football tab 2013

TIMES HERALD-RECORDSERVING THE CAT SKILLS AND HUDSON VALLEYFOOTBALL 2013 PREVIEW

FIND LOCAL BREAKING NEWS AT RECORDONLINE.COM | SUNDAY | SEPTEMBER 1, 2013

SPECIAL PULLOUT SECTION

DYNAMIC DUOSSpecial bonds often give players edge Pgs. 12-13

PLUS CLASS BREAKDOWNS | FEATURES, NOTEBOOKS | SCHEDULE

2 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2013 • TIMES HERALD-RECORD

Varsity 845 week-by-week scheduleWEEK 1

Friday, Sept. 6Chester at James I. O’Neill, 6:30 p.m.Pine Bush at Cornwall, 7 p.m.Middletown at Washingtonville, 7 p.m.Wallkill at Valley Central, 7 p.m.Roosevelt at Port Jervis, 7 p.m.Rondout Valley at Marlboro, 7 p.m.Dover at Highland, 7 p.m.Burke Catholic at Sullivan West, 7 p.m.Pine Plains at Ellenville, 7 p.m.Liberty at Eldred, 7 p.m.Roscoe-Livingston-Manor-Downsville at Deposit, 7 p.m.Xavier at Minisink Valley, 7:30 p.m.Iona Prep at Newburgh, 8 p.m.Saturday, Sept. 7New Paltz at Monticello, 1:30 p.m.Warwick at Goshen, 1:30 p.m.Saugerties at Red Hook, 1:30 p.m.Millbrook at Spackenkill, 1:30 p.m.Kingston at Holy Cross, 4 p.m. (at Mitchel Field, Hempstead)Monroe-Woodbury vs. St. Francis, 7 p.m. (at Mitchel Field, Hempstead)Tri-Valley at Onteora, 7 p.m.

WEEK 2

Thursday Sept. 12Cornwall at Monticello, 4 p.m.Marlboro at Dover, 4 p.m.New Paltz at Spackenkill, 4 p.m.Onteora at Rondout Valley, 4 p.m.O’Neill at Liberty, 4 p.m.Ellenville at Burke Catholic, 4 p.m.Minisink Valley at Newburgh, 7 p.m.Washingtonville at Kingston, 7 p.m.Valley Central at Pine Bush, 7 p.m.Roosevelt at Middletown, 7 p.m.Wallkill at Port Jervis, 7 p.m.Millbrook at Pine Plains, 7 p.m.Red Hook at Highland, 7:30 p.m.Friday, Sept. 13Warwick at Monroe-Woodbury, 4 p.m.Goshen at Saugerties, 4 p.m.Eldred at Roscoe-LM-Down, 7:30 p.m.Saturday, Sept. 14Chester at Tri-Valley, 1 p.m.

WEEK 3

Friday, Sept. 20Newburgh at Monroe-Woodbury, 7 p.m.Cornwall at Kingston, 7 p.m.

Pine Bush at Warwick, 7 p.m.Valley Central at Middletown, 7 p.m.Washingtonville at Minisink Valley, 7 p.m.Roosevelt at Wallkill, 7 p.m.Saugerties at Port Jervis, 7 p.m.New Paltz at Marlboro, 7 p.m.O’Neill at Ellenville, 7 p.m.Burke Catholic at Chester, 7 p.m.Sullivan West at Eldred, 7 p.m.Spackenkill at Red Hook, 7 p.m.Saturday, Sept. 21Delaware Valley (Pa.) at Abington Heights (Pa.), 1 p.m.Rondout Valley at Dover, 1 p.m.Pine Plains at Onteora, 1 p.m.Monticello at Goshen, 1:30 p.m.

WEEK 4

Friday, Sept. 27Minisink Valley at Monroe-Woodbury, 6:30 p.m.Dover at New Paltz, 6:30 p.m.Spackenkill at O’Neill, 6:30 p.m.West Scranton (Pa.) at Delaware Valley (Pa.), 7 p.m.Middletown at Pine Bush, 7 p.m.Goshen at Wallkill, 7 p.m.Port Jervis at Cornwall, 7 p.m.Saugerties at Roosevelt, 7 p.m.Red Hook at Marlboro, 7 p.m.Monticello at Valley Central, 7 p.m.Sullivan West at Millbrook, 7 p.m.Roscoe-LM-Down at Pine Plains, 7 p.m.Eldred at Tri-Valley, 8 p.m.Saturday, Sept. 28Newburgh at Washingtonville, 1 p.m.Highland at Rondout Valley, 1 p.m.Kingston at Warwick, 1:30 p.m.Onteora at Burke Catholic, 1:30 p.m.Liberty at Ellenville, 7 p.m.

WEEK 5

Friday, Oct. 4Chester at Roscoe-LM-Down, 4 p.m.Highland at New Paltz, 6:30 p.m.Newburgh at Middletown, 7 p.m.Pine Bush at Kingston, 7 p.m.Monroe-Woodbury at Valley Central, 7 p.m.Minisink Valley at Warwick, 7 p.m.Monticello at Wallkill, 7 p.m.Burke Catholic at Pine Plains, 7 p.m.Liberty at Sullivan West, 7 p.m.

Roosevelt at Cornwall, 7 p.m.O’Neill at Millbrook, 7 p.m.Saturday, Oct. 5Washingtonville at Saugerties, 3 p.m.Port Jervis at Goshen, 3 p.m.Marlboro at Spackenkill, 3 p.m.Dover at Red Hook, 3 p.m.Rondout Valley at Tri-Valley, 3 p.m.Ellenville at Onteora, 3 p.m.

WEEK 6

Friday, Oct. 11Burke Catholic at O’Neill, 6:30 p.m.Pine Bush at Newburgh, 7 p.m.Warwick at Washingtonville, 7 p.m.Valley Central at Minisink Valley, 7 p.m.Monroe-Woodbury at Kingston, 7 p.m.Wallkill at Cornwall, 7 p.m.Ellenville at Marlboro, 7 p.m.Sullivan West at Highland, 7 p.m.Chester at Eldred, 7 p.m.Tri-Valley at Albertus Magnus, 7 p.m.Saturday, Oct. 12Saugerties at Monticello, 1 p.m.Pine Plains at Dover, 1 p.m.Spackenkill at Rondout Valley, 1 p.m.Millbrook at Liberty, 1 p.m.Goshen at Roosevelt, 1:30 p.m.New Paltz at Red Hook, 1:30 p.m.Middletown at Port Jervis, 2 p.m.Roscoe-LM-Down at Onteora, 2:30 p.m.

WEEK 7

Friday, Oct. 18Ellenville at New Paltz, 5 p.m.Newburgh at Warwick, 7 p.m.Kingston at Middletown, 7 p.m.Monroe-Woodbury at Pine Bush, 7 p.m.Minisink Valley at Wallkill, 7 p.m.Marlboro at Roosevelt, 7 p.m.Onteora at Chester, 7 p.m.Dover at Millbrook, 7 p.m.Tri-Valley at Liberty, 7 p.m.Eldred at Pine Plains, 7 p.m.Saturday, Oct. 19Valley Central at Washingtonville, 1 p.m.Port Jervis at Monticello, 1 p.m.Red Hook at Rondout Valley, 1 p.m.Cornwall at Saugerties, 1:30 p.m.Goshen at Burke Catholic, 1:30 p.m.

Spackenkill at Highland, 1:30 p.m.O’Neill at Sullivan West, 7 p.m.

