/DL Mico Contreras OL/DL Lucas Winchester OL/DL Shawn Lemieux WR Sean Herbig RB David Reedy RB 8 10 12 11 11 11 11 9 12 9 9 10 10 12 8 11 10 9 11 12 10 9 12 10 11 9 10 11 9 12 10 9 11 12 9 9 12 12 5-11 5-6 6-0 5-7 5-11 5-9 6-0 5-6 6-0 5-4 5-11 5-10 5-9 6-1 6-0 6-3 5-10 5-8 5-8 5-11 5-6 6-0 5-11 5-8 5-7 5-11 5-9 6-0 6-2 6-0 6-1 5-11 5-10 5-11 5-10 5-9 5-9 5-10 186 121 165 150 160 132 164 133 182 125 165 139 154 176 207 211 162 155 196 220 180 196 185 161 211 223 157 300 221 229 220 202 191 250 165 112 133 132
CAMBRIDGE With a career record of 139-24, head coach Doug Luke has built Cambridge football into one of the most dominant programs among Section II small schools. But while the veteran coach returns for his 16th year in charge, the majority of his starters from a team that went 8-1 last year do not. Its really just different players getting adjusted to their new positions, said junior quarterback Ethan English, one of three returners on offense. Cambridge football in general has been doing the same things for years now. Other players are going to have to fill big shoes. Lukes team relied on one player senior running back Matt Parmenter to handle the majority of the carries in 2012. This years squad, however, will spread the ball around more. Junior Caleb Rowland leads a host of players that should see time in the Cambridge backfield. Its not just one person that goes into the running game, its the whole team, Rowland said. Its been a couple interesting
Cambridge players (from left) Austin Dean (safety/end), Ethan English (quarterback/safety) and Nate Winchester (lineman) will be counted on this season. weeks (in preseason), but everyone is working really hard to try and get better. Thats all you can ask for. English will pick up his share of carries from option plays, and Luke hopes his third-year quarterback will improve on his passing stats from a year ago. Hopefully we can throw the ball a little bit better this year, Luke said. Its not cause (English) couldnt do it. Its not cause he cant throw the ball. Its cause our receivers couldnt get open. Thats something we have to work hard at. The defense is another area the veteran coach hopes his team can improve especially against teams with power running games. Cambridge gave up just six total points in its first four games of 2012 (not including a forfeit win over Bishop Gibbons), then allowed 34, 21, 21 and 27 in its next four. In Cambridges only loss of the season, a 27-26 upset in the Section II Class D semifinals, Salems Tyler Morris and Isaac Isom combined for 342 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Luke hopes a defensive line led by Kiel Kyer, one of nine seniors on the squad, will force opponents into more longyardage passing situations. Ive got to be more of a leader, Kyer said of his role on the team. Ive got to be able to push people but lead by example too. Were just switching a lot of people in and seeing where we fit in. Were still figuring it out. For the first time in three years Cambridge will not start the season as the defending section champs. However, with 21 winning
seasons in the past 22 years and 12 Section II titles, the bar for success is set very high once again. And while past performance never guarantees future results, Cambridges current players are aware of their schools title-winning tradition. Some even carry that knowledge onto the field with them. We realize what our expectations are, Rowland said. We realize we have to live up to that so I think that gives everybody a boost to work harder.
2012 RESULTS
Sept. 1 Fort Edward W 41-0 Sept. 8 Hoosic Valley W 48-0 Sept. 15 Lake George W 51-6 Sept. 22 Bishop Gibbons forfeit win Sept. 29 Catholic Central W 47-0 Oct. 5 Greenwich W42-34(OT) Oct. 12 Canajoharie W 41-21 Oct. 20 Rensselaer W 27-21 Oct. 26 Salem @ L 27-26 @- playoffs
COACHS CORNER
Doug Luke 16th Season Career record 139 - 24
HUDDLE UP
Nickname: Indians 2012 Record: 8-1 Offense: I-Formation Defense: 5-2 Starters Returning: 5 total Last Playoff Game: 2012 Last Section II Title: 2011 Division: Class D, South
Two of Cambridges smallest players will be playing big roles on both sides of the ball in 2013. Considered undersized for their respective positions, the play of quarterback Ethan English and lineman Kiel Kyer will go a long way in determining Cambridges success this season. English, whos listed at 5foot-7 and 150 pounds, is entering his junior season, while Kyer, a 5-foot-11 185pounder, is a senior. Both are three-year starters on an offense coach Doug Luke thinks will live and die by the way it runs the ball. Kyer is our smallest lineman, but he may end up being our best, Luke said. "I really believe we'll go as our offensive line goes. If they do the job they're capable of, we're going to score our share of points. If they don't do the job, I don't care how good the running backs are, it's going to make things tough." English is also a defensive back, while Kyer plays on the defensive line. To combat his small stature, Englishs game relies on a combination of speed and experience. This season, however, Luke says his quarterback has added an important element strength. An offseason workout regimen has English poised to become an even bigger part of the run game and may lead to more pass attempts as well. The biggest challenge for the two veterans will be to build an understanding with an almost entirely new group of starters on offense, a process that has already begun. "Repetition just really stressing the small stuff and mechanics, the junior quarterback said of the secret to building chemistry with a new group. Muscle memory is the way we're going to get where we want to go.
2013 CAMBRIDGE SCHEDULE

Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 11 Oct. 19 Oct. 25-26 Nov. 1-2 vs. Greenwich vs. Warrensburg vs. Canajoharie at Hoosic Valley at Bishop Gibbons at Rensselaer vs. Schoburg Playoffs Super Bowl 1 p.m. 1 p.m. 1 p.m. 1 p.m. 1 p.m. 7 p.m. 1 p.m. TBA TBA
Photos by Erica Miller/The Saratogian
Above, Camrbidge players go after a loose ball during a drill in practice on Aug. 27. The Indians open the season against rival Greenwich on Sept. 7. Right, Cambridge players practice a handoff. The Indians are looking to get back to the top of Class D this season after falling in the semifinals last year.
FOLLOW
THE ACTION ON
TWITTER
CATHOLIC CENTRAL CRUSADERS

By LAURA AMATO
A CLOSER LOOK
Crusaders ready to face new challenges

TROY Ryan Connell is very serious about his position on the Catholic Central football team. A four-year varsity player for the Crusaders, Connell has already been named a captain for the upcoming season and hes determined to make sure he lives up to the title. I think being a captain is special, said Connell, who will play both way on the line for CCHS. The younger kids, they look up to us, so I want to be a leader. The Crusaders will need that kind of leadership this season, with plenty of challenges facing the relatively inexperienced squad. Once again, Catholic Central is facing dwindling numbers on the gridiron, with many players anticipating being on the field for practically every snap. Even more than that, though, the Crusaders are taking on a brand-new schedule in 2013 as they move from Class D to Class C competition this year. We just want to come out in our first game and show what were made of, Connell said. Joining Connell in the
Jiriem Tedder likes to think of himself as an athlete. The Catholic Central senior, who is also a standout basketball player, will ROSTER once again be starting 2 D. LaFave 12 WR 6 165 3 S. Welch 12 RB/LB 5-8 180 under center for the 5 J. Engster 12 WR 6 160 Crusaders on the football 7 N. Hansen 9 WR/FS 5-8 159 8 J. Rohrwasser 8 WR/FS 6-3 185 field this season and hes 9 N. Guynup 11 RB/LB 5-10 190 ready to make it count. 21 J. Tedder 12 QB 5-11 160 22 B. Brooks 11 WR/CB 6 165 This season means a 23 G. Woodley10 WR/CB 6 175 lot, Tedder said of the 29 D. Behunin 9 WR/CB 5-11 120 33 D. Bennett 12 OL/DL 5-6 190 upcoming year. This is my 34 J. Cross 8 RB/LB 5-8 176 second time playing and I 42 M. Hill 10 RB/LB 5-10 180 50 A. Dahl 11 OL/DL 5-3 245 just want to get the team 51 R. Connell 12 OL/DL 5-8 200 right. 52 M. Matala 9 OL/DL 5-10 190 54 M. Cusson 12 OL/DL 5-11 200 Tedder is one of a few 63 D. Combs 9 OL/DL 5-11 275 Catholic Central players 66 L. Rieth 11 OL/DL 5-9 200 73 D. Jones 10 OL/DL 6-2 280 with experience playing 75 M. LaMay 12 C 6 263 football, and he knows that 77 T. Moore 9 OL/DL 5-8 190 78 T. Buell 11 OL/DL 6 260 his role as a leader is cru79 C. Virgiglio 12 OL/DL 5-8 250 cial if the team is hoping to 84 R. Moore 12 WR/CB 5-9 150 88 D. Quell 9 RB/LB 5-8 150 improve this season. For Tedder, its more than siming players in the pro- ply being the quintessential MIKE McMAHON/The Record senior quarterback; its gram. Catholic Centrals (from left) Jiriem Tedder, Matt Cusson and Ryan Connell are ready Were trying to train about showing his teamfor a brand new set of challenges against a brand-new Class C schedule in 2013. kids that have never mates how to play the played football before on game. Catholic Central leader- got a pretty good start. Now, as they prepare for top of getting a team Its really important, he ship department is secThe pair were in the their season opener rhythm, Gaston said. Its said of stepping up as a ond-year starter Matt weight room day in and against Mechanicville, the big-time crucial to have leader. We can show the Cusson. day out throughout the off- Crusaders are looking to guys who are consistently younger guys how things The linebacker and season, lifting and putting bring the determination returning to the team. are going. It gives them all offensive linemen is excit- in the extra time to make they found in the offseason For this years Crusaders experience, which is great. After a 2012 season that squad, it isnt just about ed about his new role on sure that when they do into each game they play. saw the Crusaders win just the squad, after joining the take the field this fall, the It isnt an easy task, but winning every game. team with basically no foot- Crusaders will be more the squad is ready for the Its about making sure one game and score 32 that the team is ready to points, with five scoreless ball experience last season. prepared than theyve challenge. A lot of my friends ever been. We want to encourage compete and that the play- losses, Tedder is deterwere playing already, Im ecstatic, coach them, Connell said. ers who have put in the mined to expand upon the Cusson said. They got me Ray Gaston said of his Were really working to time can leave a legacy for teams offensive efforts and into lifting and I got more players preseason atti- make sure the guys stay a program that is consis- hes got his sights set on some fairly high goals. into football. It worked out tude. In order to have a on task. tently challenged. Last year we didnt We want to show peoWhile the Crusaders are really well for me. program, you need to put Now, with a season in the offseason work. anticipating a tough new ple that we can play, sen- score a lot, Tedder said. under his belt, Cusson is Youre going to get what schedule when they join ior Christian Virgiglio So I want to score at least ready to join Connell as the you put in. Thats the only Class C this season, the said. We want these two touchdowns a game; quasi leaders on and off the way youre going to get biggest challenge facing younger guys to continue thats what Im looking for. field and theyve already better. As they prepare for a Catholic Central is keep- with the program. brand-new schedule against Class C competiESULTS OACH S ORNER UDDLE P tion this season, Tedder Ray Gaston Sept. 1 Salem L 40-0 Nickname: Crusaders and his Crusaders team3rd Season 2012 Record: 1-7 Sept. 7 Whitehall L 34-14 mates are well aware of the Offense: Pro I, Spread Sept. 15 Fort Edward L 34-0 challenges they face. But, Career record Defense: 4-4 4 - 12 buoyed by a core group of Sept. 21 Greenwich L 54-0 Starters Returning: 10 offense; returning players with plenSept. 29 Cambridge L 47-0 10 defense ty of personal and team Oct. 5 Canajoharie L 36-6 Last Playoff Game: 1989 (A) goals in front of them, this Visit www.troyrecord.com or Oct. 12 Rensselaer L 33-0 Last Section II Title: None years squad is determined www.saratogian.com to watch a Division: Class C, North Oct. 20 ND-Bishop Gibbons W 12-8 to prove themselves. video about your team!
2012 R
2013 CATHOLIC CENTRAL SCHEDULE

Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25-26 Nov. 1-2 vs. Mechanicville vs. Stillwater at Corinth at Tamarac at Granville at Hoosick Falls vs. Fonda Playoffs Super Bowl 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBA TBA
Left, Matt Susson, one of the captains of the Catholice Central football team, leads the team through workouts.
Right, CCHS players run sprints during a recent practice session.
Plenty of depth gives Brothers confidence

By ANDREW SANTILLO
CBA BROTHERS
A CLOSER LOOK
Max Anthony is happy for the start of football season. Theres only one problem. The CBA senior wont be out with his teammates for at least the first five games of a seven-game regular-season schedule. Anthony tore the meniscus in his left knee at the Syracuse University football camp this summer and had surgery in July. Anthony had been dealing with an issue in his right knee since his freshman season with the Brothers. During a bag drill at the Syracuse camp, Anthony thought he tweaked the injury and tried to continue going. Thats when he realized he couldnt bend his knee any longer, leaving him in a tough spot and in a lot of pain, as his meniscus had split in half. Following the surgery, Anthony spent six weeks on crutches and faces two months of rehab, leaving him on the sidelines to begin the season. Right now, thats what Im doing coaching, he said. Ive been helping out with the freshmen a lot and then the younger guys, just helping them through the offense and the defense and getting them ready. Anthony was expected to be one of the top running backs, not only in Class AA, but the entire area. In his absence, others must step up, something that is happening at practice. Anthony is hoping to be back for Week 6, when CBA hosts Guilderland, on Oct. 11. Despite it all, Anthony is remaining positive. Everyones real excited, he said with a smile. Theyre happy to be out here. Its football season, and theres no better time of year.
ROSTER
1 J. Neri 12 2 J. Micelli 12 4 B. Anthony 11 5 N. Marini 12 7 J. Kolbe 10 10 D. Vician 11 11 G. Fisher 12 12 R. OHagan 12 22 E. Crosky 12 23 J. Wynn 11 24 I. Leffler 11 25 N. Tune 11 32 J. McIntyre 11 33 T. Stanton 11 34 N.Makarowsky 12 35 P. Melecio 12 40 C. Cushine 12 41 J. Avery 11 42 J. Paul 11 44 M. Anthony 12 45 A. Koshgarian12 48 M. Badalucco 11 50 R. Matos 12 51 N. Frese 11 52 M. McAuliffe 12 54 G. Clark 12 55 M. Hehir 12 56 J. Vroljik 11 60 J. Smith 11 63 A. Thomas 11 65 P. Pastore 11 72 D. Zaccaria 12 75 A. Grady 11 77 C. McCumber 10 81 M. Leffler 11 87 A. Ellis 11 88 M.Hamel 11 QB/DB WR/DB RB/DB RB/SS QB/DB QB/SS WR/DB WR/DB RB/DE WR/DB RB/LB RB/DE RB/DB TE/DE RB/DB TE/LB TE/LB RB/DB RB/LB RB/LB WR/DB RB/DB OL/DL OL/DE OL/DE OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB K/P 5-10 6 5-10 6-1 6-1 6-2 5-10 5-11 6-2 6-2 5-7 5-11 5-9 6-3 5-9 5-9 5-10 5-7 5-9 6-1 6-1 5-8 6 5-10 5-11 6-4 6 6-1 5-9 5-10 6-2 6-1 5-8 5-8 5-7 5-10 5-11 185 180 175 205 170 180 175 175 205 190 160 201 175 190 175 200 210 150 185 235 175 160 190 185 185 265 220 215 210 175 225 240 215 215 160 170 165
COLONIE Elliott Croskey has spent five years in the Christian Brothers Academy football program. Hes hoping his final one will be the best yet. Croskey is a senior running back and defensive end for the Brothers, who won their first six games of 2012 but fell in the Class AA quarterfinals. It definitely crept up on me, he said of his final high school season. Senior year has come up real fast, so hopefully I can do well and our team can win this year. CBA only had eight seniors last year, but they played an integral role in the teams success. Add to that the fact that senior Max Anthony will be sidelined for the first five games and this team has some question marks. Every one of them played a huge role in our offense, defense and team as a whole, said Anthony, who tore his meniscus in the offseason. Replacing those guys is never easy. Still, coach Joe Burke believes the team has a solid group of up-and-comers. We feel we have a lot of kids, at each position, especially skill positions, that can play for us, he said.
Christian Brother Academys Elliott Croskey and Max Anthony (right) are hoping that the Brothers roster depth leads to Class AA supremacy this seaon. Four of the seniors were captains and the losses affected some key positions, including two running backs, their quarterback, two linemen, a wide receiver and a defensive back. The loss of running back Cameron Wynn will be especially hard to replace. Wynn rushed for 13 touchdowns and finished the year by closing in on 900 rushing yards. We have guys here that can fill the positions, Croskey said. Hopefully, we can continue to do what we need to do and win. There are more than 100 kids in the program this year, which has made for better practices and a better start to training camp. Its allowed for great practices, Burke said. The kids are working hard. Theyre competing against each other and trying to win a spot. When youre competing against somebody else, youre going as hard as you can go and it raises our level of practice. In recent years, the team has had a solid front line, but has been lean on backups, something that isnt the case this season. Our competition at the varsity level has been a real bonus for us, said Burke. On defense, the Brothers will have to fill three of the four secondary positions, but again Burke feels confident with what he has. While theyll be young and they wont be game-tested, we feel they have the ability to play there, he said. Burke has spent a lot of camp focusing on the little things that can prove to be big once the season begins. We focus on the fundamentals and thats critical for us, he said. Those are the things that are going to win games for us or bite us in the tail if we dont take care of it. Coming off of a solid regu-
lar season in 2012, the expectations remain high at CBA. The Brothers have made the playoffs six of the past eight years, including winning their only Section II title in 2006. We have high expectations for this year, Anthony said. Like every other team were looking to win it all and were really motivated. CBA is just anxious to get the season under way on Friday, when it hosts Bethlehem. Were all pumped, Croskey said. Were definitely hoping to have a good year.
2012 RESULTS
Aug. 31 Guilderland Sept. 7 Albany High Sept. 14 La Salle Sept. 21 Saratoga Sept. 28 Bethlehem Oct. 5 Ballston Spa Oct. 12 Shenendehowa Oct. 19 Schenectady@ Oct. 25 Colonie @-playoffs W 25-14 W 46-6 W 50-14 W 26-6 W 61-26 W 12-6 L 14-0 L 28-27 W 41-15
COACHS CORNER
Joe Burke 4th Season Career record 33 - 39
HUDDLE UP
Nickname: Brothers 2012 Record: 7-2 Offense: Veer Defense: 4-3 Starters Returning: 15 total Last Playoff Game: 2012 Last Section II Title: 2006 Divsion: Class AA, Empire
2013 CBA SCHEDULE

Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25-26 Nov. 1-2 vs. Bethlehem at Shenendehowa at Albany vs. Saratoga at Ballston Spa vs. Guilderland at La Salle Playoffs Super Bowl 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBA TBA
Above, CBA head coach Joe Burke discusses strategy with his team. Right top, CBA linemen work the blocking sled during a recent practice. Right bottom, CBA players run through drills in preparation for Fridays season opener against Bethlehem.
FOLLOW
THE ACTION ON
TWITTER
COHOES TIGERS
A CLOSER LOOK
Football has always been an incredibly physical sport. After all, players are sprinting up and down a field with the intention of hitting each other. Bringing that kind of physicality into every game is crucial for a teams success. But sometimes, even more than the brute intensity of a football game, a team has to be mentally prepared to win, to push through the tough moments and the fourth quarter stands. For Cohoes, that mental strength comes directly from an intense conditioning program, making sure that players are able to work through the, sometimes, literal pain. As much as were working them physically and getting them to push through the soreness, they have to understand that mentally they can do it, coach James Duchame said. This preseason one of the most popular, or least depending on who you ask, conditioning drills is the four-corner sprint. A relay that pits four teams against each other forces the Tigers to not only sprint, but compete even when theyre exhausted. Its one of our jobs to try and get them to understand that they can push themselves and become the best athletes they can be, Ducharme said. Whether its late-practice sprints or push-ups as punishment, the Tigers are using conditioning as a means of preparing themselves for a season of challenges. Thats going to win games in the fourth quarter and October, Ducharme said. Thats going to pay off in the long run.
Carey-ing on where he started from

