All-Star Capsules
Teams listed alphabetically:
Bainbridge-Guilford
Brad Hurlburt, sr., Linebacker, 5-foot-9, 170 pounds
A question mark coming into this season, Hurlburt transformed his game and made huge strides at fullback and linebacker. “He was very physical and had a breakout season for us,” said B-G coach Tim Mattingly. “He came in stronger and bigger, and met the challenges. We got everything out of him that we were hoping for.”
Dustin Ross, sr., running back, 5-foot-8, 165 pounds
Ross is one of only two B-G running backs with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, matching Eric Finch, who accomplished that feat a decade ago. Needing a big game in the finale against Seton Catholic Central to break the milestone, Ross had 136 yards to finish with 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns. “He created a lot of running lanes for himself, and any time he carried the ball, it had to scare defensive coordinators,” Mattingly said. “He had the ability to break it at any time.” Seven of Ross’ touchdowns went for 46 yards or more.
Ethan Mazzarella 5-9, sr.165 pounds
The B-G senior was considered the pound-for-pound toughest interior lineman – offensively and defensively – on the Bobcats this season. “When he blocked, he put everything he had into it,” said B-G coach Tim Mattingly. “His motor just ran, and he created havoc for other team’s offenses. He set everything up for our linebackers.”
Greene
Nate Whittaker, sr., quarterback 6-0, 180 pounds
Over the course of his four-year varsity career, Whittaker scored a touchdown in just about every way possible, and showed that this year with two games where he ran, passed, and caught a touchdown pass. Sharing the quarterback duties, he established a new completion percentage record in Coach Tim Paske’s six-year tenure at 63.2 percent throwing eight TDs against just three picks, while leading the team with 610 yards through the air. Additionally, he rushed for 438 yards and four scores, and caught 10 passes for a pair of touchdowns. “He’s that rare kid that doesn’t come around much in a program,” Paske said. “He’s a great person in and out of football, and he did a lot of things for us this year. He had the knack of coming up with a big play when we needed it. It was a pleasure to coach him.”
Dan Carlin, sr., all-purpose, 6-foot-3, 175 pounds
Carlin was a perfect accessory in Greene’s corps of versatile offensive performers. Carlin rushed for 423 yards and five touchdowns, caught 20 passes for another touchdown, passed for a touchdown, and ran in 10 two-point conversions, while also returning a fumble for a score. Defensively, he was credited with three sacks in the first half of the playoff win over Trumansburg. “He was all over the field on defense, and on offense, when we needed tough yards, we counted on him to get them,” Paske said. “He’s an unselfish kid who will do anything to help the team win.”
Nick Wilcox, jr., linebacker 5-foot-9, 140 pounds
Wilcox is a testament to the statement, “size does not matter.” The smallest player on the Trojans’ defense, he came up the biggest with 119 tackles from the middle linebacker position, 3 1/2 sacks, three fumble recoveries, and one interception. “He’s very physical and a determined player,” Paske said. “He’s a state champion wrestler, and those kids are a different bread. He was able to put his body in position to get around blocks, and he accelerated to the hole to make tackles. We gave out the smack of the week for the biggest hit, and he won that two or three times.”
Garrett Hickey, sr., running back, 5-foot-10, 180 pounds
In the Trojans’ balanced offensive attack, Hickey asserted himself as the go-to running back leading the team with 648 yards rushing and seven touchdowns. He had one of his two 100-yard rushing games scoring two touchdowns in the Trojans’ first-ever playoff victory – a 44-20 win over Trumansburg. Defensively, Hickey was part of a stellar trio that also included Nick Wilcox and Tyler Beckwith finishing with 78 tackles and one interception. “We loved to run the trap with him because he hit the hole hard, and if someone was in the hole, he was more than happy to put his shoulder down and run the kid over,” Paske said. “He definitely improved on defense and his understanding of the game evolved. When he needed to be somewhere, he was in position to make the play.”