WEEK 8

Friday, Oct. 25Rondout Valley at New Paltz, 6:30 p.m.Onteora at O’Neill, 6:30 p.m.Kingston at Newburgh, 7 p.m.Middletown at Monroe-Woodbury, 7 p.m.Warwick at Valley Central, 7 p.m.Port Jervis at Minisink Valley, 7 p.m.Chester at Ellenville, 7 p.m.Roscoe-LM-Down at Eldred, 7 p.m.Monticello at Roosevelt, 7 p.m.Marlboro at Highland, 7 p.m.Red Hook at Millbrook, 7 p.m.Saturday, Oct. 26Spackenkill at Dover, 1 p.m.Sullivan West at Tri-Valley, 1 p.m.Wallkill at Saugerties, 1:30 p.m.Cornwall at Goshen, 1:30 p.m.Liberty at Burke, 1:30 p.m.Washingtonville at Pine Bush, 2 p.m.

WEEK 9

Friday, Nov. 1Section 9 Class C Semifinals(at Dietz Stadium, Kingston and Middletown High), 4 p.m.Section 9 Class A semifinals(at Dietz Stadium, Kingston and Middletown High), 8 p.m.Pine Plains at Chester, 7 p.m,Sussex Tech, N.J., at Eldred, 7 p.m.Saturday, Nov. 2Section 9 Class B semifinals(at Dietz Stadium, Kingston and Faller Field at Middletown), 3 p.m.Section 9 Class AA semifinals(at Dietz Stadium, Kingston and Faller Field), 7 p.m.

WEEK 10

Friday, Nov. 8Section 9 Class D championshipat Dietz Stadium, 7 p.m.Section 9 Class A championshipat Faller Field, 7 p.m.Saturday, Nov. 9Section 9 Class C championshipat Dietz Stadium, 3 p.m.Section 9 Class AA championshipat Faller Field, 7 p.m.Section 9 Class B championship

ContentsCLASS PROFILES

Class AA: Pages 4-5Class A: Pages 10-11Class B: Pages 16-17Class C: Pages 18-19Class D: Pages 22-23

FEATURES

Gleason column: It’s time to start making memories. Page 3Top safety: Newburgh’s Williams is a soft-spoken leader. Page 6Ready to run: Pine Bush’s Martin ready for a breakout year. Page 7Tough openers: Class A contenders thrown in the fire in Week 1. Page 812 and counting: Port Jervis still waiting for another championship season. Page 14‘Spidey sense:’ Khariff LaBoy relies on his keen vision. Page 15Experienced Highland: Coach looking to break .500. Page 15Defending the spread: Malik Chambers is the key for O’Neill. 0Safety first: Burke trying out new helmet technology. Page 21Bulking up: Chester’s Perry spends hours in weight room. Page 22

COVER STORY

Two is better than one: Section 9 has its share of dynamic duos. Pages 12-13

ON THE COVER

Cornwall quarterback Mike White and receiver Chris Bauer share a strong connection and are one of the top tandems in Section 9.Photo: Erik Gliedman

ON THE WEB

Check out recordonline.com for video previews of the season starting Monday with Class D.

Sports staffSports editor: Judy ConnellyAssistant sports editor: Doug MohartWriters: Kevin Gleason, Sal Interdonato, Ken McMillan, Will Montgomery, Justin RodriguezCopy editors: Marc Davis, Phil Colangelo, Rich RyanSpecial thanks: David Dann, cover designer

FOOTBALL 2013

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2013 • TIMES HERALD-RECORD 3

High school football seems to get better every year. The games get better. The teams get better. The players might be getting better, as well.

When was the last time a local kid threw for 500 yards in a single game, as Cornwall senior quarterback Mike White did against Wallkill for the 2012

Section 9 Class A title?

The answer is never.

White threw for 433 yards the next week to beat Som-ers in the state

quarterfinals.It is an unprecedented era

in high school sports. Deep-thinking coaches spend their offseasons learning and refining intricate schemes, turning once mundane offenses into scoring machines.

Watching White find assorted receivers with such poise, his arm strong and remarkably accurate, and seeing those wide-outs run pinpoint patterns with sprinter speed, was a treat for those not assigned the task of defending Cornwall.

It is a credit to the players who work year-round at their craft. They attend camps, build their bodies, study the game. But a lot of others deserve credit, too, starting with sup-portive parents and youth coaches donating long hours in virtual anonymity. I speak not as a five-year youth coach, but in tribute to head coaches putting in many more hours with, for the most part, no motive other than helping young kids grow. They hand off kids to modified and jayvee coaches, another group easily forgotten by the glare of Friday night lights and sun-splashed Saturday after-noons shining down on varsity showdowns.

And yes, we must salute the high school coaches who earn their stipends in a single preseason while providing 11-month bonus hours passion-ately building their programs.

“We have some great young talent coming up,’’ Cornwall coach Marcus Hughes said in-side his cramped office a couple days before preseason practice began.

Time to gear up for another season of football

Section 9’s 35 teams open another high school football season on Sept. 6 and 7.

KevinGleason

He saw White passing on the side one day during a minicamp freshman year. Hughes decided White would be the jayvee quarterback. White will be off to college next fall, and Jason Bailey, a 6-foot-1, 185-pound sophomore, is expected to help continue Cornwall’s run of tal-ented quarterbacks.

“You have to find the right kid,’’ Hughes said, “and develop them.’’

Different powers have be-gun to regularly emerge. Last

PHILIP KAMRASS / For the Times Herald-Record Cornwall quarterback Mike White provided many thrills for fans last season, including a 500-yard passing effort in the Section 9 Class A championship game during a 53-0 win over Wallkill.

season it was Pine Bush, which had never even qualified for the Class AA playoffs and was two seasons removed from a 1-8 finish. Pine Bush survived the unforgiving large-school schedule to win its first Section 9 title. The Bushmen beat both Monroe-Woodbury and New-burgh Free Academy for the first time in 17 years.

And Pine Bush proved that defense can still rule the day amid all these electric offenses. The Bushmen allowed only 45 points in four league games, a shade more than 11 points per game.

Let’s never forget Monroe-Woodbury, which deserves immense credit for raising the Section 9 bar. The Crusaders won a state title and reached four straight state finals from 2005-08. They forged an un-fathomable eight-year, 63-game winning streak against local

competition. They allowed just 47 points themselves in league play last year, while NFA, an-other perennial Class AA power, allowed just 65.

In the other division of Class AA, Minisink Valley yielded a measly 39 points in four league games.

So you can still win football games a few different ways, which only adds to the attrac-tion, the drama, of teens tire-lessly chasing championship plaques.

“This is a big deal,’’ Wallkill coach Brian Vegliando said before practice one day. “When you step on the practice field, we expect a lot.’’

Great expectations bring great achievements. We are getting more and more of those every year. Huddle up for an-other classic season.

[email protected]: @th_KevinGleason

EDWARD DILLER / For Times Herald-Record

Cornwall head coach Marcus Hughes is just one of the many Section 9 football coaches who devote a great deal of time over a 12-month period to prepare their teams for the rigors of the season.