By LAURA AMATO
ROSTER
2 3 5 7 8 9 11 18 20 21 22 23 27 30 31 33 42 44 50 51 52 55 56 60 66 71 75 77 B. LaForest 11 WR/DB M. Banga 11 WR/DB M. Carey 12 QB/DB J. Campbell 11 WR/DB K. Dickinson 11 QB/DB E. Giller 11 TE/DL S. Connors 11 QB/DB M. Torrent 12 WR/DB Z. Folds 12 WR/DB S. Alston 11 TB/LB T. Nelson 12 TB/LB B. Campbell 12 WR/DB A. Dumesnil 11 WR/LB T. Brammer 12 TE/DL L. Moore 11 WR/DB D. Gwinn 11 TB/LB J. Malulan 11 FB/LB J. Nichols 12 FB/LB C. Peraza 12 OL/LB B. Scoville 12 OL/DL L. Pluckrose 12 OL/DL T. McCaughin 12 OL/DL R. Sencer 10 OL/LB G. Blizinski 11 OL/LB AJ Cioffi 12 OL/DL C. Scranton 12 OL/DL C. Craven 12 OL/DL N. Scott 12 OL/DL 6-1 6-1 5-8 5-10 5-11 6-1 5-7 6-1 5-8 6-3 5-6 5-7 5-11 6-1 6-1 5-5 5-11 5-7 5-10 6-2 5-9 6-4 6-0 5-11 6-6 6-6 6-2 6-0 160 160 150 150 185 170 150 175 140 200 160 140 175 190 135 150 190 150 180 265 245 190 160 170 230 270 370 250
COHOES Max Carey will be the first person to admit that he had some nerves heading into the 2012 football season. Now a senior at Cohoes High School, Carey will once again be lining up under center for his second season as the Tigers starting quarterback. But whereas he was a little nervous about the prospect of leadership on the field last year, this season Carey is relishing the opportunity to lead his team on and off the gridiron. There were a lot of young players last year in a lot of core positions, so it just took a little while to get used to it, Carey said. This year though, it feels like, at the start of doubles we just got at things. Were a lot farther along than last year at this time. Although the Tigers didnt qualify for the Class B sectional tournament last year, Carey was able to put together a fairly successful season in his first year as varsity quarterback. He was among the top 10 passers in all of Section II, racking up 1,088 yards in
Quarterback Max Carey (5) and wide reciever Brandon LaForest (2) are determined to keep up their statisitcal success from last season and translate that into a playoff berth in 2013. the air and throwing for 10 touchdowns. He had such a good year last year, Cohoes coach James Ducharme said. Hes worked very hard in the off-season going to camps and doing the extra things. With his sights set on a sectional berth in 2013, Carey is anxious to get back onto the field and a position that hes suddenly very comfortable with. Of course, returning a strong set of skilled positions around him doesnt hurt, either. Its fun getting out here, Carey said. Im working on getting my timing down with guys. In the game then, everything feels like it just clicks. One of Careys top targets this fall may very well be returning wide receiver Brandon LaForest, who wrapped up last season with 641 receiving yards and nine of the Tigers 10 receiving touchdowns. A major speed threat up the sideline, LaForest is a perfect compliment to Careys strong arm and the two have worked together throughout the offseason to establish a
relationship weeks before the season opener against Ravena. We work well together, LaForest said. In the offseason we worked a lot together. We were in the gym and even out on the field. While Carey and LaForest will certainly be expected to lead the Tigers in a tough Class B schedule this season, the biggest question mark for their success centers around a young offensive line. We really only have one returning starter back on
the line, Nick Scott, Ducharme said. Its a good confidence for the line, knowing that they have to match the level of our skill guys. With so much pressure on Carey, and his arm, heading into this season, the senior quarterback is simply focusing on what he can control. Thats his passes, his intensity and his desire to bring Cohoes into the postseason. I try to show as much leadership as I can, he said. Im just kind of hoping everyone follows along.
2012 RESULTS
Sept. 1 Ravena Sept. 8 Albany Academy Sept. 14 Lansingburgh Sept. 22 Granville Sept. 29 Green Tech Oct. 5 Hudson Oct. 12 Ichabod Crane Oct. 19 Bishop Maginn Oct. 25 Cobleskil L 44-7 L 35-26 L 35-7 W 66-8 W 35-0 W 32-12 L 24-22 W 33-27 L 29-23
COACHS CORNER
James Ducharme 8th Season Career record 28 - 35
HUDDLE UP
Nickname: Tigers 2012 Record: 4-5 Offense: Multiple, I Defense: 4-3 Starters Returning: 5 6 defense Last Playoff Game: 2009 Last Section II Title: None Division: Class B, Reinfurt
offense;
2013 COHOES SCHEDULE

Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 21 Sept. 27 Oct. 5 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25-26 Nov. 1-2 at Ravena vs. Albany Academy vs. Lansingburgh at Averill Park vs. Green Tech at Hudson vs. Ichabod Crane Playoff Super Bowl 7 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 1 p.m. 7 p.m. 1 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBA TBA
Photos by Mikc McMahon/The Record
Left, Cohoes head coach James Ducharme watches the action from the sideline. Right, Mohamed Banga is slated to play a dual role as a wide receiver and defensive back for the Tigers this season.
Consistency key after up-and-down 2012

eweaver@troyrecord.com
Twitter.com/EdJWeaver
COLONIE GARNET RAIDERS

By ED WEAVER
A CLOSER LOOK
Some decades ago, a Colonie High date on a Section II Class AA football teams schedule presented a big challenge. In recent times, the Garnet Raiders have been a bit short of mediocrity. Three times in the past five years theyve finished with a 3-6 record. They were 54 in 2009, Colonies only winning season among the past six. Mediocre is a good word, said one longtime Colonie fan who asked not to be identified. A lot of years, weve had what looked like a strong team, had plenty of optimism, then things would go wrong. And wed be very disappointed. Weve always had a good number of quality players, except for a year here, but it seems like thered always be a weakness or two that other teams could exploit. Or wed have a big number of injuries. A lot of fans cant remember the last time we won a playoff game. The players are quite aware of Colonies previous teams mediocre results. We dont want 3-and-6 again, said linebacker Khyan Gaddy. We want to be winners, added wide receiverdefensive back Devon Edwards. The Garnet Raiders suffered a disappointing 26-7 loss to Bethlehem in the final regular-season game, but qualified for the Section II Class AA playoffs last year. Shenendehowa put a 48-14 pounding on Colonie, then the Raiders lost a crossover game to CBA, 41-15. The guys remember (2012s the poor finish), coach Bill Roemer said. They want to improve on that.
ROSTER
COLONIE For a school as large as Colonie High, the 2013 Garnet Raiders football team will not have big numbers. The talent is there, says coach Bill Roemer, but the depth may not be. The Garnet Raiders made the Section II Class AA playoffs last year but were hammered by Shenendehowa, 48-7. They then were soundly beaten (41-15) in a crossover game by Christian Brothers Academy to finish the season on a four-game losing streak in which they were outscored 151-36. Colonie finished 3-6 for the third time in five years and the Raiders have enjoyed just one winning season a 5-4 mark in 2007 in the past six. We got off to a good start (a 34-28 victory over La Salle), then kind of went downhill, got it turned around a bit at midseason, then we had some injuries and we kind of tailed off, Roemer said. While they lack numbers, the Garnet Raiders do not lack optimism. The kids know they have to be more consistent this year, but theyre confident they can win,
Colonie High School football player Will McCann (middle) calls plays during practice as the Garnet Raiders look to secure thier first winning football season since 2007. Roemer said. The Raiders will have a two-way First Team AllSection II Class AA stalwart anchoring both lines 6-foot-3, 305-pound tackle and four-year varsity player Austin DiCerbo. Junior John Mullally (62, 226) will also start on both lines. We have a number of kids who were very important to the team both offensively and defensively and a decent amount of kids back in the skilled positions, said Roemer. Some of those kids are tailback Wayne Burt, who rushed for 880 yards and Devon Edwards, who played quarterback, wide receiver and running back last season. Junior Eugene Kupiec took over at quarterback last season when Edwards moved outside and did a good job. But the Colonie camp has witnessed a quarterback battle, as sophomore Will McCann is giving Kupiec a strong challenge. A pretty good battle, Roemer said. Keeping things lively. Meanwhile, Edwards is content at receiver or moving from position to position in the same game, even within the same possession. Im going to try to do everything, he said. Whatever I have to do for us to win, thats what Ill do. Wherever coach puts me, thats where Ill go. They have me in the backfield; sometimes they have me split wide sometimes, at quarterback. Defensively, Edwards could also see action at inside linebacker more than cornerback, where he played last season. Because not a lot of teams are throwing much, he said of the change. Joining Edwards in the linebacker corps are Burt, Khyan Gaddy and Mike
1 D. Edwasrds 12 2 K. Johnson 12 3 K. Gaddy 12 4 W. Burt 12 6 J. Yates 12 7 C. West 12 9 M. Medeiros 12 11 E. Kupiec 11 12 C. Fitch 12 15 W. McCann 10 19 D. Ault 11 21 M. Woodworth11 22 S. Ryan 12 23 B. Taylor 12 28 M. Curet 12 29 J. Campbell12 33 I. Cooks 11 52 A. Charles 12 55 B. Cosme 12 56 M. Westfall 12 58 W. DiPace 11 60 J. Mullally 11 61 R. Marriott 10 62 B. Rokov 11 64 A. Emary 12 72 D. Smith 11 74 A. DiCerbo 12 75 V. Triolo 12 81 E. Reyes 11 85 A. Crisafulli 11 88 T. Szesnat 11
RB/LB RB/LB RB/LB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB TE/LB QB/DB TE/LB QB TE/LB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB
5-9 6-1 5-10 5-10 5-10 5-10 6-2 5-1 5-11 6 6 5-8 5-10 5-8 5-10 5-11 5-10 5-10 6-3 5-9 5-7 6-2 6-3 5-9 6 6-3 6-3 5-9 6-3 5-10 6-2
183 210 181 205 151 175 202 171 173 165 180 130 165 154 210 170 187 195 258 200 227 226 216 241 202 233 305 235 189 170 180
Mederiors. The combination should be a strength for Colonie. Up front, the pairing of DiCerbo and Mullally, should lift the defensive line, but the group will have to show improvement after allowing 21 touchdowns over the final four games of 2012. The Garnet Raiders are determined to rid themselves of Class AA mediocrity and maybe even suprise a few people. We all have worked together to be more consistent, know what the goal is. When were working together, that makes us all better, Gaddy said.
2012 RESULTS
Aug. 31 La Salle Sept. 7 Shaker Sept. 14 Schenectady Sept. 21 Mohonasen Sept. 28 Niskayuna Oct. 5 Columbia Oct. 12 Bethlehem Oct. 19 Shenendehowa @ Oct. 25 CBA @-playoffs W 34-28 L 40-8 L 33-21 W 29-14 W 19-16 L 36-0 L 26-7 L 48-14 L 41-15
COACHS CORNER
Bill Roemer 2nd Season Career record 3-6
HUDDLE UP
Nickname: Garnet Raiders 2012 Record: 3-6 Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-4 Starters Returning: 6 offense; 6 defesne Last Playoff Game: 2012 Last Section II Title: 1988 Divsion: Class AA, Liberty League
2013 COLONIE SCHEDULE

Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25-26 Nov. 1-2 at Niskayuna vs. E. Syracuse-Minoa vs. Saratoga at Columbia at Schenectady vs. La Salle vs. Shaker Playoffs Super Bowl 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBA TBA
Above, Colonie receiver pulls in a pass in front of a pair of defenders. Right, Colonie sophomore quarterback Will McCann throws a pass during a recent practice. McCann and the Garnet Raiders open the 2013 season Friday night on the road agaist Niskayuna.
FOLLOW
THE ACTION ON
TWITTER
COLUMBIA BLUE DEVILS

By LAURA AMATO
A CLOSER LOOK
Over the course of the last two years, the Columbia High football team has been pretty confident in the state of its backfield. Chris Smith, who set a handful of school records as a junior and finished his career with 2,910 yards and 35 rushing touchdowns, was one of the most dynamic running backs in Section II and a force to be reckoned with in open field. Add Kenny Mathieu to the mix, who racked up 10 touchdowns of his own last year, and the Blue Devils were a formidable rushing squad. Fast forward to 2013 and Columbia is now searching for a new threat in the backfield after both Smith and Mathieu graduated. Smith, who currently holds an incredible seven Columbia High rushing records, has moved on to St. John Fisher, where he hopes to take on a big role in the backfiled. Mathieu, meanwhile, is staying a little closer to home. The Blue Devils other standout back signed his letter of intent last spring with the University of Albany, joining the Great Danes for their first season in the CAA. "Chris and Kenny were phenomenal," Columbia coach Craig Cavotta said. "They did a lot for this program and we're trying to find some guys to replace them. That's not easy to do." While the Blue Devils will certainly miss their dynamic duo in the backfield when they open up the seaon this year, the squad is confidnet in the group of players looking to take up the rushing mantle. One of the players vying for a starting spot in the backfield is senior Connor Kinzelman, who did see some game-time action at running back in 2012. Kinzelman is hoping to live up to the expectations left in the wake of Smith and Mathieu, but he isn't intimidated by the numbers they left behind. In fact, he's using those records as a guide post for making some of his own. "I always hold myself to high standards," he said. "They just set the bar super high. I'm excited to try to fill those shoes."
Getting ready to defend their reputation

ROSTER
2 M. Oliver 11 WR/DB 3 J. Harris 11 RB/DB 4 A. Bethoney 11 TE/LB 5 S. Cahoon 12 RB/LB 6 C. Barth 11 WR/DB 7 M. Briggs 12 WR/DB 8 D. McHale 11 QB/DB 9 M. Faas 11 OB/DB 10 T. Ryan 12 TE/DL 11 M. Salvador12 WR/DB 12 M. Stanley 12 WR/DB 13 C. Piel 12 QB/LB 14 N. Hansen 12 WR/DB 15 C. Kinzelmann12 RB/DB 20 M. McHugh 10 RB/LB 21 J. Strickland 11 RB/LB 22 K. Melton 12 WR/DB 23 J. John 12 WR/DB 24 T. Daoust 12 WR/DB 25 S. Crump 11 RB/DB 42 T. Brown 10 RB/DB 44 S. Seward 12 WR/LB 48 B. Erby 12 TE/LB 51 J. Gaito 12 OL/DL 52 D. Cooley 12 OL/LB 54 J. Lill 12 OL/DL 55 C. Dubuque11 OL/DL 56 J. Nola 12 OL/DL 58 N. Bonifacio 11 OL/DL 59 D. Sanford 11 OL/DL 65 M. Cashman 11 OL/DL 66 H. Bhatti 12 OL/DL 70 E. Harris 11 OL/DL 71 B. Tempel 12 OL/DL 72 T. Grashaw 11 OL/DL 75 Z. Young 11 OL/DL 77 M. Bonner 11 OL/DL 78 J. Steadman 12 OL/DL 79 L. Hallenbeck11 OL/DL 80 L. McDermott 12 TE/DL 81 Z. Piel 11 WR/DB 85 J. Simoni 10 WR/DB 5-8 5-3 5-11 5-10 6 5-10 5-9 5-11 5 6-1 6-2 5-10 6 5-9 5-9 5-5 5-9 5-6 5-7 5-8 5-10 5-4 6 6-2 5-6 6-2 6-2 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-2 5-10 5-9 6-2 6-2 5-10 5-9 6-2 6-1 6-2 5-10 5-9 155 155 170 195 170 175 130 170 160 170 170 190 160 170 155 150 140 135 170 140 180 145 175 194 210 184 220 205 215 295 225 210 200 230 265 215 150 200 265 175 134 150
EAST GREENBUSH Brad Tempel is really excited about the prospect of shutting people down this fall. The Columbia middle linebacker has big hopes for his senior season on the gridiron and just about all of them begin and end with slowing down opposing offenses. After two seasons under coach Craig Cavotta saw the Blue Devils put up just more than 500 total points, this seasons squad is ready to focus on the other side of the spectrum: defense. And theyre bringing it all back to square one. Were so devoted to that, Tempel said of the Devils focus on defensive strength in 2013. Thats one of our main goals, is not to let many points up on the board. Thats been a big problem for us the past couple of years. So were really stressing that a lot. While the offensive numbers over the last two years have certainly been impressive, Columbia has also allowed pretty big numbers from Class AA opponents. In the last 19 games, the Blue Devils have allowed 462 total points, including seven
Columbia High senior middle linebacker Brad Tempel hopes to lead the Blue Devils back to a defensive mindset in 2013 as the team refocuses on the basics of football. games with at least 40 points allowed. We struggled to stop people last year and we have in the past, Cavotta said. So the goal is to obviously work on the fundamentals. For the Blue Devils, those fundamentals are all based off the teams ability to properly tackle. It may seem like something to gloss over, a skill learned before joining a varsity team, but this years Columbia squad is determined to make sure that they not only tackle opponents before they find the endzone, but that they do it correctly. Weve been working on our form when were tackling because it hasnt been that great, Tempel said. So weve been trying to improve on that all year. In addition to making sure they wrap up opposing offenses and shut down on yardage, the Blue Devils have been adding strength to those perfectly formed tackles. For months the squad has been in the weight room, getting bigger and stronger for a Class AA schedule that will constantly challenge them. We had a good offseason, Cavotta said. We graduated a lot of guys, so we have a lot of work to do. But weve got guys who are working hard. The biggest test for all of the Devils defensive preparation comes in the season opener, as Columbia faces off against Shenendehowa, a team that has ended its season two years running. After falling to Shen in the Class AA Super Bowl in 2011 and in the sectional quarterfinals with a 49-6 loss this past season, saying that the Blue Devils are anxious to showcase their defense might be a bit of an understatement. Theyre one of the best teams, year in and year out, in the section, Cavotta said. We have to gear up to go up there and
be competitive. While the 2013 season opener will certainly be a challenge, its one the Blue Devils are anxious for. After all, theyre counting on defense to prove the old clich true and lead them to their first Section II title in 30 years. Defense wins championships; thats what everyone says, senior cornerback Connor Kinzelman said. Thats the goal for the team.
2012 RESULTS
Aug. 31 Schenectady Sept. 7 Niskayuna Sept. 14 Shaker Sept. 21 Guilderland Sept. 28 La Salle Oct. 5 Colonie Oct. 12 Burnt Hills Oct. 19 Guilderland@ Oct. 26 Shenendehowa@ @-playoffs W 32-31 W 46-18 L 47-12 W 26-21 L 12-0 W 36-0 L 62-8 W 30-10 L 34-12
COACHS CORNER
Craig Cavotta 3rd Season Career record 13 - 6
HUDDLE UP
Nickname: Blue Devils 2012 Record: 5-4 Offense: Spread Defense: Multiple Starters Returning: 4 total Last Playoff Game: 2012 Last Section II Title: 1983 (A) Division: Class AA, Liberty League
2013 COLUMBIA SCHEDULE

Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25-26 Nov. 1-2 at Shenendehowa vs. La Salle at Niskayuna vs. Colonie at Shaker vs. Queensbury vs. Shaker Playoffs Super Bowl 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBA TBA
Above, Columbia head coach Craig Cavotta looks on at a recent practice session. Right top, Brad Tempel lines up on the offensive side for the Blue Devils, who kick off their 2013 season Friday night at Shenendehowa. Right bottom, Columbia players run laps prior to practice.
CORINTH TOMAHAWKS
By STAN HUDY
A CLOSER LOOK
With a determined offensive line in front of them, sophomore skill players Chantz Baudoux and Alex Jenkins will be asked to guide the Corinth Tomahawks up and down the gridiron this fall. Two-year starter Blake Basmajian is out for the season, so Baudoux has had to digest a new offense, the Flexbone, and Jenkins can look forward to more touches. Baudoux said he has already embraced his new coach and playbook. I think (coach Chris Doody) brings a different style of coaching and the offense is a lot different; Im getting used to that, Baudoux said. I think the offseason workouts with coach Doody helped a lot. We got all the guys over the summer working out and with the scout team (defense) giving us a good look, I think Ill be fine. Jenkins has three seasons to etch his name into the Tomahawks record book. If we can get some depth in the team because we have a lot of freshman this year and some of them are going to have to step up into some big spot, Jenkins said. Next year will be the same thing. If the young kids step up, give some competition to the older kids, compete for a spot, well be in a good spot for the next couple of years. The Corinth slot back gave credit to his offensive line before the seasons first snap. They are pretty much the same kids, knowing them and how hard they have been working in the off season, seeing what they have, Im confident running behind them, Jenkins said. I think all of the backs should be confident running behind them.
New coach, Forgotten Five lead Corinth

ROSTER
7 8 10 11 12 13 14 19 21 23 24 30 32 34 42 43 44 45 48 50 52 54 55 56 58 60 61 63 66 68 69 71 74 76 79 80 82 88 Chantz Baudoux Cam Nichols Brannon Lambert Taylor Lozier Ryan Matuszak Matt Jenson Bailey Turney Basmajian Blake Tyler Mulcahy Anthony Abare Alec Blanchard Alex Jenkins Nate Watkins Tyler McCarty Tyler Defoe Kirk Mihalek Kevin Musco Sam Kramer Ian Jensen Hunter Lescault Chris Clothier Ashton Flavin Brandon Drollette Joe Bovee Noah Morgan Adrien Peris Evyn Hryckowian Gavin Swinton Keith Bushnel CJ Henson Bradley Drollette Bobby Millis Ethan Millis Alex King Zen Baudoux Wyatt Mayer Kory Bennett Greg Denno QB/LB WR/DB WR/DB QB/LB RB/LB RB/DB WR/DB QB RB/DB RB/DB WR/DB RB/DB FB/LB FB/LB OL/LB WR/DL OL/DL FB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL RB/DB WR/DB WR/DB 10 10 12 9 11 9 12 12 11 11 9 10 11 11 9 10 10 9 9 9 12 10 11 11 11 10 9 9 10 9 9 12 9 9 12 9 10 12
CORINTH Corinth first-year head coach Chris Doody is bringing a new playbook to the Tomahawks and will be relying on a group that doesnt want to be mentioned and two youngsters who are looking to make names for themselves this fall. Corinth will be running the Flexbone tripleoffense with sophomore Chantz Baudoux and sophomore slot back Alex Jenkins running the show after two-year starting quarterback Blake Basmajian was injured during the off season. We wouldnt put them in that situation if we didnt expect them to do good things at those two key positions in the offense, Chris Doody said. At the same time we understand that there was and there will be a learning curve and bumps in the road. Were excited for them in the future and this year as well. The new playbook and coaching style has been welcomed by the experienced Tomahawks. The seniors have done a phenomenal job of bringing everyone in and just
The players of Corinths offensive line known as the Forgotten Five are camera shy, letting their work on the field guiding the Tomahawk offense do the talking for them. From left: Zan Baudoux, Bobby Millis, Noah Morgan, Chris Clothier and Brandon Drollette. developing the playercoach relationship, Doody said. The kids have a great attitude and are willing to learn new things. From what I can see on the practice field they are excited about it. They are talking about things, sensing excitement. Doody also brought a clean slate for each player to start the season. Its a fresh start for all of the kids, Doody said. We spent a little bit of time watching tape from last year, but we tell the kids its a fresh start to impress us every day. There are not guaranteed starting jobs this year, (so its a) chance for the backups and underclassmen to step up. The success of the Flexbone begins up front under the tutelage of Doody. When I accepted the head coaching job I knew I wanted to coach the offensive line, Doody said. I never played on the offensive line in high school, but I knew that the key to running a good high school offense is getting that offensive line situated, and Im excited to see what those guys can do. The front line is willing to do the job, but not take the credit. They call themselves the Forgotten Five they didnt want to get interviewed today, Doody said. They didnt want to talk to the camera. They dont want to get their names in the paper. We do it between the tackles and the skill guys can get everything they want. We know it starts up front and we have to do our job. As we go, the team goes. On defense the Tomahawks will run a 5-3 set, setting up across from
STAN HUDY/TheSaratogian
the top offenses in Class C this fall. We want to run the football and we want to stop the run; if we can do those two things we can be pretty successful, Doody said. We tell the kids every day we want to be the most fundamentally sound team do your job and the kids are buying into that, looking pretty sharp the last couple of days.
2012 RESULTS
Aug. 31 Granville W 26-19 Sept. 7 Crane W 34-33 Sept. 14 Stillwater L 29-13 Sept. 21 Tamarac L 12-0 Sept. 28 Mechanicville L 25-13 Oct. 5 Hoosick Falls L 47-0 Oct. 12 Coxsackie-Athens W 43-6 Oct. 19 Taconic Hills @ W 41-8 Oct. 26 Warrensburg @ L 20-7 @- playoff game
COACHS CORNER
Chris Doody 1st Season Career record 0-0
HUDDLE UP
Nickname: Tomahawks 2012 Record: 4-5 Offense: Flexbone Defense: 5-2 Starters Returning: N/A Last Playoff Game: 2009 Last Section II Title: 1979 Division: Class C, North
2013 CORINTH SCHEDULE