Tyler Kehl, sr., center, 5-foot-10, 220 pounds
A three-year starter and team leader on offense and defense, Kehl was a dominant force on the offensive line at center, while also controlling the middle of the defense at nose tackle. Head coach Tim Paske charted double-digit pancake blocks for Kehl in a single game. “We talked a lot about getting to the second third level of blocking (for our running backs),” Paske said. “He believed in that and was a heck of a player and a leader. We will miss him, he was definitely someone we relied on.”
Evan Engler, jr, offensive line, 5-foot-10, 185 pounds
Engler’s execution on the offensive line was emblematic of the Trojans’ success. Not possessing great size, Engler regularly matched up against the opposing team’s biggest lineman, and typically won the battle. “He had such a great attitude, and did what it took to be successful,” Paske said. “He didn’t back down, he executed, and was third on the team in pancake blocks...he has real good feet and gets off the ball.” At defensive tackle, Engler finished with 61 tackles and three sacks. “He has such a great motor, and he ran a lot of plays down across the field,” Paske said.
Brendan Kinne, jr., receiver, 6-foot-1, 185 pounds,
After a slow start with just three catches in three games, Kinne came on over the final seven games finishing with an area-best 29 catches and 10 scores. He finished with 350 receiving yards, and caught a TD pass in six straight games at one point. “He’s a heck of a receiver, and the big thing with him was gaining confidence,” Paske said. “We knew he could make big plays, it was just making sure he had the confidence.” Kinne had eight catches and three receiving scores against Canastota, and followed that up with a season-high 101 receiving yards against Unatego.
Tyler Beckwith, jr., linebacker, 5-foot-11, 190 pounds
Number two on the Trojans with 82 tackles, Beckwith rounded out a strong linebacking corps, and proved one of the biggest hitters. “He was very coachable, a hard worker, and he loves to hit,” Paske said. “He’s another kid that leads by example. He doesn’t say much, but leads by his actions.” Beckwith was quick to diagnose plays, and earned the team’s “Smack of the Week” at least three times. Beckwith saw limited duty as part of a deep stable of running backs, but still finished with four rushing scores including two in a division win over Unatego.
Norwich
Andrew Austin, jr., safety, 6-1, 175 pounds
Austin brought the hammer, and won the Tornado’s coveted Purple Hammer for the biggest hit of the game six out of nine games this season. “He pretty much owned that award,” said Norwich coach John Pluta. “He loves to be around the football and loves the game. He’s a physical, smart player.” Austin led Norwich in tackles from his safety position, and was the Purple’s top receiver with 15 catches for 313 yards and two touchdowns.
Vaughn Labor, sr., offensive line 6-foot-5, 205 pounds
A leader on offense and defense for Norwich and a three-year starter, head coach John Pluta noted Labor as this year’s top offensive lineman, while also impacting a stout defense at defensive end. “Vaughn (and Andrew Austin) were the two players mentioned most by opposing coaches,” Pluta said. Labor was an edge rusher, who also maintained could outside leverage to steer plays inside. Labor is representing Norwich in the Ernie Davis Football Classic.
Alex Williams, jr. linebacker, 6-foot, 175 pounds
A second-year starter for Norwich, Williams made the defensive calls, and like teammate Austin, is always around the football. “He had great pursuit and a great motor, and did a great job of recognizing formations,” said Norwich coach John Pluta. Williams also saw more time at running back the final two games of the season, and Pluta expects to utilize him on offense much more next season.
Christian Hotaling, jr., 6-foot-2, 200 pounds
Hotaling completed a solid one-two punch at linebacker along with Alex Williams. “Those two guys were outstanding on that side of the ball,” Pluta said. “He’s a big hitter, and he got a lot better reading plays rather than playing on instinct.” Hotaling also made the move from tight end to running back, and was the team’s leading rusher (78 yards) in a 14-9 win at Oneida in week seven. Oneida plays in the Class B state championship game this weekend.
Oxford
Travis Frank, sr., running back 6-0, 175 pounds
Frank was the very definition of go-to guy carrying the pigskin 221 times for 924 yards and eight touchdowns. Not taking time to rest on defense, he led the Blackhawks with 108 tackles, his second straight season of 100-plus tackles. “We relied on Travis more than I ever intended as far as his carries and number of snaps he took,” said Oxford coach Mike Chrystie. “He missed one defensive snap all year, and that was at the end of a game we were winning. He was on the field whenever we needed a play.”