FOOTBALL 2013


Division I

KINGSTON

Last season’s record: 4-5, 2-2Coach: Jeramie Collins, fifth seasonReturning starters: Sr. QB Pat Dorrian; Sr. WR/S Shawn Marchant; Jr. C/LB Jake Pesko; Sr. DL Darius Broadhead; Sr. S Jake Ryan.Key losses: WR Jerred Beniquez; RB Dominick Marino; LB Wally Stephens; LB Devan Shambo; S Will Spencer.Outlook: Kingston returns not only one of the best quarterbacks in Section 9, but one of the top three-sport athletes in the area – Pat Dorrian. Dorrian led Kingston to the Class AA state baseball title two years ago, and helped the basketball team to the Section 9 Class AA championship last winter. He had a breakout year under center for the Tigers in 2012, throwing for 1,615 yards and 16 touchdowns. Dorrian to standout wide receiver Shawn Marchant could be a good connection for Kingston.

But the question remains – who will come out of the backfield for the Tigers? Kingston could employ a running back-by-committee attack with fullback Chris Saitch getting many reps.

Kingston, which last won a Section 9 title in 1996, also hopes to benefit from a bigger line on both sides of the ball. Jake Pesko and Jacob Davis are potential players on offense, and Darius Broadhead is expected to make plays on the defensive line. After reaching the Class AA playoffs in consecutive years, Kingston missed the postseason last fall.

MIDDLETOWN

Last season’s record: 3-6, 0-4Coach: Bill Donohue, second seasonReturning starters: Jr. DT Andrew Allwood; Jr. QB/S Kashaun Curry; Jr. OLB Robert Dean; Jr. WR/DB Damon Gillespie; Soph. WR/DB Rachi Jordan; Sr. WR/DB Francisco Moreno; Jr. T/DT Draven Nieves; Sr. FB/LB Marvin St. Vil; Sr. T/DE Juan Velasquez; Sr. ILB/FB Johnny

Class AANFA looks to be the favorite

and as a wide receiver. Powerful linebacker Cole Gennett also is expected to be featured in the backfield.

For all of its offensive success over the years, Monroe-Woodbury has been smothering on defense. The Crusaders allowed just 14 points per game last year. Gennett, Giraldo and defensive end Rob Kelly lead Monroe-Woodbury’s defensive unit.

The Crusaders are 69-4 against local opponents since the start of 2004.

NEWBURGH

Last season’s record: 6-3, 2-2

Coach: Bill Bianco, fifth season

Returning starters: Sr. DB Jalen Williams; Sr. QB Donovan Fields; Jr. RB Anthony Dubose; Sr. C Mike Risio; Sr. G Anthourn Walden; Jr. OL/DL Isaac Serrano; Jr. OL/DL Oliver Janvier; RB/DB Jr. Aaron Forbes; Sr. DB Luke Pena.

Key losses: LB Mike Cerisano; LB Hardcor Coleman; OL Toussant Helm; RB Kam Malcolm; LB Shaheim Hill.

DOMINICK FIORILLE/ Times Herald-Record

Newburgh Free Academy opened practice this summer with one goal in mind – to qualify for the Section 9 Class AA playoffs. In 2011, the Goldbacks made it to the state championship game, but last season didn’t make the playoffs. With quarterback Donovan Fields and running back Anthony Dubose returning, the offense appears primed for a big bounce-back season.

JEFF GOULDING/Times Herald-RecordValley Central opened camp with optimism following consecutive one-win seasons. This year’s squad has the athleticism to get back on the winning track.

Outlook: Newburgh may have graduated the best linebacking corps in Section 9.

Not a problem.Bianco will use running back

Anthony Dubose, a Division I prospect, at linebacker along with Aaron Jones. Both are big, athletic and fast off the edge. Safety Jalen Williams, who will play at the University of Pittsburgh next year on full scholarship, is the anchor of the Goldbacks’ defense.

Two years ago, Newburgh reached the Class AA state title game, losing to Orchard Park. The Goldbacks, who return speedy and elusive starting quarterback Donovan Fields, missed the postseason last year.

However, just like every other year, Newburgh will likely be in the playoff mix.

PINE BUSH

Last season’s record: 9-2, 3-1 Coach: Jim Wright, ninth season.Returning starters: Sr. RB/DB Mike Martin; Jr. RB Dylan Eller; Sr. DL/TE Scott Flanick; Sr. QB Dan McNamara; Sr. LB Matt Mallory; Sr. LB Ryan Duggan; Sr. DL Jason Caston; Sr. DB Joey Wise; Sr. LB Zach Longden; Sr. DE John Lindeau.

FOOTBALL 2013

See Class AA page 8Kevin Carr

Grandson.Key losses: QB Juan Rodriguez; OL/DL Tim Wade; RB/LB Justin Bynum; RB/DB C.J. ClarkOutlook: After starting last season 0-5, the Middies rallied, winning three of their last four games, finishing with a 30-0 win over rival Port Jervis in the Erie Bell game. Coach Bill Donohue, a Middletown alum and former player, hopes to build on that run. The Middies return 10 starters, compared to four last year.

Junior quarterback Kashuan Curry, who emerged as a starter last season, has the potential to be dynamic, and the program is developing depth and not just on the field. Former Warwick offensive coordinator Aaron Hasbrouck and defensive coordinator Joe Piascik have joined Middletown’s staff as assistants.

MONROE-WOODBURY

Last season’s record: 7-3, 3-1Coach: Bernie Connolly, second seasonReturning starters: Sr. QB Kevin Carr; Sr. C Nick Dillon; Sr. DB Ricky Giraldo; Sr. DT Rob Kelly; Jr. LB Cole Gennett; Sr. OL Kevin DeBold; Sr. RB Michael Gavin; Sr. DE Jimmy Chambers; Sr. LB Brandon Fee.Key losses: DL/TE Ken Fee; WR Justin Kaffenberger; DB Irvens Eristil; DB John Mallon; RB Mark Tooma.Outlook: Once again, Monroe-Woodbury has the personnel to compete for the Class AA title.

The Crusaders won the Class AA championship every year from 2004-10, before missing the playoffs in 2011. Monroe-Woodbury was the Class AA runners-up last season.

Leading the way for the Crusaders is its latest talented and durable

quarterback – Kevin Carr. He rushed for 1,010

yards in his debut as a junior last season.

Standout defensive back Ricky

Giraldo will add a wrinkle to

the offense, playing out

of the backfield


Top five matchupsWARWICK VS. M-W

When: Sept. 13, 4 p.m. Where: Monroe-WoodburyLast season: Monroe-Woodbury blew out Warwick 37-6 during the regular season, but needed a comeback late in the fourth quarter to edge the Wildcats 14-13 in the Section 9 playoff semifinals.What to expect: This game has plenty of intrigue. Not only did Monroe-Woodbury and Warwick play a classic in last year’s semifinals, but former Warwick coach James Sciarra is now an assistant with the Crusaders. Sciarra was informed he would not be retained by Warwick during the offseason.

M-W VS. NEWBURGH

When: Sept. 20, 7 p.m. Where: Monroe-WoodburyLast season: Newburgh defeated Monroe-Woodbury 16-10 last year. Despite the loss, the Crusaders clinched the Class AA Division I title that night.What to expect: Thanks to two straight wins by Newburgh, this rivalry has seemingly heated up. The Goldbacks beat Monroe-Woodbury 7-0 in 2011, ending Monroe-Woodbury’s 63-game winning streak against local opponents.

MINISINK VS. WARWICK

When: Oct. 4, 7 p.m. Where: WarwickLast season: After starting the year 1-2, Minisink Valley dismantled Warwick 29-0, en route to winning the Division II title. Just a week earlier, Minisink Valley lost to Newburgh 32-2. The Warwick win ignited a five-game win streak.What to expect: Don’t be surprised if this showdown decides the Division II champ. Warwick and Minisink Valley have won at least a share of the title every year but one (Washingtonville, 2011), since 2005.