Sept. 7 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25-26 Nov. 1-2 at Coxsackie-Athens at Granville vs. Catholic Central at Stillwater at Tamarac vs. Mechanicville vs. Hoosick Falls Playoffs Super Bowl 1 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBA TBA
Above, Corinth players take part in a running drill during practice recently as the team prepares for its season opener against Coxsackie-Athens on Sept. 7. Right, Cambridge players participate in a pass-catching drill. The Indians have a new coach this year in Chris Doody, who brings a Flexbone triple offense with him.
FOLLOW
THE ACTION ON
TWITTER
GREEN TECH EAGLES

By ED WEAVER
Eagles hope experience translates to victories

eweaver@troyrecord.com Twitter.com/EdJWeaver
A CLOSER LOOK
David Clark may the most feared winless returning quarterback in New York state. Thats how good the Green Tech standout can be. Hes 6-foot-6, is speedy and athletic and has a quality arm. And after a an 0-8 season one year ago, Clark doesnt mind the fact that the Eagles hopes for any sort of success this season rest squarely on his broad shoulders. Not at all, he said. That goes with the position. I like the pressure. I like to exceed expectations. Im looking forward to this season. Some believe the Eagles will be no better than last season. Others believe Clark can lead them to a winning record. Clark passed for 678 yards and four touchdowns last season but his upside is high. And he can run. Hes tremendously athletic, and a leader, coach Travis Wood said. Clarks main receiver from last season, Cecil Lane, has graduated, but hell have plenty of options this year Raki Johnson, Naeshawn Joseph, Marcus Sidbury, Tyriek McGraw and the twins, Izaaz and Ijazz Beshaw. Were looking for more flash, Clark said. Clark likes the new offense, too. Yeah, itll help me running, he said. It spreads things out, keeps the defense guessing and gives me a lot more opportunities to run the offense better. Clarked qualified for the New York state combine over the summer and has recorded a 4.6 40. With so much offseason prep, Clark is ready for the spotlight.
ROSTER
D. Clark N. Payne B. Keta J. Holmes H. Thomas Raki Johnson N. Ward T. McGraw N. Payne D. Roadtree M. Nicholls I. Bashshr F. Mohamed N. Brace J. Williams M. Sidbury D. Roadtree N. Joseph R. Joseph R. Herse A. Wallace J. Johnson J. Johnson S. Pinn T. Taylor R. Alston G. Dutton M. John R. Lee K. Morton D. Roadtree 12 QB 11 FB/LB 11 RB/LB 10 QB/LB 12 RB/FS 10 WR/CB 12 RB/CB/K 12 WR/CB 11 QB/LB 11 WR/CB 11 RB/LB 12 WR/LB 12 WR/CB 12 WR/S 11 RB/CB 12 WR/DE 11 WR/CB 12WR/LB/DE 11 RB/LB 12 FB/LB 12 T/DT/LB 11 C/DE 10 G/DL 11 T/DT 11 OL/DL 11 OL/DL 11 T/DT 11 OL/DE 11 OL/DL 12 T/DT 11 WR/CB 6-7 5-9 5-7 5-10 5-10 5-9 6-0 5-9 5-9 6-0 5-9 5-10 5-9 6-1 5-6 5-11 6-0 6-0 6-0 5-8 6-0 6-0 5-11 6-1 5-10 5-9 6-4 5-11 6-1 6-5 6-0 190 175 185 180 185 155 195 170 175 160 185 170 170 165 135 195 160 210 185 185 240 220 230 215 180 195 235 185 245 405 160
ALBANY Winning football games has been a challenge for Green Tech in the programs two years. After competing in Class A and B the past two years, respectively, the Eagles have won just one game, with just one touchdown in the final four games of 2012. However, things might be looking up for the program. Theyll open the season against Albany Academy, although theyll miss 10 players, all of whom start on one or both sides of the ball. If a guys misses a day of school for being sick, theres no way they can make it to practice, says second-year coach Travis Wood. The charter school has been in session for nearly two weeks already, making practice schedules difficult to gel with classes and homework. While every other school is running doubles , practicing for four, five hours, were trying to get in two good hours after school, Wood said. Despite all of this, Wood is optimistic.
Green Tech players (from left) Ijaaz Bashshar, Izaaz Bashsar, Mark Sidbury, David Clark, Tyriek McGraw and Naeshawn Joseph expect to hold thier own against Class B competition this season. We have eight returning starters on offense, eight returning starters on defense and out of those, seven and seven are three-year varsity players, he said. The Eagles boast two of the top players in Class B quarterback David Clark and linebacker Robert Herse. Herse was First Team Class B AllStar, while Clark is one of most athletic QBs in the Capital Region. Other top returnees are linebacker-tight end Miguel John, defensive back Herman Thomas and kick returner-linebacker Naeshawn Joseph all three of whom were Second Team Class D defensive picks and running back NaJee Ward. With so much returning talent, the Eagles are anxious to prove theyre worthy of the accolades, even after giving up more than 40 touchdowns last sesaon. Well, its a lack of depth, Wood says, and the defense is on the field all the time because we couldnt move the ball offensively. Hopefully, to rectify that, Ive changed the entire offense. Im running the Pistol spread option, like Sean Mott at Hudson Falls, with our own little tweaks.
We have, individually, some of the best athletes in Section II. So, to find the stuff that fits them, I had to change as a coach. A lot of coaches cant do that, but Ive re-invented myself this season. Among those outstanding athletes is the 6-foot-6 Clark, wholl be a weapon keeping the ball on option plays. The Green Tech JVs had a successful inaugural season at 5-4, giving the varsity squad some extra impact players this year. Already making a starting impact, Wood said. Raki Johnson, a sophomore wide receiver-defen-
sive back, who may carry the ball some as well has already made an impression. At team camps, he exploded for 11 TDs, Wood said. And last year on JVs, he had 13 interceptions in nine games. Of course, the biggest obstacle for Green Tech is getting through the season opener with so many players ineligable. Wood feels if the Eagles can overcome that, they can win some games this season Yeah, this is it, this has to be the year, Wood says. If we can get our depth, we can be good.
2012 RESULTS
Sept. 1 Albany Academy Sept. 8 Lansingburgh Sept. 14 Bishop Maginn Sept. 21 Hudson Sept. 29 Cohoes Oct. 6 Ichabod Crane Oct. 12 Ravena Oct. 20 Hudson Falls L 48-8 L 47-12 L 25-6 L 30-14 L 35-0 L 31-0 L 54-0 L 35-6
COACHS CORNER
Travis Wood 2nd Season Career record 0-8
HUDDLE UP
Nickname: Eagles 2012 Record: 0-8 Offense: Pistol Spread Defense: 4-4, 4-3 Starters Returning: 8 offense; 8 defense Last Playoff Game: None Last Section II Title: None Division: Class B, Reinfurt
2013 GREEN TECH SCHEDULE

Sept. 7 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 5 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25-26 Nov. 1-2 at Albany Academy vs. Lansingburgh vs. Mohonasen Hudson at Cohoes at Ichabod Crane vs. Ravena Playoffs Super Bowl 1 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 1 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBA TBA
Photos by J. S. Carras/The Record
Above, Green Tech linemen battle in the trenches. The Eagles kick off their 2013 season on the road at Albany Academy on Saturday. Right, Green Tech coach Travis Wood instructs his players at a recent practice.
FOLLOW
THE ACTION ON
TWITTER
No love lost: the most heated rivalries in Section II

SHAKER VS. COLONIE
Oct. 18 at Colonie
Less than six miles separate the campuses of Shaker High School and Colonie High Schools With two schools so close to each other there are bound to be some rivalries. As the brand-new school year begins, the one rivalry that takes center stage above them all is between the two schools football teams. The annual Colonie Cup will once again be held this season as Shaker looks to repeat as the victor for the fourth straight season. We dont like to put any team higher than any other teams, Bison senior Jake Quay said. But its always exciting playing Colonie and getting the Colonie Cup. A win is a huge reward. Over the past three seasons, the Bison have never allowed more than 18 points from Colonie, including a 40-8 victory last year and a shutout in 2010. Both teams will be competing for more than just bragging rights this year, though. The game is scheduled for week seven and has the potential to be a huge momentum boost for the winner heading into sectionals. With a solid group of defenders returning from last years championship squad, the Bison are ready to literally stand by their Colonie Cup this season. Itll be a big game for us, Shaker coach Greg Sheeler said. That week is going to be wild. I know theyre going to be a good team this year. Colonie is a very important game. After making the Class AA sectional tournament for the first time since 2009 last season, the Garnet Raiders are once again looking to make a run at the playoffs and taking back the Colonie Cup would simply be icing on the cake. After all, the Raiders return a core of players who are more than ready for their own moment in the Colonie spotlight. By Laura Amato
LA SALLE VS. CBA

Oct. 18 at La Salle
SHENENDEHOWA VS. SARATOGA

Oct. 11 at Saratoga
TROY VS. AMSTERDAM

Sept. 20 at Amsterdam
STILLWATER VS. MECHANICVILLE

Oct. 18 at Mechanicville
GREENWICH VS. CAMBRIDGE

Sept. 7 at Cambridge
Greenwich football players shouldnt need any extra motivation for their season-opener this season. Thats because the first team on the schedule is a school thats less than 10 miles away, a school that knocked them out of playoff contention in 2012 and a school the Witches havent defeated since 1998. That school is Cambridge, winner of a thrilling 42-38 overtime win against Greenwich in 2012 that put one team in the postseason and left the other on the outside looking in. Just really dramatic, both teams did a good job, said Cambridge senior Kiel Kyer of last years contest. It was a great game everything you'd want from a football game. The rivalry, which began with a 9-0 Cambridge win in 1924, has undergone periods of dominance from both squads. And while Greenwich still leads the overall series 40-33-2, the Witches havent advanced their win total since an 18-14 victory in 1998. Its always good to play them, said Witches coach Brandon Linnett, who is 0-4 against Cambridge in his sixyear tenure. At least well know where were at early. It is our rival, although youve got to beat em once in a while to be a rivalry. Its been a little while. Jeremy Messina knows what the rivalry is like better than most because hes played for both teams. The senior wide receiver started his high school career at Cambridge but moved to Greenwich before his sophomore year. Now hes optimistic his team will be the one that breaks Cambridges 11-game win streak. It killed me because I used to go to that school, Messina said of the 2012 game in which he scored one touchdown. They gave us the best game Ive ever played. I cant wait to play them again. Although he sports an impressive record in rivalry games, 16th-year Cambridge coach Doug Luke downplayed his squads expectations in the nonleague season opener. It's not the rivalry like it was when I went to school here, said Luke, a Cambridge alum. Everybody cares about that game, but no more than the coaches. Hopefully we can just compete with them and maybe if it's a close game at the end we can pull it out. By Dave Johnson Cambridges Ethan English is back this season as quarterback.
ERIC JENKS/ The Saratogian
CBAs Spencer Hall (32) runs against La Salles Gabe Smith (2) during a game last season.
Saratogas Zach Grady (33) carries the ball against Shens Kyle Buss (23) during a game last year. The Shenendehowa vs. Saratoga Springs rivalry has ruled the Capital Region football landscape for the past 34 years and its current coaches credit their own predecessors with the rivalrys historic success. In terms of high school I think its the biggest rivalry, Saratoga Springs head coach Terry Jones said. There are some other big ones, but some of them have gone away. This one since its inception has lasted and lived up to its hype. Under coach Blase Iuliano at Saratoga and Brent Steuerwald at Shen, those two coaches competed for league championships, Section II championships and the rivalry is highlighted and storied through those two coaches, communities and the schools, Shenendehowa coach Brian Clawson said. Its something that our student body looks to, the same in Saratoga. Many of the coaches on our staff played under Brent Steuerwald at Shenendehowa, Clawson said. We have those coaches talk to the players and explain what it means to the school and the community. Jones, a Ballston Spa graduate knew about the rivalry as a high school student. It was always a big game, always talked about, Jones said. After coming back to the area after college and working at RPI, I was hearing it there. The contest, this year slated for Oct. 11, doesnt need any hype from the coaching staffs. I dont circle the game, Jones said. One of the things I try to stress, if you take away the rivalry the game doesnt count any more or any less, its only one win. When youre competing for the division, the playoffs, every game is important. Shenendehowa leads the 34-year rivalry contests 25-13 and the teams are an even 2-2 in post-season match-ups. The Plainsmen are on a two-game winning streak against the Blue Streaks. By Stan Hudy
Amsterdams Brett Stanovich (28) scores with Troys Nick Valenti (40) holding on during a game last year. Theres a lot to be said about old-school rivalries. Before the current class competition amongst Section II football teams, there were the original leagues and one of those original rivalries was Troy and Amsterdam, two teams out of the Big 10, which had more in common than they would like to admit even down to the matching colors of their uniforms. The demographic is very similar, kind of tough, innercity blue collar type of kids, said Troy coach Jack Burger. Theyre two different cities that really support their football programs very strongly. Having so many similarities helped both Troy and Amsterdam foster a strong sense of competition every time they met and it was never an easy fight for either squad. These were constant defensive battles, games where scoring one or two touchdowns was practically a victory. We came off of a state championship in 1996 and we opened up with Amsterdam in 97, Burger said. We had everybody back and, not that you think its ever going to be a walk, but it was a dog fight. While the rivalry between the schools hasnt been quite as strong in the past few years, it came back in full force as the teams squared off in a Class A semifinal last season.The Flying Horses were knocked out of the playoffs as Amsterdam took control, grabbing a 40-21 victory. They got the better of us last year, Troy senior lineman Raiquan Ward said. Last year we didnt come into the game right. This time around, Troy is ready to put it all on the line as the team faces off against the Rugged Rams in week three. Theyre still two very similar program on paper, but the Flying Horses are determined to make sure theres some separation in 2013, in the form of another notch in the win column. We want to beat them this time, Troy senior Ryan Byrnes said. We know the aspects of the game, but itll be about whos better, smarter and whos the most physical. Laura Amato
Stillwaters Liam Kane (11) catches a pass against Mechanicvilles Adam Dunn (5) last season.
ED BURKE/The Saratogian
Ryan Griffin helped Shaker to a win over Colonie last season as a senior.
JEFF COUCH/ The Record
For the La Salle and CBA football teams there are two goals going into every season: compete for a Section II championship and win the Sabre. The rivalry game between two teams which arent overly fond of each other is the highlight of the season. The Sabre is basically everything to us, said La Salle senior Will Williams. You could compare it to the Alabama-Auburn game. The Brothers have gotten the best of La Salle the last three years, including last years 50-14 victory and heading into this season, CBA has every intention of holding on to the Sabre and the bragging rights it includes. Its a must-win game, CBA senior Mike Hehir said. Its pretty self-explanatory. Wed like to continue that. Its really about tradition and honoring the past alumni. While the Brothers are ready to defend their title for the fourth straight battle, this years La Salle football team has some other ideas. After all, this seasons matchup is scheduled for the last game of the season and will be played on LSIs field. That means it will not only be the Sabre but senior night for the Cadets. For those players, this years game is more important than anything, as they look to reclaim the title for the first time in their high school careers. I saw us lose the Sabre for the first time in 10 years when I was pulled up to varsity as a freshman, said La Salle senior Connor Terry. Its been this image in my head of us giving them the Sabre. It gets me very excited for this seasons game. No matter what their respective records or sectional aspirations may be when they get to week seven, CBA and La Salle are ready to battle for what they both consider to be rightfully theirs; the Sabre. This rivalry has been going on for as long as I can remember, CBA senior running back Elliot Croskey said. Its one of the best rivalries in the state. By Laura Amato
The Indian Bowl trophy had been a proud fixture on the desk of Mechanicville football coach Kevin Collins for six consecutive years, but that spot has been vacant the past two years as Stillwater has seized the momentum in one of the fiercest gridiron rivalries in Section II. Its a great rivalry and the kids take so much pride in those games, Collins said. There have been a lot of memorable games throughout the years and right now Stillwater has the bragging rights. We hope to change that this season. The Warriors earned a 14-7 victory over the Red Raiders in 2011 to end a six-year drought in the annual showdown. They backed that up with a 34-16 victory in 2012 in what Stillwater head coach Vince Barber said was his teams best performance of the season. Stillwater has been on the short end of the stick in the rivalry more times than not for the past several years and we hope the games in 2011 and 2012 help us start to turn the tide against them, Barber said. Mechanicville is always a physical team and you have to equal that intensity and play at a high fundamental level if you expect to beat them. The players on both sides of the rivalry eagerly anticipate the Indian Bowl each year. Its like an extra playoff game because there is so much intensity and nobody wants to see the other team have those bragging rights, Red Raiders senior wide receiver/defensive end Brennan Flemming said. We will be on a mission to win that game this year. Stillwater senior linebacker Dan Benoit said the Warriors will do whatever they can to win the Indian Bowl for a third consecutive year. Im a senior, and I think the best thing I could imagine is to be able to say we beat them three years in a row, Benoit said. That would be a pretty good way to go out. It wont be easy, but we will bring everything we got against those guys. By Brien Bouyea
GREENWICH WITCHES
By DAVID M. JOHNSON
A CLOSER LOOK
As a first-year starting quarterback, sophomore Lukas Whitehouse has the responsibility of a potent Greenwich offense resting on his inexperienced shoulders. You wouldnt know it by talking to him though. Whitehouse, who takes over the job from graduated senior Jake Jennings, exudes the type of confidence required to be a successful quarterback. And he has his sights set on greatness. Beat Cambridge and end up winning the whole thing, said Whitehouse of what he would consider a successful first year. Im very confident well do very well and win the section. It starts with Cambridge, though. Witches coach Brandon Linnett had no trouble handing the starting job to an underclassman especially one with a strong arm. Hes worked with a quarterback coach over the summer, Linnett said. Hes a really good student he learns very quickly. Whitehouse will also have the luxury of throwing to two solid receivers in Jeremy Messina and Glen Taylor and John Barnes, a First-Team All-State running back whos just as dangerous catching the ball out of the backfield as he is running with it. He takes a lot of pressure off you, Whitehouse said of playing with Barnes. After playing safety for the Witches as a freshman, Whitehouse worked with a quarterback coach in the offseason. He won the starting job early on in the 2013 preseason. And although Greenwich runs a fairly complicated offense, the sophomore has been a quick learner. He has to know it all and he does, Linnett said.
Coach thinks team has chance to be great

ROSTER
GREENWICH For several years, Greenwich has fielded good football teams. In 2013, coach Brandon Linnett thinks the Witches have a chance to be great. The coach with a 31-23 career record has good reason to be optimistic. The Witches return seven starters from last year, including first-team allstate running back John Barnes, running back Brendon DiSanto, wide receivers Jeremy Messina and Glen Taylor, and linemen John Hogan, Jake Pett and Kendal Young. The skys the limit, Linnett said. We expect to be playing in November. I dont see why we cant be playing for a Section II championship and more. Greenwichs 6-2 record last year would be a dream season for some teams. But because of the competitive Class D South division, it wasnt even good enough for a playoff spot for the Witches. Its a system that we knew was in place, Linnett said. We had two games we needed to win and we didnt win em. One thing Linnett can count on is the same situa-
Greenwich players (from left) Glenn Taylor, Brendon DiSanto, Jeremy Messina and Jake Pett will be vital as the Witches have high expectations in 2013. tion wont happen two years in a row. In one change, a field of eight teams will make the Section II playoffs this fall. On top of that, Greenwich has been moved into the Class D North division. That means the seasonopener against Cambridge will be more about bragging rights than it will a playoff spot. Making the sectionals ... were expecting that no doubt, Linnett said. That wont make us happy. We want more than that. After averaging 38 points per game last season, the strength of Greenwich should once again be the offense. Besides the threat Barnes represents every time he touches the ball, the respect other teams will have to give him may open up lanes for other players. People are going to think about Johnny the most, Linnett said. Theyre going to forget about how good a running back Brendon is and how good a receiver Jeremy is. We have weapons. Sophomore Lukas Whitehouse will take over the quarterback position for the Witches, and he will be protected by a group of five linemen that saw significant playing time last season. One area Greenwich hopes to improve on from last season is the defense. The teams 5-2 base set is
ED BURKE/The Saratogian
dependent on the front five plugging holes and the two linebackers making plays something that didnt always happen last year. In games against teams that made the playoffs Greenwichs defense allowed an average of 32 points per game. Theres some question marks there, (but) my Dline is big, Linnett said. I think our secondary will be fine. Were very athletic. After the rivalry game in the season-opener, Greenwich plays Schoburg the combined football programs of Schoharie and Duanesburg before its North Division opener. The Witches new league rivals include 2012 Class D finalist Salem, Fort Edward, Lake
John Barnes 12 Quinn Bartholomew 11 Kyle Boddery 10 Mike Brandow 10 Joe Bushong 10 Nick Casey 9 Kevin Casey 10 Zach Clougher 10 Josh Culbertson 11 Brendon DiSanto 12 Matt Godfrey 9 Dylan Harsha 10 John Hogan 11 Donovan Light 10 Dameon Mastrangelo 11 Carson McKinley 9 Liam McMurray 9 Derek McPhail 9 Alex Messina 11 Jeremy Messina 12 Jon Miller 9 Kameron Mosher 10 George Ostrowski 10 Jack Pemrick 9 Larry Perkins 11 Jake Pett 11 Trevor Rhodes 12 Nick Sawyer 12 Michael Seyfarth 12 Zachary Smith 10 Kiernon Spigner 10 Brendon Stout 9 Gleenn Taylor 12 Nick Thomas 10 Nathaniel Thomaseen 12 Lukas Whitehouse 10 Bryce Wilbur 9 Brandon Wilbur 9 Donald Wilson 9 Bailey Winch 9 Kendal Young 11
RB/LB WR/CB OL/DL QB/CB RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB TE/LB WR/S OL/DL OL/DL QB/S RB/LB WR/CB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL QB/S WR/CB OL/DL OL/DL WR/S WR/S RB/LB WR/S RB/CB WR/S QB/S K/WR/S QB/S RB/CB RB/CB TE/DE RB/C OL/DL
George, Warrensburg and Whitehall. And if all goes well, Linnett thinks a rematch with Cambridge down the road is not out of the question. Were sick of being on the (wrong) end of that great game, Linnett said. Win or lose youd think youll get another shot at (Cambridge) somewhere down the line if you both do what youre supposed to do. No disrespect to the rest of Class D.
2012 RESULTS
Aug. 31 Lake George W 44-6 Sept. 7 Salem W 42-18 Sept. 14 Whitehall W 36-13 Sept. 21 Catholic Central W 54-0 Sept. 28 Renssalaer L 37-16 Oct. 5 Bishop Gibbons W 48-14 Oct. 5 Cambridge L 42-34 (OT) Oct. 12 Canajoharie W 32-14
COACHS CORNER
Brandon Linnett 7th Season Career record 31 - 23
HUDDLE UP
Nickname: Witches 2012 Record: 6-2 Offense: I-Formation Defense: 5-2 Starters Returning: 7 total Last Playoff Game: 2011 Last Section II Title: 1997 Division: Class D, North
2013 GREENWICH SCHEDULE