Jeremy Nelson, jr., receiver 6-foot-1, 165 pounds
Nelson was called upon this season as the big-play man finishing with an astonishing 30-yard average per catch finishing with 450 yards – tops in Chenango County – on 15 receptions. He added an 80-yard kickoff return to paydirt against UV-Edmeston that keyed a season-finale victory. “The big thing is that Jer gained confidence that he belonged,” Chrystie said. “He figured out he needed to make plays to open up the running. He accepted that role, and it was a big step.”
Sherburne-Earlville
Nate Kline, sr., running back, 5-foot-10, 180 pounds
A Section III division all-star, Kline missed one game, but still finished with 778 yards on the ground this season. His top performance was a 271-yard, two-TD breakout game against Mount Markham. “He was an explosive weapon, and when he went down with an injury in the fifth game, that was the turning point of our season,” said S-E coach Mick James. “He hit the hole hard and he was tough in space. He came back after the injury, and easily would have exceeded 1,000 yards if he wasn’t hurt.”
Phil Price, sr., receiver 6-foot-4, 180 pounds
A dynamic receiving threat for the Marauders, Price had five games with three or more catches finishing with 19 receptions for 430 yards, second among receivers in the area. He had a 96-yard receiving game against Westmoreland, and followed that up with a season-high 103 yards receiving in a 16-6 win over Clinton. “He was one of those guys where you just had the throw the ball near him,” James said. “He adjusted to the ball in the air as well as anyone. He’s definitely capable of playing on the next level.”
Stephen Buddenhagen, sr., linebacker, 6-foot-2, 190 pounds
Buddenhagen showed no rust on his football game after sitting out the past two seasons. The second leading tackler on the Marauders and also the second leading receiver behind Price. “He’s just a great defensive player and always where he needed to be and was a sure tackler,” James said. “He’s smart and tough, and that’s a good combination.” Buddenhagen averaged over eight tackles a game before missing most of the last two games with an injury.
––––Patrick Newell
Bainbridge-Guilford
Brad Hurlburt, sr., Linebacker, 5-foot-9, 170 pounds
A question mark coming into this season, Hurlburt transformed his game and made huge strides at fullback and linebacker. “He was very physical and had a breakout season for us,” said B-G coach Tim Mattingly. “He came in stronger and bigger, and met the challenges. We got everything out of him that we were hoping for.”
Dustin Ross, sr., running back, 5-foot-8, 165 pounds
Ross is one of only two B-G running backs with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, matching Eric Finch, who accomplished that feat a decade ago. Needing a big game in the finale against Seton Catholic Central to break the milestone, Ross had 136 yards to finish with 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns. “He created a lot of running lanes for himself, and any time he carried the ball, it had to scare defensive coordinators,” Mattingly said. “He had the ability to break it at any time.” Seven of Ross’ touchdowns went for 46 yards or more.
Ethan Mazzarella 5-9, sr.165 pounds
The B-G senior was considered the pound-for-pound toughest interior lineman – offensively and defensively – on the Bobcats this season. “When he blocked, he put everything he had into it,” said B-G coach Tim Mattingly. “His motor just ran, and he created havoc for other team’s offenses. He set everything up for our linebackers.”
Greene
Nate Whittaker, sr., quarterback 6-0, 180 pounds
Over the course of his four-year varsity career, Whittaker scored a touchdown in just about every way possible, and showed that this year with two games where he ran, passed, and caught a touchdown pass. Sharing the quarterback duties, he established a new completion percentage record in Coach Tim Paske’s six-year tenure at 63.2 percent throwing eight TDs against just three picks, while leading the team with 610 yards through the air. Additionally, he rushed for 438 yards and four scores, and caught 10 passes for a pair of touchdowns. “He’s that rare kid that doesn’t come around much in a program,” Paske said. “He’s a great person in and out of football, and he did a lot of things for us this year. He had the knack of coming up with a big play when we needed it. It was a pleasure to coach him.”