PINE BUSH VS. M-W

When: Oct. 18, 7 p.m. Where: at Pine BushLast season: On a wet and rainy night, Monroe-Woodbury defeated Pine Bush 24-7 last year. The Crusaders led 10-7 at halftime. Pine Bush came back to beat Monroe-Woodbury 20-16 for the Section 9 title, which was its first win over the Crusaders since 1995.What to expect: Pine Bush wants to prove that last year’s Section 9 championship win was no fluke. Meanwhile, Monroe-Woodbury is looking to assert itself as the team to beat in Class AA. This game certainly carries some weight.

KINGSTON VS. NEWBURGH

When: Oct. 25, 7 p.m. Where: NewburghLast season: Kingston earned its third straight win over rival Newburgh, defeating the Goldbacks 14-7 at Dietz Stadium.What to expect: Another close game with Class AA playoff implications. Kingston has beaten the Goldbacks by a combined 16 points over the last three years and leads the all-time series 52-50-5.

Players to watch

KEVIN CARR

School: M-W Year: SeniorPosition: QuarterbackHt: 5-10 Wt: 175Notable: In his first year as a starter, Carr rushed for 1,010 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also threw for nine scores.

BRAD GARCIA

School: WarwickYear: SeniorPosition: QuarterbackHt: 6-1 Wt: 200Notable: A two-time Varsity845 all-star, Garcia moved into the backfield in the wildcat formation rejuvenating the Wizards.

JALEN WILLIAMS

School: NewburghYear: SeniorPosition: Defensive backHt: 6-2 Wt: 185Notable: Over the last two seasons, Williams has made 106 tackles with nine interceptions. He will play at Pitt.

MIKE MARTIN

School: Pine BushYear: SeniorPosition: Running backHt: 6-1 Wt: 190Notable: Martin rushed for 874 yards and 12 touchdowns last year. He is also a dangerous DB and return man.

By the numbers2: Interceptions thrown by Kingston quarterback Pat Dorrian last season. Both came in September – against Warwick and Valley Central.6: Division I schools that offered Newburgh DB Jalen Williams a full scholarship. He chose the University of Pittsburgh in June. Other suitors were Syracuse, Buffalo, UMass, Old Dominion and Temple.12: Combined margin of defeat in Monroe-Woodbury’s three losses last season – Minisink Valley 27-25, Newburgh 16-10, Pine Bush 20-16. 67-27: Warwick coach Greg Sirico’s record during his first stint as Warwick’s coach from 1996-2005.1996: Last year a team other than Newburgh or Monroe-Woodbury won the Class AA title, before Pine Bush won its first championship last fall.3,602: Rushing yards by Pine Bush last year, an average of 327.4 a game.

Order of finish

PAT DORRIAN

School: KingstonYear: SeniorPosition: QuarterbackHt: 6-1 Wt: 180Notable: After a breakout junior year, Dorrian is only expected to be better this fall. He had many highlights last season.

ANTHONY DUBOSE

School: NewburghYear: JuniorPosition: Running backHt: 6-1 Wt: 200Notable: Entering his third year as a starter, Dubose has rushed for 1,867 yards and 16 TDs over the last two years.

A.J. SAKAC

School: WarwickYear: SeniorPosition: LinebackerHt: 6-1 Wt: 200Notable: Sakac emerged as one of Section 9’s top linebackers last year. He had 100 tackles last season.

RICKY GIRALDO

School: M-WYear: SeniorPosition: Defensive backHt: 5-10 Wt: 165Notable: Giraldo, one of the section’s top DBs, broke in as starter two years ago and had 55 tackles as a junior.

1. Newburgh Free Academy: Missed the playoffs last season, but two years ago played for the Class AA state title. The Goldbacks have a strong cast coming back and are looking for another run to glory.2. Pine Bush: Lost a lot to graduation, but might well still

possess the best smash-mouth

running game in Section 9. The Bushmen have talent sprinkled

on both sides of the ball.3. Monroe-

Woodbury:Looking to reach the

Class AA title game

for the 15th time in 17

years.4. Kingston: QB Pat Dorrian could be the best slinger in Section 9 this side of Cornwall’s Mike White. Dorrian’s supporting cast will play a role in how well the Tigers fair.5. Middletown: Expect the Middies to improve again this year and will, at the very least, put a scare into one of the top four.Division II1. Warwick: Seeking its first outright Division II title since 2009.2. Minisink Valley: Will rely on the running game even more this year with no frills – just a lot of power.3. Washingtonville: Once again hit hard by graduation, Washingtonville hopes to find a way to be in playoff contention.4. Valley Central: Doesn’t play its first divisional game until Oct. 11 at Minisink Valley, which kicks off a pivotal three-game string. Washingtonville and Warwick follow.

FOOTBALL 2013

Dan McNamara


person,” Linda Williams said. “He is grateful, he is thankful. He is a good kid.”

Don’t expect Williams to change his approach this fall, even though he may be the biggest name in Section 9. He’s going to keep it sim-ple without any swagger.

Just a lot of big plays.“Everyone says I’m qui-

et,” Williams said. “That’s just my personality. I just try to do what I have to do and stay humble. I want to go out there, play to what is expected of me and be re-spectful. That’s just who I am.”

BY JUSTIN RODRIGUEZTimes Herald-Record

TOWN OF NEWBURGH — On a perfect August afternoon – the temperature is com-fortable, the sun shining – Jalen Williams plays bas-ketball in the driveway of his home.

Two of Williams’ New-burgh Free Academy foot-ball teammates, Luke Pena and Donovan Fields, and his younger brother, Joshua, 11, throw up shots. There is playful banter, especially from the younger Williams, a gregarious kid who seems excited to be rolling with Jalen and his pals.

Then there is Jalen, who has already accepted a full scholarship to play at the University of Pittsburgh and had offers from five other Football Bowl Subdi-vision schools and another from a Football Champi-onship Series school. Dur-ing the action, he nods, he smiles, he laughs. But he doesn’t say much.

A silent confidenceThis is Jalen Williams,

this has always been him. A young man of few words. Shy, but confident, espe-cially on the football field. He is a two-time Varsity845 first-team all-star and was a first-team Class AA all-state selection last year.

Newburgh’s Williams man of actionSoft-spoken leader gets full ride to Pitt

JALEN WILLIAMS FILEHigh school: Newburgh Free AcademyCollege: Will attend University of PittsburghYear: Senior Position: SafetyHeight/weight: 6-foot-2/185 poundsFamily: Parents Julius and Linda; brothers, Jamaal 20, Jaron, 20, Joshua 11.Career highlights: Williams is a two-time Varsity845 first-team all-star defensive back. He was named first-team Class AA all-state last fall. In two seasons, Williams has made 106 tackles with nine interceptions. He helped Newburgh to the 2011 Class AA state championship game.

Number of Division I scholarship offers Jalen Williams received.

And an observer would never know it.

“If you didn’t know him, you would never know he is a great football player, that he has gotten a schol-arship,” said Newburgh coach Bill Bianco. “He just carries himself the right way, especially in this day and age. With social media, you have kids writing that they are this and that. Jalen is just cool and calm. He’s humble and that’s one of the reasons why I think he got the scholarship.”

Since he burst on the scene as a sophomore, help-ing Newburgh to the Class AA state championship game, Williams has been a player of few words.

He visited several schools, including North Carolina State, Connecticut and Temple. He eventually received offers from Tem-ple, Syracuse, Buffalo, Old Dominion and University of Massachusetts, along with Pittsburgh. He ver-

bally committed to Pitt in June.