Sept. 7 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25-26 Nov. 1-2 at Cambridge vs. Schoburg at Lake George at Salem vs. Whitehall at Warrensburg vs. Fort Edward Playoffs Super Bowl 1 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 1 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBA TBA
Photos by Ed Burke/The Saratogian
Above, Greenwich players John Hogan (left) and Nick Thomas hydrate during a practice on Aug. 27. The Witches open the season against rival Cambridge on Sept. 7. Right, sophomore quarterback Lukas Whitehouse throws the ball during practice.
FOLLOW
THE ACTION ON
TWITTER
HOOSICK FALLS PANTHERS

By LAURA AMATO
A CLOSER LOOK
Hoosick Falls is not an enormous school. As a Class C school, Hoosick Falls boats only a few hundred students. More often than not, student-athletes play more than one sport and, in most cases excel at most of them. Last year alone, the school earned multiple state titles and sent several teams to state-wide competition. So, as the football team looks to defend its firstever NYS championship, what exactly is the building block behind their dynamite success over the last few years. Gym class. Or rather, a different kind of gym class. Instead of simply making student-athletes go through the paces of a standard capture-the-flag game or some kind of variation on dodgeball. Hoosick Falls athletes are given the opportunity to spend gym class in the weight room, working on strength training and conditioning. That really has been a big part, coach Ron Jones said of the programs impact on his teams success. Thats where these kind of athletes have sort of seperated themselves. By giving their athletes a set time during the day to focus simply on getting stronger, the Hoosick Falls football team has been able to set themselves apart from other small schools and take a dominant hold against Class C competition. These kid were always athletic, but this is getting them stronger, Jones said. They got hungrier because they were able to work out during the school year. Thats really important for us.
Hoosick Falls football: The New Class

ROSTER
HOOSICK FALLS Every player on the Hoosick Falls football team knows how practice is going to end each day. Theyll huddle up, all a little tired after hours on the field, and coach Ron Jones will ask the squad if they got better that day. Its a routine that every member of the Panthers expects, and heading into the 2013 season they expect it again. But heres the question. How does a team get better after winning the first-ever state championship in program history last year? For this seasons squad, the answer is obvious. They dont think about winning a state championship. They think about the fundamentals of the game, the extra hours spent watching film and analyzing a play book. They think about conditioning and what it will take to win a state championship this season. We cant really think about the state championship, senior running back Brandon Hodges said. Obviously thats our longterm goal for the season, but right now weve just got to take it one game at a time and work on the little things. You want to make sure you
Hoosick Falls boasts a solid arsenal of returning players who have plenty of game-time experience, including (from left) Derek Bird, Brandon Hodges and Levi Brewster. get better. While the Panthers certainly took some hits to graduation last spring, losing two-year starting quarterback Billy Pine and all-time rushing leader Brad Burns, this years new crop of starters and senior leaders are already confident in what they can do. After claiming four straight Section II Class C titles and asserting such dominance among local competition, the Panthers have the rare luxury of being able to regularly play their first and second string in bigtime games. In the past, weve gotten up in games and weve been able to put JV players into varsity games, senior lineman Derek Bird said. Theyve already seen a lot of time and they know what its like. Since they already know what it takes to win and have seen some of the best competition the section and the state have to offer, this years group of Hoosick Falls players have a bit of a leg up on the competition. The last four years weve had three to four extra weeks of playing beyond what most of opponents have had, Jones said. It makes a big difference in the development of some of the younger guys. Perhaps more than just having their eyes opened by already playing on a major stage, the now-leaders of the Hoosick Falls squad know what it takes to succeed at that level. With their sights set on even more victories, that knowledge is literal power. It helps getting that experience, senior wide receiver Levi Brewster said, Last year was my first year starting, and I already had varsity experience from before. Thats huge. The Panthers go into this season knowing that the football community expects quite a lot from them. The world may expect Hoosick Falls to
2 5 7 8 10 12 13 14 15 18 20 21 22 24 25 27 28 30 33 34 35 36 40 42 44 51 53 54 55 58 59 60 61 62 63 66 67 70 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 82 87 88
B. Bacon 12 R. Hickey 10 A. Mendez 10 T. Costantino 12 C. Humphrey 10 A. Tomczak 9 W. Cushman 10 L. Brewster 12 A. Pitt 11 G. Wright 11 C. Davendonis11 P. Muratorri 12 N. LaBarge 10 D. Hardesty 12 R. Perkins 12 C. Votra 9 T. Hunt 9 J. McCart 9 C. Miner 11 B. Hodges 12 R. Philpott 9 T. Peabody 12 C. McCart 10 C. Yavansiski 10 M. Matatt 12 J. Bakaitis 11 S. Richard 11 E. Hand 10 C. Schielding 11 M. Hackett 11 C. Nolet 11 L. Hoyt 11 A. Hull 9 D. Fitzpatrick 9 B. Sargood 9 J. Pine 9 T. Wood 9 K. Skott 10 M. Sprague 9 P. Wilkins 10 R. Richard 9 D. Bird 12 S. Barss 11 C. Hodge 12 E. Fowler 11 J. Wood 11 D. Dubois 11 J. Restino 9
WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB QB/DB WR/DB QB/DB QB/LB WR/DB WR/LB QB/DB WR/LB WR/DB RB/LB WR/LB WR/LB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB RB/DL WR/LB WR/DB WR/LB RB/LB RB/LB OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/LB
6-1 5-11 5-10 6-2 5-9 5-10 5-8 6-3 6 6-1 5-11 5-9 5-8 5 5 5-9 5-7 5-1 5-9 5-11 5-8 5-10 6-3 5-10 5-7 5-10 5-10 5-11 5-7 5-11 5-10 6-3 5-9 5-8 5-5 5-5 5-11 6 5-10 5-9 5-6 6-2 6-1 6-1 6 6 5-10 5-5
160 140 145 145 130 135 150 165 170 175 160 145 150 170 170 150 125 105 170 185 148 150 175 150 160 160 190 190 172 185 155 225 225 210 215 184 170 155 170 199 158 205 205 200 176 150 170 135
blow through the local competition again this year, but if you ask the players and the coaches what they expect; it will always be the same answer. Theyre going to get better. Why add pressure? Jones said. We've got to be a little better today than we were yesterday. Thats where we start.
2012 RESULTS
Aug. 31 Mechanicville Sept. 8 Granville Sept. 14 Taconic Hills Sept. 21 Stillwater Sept. 28 Schuylerville Oct. 5 Corinth Oct. 12 Tamarac Oct. 20 Voorheesville@ Oct. 27 Fonda@ Nov. 2 Chatham@ Nov. 10 Saranac Lake@ Nov. 17 James I. ONeill@ Nov. 24 Hornell@ @-playoffs W 43-0 W 42-10 W 47-8 W 40-0 W 43-12 W 47-0 W 44-0 W 69-14 W 47-0 W 40-0 W 20-12 W 43-21 W 34-21
COACHS CORNER
Ron Jones 16th Season Career record 97 - 51
HUDDLE UP
Nickname: Panthers 2012 Record: 13-0 Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3 Starters Returning: 8 total Last Playoff Game: 2012 Last Section II Title: 2012 Division: Class C, North
2013 HOOSICK FALLS SCHEDULE

Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct 18 Oct. 25-26 Nov. 1-2 vs. Tamarac at Mechanicville vs. Granville at Taconic Hills vs. Stillwater vs. Catholic Central at Corinth Playoffs Super Bowl 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBA TBA
Above, senior lineman Derek Bird runs through drills at Hoosick falls High School. Right top, Levi Brewster (14) returns at wide receiver for the Panthers. Right bottom, head coach Ron Jones addresses his team before a recent practice. The Indians open defense of the New York State Class C championship Friday night against Tamarac.
HOOSIC VALLEY INDIANS
A CLOSER LOOK
Colin Claus has pretty big expectations for himself this season. The junior quarterback started just one game last year for the Indians, but as he prepares to take over the offensive helm for Hoosic Valley, Claus knows exactly what he wants to do. He wants to be a leader. I feel like I should really try and lead this team a lot more, he said. If anything should happen, I want to be there. I want to be able to lead the guys through it. Of course, the Valley has already been through plenty during the preseason. The Indians only got official word that they would be able to play this season a little more than a week before their opener against Whitehall. But through all those questions, Claus has made an effort to make sure that the team continues to focus on the actual game of football, keeping his teammates zeroed in on the work that they have to put in during practice. Colin was at all the practices in the pre-season, hes gone to a team camp, coach Chris Lutgens said. Hes really got his head in the playbook. That determination to not only learn the offense, but to lead it, will be crucial when Claus and his teammates take the field this season. The Indians are hoping to surprise a few teams offensively this year and it will be on Claus, and his arm, to make sure everything is executed effectively. We run some comprehensive stuff that depends on his reads, Lutgens said. So far hes done a good job with that.
Indians already undefeated off the field

By LAURA AMATO
ROSTER
Tom Foley Matt Simmons Storm Shaver Anthony Wasiyo Josh Loya Nathaneal Leece Raffi Barkamian Adam Hayes Colin Claus Buddy Connors Alec Hankle Taylor Roberts John Widerman Saeed Mohamed-Ali Mark DeLude Todd Cox Jeffrey Carrozza Dan Joslin isaac Sanchez Frank Adams 12 12 12 12 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 10 10 10 10 10 10 9 9 WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL TE RB QB RB RB RB WR OL/DL TE OL/DL WR
SCHAGHTICOKE As far as the players on the Hoosic Valley football team are concerned, they are already 1-0 this season. The Indians havent taken the field yet, havent lined up against week one opponent Whitehall yet and the only time theyve donned game jerseys is for preseason photos. That hasnt stopped the squad from already considering themselves winners though. Despite practicing together for the first full week of the preseason, the Indians didnt even know whether theyd be able to compete when the schedule officially began this week. After school officials voiced concern over the number of players on the team and the safety of student-athletes, the Indians were told that they would have to cancel the season. This news only added to the pain of last year, as Hoosic Valley was forced to forfeit its final two games due to low numbers and injuries. Despite the setback, the players, and the community, never once doubted that the school would ultimately reverse the final decision.
Anthony Wasiyo, Colin Claus and Adame Hayes are excited at the opportunity to play football for Hoosic Valley this year, something that wasnt certain this offseason. So they came out in droves, protesting the cancellation and, with just over a week until the game against Whitehall, the Indians were told they still had a season. Im very excited, junior running back Adam Hayes said of the teams chance to compete this year. Weve put a lot of hard work into this offseason and this year. We all feel very excited, very confident going into this season. While the Indians have already faced their fair share of drama even before the opening snap of the season, the team has remained completely focused on the game, keeping up the intensity in practice. These are players who have worked hard for simply the opportunity to wear a football uniform. They are more determined than ever to prove that they can hold their own on the gridiron. Last year I was quoted as being cautiously optimistic, coach Chris Lutgens said. This year I am optimistic. Im upgrading. Im really looking forward to this year. Throughout the offseason, Hoosic Valley saw double-digit attendance for workouts and players even created their own groups to stage regular training sessions throughout the spring and summer. Weve all gotten together to do weight lifting, quarterback Colin said. Wed also come out here every Saturday just to throw around the football, get used to the game. For the first time in a long time, Hoosic Valley boasts a core of returning players who are anxious to get a full season under their belts. That, coupled with a consistent coaching staff, has given the Indians a bit of early-season confidence. It feels really good to be out here, senior middle linebacker Anthony Wasiyo said. Weve got a lot of great teammates this year,
so were all ready for the season. While the Indians are feeling anxious for the season to begin, its more than just about winning games for this years team. As the questions surrounding their season have been pushed to the side, the Indians are focused on one thing; playing to the best of their potential. Its not for the statistics or the glory, but for the teammates standing with them on the field and the community watching from the stands. Coming into this year, the one thing I was nervous about was our identity, Lutgens said. Its team unity. Thats not just unity in the team, but in the school, in the community. Its that kind of unity and teamwork and these guys working hard for each other thats going to make the difference.
2012 RESULTS
Sept. 1 Bishop Gibbons Sept. 8 Cambridge Sept. 15 Canajoharie Sept. 21 Lake George Sept. 29 Whitehall Oct. 6 Salem Oct. 13 Fort Edward Oct. 19 Warrensburg W 38-13 L 48-0 L 28-6 L 28-0 L 56-0 L 38-0 Forfeit Forfeit
COACHS CORNER
Chris Lutgens 2nd Season Career record 1-7
HUDDLE UP
Nickname: Indians 2012 Record: 1-7 Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 Starters Returning:14 total Last Playoff Game: None Last Section II Title: None Division: Class D, North
2013 HOOSIC VALLEY SCHEDULE

Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 11 Oct. 19 Oct. 25-26 Nov. 1-2 at Whitehall vs. Salem at Schoburg vs. Cambridge vs. Rensselaer at Canajoharie at Bishop Gibbons Playoffs Super Bowl 7 p.m. 1 p.m. 1 p.m. 1 p.m. 1 p.m. 7 p.m. 1 p.m. TBA TBA
Above, Hoosic Valley head coach Christopher Lutgens calls out instructions during practice. Right, a Hoosic Valley player protects the ball while looking for running room. The Indians kick off the 2013 season at Whitehall on Friday.
FOLLOW
THE ACTION ON
TWITTER
LA SALLE INSTITUTE CADETS

By LAURA AMATO
A CLOSER LOOK
Sometimes in sports, it really is all about being bigger than the other guy. La Salle football team found that out the hard way last season as they faced week after week of tough Class AA competition with a line that was incredibly undersized. Weve been very small the last few years, coach Al Rapp said. Youve got outside linebackers who only weight 145 pounds. You know, eventually physics will take over there. That kind of lopsided statistic has been the thorn the Cadets collective side for the past few seasons, as La Salle has had difficulty on both sides of the ball. After all, its difficult to block someone when theyre two times your size. For the first few drives of last seasons games, the Cadets players up front were generally able to hold their own. But after they were forced into a constant state of battle on the line, always trying to hold back that wave of defense or try to get past opposing blocks, the strength wore out and it was clear just how tiring an entire game in the trenches can be. Last year, our JV line was bigger than our varsity line, Rapp said. We had to kind of patch some things together as we went. As a handful of JV players prepare to make their varsity debut this season, the Cadets also boast a solid core of returning players, a luxury that they didnt have last season. With that kind of experience to back up the blocking, in addition to some new-found strength, La Salle is feeling pretty confident. Now, the biggest goal is to use that confidence to bring about some consistency; especially on defense. I think we just really have to bring our mental focus and bring in our hits, senior lineman Connor Terry said. Thats what were looking for. In last years Troy game we only gave them one touchdown and we were able to shut out Columbia. So thats our first goal of the season; we want to hold a team to zero. If they do score, we want to make sure we win the game. Thats what it comes down to.
Where theres a will theres a way

ROSTER
TROY Will Williams is ready for his moment. The La Salle senior quarterback, who joined the team last season in his first year at the school, has put in his time and now hes ready to lead the Cadets back to the postseason. Its great, Williams said. After getting a year at La Salle, I got a feel for the offense. I feel a lot better and more comfortable in it. Williams was not the original starter under center for La Salle last season, but did take some snaps in the early weeks and saw game-time action against Troy in week twos Collar City Cup victory. As the season went on, Williams took on a larger role in the offense, ultimately earning the starting job and becoming the de facto leader of a team that was largely inexperienced on the varsity level. Last year, he had some great games and then he had some games where he wasnt so hot, LSI coach Al Rapp said. So now hes just got to be a little more consistent. Were working on that.
La Salle quarterback Will Williams (15) and lineman Connor Perry (50) are ready to bring the Cadets back to fundamentals with a solid core of returning players this season. By the end of last year, Williams was beginning to find his quarterback footing and his arm strength. He wrapped up his junior season with 976 passing yards, putting him 14th among all Section II quarterbacks. Now, with a year of experience underneath his belt and a solid group of returning starters to support him, Williams is anxious to get back onto the field. I definitely feel a lot more confident about everything, he said. Everyones basic understanding of the offense is really solid now. Were coming together. While Williams certainly has the on-field and game-time experience to back up his confidence heading into this year, the senior hasnt been taking the offseason lightly. In addition to leading captains practices and going through the daily drills of preseason camp, Williams has been working on the fundamentals of quarterbacking, building up his strength and putting in the extra time. Ive been working with a quarterback coach down in Albany at Lincoln Park, he said. Weve been doing that all summer. Ive been doing a lot of training. After seeing his team fail to get to the sectional tournament last season, Williams is determined to lift La Salle back to Class AA dominance. But it wont be an easy road. After all, the Cadets open their season by facing off against reigning Section II champion Shaker. I know we have a great team, we have a lot of potential, Williams said. Weve been working hard. My goals are, honestly, to just do the best we can.
1 2 3 4 5 6 9 11 12 15 20 21 22 23 24 41 44 50 51 52 55 56 57 60 63 65 67 72 75
D. Thompson 12 I. Parkinson 12 D. Patel 12 A. Apicella 12 D. Facci 11 M. Connolly 12 S. Kelley 12 M. Etman 11 M. DeBernardo 11 W. Silliams 12 D. Schilling 12 C. Luizzi 12 A. Fron 12 S. Jordan 11 C. Apicella 12 J. Parsons 12 B. Haskin 11 C. Terry 12 J. Carey 12 J. Crisafulli 12 M. Whaley 11 J. Dow 12 J.Bell 12 J. Paul Petalas 12 E. Wullum 11 R. Hayes 11 C. DelSanto 12 N. Rai 11 X. Woodard 11
WR/DB HB/DB RB/CB S/WR WR/LB K TE/LB WR/DB FB/CB QB FB/LB RB/CB S CB/WR RB/S DE/TE FB/LB OL/DL C OL/DL OL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL DL DL RT/NG OL/DL DE/TE
180 180 160 145 156 140 217 120 195 205 180 175 175 150 175 205 220 230 221 205 275 180 186 185 182 185 255 240 234
Thanks to a solid legacy of standout players who have donned Cadets uniforms over the past seasons, Williams is well aware of the pressure that is facing him; both on and off the field. But after an offseason filled with workouts and a growing sense of leadership, this years team might just be in some of the most capable hands in Section II. Hes got a lot on his shoulders, Rapp said. We expect a lot out of him this year, as a senior. But he looks good in drills and he works hard. The kids really look up to him.
2012 RESULTS
Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Colonie Troy CBA Niskayuna Columbia Schenectady Saratoga Bethlehem L 34-28 W 14-7 L 50-14 L 16-13 W 12-0 L 42-21 W 23-20 L 34-3
COACHS CORNER
Al Rapp 16th Season Career record 100 - 48
HUDDLE UP
Nickname: Cadets 2012 Record: 3-5 Offense: I-Form Defense: 50 Starters Returning: 5 total. Last Playoff Game: 2011 Last Section II Title: 2008 Division: Class AA, Liberty
2013 LA SALLE SCHEDULE

Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25-26 Nov. 1-2 vs. Shaker at Columbia vs. Schenectady vs. Indian River vs. Niskayuna at Colonie vs. CBA Playoffs Super Bowl 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBA TBA
Above, La Salle linemen battle in the trenches. Right top, head coach Al Rapp speaks to the team before a recent practice. Right bottom, La Salle players run laps. The Cadets open their season Friday night with a home game against Shaker.
LANSINGBURGH KNIGHTS
By LAURA AMATO
A CLOSER LOOK
The season was over. All that hard work, all those expectations, a top seed in the tournament and Lansingburgh was out of the Class B sectionals after one game. The team didnt talk much as they all plodded off the field after a 20-19 loss to Schuylerville, a game where nothing seemed to go right in the first quarter, only to get better and then get as bad as it could. Now, as the Knights get ready for the 2013 season, the memory of that seasonending loss is exactly what fuels them. Thats a bitter taste left in everybodys mouth, senior quarterback Shay Curtis said. So, thats whats really driving all of us this season. For the players returning who remember that loss, theyve had an entire offseason to try and quash those memories. And theyve worked hard to make sure that the time was effectively spent to prevent recent history from repeating itself. We dont want to see that happen again, senior Tyler Mcdonough said. That was pretty tough. Weve just got to get our revenge and slowly work our way back there. As they prepare for another season, the Knights are constantly reminded about the success that Burgh has had. Directly above the locker room entrance, is a plaque on the side of the school, commemorating accomplishments. Whenever they go into that locker room, each and every player notices the sign, and they remember what theyre playing for: to get this years team on the board. People are kind of writing us off, senior lineman Chris Eaton said. But we want to accomplish everything that the guys before us have and even more.
It all starts up front for the Knights

