Norwich hosts No. 1 Maine-Endwell tonight
When Norwich (4-1) takes the field tonight against Maine-Endwell, it may well be facing one of the best Section IV teams over the past 10 seasons. The Spartans, New York State Class A state champions a year ago, return 19 of 22 starting spots from that club. To boot, a drop in enrollment now has M-E competing against smaller Class B schools.
“The best words to define Maine-Endwell on both sides of the ball are fast and physical,” said Norwich coach John Martinson.
What Maine-Endwell has done post haste is score. Without exception, all five of the Spartans’ opponents have found themselves in a significant hole. In comparison to the prior four games, last week’s 41-16 win over Elmira was a tight ballgame. Nevermind, it was a five-touchdown lead late in the fourth quarter when Elmira scored its final points. “They are very impressive,” Martinson said in remarks following last week’s win over Oneonta. “Regardless of the class, I think they are the best team in the state.”
Luis Uceta, last year’s offensive MVP in the state title game, is back as the outside running threat, while 239-pound fullback Nick Sorrenti provides power running on the inside. Complementing those two is 6-foot-5 junior quarterback Kyle Gallagher, who is equally dangerous running or throwing. The Spartans pull all of those offensive threats together in a spread formation that also implements a midline option. It’s a difficult offense to defend when playing an average team, much less one that is finely tuned and clicking on all cylinders.
“We will need to carry out our option responsibilities and get everyone to the football,” Martinson said.
Stopping Maine-Endwell’s offense is one thing, scoring on the defense may prove equally difficult. Until last year’s state championship game, the M-E starting defense did not allow more than one touchdown in any other game. While teams have put points on the board this season against M-E, virtually none have come against the starting defense. “This is the biggest team we have faced, but our kids are excited about the opportunity and will definitely be up for the challenge,” Martinson said.
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Four more area games are on the docket this weekend. Here are previews of each contest:
Bainbridge-Guilford (4-1) at Oxford (2-3), Friday, 7 p.m.
It’s make or break time for the Blackhawks, who will likely be eliminated from postseason consideration with a loss to rival Bainbridge-Guilford. Oxford was in ill health a week ago when Unatego shellacked a undermanned Blackhawks lineup. Leading rusher Paul Wonka was unable to play due to an ankle injury, and his status this week is up in the air, said head coach Ray Dayton. “It really will come down to Paul’s tolerance for pain,” Dayton said of his senior back. In his stead, first-year running back Mike Gonzalez ran for 88 yards last week, and call-up Nick Neer is getting reps in the backfield during practice if Wonka is out of action. Injuries, though, are not Dayton’s primary concern. The Bobcats stand in the way of a playoff berth, and in recent matchups, B-G has had the better of Oxford. “It’s a typical Bainbridge-Guilford team,” Dayton said. “They have a lot of size up front, they have a great back, a nice tight end, and their quarterback is a solid player. He makes their offense flow.” The players Dayton referred to are Jake Mazzarella, Chenango County’s leading rusher; Austin Bauerle, who is averaging over two catches a game; and senior quarterback Corbin Palmer, who is 11-4 as a starter. “Palmer doesn’t get a lot of publicity, but he’s a nice player,” Dayton said. “Winning 11 games, there is something to be said about that.” In Wonka’s absence last week, Oxford did not threaten to score, and the big-play passing game accounted for one completed pass and four interceptions. Dayton knows that has to be a lot better, and if Wonka cannot play, and he expects the next guy in line to fill the void. “It’s going to take a lot of heart on Friday night,” Dayton said. “We believe in the kids, and we’re expecting a great test from Bainbridge-Guilford.”
Clinton (1-4) at Sherburne-Earlville (3-2), Friday, 7 p.m.
At first blush, the Marauders appear to have an easier task this week in Clinton. Coming off a hard-fought loss to Canastota a week ago, S-E is still headed to the Section III playoffs, and would like to enter the postseason on the upswing. “Clinton has struggled in the win-loss column, but has shown an ability to make plays and stay in games,” said S-E coach Mike Jasper. Two weeks ago, Clinton held a 21-6 halftime lead over Mount Markham before dropping a 26-21 final. The potential is there for an upset if the Marauders suffer any kind of letdown, Jasper said. “We need to be ready to play hard and execute the little things,” the S-E coach said. “We seem to learn the hard way, and little things cost you against good teams. But last week is over, and we have to keep moving ahead.” S-E has wins over Clinton the past four seasons, the last two by a combined 73-12. S-E running back Devven Ferris is averaging over 10 yards per carry, the best among area starters, and his average touchdown run is over 50 yards per tote.