Not one to bragIt’s rare for a Section 9

player to get an FBS offer, let alone before their junior year. Still, during his whirl-wind tour with big-time college coaches, Williams played it close to the vest – as he does everything.

“When he would come home from those visits, he wouldn’t tell me much. I would have to ask him things a couple of times,” Joshua Williams said. “Jalen is quiet and calm. He doesn’t speak that much at all. Around the house, he doesn’t say much. Some-times, I don’t even know when he’s home. He’s just there.”

Still, Williams com-mands respect. He has never missed a workout at Newburgh and has de-veloped into a leader. Wil-liams does have a sense of humor – Pena, Fields and Bianco can attest to that. He cracks jokes when they hang out and provides mo-tivation after big and bad plays on the field.

“He’s smooth, but he’s not soft,” Pena, a safety, said. “If you are messing up, he will tell you. He’s humble and gives out good advice. You have to respect

him. Jalen isn’t walking around talking about Pitts-burgh.”

If Williams hadn’t picked Pitt, he likely would have had more offers. Schools like him for a lot of reasons. He’s 6-foot-2, 185 pounds – and still might grow – is lanky, can tackle and has great hands.

Just a ‘good kid’As for his humility, the

soft-spoken Williams gives credit to his hard-working parents, Julius and Lin-da, who both grew up in the Bronx. They moved to Newburgh about 20 years ago. Julius Williams works for the Department of Homeless Services in New York, and Linda is a nurse at Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx.

“Jalen is just a humble

DOMINICK FIORILLE/ Times Herald-Record

Safety Jalen Williams is the anchor of NFA’s defense.

FOOTBALL 2013



PINE BUSH — With their heads down, Pine Bush players walked off the turf at Dietz Stadium at half-time of last year’s Section 9 Class AA championship dazed, reeling.

It wasn’t so much that they were down – 10-7 to perennial power Monroe-Woodbury – but how it happened. On a Bushmen punt midway through the second quarter, the ball grazed a Pine Bush player and started rolling dead. That’s when Monroe-Wood-bury’s Ricky Giraldo alert-ly scooped it up and ran it 35 yards for a touchdown.

Pine Bush protested the score, but it was upheld. Right there, the Bushmen could have went away, fiz-zled, just like many in Sec-tion 9 thought they would long before their historic showdown with Monroe-Woodbury.

Enter Mike Martin.His 77-yard kickoff for

a touchdown to open the second half put Pine Bush up for good. Final score: Pine Bush 20, Monroe-Woodbury 16. It marked the Bushmen’s first Class AA title.

For Martin, 77 yards to glory was the defining mo-ment in a good career. This season, however, could be the running back’s break-out year. We talked to Martin and teammates — quarterback Dan Mc-Namara and running back Dylan Eller — about its im-plications.McNamara on the feeling of the team after Monroe-Woodbury’s punt off the touchdown: “You never want to go into halftime after a play like that. Your momentum is down and it’s even harder to get back.”Eller on the pulse of Pine Bush after Martin’s kickoff: “It was really good because it just gave us all the momentum in the second

Why I picked my numberPine Bush RB Martinready for breakout year

Mike Martin’s kick-off return in Section 9 Class AA championship

“My birthday is March 1st and I’ve always worn that number since I was little. I thought I would end my career with that number.

LUKE PENA, NO. 31Newburgh Free Academy senior safety

“My dad (Gary) wore it at Mi-nisink Valley. He passed it down to my brother Zak, my brother Taylor and Noah wore it. They were all lineman and went on to college football. When I put

on that jersey, it means a lot.”NATE LAKE, NO. 70

Minisink Valley defensive lineman

“I’ve always worn 10 since I start-ed playing football, since kindergar-

ten. I’m very superstitious. I’m not saying I couldn’t play with another number, but it kind of would mess with my head.”

DAN MCNAMARA, NO. 10Pine Bush quarterback

“It’s the same as my baseball num-ber and 44 is a good baseball num-ber, like Reggie Jackson. I couldn’t have eight, so I went with two fours.”

SCOTT FLANICK, NO. 44Pine Bush defensive end

“I just wanted a real low number and it looks pretty good. I like Trent Richardson from Alabama who is number three. I kind of want to run like him because he’s pretty good.

DYLAN ELLER, NO. 3Pine Bush running back

JOHN MEORE/ForTimes Herald-Record

Pine Bush RB Mike Martin had a moment of glory last year in the Section 9 Class AA championship game, and he is expected to build on that this season.

half. That was probably the turning point of the whole game.”Who drew up the game-changing kickoff: It actually wasn’t Pine Bush coach Jim Wright or one of his assistants. Wide receiver Nick Wise, now a freshman at Mount Saint Mary scripted the play. Instead of going left with the ball, as Pine Bush did in the first half, they went right. With a good blocking scheme in place, the Bushmen wanted to protect the sideline for Martin. They did. He caught the ball on the left, near Monroe-Woodbury’s sideline.Martin on the run: “Once they

kicked it off, I knew I wanted to take it to the house. I knew I was good when I got around the mosh pit and just took it up the sideline.”Martin on his defining moment: “I would say that is the biggest moment of my career.”Where Martin goes from here: Martin, who also plays defensive back, has received interest from Fordham, Wagner and UConn, among other schools. He rushed for 874 yards and 12 touchdowns last year. Martin could make a bigger impact on offense this fall and wants to rush for at least 1,000 yards.Where Pine Bush goes from here: “Our goals are mostly the same,” McNamara said. “We want to build off last season. We want to show the young kids coming up the expectations, to win sections and go far. I do think teams look at us different and we put more worry into them. We bring a lot more to the table.”

FOOTBALL 2013


Continued from page 4

Key losses: RB/DB Matt Geisler; DB C.J. Weston; K/TE John Thorn; OL/DL Delano King; OL/DL Matt McCaffrey; OL/DL Ryan Goode; OL/DL Nate Langlitz; RB Brian Guzman; LB Brendan Brown.Outlook: Pine Bush graduated as much talent last year as just about any team in Section 9.

But here’s the thing – Pine Bush still has plenty of prime-time players returning from last year’s historic Class AA championship team. That run gave Pine Bush its first AA championship and first Section 9 title since 1995.

Mike Martin and Dylan Eller could combine to be the best backfield in Section 9 this fall. Martin rushed for 874 yards and 12 touchdowns last year, while Eller put up 620 yards and five scores. Quarterback Dan McNamara returns to run Pine Bush’s hard-hitting Wing-T offense. Pine Bush returns seven starters on a defense that allowed only 8.5 points per game last season against Section 9 opponents.

Division II

MINISINK VALLEY

Last season’s record: 6-3, 4-0Coach: Kevin Gallagher, eighth seasonReturning starters: Sr. RB Kyle Gainer; Sr. WR/S Shawn Talmadge; Sr. OL Zach Paino; Sr. DE/RB Pat Dawson; Jr. DE Nate Lake.Key losses: QB Sean Tirelli; RB/DB Austin Ferrier; DE/OL Josh Bonneau; OL Colin Scott; DB Tyler Tirelli; RB Frankie Iovino.Outlook: Minisink Valley’s flexbone offense won’t earn any style points.

That’s fine with the Warriors. They’re just looking for lots of yards a la 2012. Minisink Valley’s hard-charging running attack helped the Warriors win the Division II title last year. The run was highlighted by a five-game winning streak after a 1-2 start.