ROSTER
TROY The Lansingburgh football team is well aware just how important a solid offensive line is. After all, the Knights offense boasts all-state running back Anthony Walker, a three-year starter in the backfield, who, last year, racked up 29 rushing touchdowns and 1,603 rushing yards. That doesnt happen without a strong offensive line, willing to put in the work up front, to battle in the trenches. With so much riding on what Walker is able to do on the ground, the Knights are counting on their front line to go that extra mile as they prepare for their season opener against reigning Class A state champion Burnt Hills. The line is incredibly important, senior center Chris Eaton said. We have a lot of good guys coming up and a good amount of guys coming back. So we think were going to be pretty strong on the line. Under first-year head coach Jeff Pasinella, who was an assistant with Burgh for 15 years prior to this season, the Knights line has gone through a
Lansingburgh High offensive linemen (from left) Tyler McDonough, Kyle Ray and Chris Eaton know that the Knights offensive success depends on what they can do this season. brand-new offseason program, focusing on strength training and lifting. This group knows what theyre going up against and theyve put in the time throughout the preseason to make sure theyre the strongest theyve ever been. Were going really hard in the weight room trying to get ready, Eaton said. Were working a lot harder. He (Pasinella) made it clear that we had to get bigger, stronger and faster. In addition to improving their physical presence on the field, this seasons Knights are also working to make sure that there is a unity on the line that shows every time the ball is snapped. If theyre going to block effectively, it cannot be one man for himself. They have to be a singular unit, moving the play together and, literally, pushing the offense in the direction they want. You want to know who youre going into battle next to, said senior tackle Tyler McDonough. It takes hard work and dedication. Were all just out there pushing each other. As the line has been working to improve every facet of their collective game throughout the offseason, the effect is already obvious. The line is really starting to gel, Pasinella said. Thats very important, especially when youre in to try and get the team together. The communication and the work have been great so far. Part of that, of course, comes from playing together for several years. The Knights return three players from last years successful line, but even first-time varsity starters are finding themselves part of the group. Weve now played together on JV and modified so the rhythm should be
2 3 5 6 7 8 10 11 21 22 23 24 27 30 31 32 34 42 44 46 50 51 52 55 56 57 58 59 61 65 68 72 73 75 77 89
E. Vautrin 11 WR/DB S. Curtis 12 QB/DB E. Gerena 12 TE/LB D. Beverly 11 WR/DB R. VanNess11 QB/DB S. OBrien 11 WR/DB C. Newell 12 WR/DB J. Rosario 12 WR/DB A. Walker 12 RB/DB K. Wood 11 RB/LB J. Akel 11 WR/DB J. Cloutier 12 RB/DB L. Collins 11 WR/DB W. Baez 11 FB/LB N. Cipperly12 K AJ Canty 11 FB/LB A. Colaruotdo11 FB/LB J. Rodriguez 12 FB/LB M. Delcostello 11 TE/LB M. Kent 11 TE/DL J. Vandenburgh 11 OL/DL J. Forhorn 12 TE/LB K. Ray 12 OL/LB D. Burkhart 12 OL/DL T. McDonough 12 OL/DL T. Alexopoulus 11 OL/DL C. Eaton 12 OL/DL M. Root 11 OL/DL A. Elliott 11 OL/DL J. Davenport11 OL/DL C. Tidings 11 OL/DL P. Abbott 11 OL/DL B. Deats 11 OL/DL D. Culliton 12 OL/DL K. Machia 11 OL/DL J. Adams 11 TE/LB
6-1 5-10 5-10 5-6 5-9 5-4 6-0 5-10 5-11 5-10 5-10 5-6 5-5 5-6 5-10 5-7 5-6 5-10 6-0 6-3 5-10 5-6 5-10 5-10 6-4 6-4 5-8 5-9 5-8 5-8 5-11 6-4 6-2 6-3 6-4 5-9
161 160 190 134 137 125 146 150 173 170 150 170 135 162 217 135 155 200 165 255 220 174 215 230 231 220 254 230 184 201 190 255 205 215 262 153
there, senior Kyle Ray said. The work ethic is definitely there. As the Burgh front line looks to find a rhythm, they also know that a lot of the teams offensive success rests on their shoulders; even if they dont get credit for it. Every time Anthony Walker is able to break open a 65-yard run or spot that perfect running lane, the offensive line has done its job. For this seasons players up front, thats what theyve been working for.
2012 RESULTS
Sept. 1 Scotia Sept. 7 Green Tech Sept. 14 Cohoes Sept. 21 Ichabod Crane Sept. 28 Hudson Oct. 5 Ravena Oct. 13 Albany Academy Oct. 19 Schuylerville @ Oct. 25 Albany High @- playoffs W 36-35 W 47-12 35-7 W 46-13 W 49-12 W 26-21 W 53-50 L 20-19 W 35-14
COACHS CORNER
Jeff Pasinella 1st Season Career record 0-0
HUDDLE UP
Nickname: Knights 2012 Record: 8-1 Offense: Pro Defense: 4-4 Starters Returning: 3 offense; 5 defense Last Playoff Game: 2012 Last Section II Title: 2007 (A) Division: Class B, Reinfurt
2013 LANSINGBURGH SCHEDULE

Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 21 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25-26 Nov. 1-2 at Burnt Hills at Green Tech at Cohoes vs. Ichabod Crane vs. Hudson at Ravena vs. Albany Academy Playoffs Super Bowl 7 7 1 7 7 7 7 p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. TBA TBA
Left, Tyler McDonough and teammates work out in preparation for Friday nights opener at Burnt Hills. Above, running back Josh Rodriguez carries the football.
Formation switch has been big for team

MECHANICVILLE RED RAIDERS

By BRIEN BOUYEA
A CLOSER LOOK
At 6-foot-5 and 320 pounds, Dan Robens is hard to miss on the gridiron, especially on the Class C level. The Mechanicville senior lineman combines power, athleticism and intellect into an impressive package that is drawing the attention of college recruiters. Danny has worked his way into being a nice college prospect, Red Raiders head coach Kevin Collins said. Hes done real well for himself at the UConn and Boston College camps. He has great strength, quick feet and tremendous balance. Hes really coming into his own. Robens said there is no secret to his style of play. Just be as physical as possible and wear guys down, he said. This team is really good at pushing the ball up the field and grinding out tough yards. That all starts up front, and its a lot of fun to push people around. At guard, Robens anchors an offensive line with three starters returning that is the key to Mechanicvilles Flexbone triple option running attack. Hes a leader and a big key for us, Collins said of Robens. Hes put in a lot of work to improve, and he wants to be good. Hes a good athlete, and he works hard in the classroom. Were fortunate to have him.
ROSTER
1 M. Ciccarelli 2 G. DAmbro 4 W. Callahan 5 D. Christman 9 N. Harpe 11 E. Gomez 11 B. Russell 12 D. Mysliwiec 16 S. Morgan 17 T. Fleming 20 C. Provancher 21 C. Kawola 25 C. Jachna 28 J. Henes 30 M. Debates 34 T. Lettrick 42 D. Robb 44 B. Wickham 50 D. Farrell 51 N. Perras 53 A. Clark 56 A. Bechard 62 B. Fleming 66 D. Gaudette 67 R. Stockman 69 M. Ladowski 72 D. Hayner 73 D. Robens 76 B. Jourdanais 78 J. Wilks
10 WR/DB 5-6 140 10 QB/DB 5-7 120 9 WR/DB 5-2 120 11 WR/DB 5-8 130 12 WR/DB 5-3 184 9 WR/DB 5-3 135 11 9 11 11 QB/DB 5-10 175 TE/DL 6 180 6 145 10 WR/DB 5-9 170 10 WR/DB
MECHANICVILLE Kevin Collins decided to ditch tradition and shake things up with the Mechanicville football program in 2012. After years of running a traditional Power-I offense, Collins implemented a new system, the Flexbone triple option. Although it took some getting used to, the new offense proved its worth. The Red Raiders finished 6-3, won a Class C playoff game (a 40-0 victory over Watervliet) and brought a new level of energy to the field that Collins believed had been lacking in 2011 (a 4-5 season). It was a big adjustment for the guys. We threw an entirely new system at them. It was like starting from scratch, especially for the backs and receivers, Collins said. I was very happy with how they picked things up. I expect us to be even better with it this year now that they have a year experience with it and have developed a comfort level. Collins believes he has a strong offensive line and a quality defense to go along with a talented
RB/DB 5-9 170 RB/LB 5-8 190 RB/DB 6-2 160 RB/DB 5-7 140 FB/LB 5-9 175 FB/LB 5-9 205 FB/LB 5-9 195 OL/LB 5-6 165 6 145 OL/DL 5-9 230 OL/DL 5-10 205 OL/DL 5-6 195 OL/LB 5-9 190 OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL 6 210 6 180 6 265 6 205 OL/LB 5-9 180
24 A. Hall-St Gelais 12 10 9 10 9 11 11 9 11 11 12 9 12 9 12 10 10
11 WR/DB 6-2 160
37 C. Delossantos 11
12 WR/DB
Mechanicvilles Chase Delossantos (left) and Brandon Russell will be key to running the Red Raiders Flexbone triple option offense. offensive backfield. Junior tailback Chase Delossantos, who scored twice in Mechanicvilles playoff victory, said the Red Raiders have big expectations for 2013. The sky is the limit if we improve each day as we should, Delossantos said. This group works hard, and we had a good offseason. I feel confident matching up against anybody. Another player to keep an eye on is junior quarterback Brandon Russell, who missed almost the entire 2012 season with a knee injury. He got hurt in the first game and had surgery and was done for the year, Collins said. Hes worked had to get back and I think hes ideal for our system. His footwork, speed and ability to make good decisions make him the perfect option QB. Junior wide receiver/defensive end Brennan Flemming is confident Mechanicville will build on its 2012 success. We got a taste of it last year, and that has been a big motivator for us, Flemming said. We dont want to take a step back this year. Everybody on this team is hungry to make a run at a championship. The Red Raiders open the season at Catholic Central before playing host to Hoosick Falls
OL/DL 6-5 320 OL/DL 5-10 270 OL/DL 5-9 180
Sept. 13. Collins says he will make sure his team doesnt look past the Crusaders, but he acknowledges the home opener against the Panthers (who defeated Mechanicville 43-0 in 2012) will be a big measuring stick. Well have a good idea about where we are at pretty early on this season, Collins said. I think well be just fine. I really believe were on the upswing.
2012 RESULTS
Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 22 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 27 @- playoffs Hoosick Falls L 43-0 Tamarac W 12-6 Granville W 28-0 Dundee W 19-6 Corinth W 25-13 Stillwater L 34-16 Hudson W 32-8 Watervliet @ W 40-0 Chatham @ L 23-20
COACHS CORNER
Kevin Collins 9th Season Career record 44 - 37
HUDDLE UP
Nickname: Red Raiders 2012 Record: 3-6 Offense: Flex Bone Triple Option Defense: 4-3 Starters Returning: 5 offense; 5 defense Last Playoff Game: 2012 Last Section II Title: 2005 Division: Class C, North
2013 MECHANICVILLE SCHEDULE

Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25-26 Nov. 1-2 at Catholic Central vs. Hoosick Falls at Tamarac at Granville vs. Cairo-Durham at Corinth vs. Stillwater Playoffs Super Bowl 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. TBA TBA
Above, Mechanicville head coach Kevin Collins instructs players during a practice on Aug. 28. Top right, Mechanicville players practice a handoff. The Red Raiders open the season Sept. 6 against Catholic Central. Bottom right, players participate in a drill.
FOLLOW
THE ACTION ON
TWITTER
RAVENA INDIANS
By ED WEAVER
A CLOSER LOOK
David Warnken has big shoes to fill. He knows it. People often tell him so. Yeah, everybody has (said so), Warnken said, after Conner left. The Ravena-CoeymansSelkirk quarterback is moving from defensive back to take over the signal-calling for Conner Zeoli, who led the Indians to the Section II playoffs semifinals last season. Warnken isnt at all intimidated. Im accepting the challenge, he said. Itll be a fun year. Warnken describes himself as a running quarterback. I love to run the ball. So, the Ravena offense will be 50 percent passing, or less. Ah, less, he said. Zeoli had a pair of 1,000yard passing seasons for the Indians and went 12-4 during his two regular seasons. Warnken, a 5-foot-11, 165-pound junior, believes he can be as effective. Im confident, he said. Ravena coach Gary VanDerzee expects Warnken to be equally effective running and throwing the ball. Hes very athletic hes pretty dynamic, VanDerzee said. He (Warnken) was an all-conference safety last year. The only reason he wasnt the quarterback was the fact that Conner Zeoli was here. Hes a very talented young man who throws the ball well, has good legs and has command of the offense. Warnken will have several good targets to throw to, including wide receiver Jayden Feliciano tight end Craig Brozowski. The Indians will be throwing, at times, but, as Warnken says, Ill be running.
Veterans willing to roll with the changes

eweaver@troyrecord.com Twitter.com/EdJWeaver
ROSTER
RAVENA Gary VanDerzee is a Section II high school football living legend. Winning football seasons at Ravena-CoeymansSelkirk is a Section II constant. But keeping that latter statement intact will be a tough chore for VanDerzee and the Indians this season albeit an attainable one. Its been since 2009 that Ravena has had a losing record (3-6) and VanDerzee has logged just four losing campaigns in his years at R-C-S. He has a record of 187-97, eight divisional titles and two Section II championships. But Ravena has been beaten six times in the Section II title game since 2000. This year, the goal is to get there and win. VanDerzee will have a new quarterback really new this season but welcomes back 18 lettermen from last year. The Indians will have seven starters back on offense and defense, including two Class B all-stars. That really new quarterback is junior Dave Warnken, who was an AllSection II Second Team Defense selection at safety last season. Hes never
Ravenas (from left) Doug Mark, Luke Misuraca and Carter Ducatte are ready to bring Ravena football back to Section II dominance, despite some offseason changes. played quarterback before. And hell be replacing an Section II Class B All-Star, Conner Zeoli. Hes athletic enough to do it, VanDerzee said of Warnken. Despite the QB change, the Indians will be a veteran group, and VanDerzee hopes the experience will be especially beneficial in postseason play. We have a small junior class, but weve got 16 or 17 seniors, so we have a pretty good nucleus, he said. Even if Warnken plays little or no defense, the Indians still have two allconference players returning 6-foot-2, 290-pound tackle Doug Mark and defensive end Luke Misuraca. It was suggested that perhaps the Indians may have to rely more on their defense this season. VanDerzee disagrees. No, I think we have a pretty good offensive group, he said. VanDerzee explained that tailback Fred Pechette, who was only here for part of the year last year, had a big game against Amsterdam, is back and (Carter) Ducatte, (who) played behind Keyer, got a lot of time at fullback, so were in pretty good shape. The formidable Mark will
2 J. Gladney 3 A. Babcock 4 F. Pechette 7 C. Brozowski 10 D. Warnken 11 I. Armina 20 J. Hall 22 C. Ducatte 23 Z. Maurer 33 E. Williams 36 C. Rivers 38 M. Weisheit 44 K. Gorman 54 C. Carter 55 A. McHugh 56 M. Parker 58 L. Misuraca 60 S. Mooney 63 P. Peters 64 D. Mark 66 T. Bennett 71 K. OConnell 77 L. Kunkle 79 K. Powell 81 V. Visone 82 K. Phillips 85 B. Deragon
11 12 11 12 11 11 12 12 12 12 12 11 11 11 11 12 12 11 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 12 12
RB/DB QB/DB WR/LB TE/DB QB/S WR/DB WR/DB FB/LB RB/LB RB/DB WR/DB RB/LB RB/LB TE/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DE C/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB
5-8 5-7 5-8 6-1 5-11 5-10 5-7 5-7 5-10 5-2 5-8 5-6 5-8 6-2 5-10 5-9 5-10 5-11 5-10 6-2 5-10 6-4 5-11 5-7 5-4 5-11 5-10
140 135 160 175 150 150 150 180 165 125 130 150 130 175 16165 170 190 210 290 222 185 219 245 135 151 130
have a talented group with him on the offensive line guards Misurac and Mike Parker and tight end Craig Brozowski. Mark knows hes the pillar of both lines. But, will the Ravena defense, which gave up just 114 total points, be as good as last year? I think it will, Mark said. Were in a new type of defense, but it should be the same as last year if not better. Mark described the defense as a 3-5 mix. Will that mean more tackles for him? More responsibility, he said. But he is certain that he
can handle the added duties and is looking forward to the chance to prove himself. Yeah, I got this, he said. In each of the past three seasons, the Indians have been bumped out of the Section II Class B playoffs by Schalmont, twice in the semifinals and in the 2010 championship game by a final score of 48-13. Ravena has been outscored 115-27 in those games. Last years 48-0 rout at the hands of the Sabres still lingers in the Indians minds. Thats pretty much what motivates us all, Mark says, to get back to that point and be even better than we were last year.
2012 RESULTS
Sept. 1 Cohoes Sept. 7 Hudson Sept. 14 Ichabod Crane Sept. 21 Albany Academy Sept. 28 Amsterdam Oct. 5 Lansingburgh Oct. 12 Green Tech Oct. 19 Broadalbin-Perth @ Oct. 25 Schalmont @ @ - playoffs W 44-7 W 58-6 W 41-6 W 20-7 W 33-14 L 26-21 W 54-0 W 30-0 L 48-0
Coachs corner
Gary VanDerzee 31st Season Career record 187 - 97 - 4
HUDDLE UP
Nickname: Indians 2012 Record: 7-2 Offense: Multiple-I Defense: 4-3 Starters Returning: 7 7 defense Last Playoff Game: 2012 Last Section II Title: 2004 Division: Class B, Reinfurt
offense;
2013 RAVENA SCHEDULE

Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 28 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25-26 Nov. 1-2 vs. Cohoes at Hudson at Ichabod Crane at Albany Academy vs. Troy vs. Lansingburgh at Green Tech Playoffs Super Bowl 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 1 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBA TBA
Above, the Indians line up in punt formation during a recent practice. Right, quarterback David Warnken drops back to pass. The Indians host Cohoes in their season opener Friday night at 7 p.m.
FOLLOW
THE ACTION ON
TWITTER
RENSSELAER RAMS
By LAURA AMATO
A CLOSER LOOK
The Renseelaer High football team knows that its players will be on the field more often than not this season. As a Class D school, the Rams are among the smallest teams in all of Section II, at least when it comes to roster size. That means that most players are playing both ways, taking snaps on offense and defense, and in some cases, playing on special teams as well. Thats the nice thing about small-school football, coach Joel Preston said. If you can play, youre going to be out on the field. You have to be on the field. With the demands so high, this years Rensselaer squad is determined to make sure theyre all ready for the constant plays and it all starts with preseason practices. Being athletic and strength comes into it but being in shape is whats really the key, senior quarterback Steven Harwood said. You have to be in shape to play full-time. The Rams have been going through conditioning drills at the end of every single practice, working on their speed, agility, and their determination to stay focused when it is the hardest. Youve got to work hard on it, senior Jake Forgea said. You cant take plays off when youre practicing. As they look to stay in the game for every snap, the Rams are also determined to prove that Class D football players are nothing to be trifled with. They may have a small roster, but these are not small players. We have people going both ways the whole time, Harwood said. People dont understand the strength of Class D.
Rams counting on aerial attack in 13