Newark Valley 4-1 at Greene (3-2), Friday, 7 p.m.
The Trojans, losers of back-to-back games, hope to get back on track tonight against a Newark Valley team that is in the midst of a four-game winning streak. Less than a year ago, these two teams met in the Section IV Class C playoffs with the Trojans coming away with a 30-0 victory. Tonight’s clash has playoff implications for the Cardinals, who have three division games left to play. Meanwhile, the Trojans are cast in the role of spoiler. “Number one, we’d like to get our first division win,” said Greene coach Tim Paske. “They have a lot of experience coming back from last year, and the coaching staff is building a nice program over there.” The Trojans’ defense has remained fairly sound despite the losses. In last week’s loss to Sidney, the Greene defense created four turnovers, none of which were redeemed in the form of points on the scoreboard. Offensively, save a couple of good drives against Chenango Forks, the Trojans have been inconsistent at best the last eight quarters. “We’ve gone back to the fundamentals in terms of shoring up blocking assignments and making sure backs are hitting the right holes,” Paske said. “We’ve pared things down and want to clean things up offensively.”
Unadilla Valley (2-3) at Unatego (4-1), Friday, 7 p.m.
Chenango Forks’ week one victory over Unatego is looking more and more impressive when you look at what the Spartans have done since that game. In victories over Seton Catholic Central, Walton, Bainbridge-Guilford, and Oxford, Unatego is averaging nearly 50 points a game, and outscored Chenango grid outfits B-G and Oxford by a combined 107-6 over the past two weeks. “Obviously we need to stop their fast offense, and no one has been able to do that yet,” said UV first-year coach Daryl Decker. “We are going to try to contain their quarterback (Tyler Butler) and quick running back (David VanAlstine) as much as we can, and give freedom to our big players to make plays.” For a half, Unadilla Valley looked like a world beater before falling to Harpursville last week, 23-19. Quarterback Kurt Haycook has completed more passes than any other area signalcaller, and all-purpose offensive weapons Justin Hofer and Kody Homann have combined for 34 catches in just four games (week one was a forfeit). The UV duo’s nearly 9-catch-a-game average is the best among all area receiving combinations.
“The best words to define Maine-Endwell on both sides of the ball are fast and physical,” said Norwich coach John Martinson.
What Maine-Endwell has done post haste is score. Without exception, all five of the Spartans’ opponents have found themselves in a significant hole. In comparison to the prior four games, last week’s 41-16 win over Elmira was a tight ballgame. Nevermind, it was a five-touchdown lead late in the fourth quarter when Elmira scored its final points. “They are very impressive,” Martinson said in remarks following last week’s win over Oneonta. “Regardless of the class, I think they are the best team in the state.”
Luis Uceta, last year’s offensive MVP in the state title game, is back as the outside running threat, while 239-pound fullback Nick Sorrenti provides power running on the inside. Complementing those two is 6-foot-5 junior quarterback Kyle Gallagher, who is equally dangerous running or throwing. The Spartans pull all of those offensive threats together in a spread formation that also implements a midline option. It’s a difficult offense to defend when playing an average team, much less one that is finely tuned and clicking on all cylinders.
“We will need to carry out our option responsibilities and get everyone to the football,” Martinson said.
Stopping Maine-Endwell’s offense is one thing, scoring on the defense may prove equally difficult. Until last year’s state championship game, the M-E starting defense did not allow more than one touchdown in any other game. While teams have put points on the board this season against M-E, virtually none have come against the starting defense. “This is the biggest team we have faced, but our kids are excited about the opportunity and will definitely be up for the challenge,” Martinson said.
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Four more area games are on the docket this weekend. Here are previews of each contest:
Bainbridge-Guilford (4-1) at Oxford (2-3), Friday, 7 p.m.