Kyle Gainer returns to Minisink Valley’s backfield this season and the rest of the committee will include, Pat Dawson, Deonte Moore and Shawn Talmadge. Dawson also will play defensive end, and Talmadge safety. Defensive end Nate Lake is another defensive headliner on a unit that likely will come as hard as the offense.

VALLEY CENTRAL

Last season’s record: 1-8, 0-4

Coach: Ron Introini, 14th seasonReturning starters: Sr. LB/OL Matt Deronda; Sr. LB/FB Jahrett DeGroodt; Sr. RB Wanyae Reed; Jr. DE Mike Kania; Sr. WR/RB/LB Jarrett Orndorff; Sr. WR/DE Tyler Fisher.Key losses: QB Ishmeal Anderson; WR Mike Majors; OL/DL Dan Marvin.Outlook: The Vikings are coming off consecutive one-win seasons, but there is optimism at Valley Central.

According to coach Ron Introini, this is the most athletic Valley Central team he’s had in five years. Running back Wanyae Reed could have a breakout year. He rushed for more than 300 yards before breaking his collarbone last year. The Vikings return seven starters on defense, including two playmakers from a year ago, linebackers Jahrett DeGroodt and Jarrett Orndorff. Valley Central hasn’t qualified for the Class AA playoffs since 2006.

WASHINGTONVILLE

Last season’s record: 5-4, 2-2Coach: Don Clark, fifth seasonReturning starters: Sr. S Anthony Fasano; Jr. K Derek Deoul; Sr. QB/LB Dan O’Connell; Sr. OL Sam Weinger.Key losses: DT Erick Mendoza; QB Matt Poveromo; RB Francesco Pichardo; LB Mark Milisci; FB Julian Vergeli.Outlook: Coach Don Clark might have shed a tear at the last two Washingtonville graduations.

After all, on that diploma line were some good football players. Washingtonville lost 17 starters after 2011 and return just four this fall. Still, last year’s edition of the Wizards, once again, managed to make a run at the playoffs.

However, Washingtonville, the Division II champ two years ago, missed the postseason.

Washingtonville is loaded with juniors with potential, but little experience. Some to look out for include running back Kendall Hicks, safety Jakob Woods, linebacker/quarterback Joe Tecklenburg and Keith Leonard, a wide receiver/defensive back.

WARWICK

Last season’s record: 6-3, 3-1Coach: Greg Sirico, first season – Sirico previously coached at Warwick from 1996-05 Returning starters: Soph. K Davis Brief; Sr. QB Brad Garcia; Sr. LB A.J. Sakac; Sr. DL Francis Nnamani; Sr. OL/DL Capen Burbank; Sr. OL Matt Gesner; Sr. OL James Grennan; Sr. WR Phil Goska; Sr. LB Michael Houlihan.Key losses: RB Matt Weaver; WR/DB Jordan Totaro; WR/DB Nick Calacanis; OL Joe Vandenbos; LB John Leary.Outlook: Warwick has a new look and a new coach. Greg Sirico returns to lead the ’Cats. During his first stint with Warwick, he ran the Wing-T. However, times change, and the spread has become the most popular offense in Section 9. Sirico will run the spread with Brad Garcia calling the signals. He had played WR, moving to QB late last season. Seniors Harley Rogers, Joe Smith and Justin Giannino will serve as the primary backs. Phil Goska, Brendan Bauer and Marshall Garcia make up the primary receivers.

Warwick’s defense improved last season and the Wildcats hope to build off that. Sirico and his charges, of course, hope to once again compete for the Division II title.

BY KEVIN GLEASONTimes Herald-Record

Cornwall and Wallkill have been the class of Class A for the past six seasons. But their coaches have focused the teams on something beside one another during the preseason – their sea-son openers.

Cornwall opens up against defending Class AA champion Pine Bush. Wallkill will try to

CLASS AA: Pine Bush returns talent

TIMES HERALD-RECORD/TOM BUSHEYMinisink Valley coach Kevin Gallagher looks to lead his team into the Section 9 playoffs for the second straight year.

Class A contenders face tough openers

For the past six seasons, Cornwall and Wallkill have been the class of Class A.

win its first sea-son opener since 2010 when it travels to Valley Central.

“Obviously, we are going to get thrown into the fire in Week 1,’’ said Cornwall coach Marcus

Hughes. “Pine Bush is big and strong.’’

Cornwall, however, is fast and faster. Hughes said Cornwall’s offense has better speed than last season’s electric scoring ma-chine led by quarterback Mike White, now a senior.

And that team went 11-1, beat Somers 34-13 in the state quar-terfinals, and gave perennial state powerhouse Burnt Hills a major test before losing 28-13 in the semifinals. Burnt Hills went on to win the state title, 40-20 over Sweet Home.

“We have some great young talent coming up,’’ Hughes said, “some juniors that can play. There will be some positives and negatives early on. I think at the end of the year, it will be mostly positives.’’

On the other end of the rival-ry, Wallkill coach Brian Vegli-ando has delivered a constant reminder to his team during the preseason. The Cornwall rival-ry is great and all, but let’s fo-cus on the first game. Vegliando knows the emotion, and perhaps stress, connected with trying to dethrone Cornwall. So Veglian-do has downplayed the matchup, at least for now. And Vegliando has some motivational ammuni-tion – Wallkill last won an opener in 2010, beating Washingtonville 37-29.

Wallkill lost openers to Marl-boro 38-31 last season, and 28-15 to Washingtonville in 2011.

“Cornwall, we aren’t even

thinking about them now,’’ Veg-liando said.

“It’s a big goal of ours and it could really set the tone for the season,’’ Wallkill senior outside linebacker Dave Baker said of the opener. “We have to prove ourselves this year.’’

Of course, it’s impossible to break down the Class A football season without discussing Corn-wall and Wallkill in the same sen-tence. They have met in the past six sectional title games, with Cornwall winning five. But their regular season and sectional showdowns have been general-ly close contests – until last sea-son’s sectional final. White threw for a Section 9-record 500 yards to lead Cornwall to a stunning 53-0 win. White had 319 yards to give Cornwall a 39-0 lead at half-time.

“I don’t think we came out very strong and it just piled up,’’ Baker said. “We got too down on ourselves to recover.’’

“The way it ended definitely left a bad taste in my mouth,’’ said Wallkill’s returning starter at quarterback, Joe Pillitteri. “I want to get on the field and get that taste out of my mouth.’’

Pillitteri said Wallkill had “the worst day we could have.’’

“We were prepared,’’ he said. “I think we just had a bad day. We got out there and we just froze.’’

[email protected];Twitter: @th_KevinGleason

CHET GORDON/Times Herald-Record

Wallkill quarterback Joe Pillitteri is focusing on the future and not how last season ended.

FOOTBALL 2013

CORNWALL

Last season’s record 11-1, 5-0 Section 9 Class ACoach: Marcus Hughes, seventh seasonReturning starters: Sr. QB Mike White; Sr. WR Chris Bauer; Jr. WR/LB Matt Robinson; Jr. WR/DB Tyler Peddie; Sr. OL/DL Brandon Lupo; Jr. LB/RB Quinn Zsido; Jr. LB/RB John Roth; Sr. OL/DL Moiset Santos.Key losses: WR Alex Cruz; RB/LB Luke Zsido; OL/DL Connor Staudle; RB/LB Jeff Grygiel; K/P Damon Neil; LB/G Pat Landro; FS James Faller.Outlook: The Green Dragons have a brand new offensive line that includes just one senior. The team is quite young overall, but athletic, talented and super fast. Figure on another season with Cornwall favored to win the sectional title.

