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Batavia rolls past Livonia 42-6 in Home Opener

By Steve Ognibene

Batavia dominated long-time rival Livonia in their home opener at Van Detta Stadium on Friday night, beating the Bulldogs 42-6.

The Blue Devils are now 2-0 in the young season.

Batavia scored midway through the first quarter on Javin McFollins' quarterback sneak.

The score was 14-0 at the end of the opening quarter after Carter McFollins snagged a touchdown pass tossed by Javin McFollins  

Just before the half, Livonia made it 14-6 on a Kyle Wetterings run (the two-point conversion attempt failed).

After the kickoff by Livonia to start the second half, Carter McFollins took the ball on the first play from scrimmage and dashed 65 yards to score the Blue Devils third touchdown.

Minutes later, Javin McFoolins hits Cole Grazioplene for a 31-yard TD.  The half ends 28-6  

Late in the third quarter Mehki Fortes made an interception to give the ball back to Batavia with three minutes left in the quarter.  Cam McCliniic scored on a 9-yard run to increase the lead 35-6.

on a 4-yard run, Aavion Bethel scores Batavia’s sixth touchdown midway through the fourth quarter.

Julia Petry was 6 for 6 on extra point coversions.

Javin McFollins was 5-6 passing for 118 yards and two TDS  Cam McClinic rushed for 62 yards and a TD on seven Carrie's   Carter NcFollins gained 73 yards and scored on three carries. He also had 63 yards and a TD on two receptions.    Aiden Anderson gained 72 yards on five carries.

in addition to the interception, Mekhi Fortes had seven tackles.

Batavia's next game is home against Monroe next Thursday night at VanDetta, with kickoff 6 p.m.  

Photos by Steve Ognibene

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Blue Devils home games to include extra security measures

By Joanne Beck

In anticipation of the first home game against Livonia at 7 p.m. Friday, the City of Batavia Police Department has a reminder for community members who will be attending the Batavia High School Blue Devils home football games this season at Van Detta Stadium:  the department will be strictly enforcing parking and safety rules and regulations.

“It’s going to be exciting and we anticipate large crowds, but that is not an excuse for unruly behavior, so our officers are going to be strictly enforcing parking measures and any violations related to safety and security,” Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch said in a press release. “We are going to be working closely with the school district’s security firm and personnel working the games, as safety is the number one priority for fans, players and the surrounding neighborhood.”

Chief Heubusch noted that construction work near the stadium on Richmond Avenue to Oak Street and Park Road west of the stadium is ongoing throughout the fall. Those traveling in the area should use caution and plan ahead.  There may be road work that could impact parking, he said.

“We will be issuing tickets for any car that is illegally parked. For any public event where there is going to be a large crowd, we encourage those attending the game to arrive early and be respectful of people’s properties.” Heubusch said. “Parking is available in the designated lots at Van Detta Stadium and Robert Morris School. If necessary to park on adjacent streets, please adhere to the parking regulations as per the posted signage and do not block driveways. Officers will be monitoring the areas surrounding the stadium for parking violations and issuing parking tickets as necessary.”

In addition to Batavia Police officers and the district’s security firm being on site in and around the stadium, all attendees will be wand-checked to ensure no prohibited items are brought into the facility, he said.

School Superintendent Jason Smith sent a letter home to families last month informing them of the updated security measures to be used at home games. The fact that these football games are popular and well-attended has created a need for additional protection, Smith said. 

“In collaboration with the Batavia Police Department, we continue to make safety our number one priority for students, staff, and community members attending events at Van Detta Stadium,” Smith said in the release. “We’re anticipating a large crowd Friday night and throughout the season, and we want to continue to get the word out about enhanced safety protocols, guidelines, and expectations for those attending.”

In addition to coverage by city police, the city schools board approved a contract with Armor Security in May. The agreement is for services through Dec. 31 of this year and is with Armor Security and Protection Inc. of Rochester. The company is to provide state-certified security guards “to provide security and safety services for property located at 120 Richmond Ave., Batavia,” the contract states. Work includes monitoring venues for inappropriate, illegal behavior or actions, reporting of safety concerns within the venue and assisting with safe entry and exits.

The guards are to notify law enforcement or other emergency service providers as deemed necessary. Documentation is to be provided to the school district about any incidents deemed a reportable event or at the request of the district, according to the contract. Guards will be wearing an Armor Security uniform of black pants and shoes, and an Armor uniform shirt, layered with an Armor jacket during colder months.   