It’s make or break time for the Blackhawks, who will likely be eliminated from postseason consideration with a loss to rival Bainbridge-Guilford. Oxford was in ill health a week ago when Unatego shellacked a undermanned Blackhawks lineup. Leading rusher Paul Wonka was unable to play due to an ankle injury, and his status this week is up in the air, said head coach Ray Dayton. “It really will come down to Paul’s tolerance for pain,” Dayton said of his senior back. In his stead, first-year running back Mike Gonzalez ran for 88 yards last week, and call-up Nick Neer is getting reps in the backfield during practice if Wonka is out of action. Injuries, though, are not Dayton’s primary concern. The Bobcats stand in the way of a playoff berth, and in recent matchups, B-G has had the better of Oxford. “It’s a typical Bainbridge-Guilford team,” Dayton said. “They have a lot of size up front, they have a great back, a nice tight end, and their quarterback is a solid player. He makes their offense flow.” The players Dayton referred to are Jake Mazzarella, Chenango County’s leading rusher; Austin Bauerle, who is averaging over two catches a game; and senior quarterback Corbin Palmer, who is 11-4 as a starter. “Palmer doesn’t get a lot of publicity, but he’s a nice player,” Dayton said. “Winning 11 games, there is something to be said about that.” In Wonka’s absence last week, Oxford did not threaten to score, and the big-play passing game accounted for one completed pass and four interceptions. Dayton knows that has to be a lot better, and if Wonka cannot play, and he expects the next guy in line to fill the void. “It’s going to take a lot of heart on Friday night,” Dayton said. “We believe in the kids, and we’re expecting a great test from Bainbridge-Guilford.”
Clinton (1-4) at Sherburne-Earlville (3-2), Friday, 7 p.m.
At first blush, the Marauders appear to have an easier task this week in Clinton. Coming off a hard-fought loss to Canastota a week ago, S-E is still headed to the Section III playoffs, and would like to enter the postseason on the upswing. “Clinton has struggled in the win-loss column, but has shown an ability to make plays and stay in games,” said S-E coach Mike Jasper. Two weeks ago, Clinton held a 21-6 halftime lead over Mount Markham before dropping a 26-21 final. The potential is there for an upset if the Marauders suffer any kind of letdown, Jasper said. “We need to be ready to play hard and execute the little things,” the S-E coach said. “We seem to learn the hard way, and little things cost you against good teams. But last week is over, and we have to keep moving ahead.” S-E has wins over Clinton the past four seasons, the last two by a combined 73-12. S-E running back Devven Ferris is averaging over 10 yards per carry, the best among area starters, and his average touchdown run is over 50 yards per tote.
Newark Valley 4-1 at Greene (3-2), Friday, 7 p.m.
The Trojans, losers of back-to-back games, hope to get back on track tonight against a Newark Valley team that is in the midst of a four-game winning streak. Less than a year ago, these two teams met in the Section IV Class C playoffs with the Trojans coming away with a 30-0 victory. Tonight’s clash has playoff implications for the Cardinals, who have three division games left to play. Meanwhile, the Trojans are cast in the role of spoiler. “Number one, we’d like to get our first division win,” said Greene coach Tim Paske. “They have a lot of experience coming back from last year, and the coaching staff is building a nice program over there.” The Trojans’ defense has remained fairly sound despite the losses. In last week’s loss to Sidney, the Greene defense created four turnovers, none of which were redeemed in the form of points on the scoreboard. Offensively, save a couple of good drives against Chenango Forks, the Trojans have been inconsistent at best the last eight quarters. “We’ve gone back to the fundamentals in terms of shoring up blocking assignments and making sure backs are hitting the right holes,” Paske said. “We’ve pared things down and want to clean things up offensively.”
Unadilla Valley (2-3) at Unatego (4-1), Friday, 7 p.m.
Chenango Forks’ week one victory over Unatego is looking more and more impressive when you look at what the Spartans have done since that game. In victories over Seton Catholic Central, Walton, Bainbridge-Guilford, and Oxford, Unatego is averaging nearly 50 points a game, and outscored Chenango grid outfits B-G and Oxford by a combined 107-6 over the past two weeks. “Obviously we need to stop their fast offense, and no one has been able to do that yet,” said UV first-year coach Daryl Decker. “We are going to try to contain their quarterback (Tyler Butler) and quick running back (David VanAlstine) as much as we can, and give freedom to our big players to make plays.” For a half, Unadilla Valley looked like a world beater before falling to Harpursville last week, 23-19. Quarterback Kurt Haycook has completed more passes than any other area signalcaller, and all-purpose offensive weapons Justin Hofer and Kody Homann have combined for 34 catches in just four games (week one was a forfeit). The UV duo’s nearly 9-catch-a-game average is the best among all area receiving combinations.
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