GOSHEN

Last season’s record: 3-6, 2-3 Section 9 Class ACoach: Ed Killenberger, second seasonReturning starters: Sr. FB/LB Zack Tonyes; Sr. RB/LB Lucas Graves; Sr. G Nakeem Thorpe; Sr. T Patrick O’Malley; Sr. WR Varick Ward; Sr. WR Ian Schupp; Sr. DB Matt Suarez.Key losses: QB Tyler Eisenbacher; T/DE Evan Grenier.Outlook: Goshen reached the postseason for the first time in six years last season, losing to powerhouse Cornwall in the Section 9 Class A semifinals. Killenberger, a Goshen alum and former two-way player at the school, hopes to build on

that performance. He will continue to run a power offense and has a nice combo in the backfield – returnees Zack Tonyes and Lucas Graves. Both players also play linebacker. “I want to be in the playoffs every year,” Killenberger said. Goshen opens the season against traditional rival Warwick on Sept. 7 in the Spirit Trophy Game. Goshen vs. Warwick is the second oldest continuous rivalry in the state, behind Rome Free Academy and Utica Proctor, which began playing in 1891.

MONTICELLO

Last season’s record: 2-7 record, 1-4 Section 9 Class ACoach: Matt Buddenhagen, fourth seasonReturning starters: QB/DB John Harned; WR/DB Terry Duncan; WR/DB London Gandy; TE/LB CJ Forrest; TE/DE LaJuan Drayton; C/LB Trevon Rainey; OL/DL Brian Stickle; OL/DL Isaih Mathis; DL Mike D’Abraccio.Key losses: WR/DB Mike Rogers; RB/DE Mistah Alli; TE/LB Jake McLaughlin; Shane Jackson (injured all of 2012).Outlook: Monticello lost its best player before last season, all-everything quarterback Shane Jackson, then lost seven straight after opening the season with a win over Saugerties. Monticello will try to get back to its familiar spot in the section playoffs.

PORT JERVIS

Last season’s record: 3-6, 2-3 Section 9 Class A

Coach: Matt Polanis, third seasonReturning starters: Sr. FB/

DL Dan DeCarlo; Sr. HB/LB Matt Crown; Sr. LB Tanner Sexton; Sr. WR/CB Gage Flieger; Sr. S

David Sicina; Jr. CB Justin Drew.

Key losses: OL James Sullivan; OL Mike Guerra; QB/S Matt Smith; RB Josh Ramos; RB Russell Williams; WR/S Travis Edwards; DT Steven

White.Outlook: Season

3 of head coach Matt Polanis’ program includes

10 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2013 • TIMES HERALD-RECORD FOOTBALL 2013

Class ACornwall tough to dethrone

a talented group of skill-position players, a young offense and several contributing members from the school’s successful jayvee team last year. The Red Raiders have grown familiar with Polanis’ system. Now it’s a matter of them executing the schemes and believing they can return Port Jervis to its longtime place as a title contender.

ROOSEVELT

Last season’s record: 2-7, 1-3 Section 9 Class AA – dropped down from Class AA last yearCoach: Brian Bellino, fourth seasonReturning starters: Sr. C/DE Carl Schroeder; Sr. QB Matt DuPilka; Sr. WR/DB Mike Bryan; Sr. SS/RB Justin Hoskins; Sr. LB Dan Pelkey; Sr. LB Mike Fauci; Sr. WR Ryan Paul; Sr. G/NT Brian McFarlin; Jr. RB Avery Strother; Jr. DB Christian Cappillino.Key losses: OL/DL Eric Rosenzweig; C Alex Newman; WR/DB Chris Osterman; DE/RB Joe Ciampaglione; WR/DB Benny Taylor.Outlook: Coming from Class AA, Roosevelt is a wild-card entry into the Class A. Bellino called the AA schedule “a grind’’ and “pretty unforgiving’’ and thinks Roosevelt can be competitive in Class A. Fellow Class A coaches spoke highly of Roosevelt. Enrollment could have Roosevelt moving back to Class AA next season.

SAUGERTIES

Last season’s record: 2-7, 1-4 Class ACoach: Lee Meisinger, third seasonReturning starters: Sr. WR/DB Lukas Gran; Sr. DE Jake Vickery; Sr. C Austin Sarn; Sr. QB/DB Adam Bacon; Sr. FB/LB Rob Schmadel; Jr. QB/LB Randall Lewellyn.Key losses: C/DL Eric Beresheim; RB/DB Nick Koenig; G/DT Terrell Lawrence; WR/LB Kaleb Kouhout; WR/P/K J.T. Elmendorf.Outlook: Meisinger calls Saugerties a “solid group,” but the Sawyers lack depth with several players going both ways. As such, they will need a few newcomers to learn quickly and step into key positions. Saugerties also could use a little luck after being hit hard by injuries last season.

WALLKILL

Last season’s record: 6-4, 4-1 Section 9 Class ACoach: Brian Vegliando, fifth seasonReturning starters: Sr. QB Joe Pillitteri; Sr. RB/Slot Sean Puleo; Sr. LT Kieran Miller; Jr. WR Nick Gomez; Sr. WR Brandon Purdy; Jr. DL John Demy; Jr. DB Kyle Richichi; Sr. OLB/C David Baker; Sr. LB Tyler Owen; Sr. DE Robert Redner; Jr. DL Riley O’Donnell.Key losses: RB Josh Villafane; LB Brendan Connors; OL/DL Andrew

PHILIP KAMRASS/ For the Times Herald-RecordSaugerties coach Lee Meisinger will need to coax significant production from newcomers to help overcome the team’s lack of depth.

TOM BUSHEY/Times Herald-Record

Port Jervis middle linebacker Tanner Sexton is one of six returning starters.

Connors; DB/KR Isaiah Berrios-Smith; DB Dylan Wellmon; DB Dylan Atkins; WR/DB Kenny Atkins; OL/DL Christian Ruddy.Outlook: Vegliando labeled last season a down year despite Wallkill appearing in its sixth straight sectional title game. But that is the type of bar Vegliando and his assistants have set. Quarterback Joe Pillitteri, who completed 57 percent of his passes for 1,455 yards in 2012, will lead a strong crop of returning starters that could result in its seventh straight title-game showdown against Cornwall.

Wesley Schools

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2013 • TIMES HERALD-RECORD 11FOOTBALL 2013

Top five matchups

By the numbers

PINE BUSH VS. CORNWALL

When: Sept. 6, 7 p.m. Where: Cornwall Middle SchoolLast season: The defending champions of Class AA from Pine Bush collide with Class A champs from Cornwall to open the season. What to expect: This should be a riveting matchup with both teams expected to contend for sectional titles once again. Pine Bush will try to outmuscle Cornwall with its size up front. Cornwall will try to keep Pine Bush off balance with the play of record-breaking quarterback Mike White and big-time speed on offense.

MONTICELLO VS. GOSHEN

When: Sept. 21, 1:30 p.m. Where: GoshenLast season: Tyler Eisenbacher hit Lucas Graves with a 7-yard touchdown pass with 22 seconds left to give Goshen a 28-21 win. It culminated an 80-yard drive.What to expect: This game could help decide one of the two remaining playoff berths assuming Cornwall and Wallkill return to the postseason. Monticello coach Matt Buddenhagen will try to lead the Panthers to the playoffs following a rough season in which they lost seven straight after beating Saugerties to open the campaign.