Roster
RENSSELAER Steven Harwood really likes the way this season is shaping up for the Rensselaer football team. The three-year starting quarterback for the Rams returns to the gridiron for his senior season with the team, flanked by three experienced wide receivers, which has Harwood pretty excited about what the squad might be able to do in 2013. We went pretty deep last year, Harwood said. So having a lot of guys back makes me feel like we can do that again. As the Rams picked up their first Section II title since 2009 last season, Harwoods arm took center stage, racking up 18 passing touchdowns and 1,264 yards through the air. Hes a heck of a player, Rensselaer coach Joel Preston said of his QB. And now hes got his three big threats back. Those three big threats come in returning wide receivers, and fellow senior standouts, Tyler Oliver, Brandon Butler and Jake Forgea. That trio of wideouts has been working together
Rensselaers (from left) Tyler Oliver, Brandon Butler, Steven Harwood and Jake Forgea have put in the offseason time to make sure theyre on the same offensive page for the upcoming season. throughout the summer, going through offseason training with Harwood, as they look to improve their game after a dominant 2012 performance. Weve been practicing all offseason, Forgea said. Our timing has been getting better. All the things that we were doing last season are now getting better because weve been running through it all off-season and all winter. Its that kind of offseason dedication that has not only impressed the Rensselaer coaching staff, but gives the entire squad an extra boost of confidence. Theyre ready, Preston said. They were working one night a week in the gym with an alumni quarterback. They did three different seven-onseven passing tournaments. They did a nice job. While some high school football teams might have trouble getting the timing or the perfect routes of a passing game down, the Rams have the opposite view. In fact, Rensselaer is confident that the aerial attack is something that will help set the team apart from other Section II and Class D competition. I dont think that we find passing tricky, said Oliver, who pulled in five receiving touchdowns and recorded 555 yards last season. Its actually kind of easy for us. As a group, the Rensselaer four have known each other since pre-kindergarten, and have spent the majority of their time together on the football field. That kind of familiarity has helped to breed consistent success for the Rams and now, in their collective final season, the group has their sights set on the top. Were a lot more com-
1 2 3 4 5 8 13 17 19 21 24 25 52 55 56 57 58 60 63 65 67 70 76 78 88 89
T. Oliver 12 S. Harwood 12 C. Spath 10 J. Forgea 12 K. Miano 10 B. Newton 9 L. Armwood 11 V. Storms 12 B. Butler 12 T. Harwood 10 M. Katras 12 B. Sousis 11 K. Jevons 11 D. Foreman 9 B. Dennis 11 G. Roberts 12 C. Rifenberick 11 J. Cirillo 11 B. Thomlinson11 C. Miller 11 G. Montgomery 9 D. Brooking 11 K. Sousa 8 A. Moore 10 Q. Foust 10 A. Spath 11
WR/LB QB/CB QB/DB WR/LB RB/LB RB/LB RB/LB WR/CB WR/CB RB/CB RB/DB RB/LB OT/DT OL/DL OL/DL OT/DT OL/DL OT/DT OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL TE/LB TE/LB
6-2 5-7 5-11 5-11 5-5 5-8 6-1 5-6 5-10 5-8 5-7 5-8 5-6 5-10 5-10 6-2 5-7 5-10 6-2 5-11 6-1 5-9 6-1 5-8 5-11 5-10
170 170 165 158 120 165 220 140 165 155 150 145 195 210 195 155 210 170 170 230 245 230 285 215 165 170
fortable this year than we were last, said Butler, who led the team with 562 receiving yards last year. After falling to Tuckahoe in the semi-finals of the New York State tournament last year, this seasons Rensselaer squad is determined to make it back to Kingston and, more importantly to the Carrier Dome. For the Rams that kind of repeat success is dependant on the core group of offensive returners, players who know their job and the playbook. Were excited about our first-team offense, Preston. These guys are stepping up as leaders. They just naturally roled right in and embraced the roles.
2012 Results
Aug. 31 Whitehall Sept. 7 Warrensburg Sept. 14 Salem Sept. 21 Canajoharie Sept. 28 Greenwich Oct. 5 Bishop Gibbons Oct. 12 Catholic Central Oct. 20 Cambridge Oct. 27 Whitehall@ Nov. 3 Salem@ Nov. 9 Moriah@ Nov. 16 Tuckahoe@ @-playoffs W 21-12 W 42-16 W 36-20 W 26-6 W 37-16 W 33-0 W 33-0 L 27-21 W 54-28 W 42-22 W 50-0 L 14-12
Coachs Corner
Joel Preston 8th Season Career record 54 - 23
HUDDLE UP
Nickname: Rams 2012 Record: 10-2 Offense: Spread Defense: 3-5 Starters Returning: 6 offense; 6 defense Last Playoff Game: 2012 Last Section II Title: 2012 Division: Class D, South
2013 RENSSELAER SCHEDULE

Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25-26 Nov. 1-2 vs. Lake George vs. Fort Edward vs. Bishop Gibbons at Schoburg at Hoosic Valley vs. Cambridge at Canajoharie Playoffs Super Bowl 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 1 p.m. 1 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBA TBA
Above, Rams head coach Joel Preston instructs quarterback Steve Harwood. Right top, Steve Harwood looks to throw a pass during a recent practice. Right bottom, wide receiver Brandon Butler fights off a tackle.
FOLLOW
THE ACTION ON
TWITTER

Senior quarterback Jake Eglintine was given the old baptism by fire as a sophomore quarterback for the Saratoga Springs football team in 2011. Yeah, we threw him out there in a tough spot, Blue Streaks head coach Terry Jones said. It was late in the season and we were struggling and he was up against it. He had just moved here from Utah and he was still getting used to so many things on and off the field. Eglintine, however, showed considerable promise and has developed steadily into a leader for Saratoga. Now, as a senior, he is determined to help lead the Blue Streaks to their first playoff appearance since 2010. Im comfortable now and Ive got a great group around me and we arent going to have another losing season, Eglintine said. Ive been on teams that were 3-6 each of the past two years and thats not going to be acceptable this time around. Eglintine is a true dual threat, possessing a strong arm and the ability to run with the ball. He gives us a lot of options, Jones said. He has improved in how he makes decisions on the field and hes probably the strongest quarterback weve had here at Saratoga in the 15 or so years Ive been around the program. Hes going to be a big key for us.
Blue Streaks ready to make a push in 13

SARATOGA SPRINGS BLUE STREAKS

By BRIEN BOUYEA
A CLOSER LOOK
Roster
SARATOGA SPRINGS The Saratoga Springs High School football team is coming off back-to-back 3-6 seasons, prompting the Blue Streaks to vow they wont be getting pushed around once again in 2013. One of Saratogas biggest issues in 2012 was the fact the Blue Streaks were literally getting pushed around. The offensive and defensive lines were both decimated by injuries and Saratogas linemen lacked the strength and endurance to stand up to Class AA competition. Im not going to sugarcoat the fact that a lot of our injuries last season were a result of the fact we didnt prepare ourselves the way we should have in the offseason in the weight room, Blue Streaks head coach Terry Jones said. Were playing against the biggest and best schools in Section II week after week, and we simply were unable to physically handle the pounding at this level. The necessary dedication wasnt there. Jones believes this season his players are much more prepared to withstand the rigors of a daunting Class AA schedule. This group is cultivat-
Saratogas (from left) Jake Eglintine, Dakota Harvey, Jordan Wilcox, Trevor Hallaran and Nick Stiansen will look to get the Blue Streaks back to their winning ways. ing a much different atmosphere than weve had the past couple seasons, Jones said. Its been refreshing. They understood that in the offseason they needed to be more committed and get in the weight room. They havent enjoyed the last couple years. Theyre excited, they push each other to be better and I like the dedication and the progress Ive seen. Senior two-way lineman Trevor Hallaran believes Saratoga will be able to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball this season. Ive had injuries the past couple years, and its not any fun at all to get knocked around out there, Hallaran said. We had to approach this offseason differently. Were bigger, stronger and faster. Last year we had guys on the lines who weighted 150, 160 pounds. Now everyone goes from 210 to 280. Our mentality has also changed. Were putting a big emphasis on the fact that we need to set the tone at the line of scrimmage. Were off to a good start. Leading the way offensively for the Blue Streaks is senior quarterback Jake Eglintine and a talented pair of tailbacks in senior
Jordan Wilcox and sophomore Dakota Harvey. Weve got some good experience and athletic guys at the skill positions, Jones said. Jake is a good runner as well as a kid who can throw the ball. Jordan is a three-year varsity guy and Dakota is only a sophomore, but he has a good amount of experience as well. Senior linebacker Nick Stiansen is being counted on to anchor a defense that has plenty of potential even though there is some concern about a lack of experience in the secondary. Nick is the brains behind the operation on defense. He is a coach on
1 2 3 7 10 13 18 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 30 33 42 44 50 52 55 56 62 63 66 73 74 76 79 80 81 83 84 88
H. Hagen 12 J. Eglintine 12 M. Redcross 12 M. Kabnuk 11 N. Anderson 11 T. Honis 11 T. Sullivan 12 Z. Stacey 11 R. Manlapaz 10 T. Brizzell 11 J. Wilcox 12 M. Barbaro 12 D. Harvey 10 J. Buchas 11 C. Ellis 12 R. Catanzarita 11 B. Place 12 N. Stiansen 12 T. Hallaran 12 A. Degener 11 S. Kim 11 G. Loarca 12 M. Gyarmathy 11 C. Lewis 11 N. French 12 N. Green 11 C. Barnes 11 J. Graver 12 G. Clancy 11 J. Hargett 12 N. Abate 11 E. Newton 12 A. Connell 11 W. Witkop 11
WR/LB QB/DB RB/DB QB/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB RB/LB WR/DB RB/DE RB/LB RB/DB TE/LB TE/DE TE/LB G/DT C/DE C/G/DT T/DT T/DE G/DE G/T/DT T/DT G/DT G/DT G/DT TE/LB TE/LB WR/DB TE/DE WR/LB
6-2 5-11 5-6 5-10 6-1 6 5-9 5-10 5-11 5-6 6 6 6-1 6-1 6 6 6-2 5-11 6 5-11 6 5-11 6-2 5-9 6-1 5-11 6-1 6-2 6-6 6 6-2 5-10 6-3 6-1
185 170 138 160 170 177 155 150 176 168 190 160 220 175 158 170 200 210 270 215 225 225 190 225 245 220 200 245 290 180 170 155 220 175
the field, Jones said. We ask a lot of him, and I know he will be ready to lead that group. We dont have many proven guys in the defensive backfield, but we are talented there and deep. We just need to get our feet wet back there. While Jones isnt making any bold predictions for the season, Hallaran has set a lofty goal for Saratoga. We want to win the Super Bowl and I think we are capable, he said. Thats the ultimate goal and I would be disappointed otherwise.
2012 RESULTS
Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 25 Niskayuna L 38-14 Bethlehem W 21-13 Albany W 47-25 CBA L 26-6 Guilderland L 30-21 Shenendehowa L 49-0 Ballston Spa L 34-0 La Salle L 23-20 South High W 38-6
COACHS CORNER
Terry Jones 6th Season Career record 25 - 15 Visit www.troyrecord.com or www.saratogian.com to watch a video about your team!
HUDDLE UP
Nickname: Blue Streaks 2012 Record: 3-6 Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 Starters Returning: N/A Last Playoff Game: 2010 Last Section II Title: 2009 Division: Class AA, Empire
2013 SARATOGA SCHEDULE

Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25-26 Nov. 1-2 at Albany vs. Ballston Spa at Colonie at CBA vs. Bethlehem vs. Shendehowa at Guilderland Playoffs Super Bowl 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBA TBA
Above, Saratoga players run through a drill during a practice Aug. 26 preparing for the season opener Sept. 6 against Albany. Above right, Jordan Wilcox goes through a running drill during practice.
FOLLOW
THE ACTION ON
TWITTER
SCHUYLERVILLE BLACK HORSES

By STAN HUDY
A CLOSER LOOK
The Schuylerville sidelines just got a little bit louder now that John Bowen will be stalking the sidelines for the Black Horses. Bowen didnt revamp the Schuylerville Black Horses Flexbone playbook, but the practices probably have become more intense, reflecting their coach, and that probably wont change. I have a certain formula that I know, is different than Gregs (former Schuylerville coach Greg OConnor)? Sure, Bowen said. Just the same way my way is different from (Ballston Spa coach) Dave Murellos and mine evolved from being with Brent (Steuerwald) all those years. Bowen has asked for his players to accept the new things and demands that has placed upon them. I think for them the biggest thing they have had to get used to is me, Bowen said. Its a different level of intensity. Its just a different type of stress that is being put on them. With his introduction of the Ballston Spa football fitness carnival, a stressful week of conditioning during pre-season, the Black Horse will look to have the stamina late in games. Some may say its the hardest camp they have gone through, maybe not so much, Bowen said. I havent asked them how they are handling it. I may sit down with some of the older kids and ask them during the offseason. Right now I dont want them thinking of how its different. I want them thinking about in the immediacy of the day and the moment how we get the job done. The focus is how we are going to be successful here and now.
New coach Bowen brings spin to offense

ROSTER
SCHUYLERVILLE With John Bowen now at the helm of the Schuylerville Black Horses this fall, as much as some things change, they have stayed the same. The Black Horses will run the Flexbone offense, the same one they ran under coach Greg OConnor for almost a decade, but Bowen brings his own spin on the system. I think the tempo is a little different, the tempo that we want to do things at, getting out of the huddle, getting on the ball moving a little more, using a little bit less of the 25-second clock than has been done in the past, Bowen said. I think has been one of bigger changes for these guys, but at the same time, we as coaches have had to temper ourselves and make sure that were not losing the boys. The biggest change is in the Schuylerville backfield, as they all walked across the stage in June at graduation. Senior right tackle Nick Richard knows his offensive line will again be a
Schuylerville football captains (from left) Ryan Rajeski, Josh Thomas and Nick Richard look to the lead the Black Horses under new head coach John Bowen. key to getting their new backfield up the gridiron. We worked as a team very hard over the summer, everyone made it almost every day over the summer, Richard said. A lot of us have been putting in a lot of hard work with coach. Its paid off. Second-year junior varsity fullback Josh Thomas is anxious to take his first snaps with his new squad. We just want to get plays done and get it learned, get used to it, Thomas said. The offensive line is a key. The last couple of years weve had problems finding those extra yards to get the job done. Senior wide receiver Ryan Rajeski is looking to make the most of his final year. There were a couple of seniors in front of me, but I had my shots, Rajeski said. This year Ive been working, spending extra time with the coaches, getting my routes down. Another change is Bowens choice at quarterback, choosing between Will Griffin and Schuyler Bateman, both competing for the starting spot. Well have a youngling pulling the trigger this year, Bowen said. Both are very athletic kids. We have a lot of confidence in both of them. With a new head coach and a similar playbook, players have had the chance to impress the new Schuylerville staff all with one goal in mind winning. I think its easier to be able to come in with guys with no preconceived notions, Bowen said. You dont have that offensive conceitedness that you see with players that come in the year before rushing for 700- to 800- yards rushing and Hey Im going to be the
1 5 7 8 9 12 17 20 21 24 25 28 33 34 51 52 54 49 61 63 64 65 67 71 72 73 75 76 79 90
J. Vanderhoof Z. Pierce J. Fane R. Rajeski S. Bateman D. Stark W. Griffen D. Bushnell V. Castro B. Phillips J. Petralia R. Green J. Zakrzewski D. Abron K. Buckley R. Thivierge B. Weed K. Diehl J. Dooley N. Richard B. Martin N. Monroe J. Zakrzewski R. Bryant B. LaFond L. Messer C. Richardson M. Salaway J. Beltran J. Thomas
10 10 12 12 10 12 10 12 11 10 11 10 10 9 10 11 10 11 10 12 12 10 10 10 12 12 11 12 11 11
WR/DB RB/DB WR/DB WR/DB QB/RB/LB WR/DB QB/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB RB/LB RB/DL RB/DL RB/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL RB/LB
man this year, Im going to get my touches. The Black Horses need to start out strong to keep their season intact. The Bs are really good this year, Broadalbin is going to be really good, Bowen said. We have the defending state finalist, Glens Falls, in our division, Hudson Falls is always big and tough and physical. Then there is Schalmont that you have to get by, there is our first three games games. Its going to be tough, we know that.
2012 RESULTS
Sept. 1 Hudson Falls Sept. 8 Glens Falls Sept. 14 Schalmont Sept. 21Cobleskill-Richmondville Sept. 28 Hoosick Falls Oct. 5 Broadalbin-Perth Oct. 12 Johnstown Oct. 13 vs. Groton Oct. 19 Lansingburgh @ Oct. 27 Glens Falls @- playoffs W 26-14 L 34-15 L 27-24 W 35-21 L 43-12 L 33-6 W Forfeit W 67-7 W 20-19 L 41-22
COACHS CORNER
John Bowen 1st Season Career record 60-42 (Previous 11 years with Ballston Spa) Visit www.troyrecord.com or www.saratogian.com to watch a video about your team!
HUDDLE UP
Nickname: Black Horses 2012 Record: 4-5 Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-3 Starters Returning: 3 total Last Playoff Game: 2012 Last Section II Title: 2005 Division: Class B, West
2013 SCHUYLERVILLE SCHEDULE

Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25-26 Nov. 1-2 vs. Hudson Falls vs. Glens Falls vs. Schalmont at Cobleskill at Scotia vs. Broadalbin-Perth at Johnstown Playoffs Super Bowl 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBA TBA
Above, a Schuylerville player stretches in practice as the team prepares for its opener against Hudson Falls on Sept. 6. Above right, a Schuylerville player participates in a throwing drill during a recent practice.
FOLLOW
THE ACTION ON
TWITTER
SHAKER BLUE BISON

By LAURA AMATO
A CLOSER LOOK
For most high school players, every single day follows a pretty set routine. Go to school, go to practice, go home. For Jake and Dylan Quay, that routine is pretty similar, except theyre teammates who go home together. Its the coolest thing, Jake said. It really is. Were very close and we talk about football all the time. Its awesome. Having a built-in teammate at home gives the Quay brothers the perfect opportunity to dissect the game of football, even around the dinner table. Its good to live with someone who can do that, Dylan said. We kind of bounce ideas off of each other and analyze games and plays. Growing up, the twin brothers played Pop Warner together but as theyve moved up the gridiron ranks theyve developed into two very distinctive and different football players. That kind of separation on the field has allowed the two to focus on their own strengths and, in some cases, help each other with their weaknesses as well. Were very different players, so we kind of balance each other out, Dylan said. He helps me focus on some things and I help him focus on others. Of course, theres still a bit of sibling rivalry in all of that brotherly love. After all, football is no fun wihtout some competition. You see him make a big hit and the first thing you want to do is go out and make your own, Jake said. Its like, I got a hit too, did you see me do that?
Blue Bison ready to move on ... and win

ROSTER
1 2 3 5 7 8 11 14 15 17 18 19 22 24 26 27 28 29 30 32 34 38 40 42 44 46 50 52 55 59 61 62 63 64 65 66 68 71 72 74 75 78 79 81 85 86 90 96
LATHAM The Shaker football team would very politely like to request that everyone stop talking about last season. Yes, the Blue Bison earned the programs first Section II title since 1969 and yes, that team saw its historic year end with a heartbreaking loss to New Rochelle in the Class AA state semifinal. But that doesnt mean theyre particularly interested in rehashing recent history. Obviously in the beginning I thought a lot about how it ended, senior Dylan Quay said. But thinking about a win or a loss that happened a year ago isnt going to help anything. We dont want to hear about last year. We were so proud to be a part of that team and play a role in that success, but we dont really want to hear about it anymore. Were already focused on the new football season. Theres certainly plenty of reason for the Bison to be excited about the upcoming football season. Despite losing quarterback Chris Landers and running back Ryan Griffin to graduation, Shaker sees most of its defense return in
Shakers (from left) Enrico Battibulli, Jake Quay, Dylan Quan and Sean Egan are ready to forget last seasons disappointing end and bring the Blue Bison right back to the Section II title game in 2013. 2013. That kind of experience is the building block for the Bisons goals this year. Were happy having the experience on that side of the ball, Shaker coach Greg Sheeler said. I really feel like if you can stop people and play good defense, youre going to have a chance in every game. Shaker returns a good chunk of last years front seven on defense and while some critics may discredit them for being slightly smaller, this seasons team is confident in their strength and their desire to knock down some opponents. Were fast, we fly and around and we love to hit, senior linebacker Jake Quay said. We know that the hardest working team, the fastest team, the hardest hitting team, will win. While the Bison arent too interested in the memories, both good and bad, of last season, there is one point they keep focusing on: hard work pays off. Shaker went through an offseason workout heading into 2012 that was unlike anything the program had put together before. It wasnt always easy, but that kind of dedication, even before the first snap of the season, is what ultimately led the team to a
Section II championship. As this years team looks to add to that success, returning players are more than ready to put in the necessary work. Were doing the same, if not more, said senior safety Sean Egan. Were not trying to be cocky from last year. Were trying to start over. We want to work hard and get better again. Just like any reigning championship team, the Bison know that the expectations are high heading into this season, but Shaker isnt overly concerned with what other people want or what other people are talking about.
D. Koehler 12 RB/DB M. Woods 11 QB/DB E. Battibulli 12 RB/LB W. Halpin 11 P/K J. Kirker 11 RB/DB A. Bolton 10 RB/DB J. Natale 12 QB/DB A. Nicholson11 WR/DB R. Bird 12 RB/DB K. Egan 12 WR/RB S. McElroy 12 RB/DB J. Canfield 11 RB/LB M. Mainella 12 RB/DL A. Miller 11 TE/DB S. Egan 12 RB/DB S. Hulbert 12 RB/DB M. Lewis 12 WR/DB J. Chandler 12 RB/DB J. Safford 12 TE/LB N. Brown 11 RB/LB M. Tanu 11 RB/LB J. Quay 12 RB/LB Ryan Duda 10 RB/LB B. Safford 12 RB/LB D. Quay 12 TE/LB C. Lyte 12 RB/DB C. MacDonald 11OL/LB Z. Baird 12 OL/DL B. Barlow 10 OL/DL P. Chun 12 OL/DL L. Hamel 11 OL/DL C. Hale 12 OL/DL B. Barker 11 OL/DL J. Cotugno 11 OL/DL S. Dellangelo12 OL/DL M. August 10 OL/DL R. Eustace 11 OL/DL N. Griffin 12 OL/DL E. Kreis 12 OL/DL C. Charland 11 OL/DL J. Parker 11 OL/DL S. Mucci 12 OL/DL E. Nelson 11 OL/DL S. McHugh 11 WR/DB L. Smalling 12 WR/DL C. Arnold 11 WR/DB P. Hoey 12 TE/DE J. Varvir 11 TE/DL
5-8 6-3 5-8 5-7 5-9 5-10 6-1 5-9 5-9 6-1 5-6 5-10 6-0 6-2 6-1 6-1 6-0 5-10 6-0 5-10 5-10 5-11 5-10 6-1 6-1 6-0 5-10 6-0 6-3 5-10 5-11 5-10 6-1 5-11 5-10 5-10 6-0 6-4 6-0 6-2 5-11 5-11 6-0 6-0 6-2 6-3 6-0 6-0
170 180 175 145 160 175 180 155 165 175 150 185 195 190 185 190 170 170 190 215 190 190 195 185 220 155 190 180 190 230 195 235 195 265 230 210 260 260 185 260 235 200 195 170 195 170 170 180
Its a brand-new season; dont worry about what happened last November. Were hungry, senior linebacker Enrico Battibulli said. We had a tough loss last year and it was hard to end the season like that. But were ready to answer and play a new season.
2012 RESULTS
Sept. 1 Queensbury Sept. 7 Colonie Sept. 14 Columbia Sept. 21 Schenectady Sept. 28 Shenendehowa Oct. 5 Niskayuna Oct. 12 La Salle Oct. 19 Ballston Spa@ Oct. 26 Schenectady@ Nov. 2 Shenendehowa@ Nov. 17 New Rochelle@ @- playoffs W 48-20 W 40-8 W 47-12 W 21-14 W 35-8 W 48-34 W 33-6 W 28-0 W 28-21 W14-0 L 28-21
COACHS CORNER
Greg Sheeler 4th Season Career record 20 -9
HUDDLE UP
Nickname: Blue Bison 2012 Record: 10-1 Offense: Wing-T Defense: Hybrid 4-3 Starters Returning: 4 offense; 7 defense Last Playoff Game: 2012 Last Section II Title: 2012 Division: Class AA, Liberty League
2013 SHAKER SCHEDULE

Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25-26 Nov. 1-2 at La Salle at Niskayuna vs. Nottingham at Guilderland vs. Columbia vs. Schenectady at Colonie Playoffs Super Bowl 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBA TBA
Above, linebacker Dylan Quay peers into the offensive backfield during a recent scrimmage. Right top, Jake Quay lines up on defense for the Blue Bison. Right bottom, the Shaker offense prepares to run a play during a preseason scrimmage against Chatham.
FOLLOW
THE ACTION ON
TWITTER
Clawson adds passing attack to Plainsmen

SHENENDEHOWA PLAINSMEN
By STAN HUDY
A CLOSER LOOK
When the Shenendehowa Plainsmen looked to re-load this fall, they looked to two returning starters, juniors Oliver Robinson and Eric Kromer who will only see the sideline between the quarters. Robinson will continue to be a force out of the Plainsmen backfield with Kromer providing a blocking and receiving threat from the tight end position. The duo will then switch to the other side of the football, Robinson as a defensive back and Kromer as a defensive end. Both players are ready for the new challenge after getting a look last year. I feel that we have a lot of people really committed to getting better every day, just everyone in the backfield, working with the linemen, understanding the progression of blocking and running, Robinson said. Kromer is ready to become more of a threat off the line. I like to see that we are becoming better-rounded with different threats on offense, Kromer said. The passing game is coming along really well, definitely going to help our offense in the future. He remains comfortable in the decades-old successful running game of the Plainsmen. You are still focused as a blocker, (as a tight end) but you are an offensive threat, Kromer said. Ill help spread the ball around and make it tougher for defenses to take everyone out. The two returners continue to learn to perfect the Shenendehowa playbook during their second year. Its definitely a lot easier, you understand the bigger picture more, you understand the blocking schemes more, having a second year to look at it and a second year to understand the plays, Robinson said. That happens also on the defensive side how to play your position.
ROSTER
1 Kevin Maher WR/FS 4 Ben Sibson QB 5 Ryan Van Galen QB 6 Evan Gelting WR/C 7 Brendan Marra WR/C 8 Alex Robillard FB/LB 9 Max Baldyga WR/C 10 Willy Stevenson WR/C 11 M. HendricksonWR/SS 12 Kevin Boland WR/C 13 Corey Drejas WR/C 14 Marc Sanford WR/C 15 Brendan Brustle WR/FS 19 Matthew Hardy RB/LB 20 Brian Guiry WR/C 22 Jeremiah Smith RB/FS 23 Jordan Zlogar WR/C 25 Matt Taft RB/LB 27 Matthew Drum RB/LB 30 Antonio Rossi FB/LB 31 Joshua Huff FB/LB 32 John Penman FB/SS 33 Ben Hoffman SS/RB 34 Keegan Bock WR/LB 35 Ethan Bruhns WR/SS 37 Oliver Robinson FB/LB 39 Ben Friedman WR/SS 50 Dillon Murray G/DE 54 Gary Roberts Mgr 57 Daniel Busold C/DT 61 Warren Shaw G/DT 65 Steve Nesler G/DT 67 Joey Enos G/DT 68 Ricky Homan T/DT 70 Ryan Mikula G/DT 71 Justice Honsinger G/DT 73 Alex Plastini C/DE 74 Connor Chatterton G/DT 75 Tory Cook T/DT 77 Theo Slepski T/DT 78 David Carloni G/DE 79 Jordan Gougler T/DT 80 Michael Blond TE/DE 82 Philip AlbaneseWR/SS 85 Erik Kromer TE/DE 87 Matt Dillon TE/DE 88 Chris LAmoureuxTE/DE 12 12 11 11 11 12 11 11 12 12 11 11 12 12 12 12 11 11 12 12 12 12 12 11 11 11 11 12 12 11 11 12 11 11 12 11 12 12 11 11 12 11 11 11 11 11 12 6-1 5-10 6-1 5-7 5-9 6-0 5-10 5-8 5-10 6-2 5-8 5-11 6-1 5-11 6-1 5-9 6-2 6-1 6-2 5-11 5-11 5-5 5-5 5-10 5-10 5-8 5-10 5-7 5-8 5-8 5-11 5-10 5-7 6-3 5-10 6-2 5-9 5-9 5-10 6-4 6-0 6-1 6-2 5-7 6-4 6-4 6-5 150 170 180 130 155 195 145 150 160 150 170 155 183 175 160 175 180 185 195 197 197 180 155 160 155 200 160 195 117 255 235 210 222 270 230 290 220 240 245 260 235 245 185 145 235 190 190
CLIFTON PARK Second-year coach Brian Clawson may have a hard time keeping it a secret that the Shenendehowa football program is adding a passing attack into its playbook this season. No one on the team has had loose lips, but their success over the summer in various 7-on-7 tournaments has spoken loud and clear. The Plainsmen competed at West Point with four games at Michie Stadium, won a title at the local UAlbany 7-on-7 event and shined in Connecticut at the prestigious New Canaan 7on-7 tournament. That was a two-day event with 36 teams with Friday playing four pool play games against random opponents and then everyone is seeded based on record and point differential, Clawson said. We went 2-2 and came back in the second day and won that tournament as well. We got a lot of good reps in the off season in terms of our 7-on-7 and were able to focus our passing game and rep it out more and practice it more. I think being able to do that puts us in a better position to throw the ball.
Shenendehowa (from left) senior captains Connor Chatterton, Ben Sibson and Brendan Brustle are looking to make their mark during their final season with the Plainsmen. Clawson will have to choose between senior Ben Simpson or junior Ryan Van Galen to replace graduated senior Ryan Buss prior to their season opener against Coumbia. The Plainsmen will also have also been auditioning talent to replace tailbacks Marcelino Christie and current Northwestern freshman Corey Acker. For this years squad Jeremiah Smith is competing for a starting tailback position along with a spot in the secondary. The Shenendehowa class of 2013 was one of its most athletic ever and will look for new faces to shine on Friday nights. I like to say from every graduating class they leave their own legacy and this years senior class that just graduated the legacy they left, from the year before, is that every practice has to be 110 percent, Clawson said. You cant take any practices off, each one is critical. The new quarterback will have a host of talent to throw to, including Kevin Boland, Brian Gurie and Jordan Zlogar. Also look for Clawson to utilize Matt Drum on both sides of the ball as the ultimate utility player. Hes probably one of the most athletic kids because we can put him in different positions and he plays all of them well, Clawson said. Were going to use that to our advantage. The Shenendehowa line will be anchored by David Carloni, Connor Chatterton and Alex Plastini with juniors Theo Slepski and Ricky Holman being asked to make a difference as underclassmen. The Plainsmen have two notable returning starters, juniors Oliver Robinson and Eric Kromer who will be playing both sides of the football. The Shenendehowa playbook is extremely versatile
with multiple options out of various offensive sets, so a dominant run or pass game will not be evident until the ball is snapped. Something Clawson is enjoying. Were not sure again what kind of offense we are going to be, Clawson said during the pre-season. We are still deciding on personnel and we have enough in our playbook where we can run or pass the ball depending on what our opponent gives us.
2012 RESULTS
Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 @- playoffs Albany W 58-6 Guilderland W 34-0 Bethlehem W 57-0 Ballston Spa W 49-7 Shaker L 35-8 Saratoga W 49-0 CBA W 14-0 Colonie @ W 48-14 Columbia @ W 34-12 Shaker @ L 14-0
COACHS CORNER
Brian Clawson 2nd Season Career record 8-2
HUDDLE UP
Nickname: Plainsmen 2012 Record: 8-2 Offense: Pro Style Defense: 4-3 Starters Returning: 2 total Last Playoff Game: 2012 Last Section II Title: 2011 Division: Class AA, Empire Division
2013 SHENENDEHOWA SCHEDULE

Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Occt. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25-26 Nov. 1-2 vs. Columbia vs. CBA at Ballston Spa vs. Albany at Guilderland at Saratoga vs. Bethlehem Playoffs Super Bowl 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBA TBA
Above, Shenendehowa second-year coach Brian Clawson directs players during a recent practice. Left, Shenendehowa players work on a drill.
SOUTH GLENS FALLS BULLDOGS
A CLOSER LOOK
Young group searches for its own identity

sports@saratogian.com Twitter.com/Cmale730
By CHRIS MALEY
ROSTER
Adam Powers Barry Moorer Ben Larose Cody Lane Damian Burch Dave Clark Eric Fitzgerald Evan Macica Garrett Hayes Jake Normandin James Thiel Jordan Douglass Kevin Weatherwax Louie Deridder Matt Legac Monson Quinton Nolan Huntley Pat Fish Reggie Viger Ryan Bradley Ryan Wood Stephen Hubinsky Travis Ramsey Travis Rowe Tyrel Mickel Will Shill Zach Bishop TE/DE RB/DB QB RB/DB RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL RB/LB TE/DB OL/DL OL/LB QB/DE OL/LB WR/DB TE/LB WR/DE RB/LB RB/LB OL/DL RB/DB RB/DB WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL 11 12 11 12 9 12 12 11 11 12 12 10 12 12 12 12 11 12 12 11 12 12 12 11 11 11 12
SOUTH GLENS FALLS After finishing 1-8 the past two seasons and coming off a year in which it lost 17 seniors, the South Glens Falls varsity football team is deciding to take a simpler approach. On a squad lacking experience, the Bulldogs will emphasize balance on both sides of the ball while experimenting with different sets and players to find what identity suits them best. Weve watched our program go through a lot of spread and pistol-type shotgun formations, and as you look at our record obviously it hasnt been something thats suited us, head coach Tony Ciuffetelli said. So were stepping back and going a little bit old-school. Ciuffetelli said South Glens Falls will utilize a 70:30 run-to-pass ratio in an effort to keep opposing defenses off-balance. The first-year coach, however, insisted that South High isnt focused on replacing one or two players nor building its offense around one guy. Were trying to find an identity for what were
South High players (from left) Cody Lane (defensive back), Reggie Viger (fullback), Lou Deridder (quarterback), Pat Fish (wide receiver), and Travis Ramsey (slot back) will play key roles for the Bulldogs. going to be known for. No superstars on this team, he said. Theres a lot of kids of the same magnitude. Theres nobody were working our plays around in particular. We dont really have one player that stands out. Among returning players that figure to make an impact are senior quarterback Lou Deridder and senior running back Travis Ramsey. (Louie) we brought him up as a sophomore after two seasons of playing quarterback, hes definitely matured into that position. He has now become a more accurate passer, and he seems to understand the system very well, Ciuffeteli said. Hes a very smart kid, picks up things quickly hes very tough, more tough than a quarterback youd usually see. The Bulldogs will attempt to replace the departure of running backs Caleb Lawrence and Travis Schrammel by rotating several running backs. Carries will be determined by their play game to game. Right now, we have a bunch of running backs of the same stature really. Our philosophy this year is were going to
rotate five running backs on a regular basis, Ciuffetelli said. One of the tailbacks who will be part of the rotation is Ramsey. He took a couple years off from football but decided to come back to the football field for his senior year. Ramsey plays basketball and is very athletic. Were pleased to have him on the team, Ciuffetelli said. Defensively, South High will lean on linebacker Jake Normandin and defensive lineman Ryan Wood in addition to defensive end Pat Fish. Im installing a multi-
ple-front defense to adjust to the players we have, Ciuffetelli said. Were more of a small and quicker type of team well be going mostly with a 40 or 50 front. On a young team, Ciuffetelli acknowledged that South High will emphasize player development over results. Its going to be a year where its a lot of growth problems. Our outlook is we just want to compete. Were hoping to get our kids into a mode of just competing and challenging themselves as well, striving to stay in games, he said.
2012 RESULTS
Aug. 31 Mohonasen Sept. 7 Bishop Maginn Sept. 14 Burnt Hills Sept. 21 Hudson Falls Sept. 28 Queensbury Oct. 5 Gloversville Oct. 12 Amsterdam Oct. 19 Albany Oct. 26 Saratoga Springs L 27-14 W 12-8 L 62-0 L 20-18 L 40-6 L 33-0 L 62-12 L 24-0 L 38-6
COACHS CORNER
Tony Ciuffetelli First Year Career record 0-0
HUDDLE UP
Nickname: Bulldogs 2012 Record: 1-8 Offense: Multiple Defense: Multiple Starters Returning: 5 total Last Playoff Game: 2006 Last Section II Title Game: None Division: Class A, Northwest
While the South Glens Falls varsity football team enters the 2012-13 season with low expectations, the future seems bright for the Bulldogs. The town of South Glens Falls has implemented a youth program this year for the first time ever. The biggest thing thats going to help since I stepped in is were starting a youth program, first-year head coach Tony Ciuffetelli said. We have a Pop Warner thats in our area, but its comprised mostly of kids from all over the area Queensbury, Fort Edward and such. We have installed a South Glens Falls youth league to try and use as a feeder system to try and make this program go. Despite being a team thats rebuilding, South High is hoping to attract interest from its youth. Ive been around South Glens Falls 13 years and weve never had our own program, Ciuffetelli said. Now we finally do. Hopefully well be able to sell this program and gain numbers. Ciuffetelli acknowledged the quality of football programs in Class A, which makes the significance of South Glens Falls own youth program even greater. We have to try to compete with some of these teams in Class A Burnt Hills, Amsterdam, Queensbury, theyre very good, footballsavvy schools, he said. The Bulldogs goal is to hopefully compete for a championship in a couple of years, but Ciuffetelli emphasized that this seasons squad will aim to focus on the process. Were a fairly young and inexperienced team. We lost quite a few seniors and a lot of starters, too. Our outlook is We just want to compete, he said.
2013 SOUTH GLENS FALLS SCHEDULE

Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25-26 Nov. 1-2 at Bishop Maginn at Averill Park vs. Queensbury at Mohonasen at Burnt Hills at Gloversville at Amsterdam Playoffs Super Bowl 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBA TBA
South High players participate in a practice on Aug. 27 in preparation for the Bulldogs season opener on Sept. 6 against Bishop Maginn.
FOLLOW
THE ACTION ON
TWITTER
No star for the Warriors and thats OK

STILLWATER WARRIORS
By BRIEN BOUYEA
A CLOSER LOOK
Stillwaters 3-6 season in 2012 could have looked a lot different. Warriors head coach Vince Barber said his team squandered two games because of a lack of focus. Two really bad broken plays caused us to lose to Granville, and then we lost to Tamarac when we left the ball on their 1-yard line, Barber said. That was the difference between 3-6 and 5-4. Barber hopes those rough, but educational moments are now lessons learned that will ultimlately make a big difference for the Warriors in the upcoming season. We dont have any margin for error. We can win games if we play smart and do the little things well, Barber said. We dont have one guy we can rely on to carry us, so it is vital we do things at a high fundamental level. Senior linebacker Dan Benoit said those particular defeats from last season are still fresh in his mind. Those games were very frustrating and we dont want to have a repeat of that stuff this year, Benoit said. I think everyone understands that we have to put a big emphasis on attention to detail and making the most of each opportunity we get. Weve got a good football team, but we cant get sloppy when it comes to taking care of business. Those games hurt, but I think were a better team for having those experiences and learning from them.
ROSTER
STILLWATER Vince Barber is cautiously optimistic about what he describes as his no-name football team. The graduation of standouts such as quarterback John Danison, running back Liam Kane and wide receiver Shawn McNeil will present plenty of challenges for Stillwaters 10th-year head coach, but Barber says he has a group of blue-collar replacements ready to step up into prominent roles this season. We had proven guys at the skill positions last year, and its always tough to replace good players, but I like what Ive seen from this group, Barber said. We dont have a 1,000-yard back returning or names that jump off the page at you. I think that has led to a lot of healthy competition, and guys are eager to seize the opportunities that are there. After a .500 season in 2011, the Warriors slipped to 3-6 a year ago. They have had only one winning season in the
Stillwaters (from left) Hunter Lape, Schuyler Radliff and Dan Benoit will be counted on to help the Warriors this season. past five years and Barber acknowledges the road ahead could be a rocky one for this years squad. Class C is loaded, and Im not exactly sure where we will fit in, but Im very confident we will be in that mix. The playoffs are an attainable goal, he said. We have some talented athletes and this is a group that I believe has about 11 kids who are above average talentwise. We have six or seven guys who do nothing but football and they have been consistent in their approach in the weight room. The majority of the other guys play multiple sports and are in good condition from that. Junior Schuyler Radliff is expected to step in at quarterback and seniors Hunter Lape and Brandon Rozowicz are slated to have key roles in the backfield. The offensive line figures to be a strength thanks to the return of four players who saw significant time in 2012. Its all about how our chemistry develops, Radliff said. If we make smart decisions and get on the same page we could be a real solid team. Rozowicz believes Stillwater is a playoff-caliber team. Absolutely, he said. A lot of people dont think that much of us, but I have no doubt we can get there. Defensively, the Warriors should be strong up front. Barbers biggest concern is the secondary. Were a little inexperienced back there, he said. We need some guys to grow on this level
1 S. Radliff 11 4 W. Miller 10 3 B. Jaynes 10 6 K. Quackenbush11 7 Z. Baldwin 12 9 D. Gazzelli 12 10 M. Lautenberg 9 11 F. Darwak 9 12 L. Richardson 10 13 D. Sims 10 17 J. Rychcik 10 18 R. Reyome 11 19 P. Steves 12 20 B. Rozowicz 12 23 E. Echeandia 9 24 J. Nadau 12 32 L. Conti 10 34 H. Lape 12 38 V. Caraballo 10 40 M. Lotano 11 44 B. Knapp 10 50 D. Ray 11 51 J. Benoit 10 52 D. Posporelis 12 54 D. Benoit 12 55 A. Bink 11 56 K. Ray 9 61 J. Kondas 10 62 T. Garrett 10 64 C. Dyer 12 65 M. Hallam 10 68 J. Hickey 10 74 H. Zuzick 9 75 R. McCleave 12 76 B. Morris 12 78 A. Brown 11 82 S. Sims 9 84 T. Korenowski 12 86 T. Cage 9 88 C. Miller 9 89 M. Nelson 11 A. Coon 12
QB/DB OL/DL WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB K/DB QB/DB RB/DB QB/DB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB RB/LB RB/DB WR/DB RB/LB RB/LB RB/LB RB/LB RB/LB OL/DL OL/LB OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL QB/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL RB/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB RB/DB OL/LB OL/DL
6 5-11 5-5 5-7 6-3 6 5-8 5-2 5-9 5-8 6 5-9 5-10 5-10 5-7 5-11 5-3 5-10 5-3 5-8 5-5 5-4 5-10 5 6 5-10 5-1 5-8 5-10 5-11 5-2 6-2 5-9 5-10 6-2 6 5-8 5-10 6 5-9 5-3 5-11
170 185 150 180 180 160 145 100 150 140 150 150 165 195 130 150 135 190 134 185 135 160 170 185 210 340 150 180 150 220 240 270 205 205 250 270 140 165 270 145 190 185
quickly. Theyll get a trial by fire. Senior linebacker Ryan McCleave believes a fast start will be a key for Stillwater this season. We need to set the tone early and let everyone know we mean business, McCleave said. I think its important to build some momentum early and build from there.
2012 RESULTS
Aug. 31 Broadalbin-Perth Sept. 7 Chatham Sept. 14 Corinth Sept. 21 Hoosick Falls Sept. 28 Tamarac Oct. 5 Mechanicville Oct. 12 Granville Oct. 19 Chatham@ Oct. 26 Voorheesville @-playoffs L 42-8 L 28-0 W 29-13 L 40-0 L 27-20 W 34-16 L 16-14 L 59-14 W 57-31
COACHS CORNER
Vince Barber 10th Season Career record 31 - 47
HUDDLE UP
Nickname: Warriors 2012 Record: 3-6 Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 Starters Returning: 4 5 defense Last Playoff Game: 2012 Last Section II Title: Never Division: Class C, North
offense;
2013 STILLWATER SCHEDULE

Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25-26 Nov. 1-2 vs. Granville at Catholic Central vs. Chatham vs. Corinth at Hoosick Falls vs. Tamarac at Mechanicville Playoffs Super Bowl 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBA TBA
Stillwater players participate in a practice on Aug. 28 as the Warriors gear up for their season opener at home against Granville on Sept. 6.
FOLLOW
THE ACTION ON
TWITTER
TAMARAC BENGALS
By LAURA AMATO
A CLOSER LOOK
The Tamarac Bengals know that they will never have a week off on the schedule. They know that their division Class C, North might actually be one of the most difficult in all of Section II, boasting teams that are consistently competitive as well as the reigning New York State champion. The Bengals know that. But, for the first time in a long time, the Tamarac squad is ready to compete and hold their own in a league that will consistently challenge. Its tough, coach Eric Roadcap said. Youve got four or five teams that are really evenly matched. Its a tough division. While the Bengals grabbed three divisional victories last season, the team is hoping for even more this year and theyre prepared to bring their top game in order to compete at the highest level. The key though, is making sure that they come out on top in close games. Five of Tamaracs eight games last year were decided by less than 10 points and while there were certainly some in the win column, making sure that they play all four quarters in every game is crucial. Its getting through those and winning the close games, Roadcap said. Thats what gets your season going. For a team that is looking to not only make the sectional tournament, but win games in the postseason, posting solid victories is crucial, and the more points they can put on the board, the better. Thats a huge thing, quarterback Dan Motzer said. I wouldnt mind winning by a few more points than we did last year.
Middle of the road not good enough