Pembroke opens season with 55-22 win

By Howard B. Owens

The Pembroke Dragons were in total control in their eight-man match up Saturday against C.G. Finney/North Star, leading to a 55-22 victory at home to start their 2022 season.

The Dragons amassed 460 yards on offense with the line of Chase Guzdek, Jayden Mast, Ben Steinberg, and Jayden Bridge leading the way.

Cayden Pfazler carried the ball 10 times for 193 yards and was 3 for 3 passing for 33 yards.  He scored four times. 

Caleb Felski and Sean Pustkulla also scored touchdowns.

Tyson Totten rushed for 190 yards and two touchdowns on 9 carries.

On defense, Cayden Pfalzer led the way with 10 tackles while Totten had 8, Jacob Von Kramer, Jacob Dulski, Chase Guzdek, and Nate Duttweiler, had six each.

Dulski had four fumble recoveries and snagged the ball on three separate successful onside-kicks to open the game.

Photos by Elizabeth Gabby.  Game information provided by Brandon Ricci.

OAE Aggies dominate in season opener

By Howard B. Owens

The Oakfield-Alabama/Elba Aggies started off the 2022 season with a convincing win over Cardinal O'Hara, 76-6.

Noah Currie had six carries for 114 yards and four touchdowns.  QB Bodie Hyde carried the ball three times for 78 yards and three TDs. 

Aiden Warner scored on a 66-yard run and on defense had four tackles and an interception that he returned for a 25-yard TD.

Connor Scott returned a kickoff 75 yards for a score and had five tackles and an interception on defense.

Jake Walczak also returned a kickoff 75 yards for a TD.

T.J. Andrews had six tackles and a sack and Brayden Smith had six tackles.

Head Coach Tyler Winter said:  "It's always good to start the season off with a win. It's even better when you can do it with this type of performance.  We had a high level of execution on all three sides of the ball, we came out healthy, and a lot of our guys got to eat today.  We'll take what we can from the film and look to get ready for the next opponent."

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

Football Round Up Week 1: Notre Dame, Batavia, OAE, Pembroke, Alexander open with wins

By Howard B. Owens

In its season opener, Attica hosted Notre Dame and won the game Friday evening 28-14.

The Batavian has not received stats for the game.

In other games:

  • Batavia beat Wayne Central, 27-7
  • Oakfield-Alabama/Elba beat Cardinal O'Hara 76-6 (click here for the game story).
  • Pembroke (eight-man) beat C.G. Finney/Northstar 55-22
  • Alexander beat Avon 33-15. The Trojans racked up 407 yards of total offense.

Notre Dame game photos by Pete Welker.

Photos: Batavia Bulldawgs open new season at Van Detta

By Howard B. Owens

The Blue, Gray, and Black is back in action and in snazzy new uniforms.

The Batavia Bulldawgs youth football program took to the turf at Van Detta Stadium on Saturday to kick off the 2022 season.

Photos by Howard Owens

Jimmy Fanara named Notre Dame's new head football coach

By Press Release

Press release:

Notre Dame has named Jimmy Fanara, ND Class of 1994, as the Varsity Football Coach replacing Joe Zambito who was unable to return after being hired as Race Secretary at Harrah's Philadelphia last Friday. 

Fanara has been coaching at Notre Dame for 25 years, working alongside legendary coaches Bill Sutherland and Rick Mancuso, as well as being a member of Coach Zambito’s staff for the past 4 years. Fanara said, “It’s a tremendous honor to be the leader of the Notre Dame High school football program. I look forward to carrying on the traditions of not only the program but also the high school. It’s a wonderful honor and I feel blessed. Go Irish!”

Notre Dame would like to thank Coach Zambito for his 4 years of dedicated service to the Notre Dame Football program. He posted a record of 20-14, winning sectionals in 2019 when his team had a record of 10-1, including an undefeated regular season.

Notre Dame will hold a meeting for parents and players on Tuesday, July 19th at 6 p.m. in the cafeteria where Coach Fanara and his staff will be introduced. 

Photo courtesy Notre Dame.  Jimmy Fanara, left, and former ND head coach Rick Mancuso.

OAE falls to Tioga 49-6 in state semifinal

By Howard B. Owens

Tioga brought to an end a great 2021 run by the Oakfield-Alabama/Elba Aggies on Friday with a 49-6 win in a state semifinal game.

For OAE, Gage Armbrewseter gained 67 yards on 16 carries.  Connor Scott scored a touchdown on two carries for 67 yards. Noah Currier gained 44 yards on seven carries. On defense, he had nine tackles.