Dan Carlin, sr., all-purpose, 6-foot-3, 175 pounds
Carlin was a perfect accessory in Greene’s corps of versatile offensive performers. Carlin rushed for 423 yards and five touchdowns, caught 20 passes for another touchdown, passed for a touchdown, and ran in 10 two-point conversions, while also returning a fumble for a score. Defensively, he was credited with three sacks in the first half of the playoff win over Trumansburg. “He was all over the field on defense, and on offense, when we needed tough yards, we counted on him to get them,” Paske said. “He’s an unselfish kid who will do anything to help the team win.”
Nick Wilcox, jr., linebacker 5-foot-9, 140 pounds
Wilcox is a testament to the statement, “size does not matter.” The smallest player on the Trojans’ defense, he came up the biggest with 119 tackles from the middle linebacker position, 3 1/2 sacks, three fumble recoveries, and one interception. “He’s very physical and a determined player,” Paske said. “He’s a state champion wrestler, and those kids are a different bread. He was able to put his body in position to get around blocks, and he accelerated to the hole to make tackles. We gave out the smack of the week for the biggest hit, and he won that two or three times.”
Garrett Hickey, sr., running back, 5-foot-10, 180 pounds
In the Trojans’ balanced offensive attack, Hickey asserted himself as the go-to running back leading the team with 648 yards rushing and seven touchdowns. He had one of his two 100-yard rushing games scoring two touchdowns in the Trojans’ first-ever playoff victory – a 44-20 win over Trumansburg. Defensively, Hickey was part of a stellar trio that also included Nick Wilcox and Tyler Beckwith finishing with 78 tackles and one interception. “We loved to run the trap with him because he hit the hole hard, and if someone was in the hole, he was more than happy to put his shoulder down and run the kid over,” Paske said. “He definitely improved on defense and his understanding of the game evolved. When he needed to be somewhere, he was in position to make the play.”
Tyler Kehl, sr., center, 5-foot-10, 220 pounds
A three-year starter and team leader on offense and defense, Kehl was a dominant force on the offensive line at center, while also controlling the middle of the defense at nose tackle. Head coach Tim Paske charted double-digit pancake blocks for Kehl in a single game. “We talked a lot about getting to the second third level of blocking (for our running backs),” Paske said. “He believed in that and was a heck of a player and a leader. We will miss him, he was definitely someone we relied on.”
Evan Engler, jr, offensive line, 5-foot-10, 185 pounds
Engler’s execution on the offensive line was emblematic of the Trojans’ success. Not possessing great size, Engler regularly matched up against the opposing team’s biggest lineman, and typically won the battle. “He had such a great attitude, and did what it took to be successful,” Paske said. “He didn’t back down, he executed, and was third on the team in pancake blocks...he has real good feet and gets off the ball.” At defensive tackle, Engler finished with 61 tackles and three sacks. “He has such a great motor, and he ran a lot of plays down across the field,” Paske said.
Brendan Kinne, jr., receiver, 6-foot-1, 185 pounds,
After a slow start with just three catches in three games, Kinne came on over the final seven games finishing with an area-best 29 catches and 10 scores. He finished with 350 receiving yards, and caught a TD pass in six straight games at one point. “He’s a heck of a receiver, and the big thing with him was gaining confidence,” Paske said. “We knew he could make big plays, it was just making sure he had the confidence.” Kinne had eight catches and three receiving scores against Canastota, and followed that up with a season-high 101 receiving yards against Unatego.
Tyler Beckwith, jr., linebacker, 5-foot-11, 190 pounds
Number two on the Trojans with 82 tackles, Beckwith rounded out a strong linebacking corps, and proved one of the biggest hitters. “He was very coachable, a hard worker, and he loves to hit,” Paske said. “He’s another kid that leads by example. He doesn’t say much, but leads by his actions.” Beckwith was quick to diagnose plays, and earned the team’s “Smack of the Week” at least three times. Beckwith saw limited duty as part of a deep stable of running backs, but still finished with four rushing scores including two in a division win over Unatego.