ROSTER
CLUMS CORNERS The Tamarac High football team has some pretty high expectations going into the 2013 season. The Bengals may have finished last season 4-4 after falling 34-0 to Fonda in the first round of the Class C sectional tournament, but this years squad is confident they can do better. In fact, theyre ready to prove the doubters wrong. I think were ready to prove ourselves, senior guard and middle linebacker Robert Bogan said. We havent had a season that was really spectacular in awhile, so were ready. Were sick of just being good enough. While the Bengals have had winning seasons in the past, Tamarac has just one sectional victory in program history, topping Hoosick Falls in 1983. So, with plenty of people expecting Tamarac to simply coast through the year, the Bengals have spent the offseason making sure that this season is different. It all starts with the handful of offensive players the Bengals return to the gridiron this year, led by twoyear starting quarter Dan Motzer.
Tamarac seniors (from left) Stephen Lajeunesse, Dan Motzer and Robert Bogan are determined to make the Bengals are more than just a generic .500 team in a difficult Class C North. I definitely feel like I need to step up and help lead the team, Motzer, who finished with 885 passing yards last year, said. Especially as the quarterback, youve got to really be the leader. Motzer is joined in his senior season on the field by a good chunk of the Bengals offensive line, a group that has been playing together since peewee leagues. That kind of familiarity on the field coupled with plenty of on-field experience from last year, has the Tamarac offense confident that it can post more than the 77 points they put up in 2012. Its a big advantage, coach Eric Roadcap said. Weve got eight starters returning on offense, so it should definitely be a good year. With Motzer directing the offense under center, the line knows that its the foundation for everything the Bengals hope to do.. But they arent feeling too much pressure. After all, these are players who know each others tendencies and have been waiting for this season their senior season their entire high school careers. It all starts with the line, senior Steven Lajeunesse said. With the running game, it goes right behind us. If the o-line doesnt do its job in the passing game, then nothing can get working. Were the starting point for a play. After a transition season last year, bringing back so many players in major roles has given the Bengals a major starting point to build their season off of. Knowing exactly who theyre playing with and, more importantly, what theyre playing for, has sparked the entire Tamarac offseason. Its a huge thing, Motzer said. Youre playing with your brothers. You dont want to let the guy
4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 14 15 17 20 21 22 23 24 25 27 30 32 33 44 47 50 51 52 55 56 58 60 61 70 72 75 78 85 99
J. Neal D. Motzer A. Charland D. Bornt J. Spencer M. Fox C. Sullivan R. Cacciotti N. Ballato B. DeLaMeter M. Scarlett M. Jukes H. Briccetti J. Campbell B. Barbera C. Wright B. Schneider B. Birdssinger J. Watson M. Schur F. Scheffler J. Ballato E. Myers M. Roden S. Bala G. Winters S. Yetto S. Lajeunesse A. McGrath B. Bogan D. Wright M. DelGiacco P. Wiwczar J. Bates D. McKay D. Maxon C. Tuttle
10 12 9 11 11 9 11 11 12 11 10 12 11 11 11 9 9 11 10 12 9 9 9 12 12 10 12 12 11 12 11 10 9 9 11 10 12
5-10 6-1 5-6 5-10 5-11 5-6 6-3 6-1 5-10 5-10 6 6-1 5-9 5-6 6-2 5-7 5-6 5-9 6 6-3 5-6 5-10 5-8 5-10 6 5-9 6-1 6-3 5-10 6 6 5-10 5-9 5-10 6-3 6 6
170 180 140 170 175 140 190 170 185 175 165 170 160 150 180 145 145 155 160 185 140 180 165 185 185 175 180 215 215 185 185 180 195 190 230 180 180
next to you down, so that pushes you even harder. As the Bengals look to bounce back after a .500 season last year, the team is depending on that strong foundation and determination to propel them into a position they havent ever been before; a dominant threat on the football field. Were trying to make it where Tamarac is an actual football school, Motzer said. Its always just like oh if Tamarac has a winning season, thats OK. Were sick of that.
2012 RESULTS
Aug. 31 Watervliet Sept. 7 Mechanicville Sept. 14 Johnstown Sept. 21 Corinth Sept. 28 Stillwater Oct. 6 Granville Oct. 12 Hoosick Falls Oct. 20 Fonda-Fultonville @ @- playoffs L 34-14 L 12-6 W 6-0 W 12-0 W 27-20 W 12-8 L 44-0 L 34-0
COACHS CORNER
Eric Roadcap 8th Season Career record 28 - 24
HUDDLE UP
Nickname: Bengals 2012 Record: 4-4 Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Starters Returning: 8 total Last Playoff Game: 2012 Last Section II Title: None Division: Class C, North
2013 TAMARAC SCHEDULE

Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25-26 Nov. 1-2 at Hoosick Falls at Watervliet vs. Mechanicville vs. Catholic Central vs. Corinth at Stillwater vs. Granville Playoffs Super Bowl 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBA TBA
Above, Bengals head coach Erick Roadcap instructs his team during practice at Tamarac High School. Right top, quarterback Dan Motzer looks for an open receiver. Right bottom, offensive and defensive linemen work on drills in preparation for Fridays opener against defending Class C state champion Hoosick Falls.
TROY FLYING HORSES

By LAURA AMATO
Thunder and lightning in the forecast

A CLOSER LOOK
Heading into the 2013 football season the Troy High football team has already named three captains before the players even dress for their first game. But, unlike some schools, the Flying Horses arent giving the position of captain to their quarterback or a running back that rushes for hundreds of yards per game. Instead, Troy is turning to its big guys up front, a trio of returning seniors who are looking to leave their mark in the form of blocking. Raiquan Ward, Sean Breland and Ryan Byrnes all know that the expectations for them are high this year, but with plenty of experience to back up their blocks, the trio is determined to lift Troy back to a Section II title. Were going to be good, Byrnes said. I have a feeling. For all three players, this seasons workload is nothing new; theyre mulit-year starters for the Flying Horses and they know what it takes to play both ways. Were looking to leave it all out on the field, Ward said. I just want to be the best player I can be. This is my third year and Im ready to go. Troys trio of captains havent been simply resting, biding their time before the season opener against Queensbury though. The three have been leading the team already, putting in the time and the effort throughout the offseason. Those guys have been very committed, coach Jack Burger said. They went to all three workouts we had in the winter, did track, did our spring workouts with us, went to two football camps and were here all summer with us. Theyre very, very deserving.
ROSTER
TROY Ask Rayshawn Johnson and Maurice Jones what their respective roles are for Troy High and youll get two very different answers. The Flying Horses running back duo dont necessarily cut an imposing figure standing on the field, but between the two of them they offer Troy a pair of options on the ground that the team is hoping will lead to its first Section II title since 2010. Im definitely the speed, Johnson, who will share starting duties in the backfield this fall, said. I hit the holes well and Im pretty fast. Jones, on the other hand, knows hes the thunder to his teammates metaphorical lightning. Im definitely the bruiser, he said, unable to contain a small smile at the thought of plowing through an opposing defensive line. I love seeing the opening. To see the field open in front of you, theres nothing like it. As the two running backs prepare for their final high school season on the gridiron, there is one question they can answer with the same response.
Rayshawn Johnson (10) and Maurice Jones (20) are ready to make sure that they continue to compliment each others running styles in the Troy High backfield this fall. Both of them want to win. Im very psyched, Jones said. Weve been working hard this whole offseason. Im really looking forward to it. While both Jones and Johnson have game-time experience the two combined for more than 500 yards last season the Flying Horses are counting on the pair to take a more active role in the offense, beginning with the season opener against Queensbury. Mo (Jones) was ahead of Rayshawn last year, Troy coach Jack Burger said. He was the starter from game one and had a couple of great runs in our win against Burnt Hills. Rayshawn had the ability, he was just having some trouble lifting up the offense. I said to him now, with the experience, hes got to be able to run our whole offense. Now that they both have an entire season under their collective rushing belts, the backfield pair know that the expectations are high heading into 2013. But the two have a trick up their sleeves. Both have played together since modified football and have watched each other grow as football players and teammates. That kind of understand-
ing, and the ability to play off of one anothers strengths, will be key when they make a literal run toward a title. Weve got the chemistry, Johnson said of his relationship with Jones. Were determined. We just want to win. That kind of dynamic on and off the field is exactly what the Flying Horses are hoping for heading into the fall and, more importantly, it gives the coaching staff two solid rushing options for any kind of situation. Mo can get up in there and he runs hard for a small back, Burger said.
1 M. Woods 11 WR/DB 2 C. Grimmick 11 WR/DB 3 P. Cregut 12 WR/DB 5 D. Mosley 12 WR/DB 7 E. Thomas 11 QB/DB 8 A. Little 12 WR/DB 10 R. Johnson 12 RB/DB 11 T. Wrobel 12 RB/DB 13 J. Germinerio 11 QB/DB 17 K. Suggs 12 WR/DB 20 M. Jones 12 RB/DB 21 M. Dejon 12 RB/LB 22 M. Laboy 11 RB/DB 27 R. McClary 11 RB/LB 28 B. Bush 12 K 31 F. Riveria 10 RB/LB 34 E. Bethel 11 RB/LB 38 J. Castignier 12 WR/DB 40 S. Lewis 11 RB;LB 42 K. Boston 12 WR/DB 44 N. Mariano 12 RB/LB 51 D. Rehm 12 OL/DL 55 T. Johnson 11 OL/DL 56 R. McClary 12 OL/DL 66 R. Byrnes 12 OL/DL 67 R. Ward 12 OL/DL 68 C. Berry 11 OL/DL 71 T. Johnson 11 OL/DL 72 A. Berry 11 OL/DL 73 D. Wood 12 OL/DL 75 N. Williams 10 OL/DE 77 S. Breland 12 OL/DL 79 R. Crobok 10 OL/DL 80 J. Pounds 11 WR/DB 83 C. Gushlaw 10 TE/DE 84 D. Edmundson 11 RB/DE 85 I. Thomas 11 TE/LB
5-9 5-9 5-10 6 5-8 6-2 5-7 5-8 6 5-10 5-8 5-9 5-8 5-10 5-11 5-9 5-7 6-3 5-9 6-1 5-10 5-9 6 5-10 5-10 6-1 6 6 6-3 5-9 6 5-10 6 5-9 6-1 6 6-2
130 142 158 170 157 180 142 155 190 167 153 182 158 192 185 180 157 173 180 160 190 188 252 240 192 225 248 260 238 298 240 255 293 158 240 190 220
Rayshawn has to be the guy to make people miss and go the distance for us. Hes a game breaker. After an offseason preparing, working and finding a rhythm with their offensive line, both Johnson and Jones are anxious for their opening handoff of the season and theyre ready to run straight into the endzone. We feel confident, Jones said. Were trying really hard to get the success. Hopefully all this hard work pays off.
2012 RESULTS
Aug. 31 Burnt Hills W 17-7 Sept. 7 La Salle L 14-7 Sept. 14 Scotia-Glenville W 55-6 Sept. 21 Bishop Maginn W 40-14 Sept. 28 Schenectdy L 19-12 Oct. 5 Averill Park W 14-6 Oct. 12 Mohonasen W 32-13 Oct. 19 Gloversville@ W 56-7 Oct. 26 Amsterdam@ L 40-21 @- playoffs
COACHS CORNER
Jack Burger 19th Season Career record 132 - 45 -1
HUDDLE UP
Nickname: Flying Horses 2012 Record: 6-3 Offense: Multiple Option/Power Defense: 4-3 Starters Returning: 5 offense; 5 defense Last Playoff Game: 2012 Last Section II Title: 2010 Division: Class A, Southeast
2013 TROY SCHEDULE

Sept. 7 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25-26 Nov. 1-2 at Queensbury vs. Burnt Hills at Amsterdam vs. Bishop Maginn at Ravena at Averill Park vs. Mohonasen Playoffs Super Bowl 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 pm. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBA TBA
Mike McMahon/The Record
Left, the Flying Horses Maurice Jones takes a handoff. Right, head coach Jack Burger addresses his team.
WATERVLIET CANNONEERS
By LAURA AMATO
A CLOSER LOOK
Mike Normile is really ready to hit someone. Hes also ready to block. After a 2012 season that saw the now-senior lineman sidelined with a bruised tibula, Normile has worked to regain his strength and anchor the Waterlivet line on both sides of the ball this fall. I have pretty high expectations for myself and this team, he said. I think were more than ready. While Normiles desire to rehab after last seasons injury and prepare for his final high school season is certainly expected, it was his rehab schedule that was out of the ordinary. Throughout the offseason hes used a lowweight, high-rep routine to build strength in his muscles and the results have been pretty obvious; hes currently squatting 430 pounds. You kind of beat up your muscles like that, Normile said. Over time the fatigue gets out of your muscles and youre able to go into the strength and power phases. Your numbers just skyrocket. Now that hes put in the offseason work, Normile is anxious to get back onto the field, in search of Watervliets first Section II title since 2008 and hes got the strength to back up those goals. Flanked by a solid core of returning players and senior teammates on both sides of the line, Normile is certain that his strength isnt the only thing returning. Im pretty excited, he said. Im so ready. Being at team camp, just getting little hits here and there gets you excited for the season.
Traditions play a big part in success

ROSTER
WATERVLIET The Watervliet football program has always had a certain reputation in Section II. For years, the squad has been synonymous with hard-hitting players, defensive strength and shooting off a cannon after every touchdown during home games. Every Saturday afternoon, for as long as this years Vliet team can remember, the cannon has been a physical, and rather loud, representation of their success. This season though, the Cannoneers cannon is in question as Watervliet finds itself without a home field as the school begins construction on a brandnew turf facility that will be ready in 2014. In the meantime, Vliet will be playing home games at Lansingburgh High School and the question of the cannons location is still up in the air. I hope it comes with us, senior quarterback Taylor Dockstader said. It would be weird without it. Its not like Watervliet not to have the cannon at the home game. While the upcoming sea-
Watervliet tackle Mike Normile and quarterback Taylor Dockdstader may be playing without a home field this season, but the varsity returners are still proud of Cannoneer traditions. son is full of changes for the Cannoneers, including a new coach in Brian Hoefer, the team is depending on consistency to find success in an incredibly competitive Class C. Watervliet does return a handful of key starters for the 2013 season, which will help create the stability on the field that the team needs. In addition to Dockstader, the Cannoneers hopes to once again see production from wide receiver Logan Miller, tight end Tyler Smith and a line anchored by three-year starter Scott Dennis and Mike Normile, who is returning from a knee injury he sustained last year. We have a lot of skilled guys coming back, Hoefer said. They know what we expect and they know our system. So hopefully we have a lot of success. That kind of consistency, and more importantly experience, is the basis for Watervliets game-plan heading into the season. After a 4-4 2012 season that saw the team alternate between dominant games and disappointing losses, the Cannoneers search for stability while everything around them is changing is on the top of the teams to-do-list. Theres still a big sense of normalcy, Normile said. A lot of us core guys, and a lot of the seniors, are stepping up and taking the responsibilities. Were filling the roles pretty good. While the players are certainly ready for the season to get under way, most of them have been in the weight room since December, theres still a bit of uncertainty playing at Lansingburgh. Every other sport we play against Lansingburgh, thats kind
1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 22 24 25 30 32 33 40 44 50 54 55 61 62 64 67 69 72 77 84
C. Lind 12 WR/DB C. Gaudette 12 WR/LB N. Shuvalov 12 WR/DB J. Jones 12 WR/LB A. Parker 12 RB/DB T.Dockstader 12 QB/FS T. Touzin 12 WR/LB M.Sawyer 11 WR/LB L. Miller 12 WR/DB P. Goarden 12 RB/LB T. Smith 12 TE/DE C. Murray 11 WR/DB J. Lindsay 12 WR/FS A. Halpin 11 QB/DB I. Brace 12 TE/DE N. Spenard 11 RB/LB M. Nadeu 10 RB/LB K. Gaudette 11 TE/LB T. Barrington 12 C/DE S. Dennis 12 T/LB J. Giametta 11 C/LB R. Winnie 12 T/DT E. Frament 12 T/DT T. White 11 G/DT T. Chasten 12 T/DT J. LaMarche 11 T/DE M. Normile 12 G/DT J. Haseltine 11 G/DE R. Sandoval 11 WR/DB
5-8 6-2 5-10 5-6 5-7 5-11 6-3 5-7 5-8 5-10 6-3 5-10 6-4 5-9 6-3 5-11 6 5-11 5-8 6 5-9 5-10 5-9 5-8 6-2 5-9 5-8 6 6
150 208 150 141 139 166 180 148 152 175 246 165 162 163 223 148 199 176 220 224 175 212 201 240 256 234 200 233 138
of our rival, so its going to be a little different playing on their field as our home field, Normile said. Of course, the big question remaining is whether the cannon will make the trip to Burgh as well. In a season that craves stability, hearing that boom of the cannon might be exactly the push Vliet needs. Coach Hogan (assistant) says hes retiring in two years and as long as hes around, were bringing it, Hoefer said. I dont know how the Lansingburgh neighbors will take it. But as far as I know, we want it to come with us.
2012 RESULTS
Aug. 31 Tamarac Sept. 8 Voorheesville Sept. 15 Fonda-Fultonville Sept. 22 Coxsackie-Athens Sept. 29 Chatham Oct. 5 Taconic Hills Oct. 13 Clyde-Savannah Oct. 19 Mechanicville @ @- playoffs
W 34-14 W 39-7 L 6-0 W 56-0 L 28-3 W 36-14 L 55-34 L 40-0
COACHS CORNER
Brian Hoefer 1st Season Career record 0-0
HUDDLE UP
Nickname: Cannoneers 2012 Record: 4-4 Offense: Spread Defense: 4-4 Starters Returning: 6 4 defense Last Playoff Game: 2012 Last Section II Title: 2008 Division: Class C, South
offense;
2013 WATERVLIET SCHEDULE

Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 28 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25-26 Nov. 1-2 at Cairo-Durham vs. Tamarac vs. Voorheesville at Fonda vs. Coxsackie-Athens at Chatham vs. Taconic Hills Playoffs Super Bowl 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 1 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. TBA TBA
Photos by Mike McMahon/ The Record
Above, Cannoneers senior quarterback Taylor Dockstader carries the football. Left, construction continues on Watervliets new football field.
The Record www.troyrecord.com
La Salle Institute
Open House Entrance and Scholarship Exam
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 8 AM SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1 - 3 PM
Builders of BOYS, Makers of MEN
An independent Catholic school, committed to the education of the whole student 100% college acceptance, year after year A strong Middle School program, focused on leadership, community, and academic success A student-centered, nurturing environment, with small class sizes Innovative Partnership with HVCC, offering dual high school and college credit
174 Williams Rd,Troy, NY 12180 www.lasalleinstitute.org
(518) 283-2500

Capital District High School Football 2013 Season Preview

Diunggah oleh

Informasi Dokumen

Hak Cipta

Format Tersedia

Bagikan dokumen Ini

Bagikan atau Tanam Dokumen

Opsi Berbagi

Apakah menurut Anda dokumen ini bermanfaat?

Apakah konten ini tidak pantas?

Hak Cipta:

Format Tersedia

Capital District High School Football 2013 Season Preview

Diunggah oleh

Hak Cipta:

Format Tersedia

Thursday, September 5, 2013 - 1

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Follow along all year on Twitter:

2 - Thursday, September 5, 2013

The Record www.troyrecord.com

The Record www.troyrecord.com/THE SARATOGIAN www.saratogian.com

Thursday, September 5, 2013 - 3

J.S. CARRAS/The Record

ERIC JENKS/The Saratogian

4 - Thursday, September 5, 2013

The Record www.troyrecord.com/THE SARATOGIAN www.saratogian.com

ALBANY ACADEMY CADETS

Bench-pressing their way to a Class B title

MIKE McMAHON/The Record

Visit www.troyrecord.com or www.saratogian.com to watch a video about your team!

The Record www.troyrecord.com/THE SARATOGIAN www.saratogian.com

Thursday, September 5, 2013 - 5

2013 ALBANY ACADEMY SCHEDULE

Photos by Mike McMahon/The Record

6- Thursday, September 5, 2013

The Record www.troyrecord.com/THE SARATOGIAN www.saratogian.com

One victory sparks Falcons 2013 season

J.S. CARRAS/The Record

Visit www.troyrecord.com or www.saratogian.com to watch a video about your team!

The Record www.troyrecord.com/THE SARATOGIAN www.saratogian.com

Thursday, September 5, 2013 - 7

2013 ALBANY HIGH SCHEDULE

Photos by J.S. Carras/The Record

8 - Thursday, September 5, 2013

The Record www.troyrecord.com/THE SARATOGIAN www.saratogian.com

AVERILL PARK WARRIORS

A team on and off the football field

FRANCINE GRINNELL/The Record

Visit www.troyrecord.com or www.saratogian.com to watch a video about your team!

The Record www.troyrecord.com/THE SARATOGIAN www.saratogian.com

Thursday, September 5, 2013 - 9

2013 AVERILL PARK SCHEDULE

Photos by J.S. Carras/The Record

10 - Thursday, September 5, 2013

The Record www.troyrecord.com/THE SARATOGIAN www.saratogian.com

Scotties boast improved leadership from 12

BALLSTON SPA SCOTTIES

STAN HUDY/The Saratogian

Visit www.troyrecord.com or www.saratogian.com to watch a video about your team!

The Record www.troyrecord.com/THE SARATOGIAN www.saratogian.com

Thursday, September 5, 2013 - 11

2013 BALLSTON SPA SCHEDULE

Photos by Stan Hudy/The Saratogian

12 - Thursday, September 5, 2013

The Record www.troyrecord.com/THE SARATOGIAN www.saratogian.com

Building off momentum en route to success

J.S. CARRAS/The Record

Visit www.troyrecord.com or www.saratogian.com to watch a video about your team!

The Record www.troyrecord.com/THE SARATOGIAN www.saratogian.com

Thursday, September 5, 2013 - 13

2013 BETHLEHEM SCHEDULE

Photos by J.S. Carras/The Record

14 - Thursday, September 5, 2013

The Record www.troyrecord.com/THE SARATOGIAN www.saratogian.com

Merger between two schools produces Sainted Knights

BISHOP GIBBONS-SARATOGA CATHOLIC SAINTED KNIGHTS

ERICA MILLER/The Saratogian

Visit www.troyrecord.com or www.saratogian.com to watch a video about your team!

The Record www.troyrecord.com/THE SARATOGIAN www.saratogian.com