" While this one may sting for the time being, we cannot let a single bad night take away from everything these boys were able to accomplish this season," said Head Coach Tyler Winter. "After some tough years early in our merge, and a stint in 8-man football, these boys have put the OAE Aggies on the map at the New York State level.  I could not be more proud of their efforts, their commitment, and the love they had for one another throughout the journey.  The way this group brought two communities together the way that they did is indescribable.  This journey truly was a privilege, one full of memories that they will get to carry with them for the rest of their lives.  Your Class D Sectional and Regional champions.  Two communities.  ONE FAMILY."

Photos by Kristin Smith.  For more, click here.

 

OAE stays undefeated with big win in Far West Regional

By Howard B. Owens

The Oakfield-Alabama/Elba Aggies advanced toward every team's ultimate goal -- a chance to play for a state championship -- with 28-22 victory over Randolph in the Far West Regionals.

Bodie Hyde was 6-for-12 passing for 184 yards and three touchdowns in the Friday night game in Jamestown. He also had 107 yards rushing on 20 carries.

Gaige Armbrewster had 122 yards on 15 carries.  Noah Currier had a TD reception and a rushing TD, gaining 110 yards on three receptions. Kameron Cusmano had a 44-yard TD reception.  Kaden Cusmano had a 25-yard TD reception.

On Defense, Brayden Smith had 15 tackles and a forced fumble. CG Gottler had nine tackles and a sack. Connor Scott, five tackles, a pass breakup and a fumble recovery.

"This had to be our most impressive win of the season for sure," said Head Coach Tyler Winter. "This was a very physical game and Randolph was a very tough opponent.

"To overcome in the second half the way they did was impressive and admirable.  Winning this game was a byproduct of their ability to take over the LOS (line of scrimmage) battle that we weren't winning in the first half and own it throughout the fourth quarter to finish the game.  Overall, this team is just incredibly excited that they get to keep playing football.  The show goes on!"

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more, click here.

OAE beat Avon 26-21 to become Class D football champions

By Howard B. Owens

The Oakfield-Alabama/Elba Aggies continued their year of perfection with yet another win, this time to capture the Class D Section V title by beating Avon 26-21.

Gaige Armbrewster rushed 16 times for 166 yards and two touchdowns.  

Bodie Hyde was 4-5 passing for 68 yards and a TD.  He also rushed for 21 yards.

Noah Currier gained 120 yards on nine carries and scored a TD.  He also had a 39-yard TD reception.

On defense, Kaden Cusmano had 12 tackles, a sack and he broke up two passes.  TJ Andres had 11 tackles as did Brayden Smith.  CJ Gottler and Ethan Cramer each and nine tackles and Gottler also had a sack.  Cameron Cusmano had an interception as did Armbrewster and Currier.

"I am so incredibly happy and proud for our boys," said Head Coach Tyler Winter. "The composure they showed during moments of adversity tonight is what champions are made of.  This group made a promise to themselves after the way that last season ended. They did everything in their power to make sure they would have a shot at winning a sectional championship this fall.

"To look around and see them enjoy the fruits of their labor tonight... I couldn't be more proud.  This group has so much fun playing football together, that we are glad the show is not over yet.  Our goal as we prepare for the Far West Regionals is to keep working hard, love each other, and play football together as long as we possibly can.  HOW BOUT THEM AGGIES !?"

Photos by Kristin Smith.  For more, click here.

O-A/E's Gaige Armbrewster looks for running room.

Kameron Cusmano (5) and Noah Currier (20) converge upon Avon QB Andrew Rowland.

Armbrewster carried the day for the Aggies.

 Noah Currier breaks a tackle.

More production from Armbrewster.

A great grab for Gaige.

QB Bodie Hyde just gets the pass away.

Aggies win sectional semifinal 54-20 over Cal-Mum/BB

By Howard B. Owens

The Oakfield-Alabama/Elba Aggies advanced Friday in Section V Class D semifinal competition with a resounding 54-20 win over Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen.

Gaige Armbrewster gained 161 yards on 14 carries and scored three touchdowns. Noah Currier had four carries for 152 yards and scored twice. He also had a 63-yard interception.

QB Bodie Hyde was 2-for-5 passing for 64 yards, and he rushed for 56 yards on six carries and scored two TDs.  On defense, he had 11 tackles.

Brayden Smith had 17 tackles, CJ Gottler 12 and a fumble recovery.   Ethan Cramer and TJ Andrews had nine tackles each and Kaden Cusmano had eight.  Connor Scott came up with three tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery return for a 35-yard TD.