Norwich
Andrew Austin, jr., safety, 6-1, 175 pounds
Austin brought the hammer, and won the Tornado’s coveted Purple Hammer for the biggest hit of the game six out of nine games this season. “He pretty much owned that award,” said Norwich coach John Pluta. “He loves to be around the football and loves the game. He’s a physical, smart player.” Austin led Norwich in tackles from his safety position, and was the Purple’s top receiver with 15 catches for 313 yards and two touchdowns.
Vaughn Labor, sr., offensive line 6-foot-5, 205 pounds
A leader on offense and defense for Norwich and a three-year starter, head coach John Pluta noted Labor as this year’s top offensive lineman, while also impacting a stout defense at defensive end. “Vaughn (and Andrew Austin) were the two players mentioned most by opposing coaches,” Pluta said. Labor was an edge rusher, who also maintained could outside leverage to steer plays inside. Labor is representing Norwich in the Ernie Davis Football Classic.
Alex Williams, jr. linebacker, 6-foot, 175 pounds
A second-year starter for Norwich, Williams made the defensive calls, and like teammate Austin, is always around the football. “He had great pursuit and a great motor, and did a great job of recognizing formations,” said Norwich coach John Pluta. Williams also saw more time at running back the final two games of the season, and Pluta expects to utilize him on offense much more next season.
Christian Hotaling, jr., 6-foot-2, 200 pounds
Hotaling completed a solid one-two punch at linebacker along with Alex Williams. “Those two guys were outstanding on that side of the ball,” Pluta said. “He’s a big hitter, and he got a lot better reading plays rather than playing on instinct.” Hotaling also made the move from tight end to running back, and was the team’s leading rusher (78 yards) in a 14-9 win at Oneida in week seven. Oneida plays in the Class B state championship game this weekend.
Oxford
Travis Frank, sr., running back 6-0, 175 pounds
Frank was the very definition of go-to guy carrying the pigskin 221 times for 924 yards and eight touchdowns. Not taking time to rest on defense, he led the Blackhawks with 108 tackles, his second straight season of 100-plus tackles. “We relied on Travis more than I ever intended as far as his carries and number of snaps he took,” said Oxford coach Mike Chrystie. “He missed one defensive snap all year, and that was at the end of a game we were winning. He was on the field whenever we needed a play.”
Jeremy Nelson, jr., receiver 6-foot-1, 165 pounds
Nelson was called upon this season as the big-play man finishing with an astonishing 30-yard average per catch finishing with 450 yards – tops in Chenango County – on 15 receptions. He added an 80-yard kickoff return to paydirt against UV-Edmeston that keyed a season-finale victory. “The big thing is that Jer gained confidence that he belonged,” Chrystie said. “He figured out he needed to make plays to open up the running. He accepted that role, and it was a big step.”
Sherburne-Earlville
Nate Kline, sr., running back, 5-foot-10, 180 pounds
A Section III division all-star, Kline missed one game, but still finished with 778 yards on the ground this season. His top performance was a 271-yard, two-TD breakout game against Mount Markham. “He was an explosive weapon, and when he went down with an injury in the fifth game, that was the turning point of our season,” said S-E coach Mick James. “He hit the hole hard and he was tough in space. He came back after the injury, and easily would have exceeded 1,000 yards if he wasn’t hurt.”
Phil Price, sr., receiver 6-foot-4, 180 pounds
A dynamic receiving threat for the Marauders, Price had five games with three or more catches finishing with 19 receptions for 430 yards, second among receivers in the area. He had a 96-yard receiving game against Westmoreland, and followed that up with a season-high 103 yards receiving in a 16-6 win over Clinton. “He was one of those guys where you just had the throw the ball near him,” James said. “He adjusted to the ball in the air as well as anyone. He’s definitely capable of playing on the next level.”
Stephen Buddenhagen, sr., linebacker, 6-foot-2, 190 pounds
Buddenhagen showed no rust on his football game after sitting out the past two seasons. The second leading tackler on the Marauders and also the second leading receiver behind Price. “He’s just a great defensive player and always where he needed to be and was a sure tackler,” James said. “He’s smart and tough, and that’s a good combination.” Buddenhagen averaged over eight tackles a game before missing most of the last two games with an injury.
––––Patrick Newell
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