"It was nice to see our boys get a big win on their home field in a semifinal matchup," said Head Coach Tyler Winter.  "We did a lot of good things tonight, but also need to clean up a few things to be ready for next week.

"We're excited about the win, but we are already thinking about the next game.  Our group is focused and ready for the challenge that next week is going to present."

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more, click here.

Batavia defeats Newark/Marion in Playoffs

By James Burns

The Batavia High Blue Devils varsity football team opened the Section V Class B playoffs tonight with a dominating 35-0 victory over the visiting Newark/Marion Reds at Van Detta Stadium.

The second-seeded Blue Devils will host No. 3 Wayne at 7 p.m. next Friday in the semifinals.

Batavia scored on all but two of its possessions.

QB Jesse Reinhart was 8-12 passing for 152 yards and two TDs. He was intercepted once. He also gained 32 yards on the ground on four carries.  

Cam McClinic gained 94 yards rushing on three carries and scored twice. Aidan Anderson rushed 11 times for 71 yards and scored a TD.

Cole Grazioplene scored once on five receptions for 76 yards.  Jagger Owens caught a 40-yard TD pass.

On defense, Kaden Marucci had nine tackles.

Also on Friday:

Alexander 45, Geneseo 0. The Trojans gained more than 300 yards on the ground. Braydon Woods gained 128 yards on 17 carries.  Nick Kramer gained 91 yards on ten carries.

Le Roy 7, Attica 3. Brock Flint rushed for 38 yards on 14 carries. John Penepento, four runs for 21 yards and a TD.  He was also 2-7 passing for 34 yards. Jack Tonzi had 13 tackles and Tyler Strollo, nine.

Pembroke 34, Sodus 0. In eight-man football, Tyson Totten gained 136 yards on 19 carries and scored three touchdowns. Caleb Felski, seven carries, 100 yards and a TD. Cayden Pfalzer, 3-3 passing for 56 yards and a TD.  On defense, Pete Farrington had six tackls.

Photos by Jim Burns

 

Aggies finish off perfect regular season Senior Night

By Howard B. Owens

The Oakfield-Alabama/Elba Aggies wrapped up their regular season with a perfect 8-0 record on Friday with a convincing 58-14 win over Geneseo.

The Aggies sit atop Class D heading into the post-season.

Gaige Armbrewster rushed for 155 yards, scored twice, on eight carries.  

QB Bodie Hyde gained 122 yards on the ground, taking the ball into the end zone twice on six carries.  He was 1-1 passing with a 68-yard TD and notched 10 tackles on defense.

Also at QB, Kameron Cusmano was 3-5 passing for 65 yards and rushed for 39 yards on five carries scoring one TD.  On defense, he had nine tackles.

Connor Scott had a 68-yard TD reception.

CJ Gottler lead the defense with 13 tackles and a sack.  Ethan Cramer, nine tackles and a fumble recovery.

"We are very pleased with how the boys started this game," said Head Coach Tyler Winter. "From the first whistle, they executed at a high level and that did not waiver during the course of the game.  This was a good way for us to build some momentum heading into sectionals."

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more, click here.

Batavia finishes regular season 7-1 with win over Wilson Magnet 42-20

By Howard B. Owens

The Blue Devils offense once again proved too much for an opposing defense as Batavia beat Wilson Magnet at home on Friday 42-20.

Cam McClinic scored two touchdowns on six carries for 42 yards. Jesse Reinhart rushed for a touchdown and toss one while going 5-6 passing.

Javin McFollins had a TD reception on two catches for 32 yards. Vincent Arroyo caught a 46-yard TD pass and Aiden Anderson caught a 25-yard TD pass.

On defense, Kaden Marucci had eight tackles. 

Other Friday games:

Alexander 10 over Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen, 10-0.  Brayden Woods carried the ball 20 times for 51 yards.  Nick Kramer had 11 carries for 77 yards and a TD.  He was also 4-6 passing for 25 yards.  The Trojans finish the regular season 7-1.

Oakfield-Alabama beat Geneseo/Mount Morris, 58-14.

To view or purchase prints, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

OAE edges Bolivar 14-13

By Howard B. Owens

The Aggies played hard and came up an important win by just one point, beating Bolivar-Richburg 14-13 on Saturday.

For Oakfield-Alabama/Elba, Gaige Armbrewster rushed 15 times and gained 131 yards and scored once.  QB Bodie Hyde had 12 carries for 52 yards and a TD.

CJ Gottler had 10 tackles and a fumble recovery.  Ethan Cramer and Aiden Warner had ten tackles each.  Kameron Cusmano's six tackles including a game-winner when he pulled down the ball carrier on a two-point conversion with 45 seconds remaining in the game.

“This was the type of game we needed to find out if we could win or not," said Head Coach Tyler Winter. "Bolivar is a tough team and they played hard today.  Proud of our boys for being able to adjust and overcome some adversity.  It may not be pretty in the stat sheet, but a win is a win and this game is going to help us down the road.”

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more, click here.

 

 

Total team offense, stout defense give Trojans another big win

By Howard B. Owens

The Alexander Trojans were once again dominant on a Friday night, beating York/Pavilion 43-0.

Alexander used nine running backs amassing 219  yards rushing on 30 carries.  Clayton Bezon had four carries for 61 yards and a TD. Nick Kramer, six carries for 48 yards and two TDs, and Braydon Woods gained 36 yards on seven carries. He scored twice. 

As a QB, Kramer was 7-7 passing for 98 yards including a 23-yard TD pass to Jake Laney.  Laney had four catches for 54 yards.

On Deffense, Kramer had five tackles.  Mason Bump had an interception.

Eric Cline was 6-6 on PATs.

The Trojans are now 6-1 on the season and have recorded four shutouts.

Also on  Friday, Pembroke beat South Seneca 24-8 in a  game that was called with 10:50 left in the second quarter. Caleb Felski gained 64 yards,  scored twice, on four caries. Tyson Totten rushed six times for 47 yards and a TD.

Photos by Philip Casper

Top photo: Nick Kramer QB #3, Jacob Laney TE #7, Gavin Smith-Crandall OL #72, Matt Jasen OL #56, On their way to the coin toss

Eric Cline K #9 with the kickoff

Gavin Smith-Crandall DL #72, and Scott Marzolf LB #66 with the tag team tackle

Jacob Laney DB #7 breaking through the line putting an end to the run

Pembroke beats Finney 22-12

By Howard B. Owens

Pembroke defeated Finney on  Saturday in eight-man football 22-12.

Cayden Pfalzer was 5-8 passing for 63 yards. He also rushed for 65 yards on 11 carries and scored a TD.  Tyson Totten ran for 109 yards and a TD on 17 carries.  He also caught a 4-yard pass for a TD. Caleb Felski rushed 10 times for 58 yards, completed a 9-yard pass, and had a 90-yard kick return for a TD.

On defense, Chase Guzdek, 16 tackle, Cayden Pfalzer, seven tackles, Giovanni Smart had a sack.

Photos by Elizabeth Gabbey

Aggies enjoy the sweet smell of success with win over Avon

By Howard B. Owens

Oakfield-Alabama/Elba notched a  convincing win over Avon on Friday, 24-7.

Bodie Hyde was 7-10 passing for 91 yards and a  TD.  Gaige Armbrewster ran 21 times for 74 yards and a TD.  Noah Currier  made three receptions for 52 yards and a TD. He also had an 80-yard kickoff return for a TD. K. Max  DeMare struck a 25-yard field goal.

On defense, Connor Scott had 12 tackles, Kameron Cusmano, nine, Kaden Cusmano,  eight, and CJ Gottler, eight.

"This was a huge win for our team," said Head Coach Tyler Winter. "We knew beating Avon was going to take a full 4 quarter battle.  They're a very strong team and we needed to play mistake-free football to get the win tonight.  Hats off to them.  This could be just the first meeting between the two of us.  Also want to shout out Defensive Coordinator Corey Winter and Special Teams Coordinator Andrew Boyce for the game plans they put together for tonight.  Those two sides of the ball came up big for us.  If we are going to be a good football program, these are the games we need to persevere in and get the job done on the scoreboard.  We are proud of our boys for doing exactly that."

Photos by Kristin  Smith. For more,  click here.

HFL edges Batavia in a battle of two top Class B state ranked teams 27-26

By Howard B. Owens

The Blue Devils suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of #1 ranked Honeoye Falls Lima, 27 to 26.

Batavia is now 5-1 and HFL is 6-0. Both are in Class B in Section V and could meet again in the post-season.

Jesse Reinhart was 14-10 passing for 123 yards and a TD.  He also ran for 68 yards on eight carries.

Aidan Anderson gained 162 yards on 12 carries and scored twice. 

Javin McFollins had three receptions for 91 yards and a TD.  Carter McFollins gained 31 yards on five catches.

Kaden Marucci had 13 tackles and an interception. Vincent Arroyo had eight tackles, Matt McWethhy, seven, and Javin McFollins, seven along with a fumble recovery.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

To view or purchase photos, click here.

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