GOSHEN VS. WALLKILL

When: Sept. 27, 7 p.m. Where: WallkillLast season: Goshen trailed 22-6 at halftime but got to 22-12 early in the third quarter, and appeared to make it 22-18 later in the quarter. But the touchdown was called back because of an ineligible player downfield, and Wallkill scored the final 20 points to win 42-12.What to expect: Goshen made strides last season by reaching the playoffs for the first time in six years. Its next logical step would be competing with the big boys of Class A, Cornwall and Wallkill.

WALLKILL VS. CORNWALL

When: Oct. 11, 7 p.m. Where: Cornwall Middle SchoolLast season: Cornwall beat Wallkill 38-24 in the regular season before thumping the Panthers 53-0 in the Class A championship game.What to expect: The game likely will once again serve as the warm-up for the Class A title game. Wallkill, seeking to avenge its lopsided loss to Cornwall for the championship last year, faces a tall order against one of the top teams in Section 9.

M-TOWN VS. PORT JERVIS

When: Oct. 12, 2 p.m. Where: Glennette Field, Port JervisLast season: Middletown dominated Port Jervis in one of the longest running schoolboy rivalries in the nation, 30-0, before about 3,000 fans at Faller Field. Once a Thanksgiving Day staple, it was just the second showdown since 1969 played on the holiday. The game is back in the regular season.What to expect: You can expect the same thing you get every year from Middletown-Port – an emotional, hard-hitting, bruising game for the Erie Bell trophy. Middletown leads the series, 70-57-7.

Players to watch

DAVID BAKER

School: WallkillPosition: Center/LBwHt: 5-10; Wt: 185Year: SeniorOutlook: Baker is one of Wallkill’s most important leaders ... had 40 tackles with a sack last season. He will also play center.

CHRIS BAUER

School: CornwallPosition: wide receiverHt.: 6-1; Wt. 185 Year: SeniorOutlook: He should be Mike White’s No. 1 target after catching 29 passes for 512 yards and eight touchdowns in 2012.

DAN DECARLO

School: Port JervisPosition: fullback/DLHt: 5-11; Wt: 175Year: SeniorOutlook: Coaches will be hard-pressed to take DeCarlo off the field because he’s so valuable.

JOHN HARNED

School: MonticelloPosition: QB/DBHt: 6-0; Wt: 170Year: SeniorOutlook: Harned’s ability to run and pass will add a crucial element to Monticello’s offense.

JOE PILLITTERI

School: WallkillPosition: quarterbackHt: 6-0; Wt: 180Year: SeniorOutlook: He completed 57 percent of his passes for 1,455 yards and 15 touchdowns against nine interceptions as a junior.

SEAN PULEO

School: WallkillPosition: running backHt: 5-5; Wt: 155Year: SeniorOutlook: Puleo ran for six touchdowns and caught a touchdown pass, totaling 533 yards rushing and receiving in 2012.

MOISET SANTOS

School: CornwallPosition: OL/DLHt: 6-3; Wt: 250Year: SeniorOutlook: Santos is “by far’’ the strongest player on the team, and has been clocked in the 5.0-5.1 range for the 40.

MIKE WHITE

School: CornwallPosition: quarterbackHt.: 6-0; Wt: 185Year: SeniorOutlook: He threw for 2,674 yards and 28 TDs. Don’t be surprised if White puts up even better numbers this year.

2: Years since Roosevelt won the Section 9 Class AA regular-season title, its first title of any kind since 1975. Roosevelt will debut in Class A after moving down because of an enrollment decrease.

6: Streak of seasons Cornwall-Wallkill have met for the Section 9 Class A title. Cornwall has won five of them.

8: Straight wins by Warwick over Goshen, including a 49-20 defeat last season. They will play for the 101st time on Sept. 7 at Goshen for the Spirit Trophy. It’s the second oldest continuing rivalry in the state, with Warwick holding a 50-46-4 edge.

10: Streak of seasons Cornwall or Wallkill have won the A title. Cornwall has won eight of them.20: Years since Saugerties won a section title, beating Goshen 28-14 in the 1993 Class B championship game.115-0: Combined score of Cornwall’s wins over Goshen (62-0) and Wallkill (53-0) in the sectional semifinals and final.224: League-best points scored by Cornwall in five Class A games last season, a 44.8-point average.2,674: Passing yards put up by White on the season. He threw 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

Order of finish1. Cornwall: There appears to be a wider divide than usual between Cornwall and the chasers.2. Roosevelt: Keep an eye on quarterback Matt DuPilka, who threw a 99-yard touchdown pass against Middletown last season. Expect Class A newbie Roosevelt, which lost to Cornwall 28-12 last season, to make its presence felt.3. Wallkill: Never count out the Panthers, but Roosevelt’s arrival adds to Wallkill’s challenge of winning a sectional title.4. Goshen: The Gladiators look to take another step toward eventually contending for a sectional title.5. Port Jervis: The Red Raiders are young and hungry. Added depth and an increased familiarity with third-year coach Matt Polanis’ system make them worth following.6. Monticello: You can bet that head coach Matt Buddenhagen will have his team prepared each week.7. Saugerties: The Sawyers are in a similar boat as other Class A teams trying to become title contenders while faced with grueling weekly schedules.



Back in Mrs. Hertel’s kindergarten class at Cornwall Elementary School more than a decade ago, Mike White and Chris Bauer admit they were rivals.

Put simply, they didn’t like each other. They exchanged dirty looks in the classroom and didn’t mesh very well on the playground, either.

SPORTS’ GREAT DUOS Joe Montana and Jerry

Rice, San Francisco 49ers: Montana won four Super Bowls, including two with Rice – the 22nd and 24th. Rice also won a Super Bowl with Steve Young hitting him deep.

Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Los Angeles Lakers: The duo made the NBA Finals eight times during a 10-year stretch, winning five titles.

Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, Chicago Bulls: They won six NBA championships together from 1991-98.

Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier, Edmonton Oliers: Long before their Rangers’ days, the stars played for Edmonton. “The Great One” and Messier led the Oilers to four Stanley Cups in five years in the 1980s.

Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris, Yankees: Both players were home run kings, back when the game was without PEDs.

Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison, Indianapolis Colts: During their time together, Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison set NFL records for completions (971), receiving yards (13,090), and touchdowns (110).

Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers: Sure, they didn’t get along too well. But they could win – in the form of three NBA titles.

Special connections off field lead to Section 9 has its share of dynamic duos

Let’s just say they’ve come a long way.

These days, White, the 2012 Varsity845 Player of the Year, and Bauer are best friends. They have a connection. Off the field they are inseparable.

On the field? Well, this season, that connec-

tion could be something spe-cial. Quarterback Mike White to wide receiver Chris Bauer could serve as Section 9’s top dynamic duo.

“I guess it’s cool that people look at us like that,” said White, who threw for 2,674 yards and 28 touchdowns last season. “We will see how far we can take it. I think it’s going to be a big year for Chris and I.”

In sports, on any level, we usually never forget the stars of the game. It’s a rarity that two play together and combine to make a dynamic duo – often, forever linked in history.

Think about the magic be-tween Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, Jerry Rice and Joe Montana and Magic John-son and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Their big games, their relation-ships and their accomplish-ments intrigued the masses.

Here in Section 9, we have our own potential duos who could be heroes of the fall. It might not be on the same level of Eli Manning to Victor Cruz, but they are special. They can take over games together.

Out of the backfieldThat’s Mike Martin and Dy-

lan Eller’s plan. Both players made names for themselves last fall during Pine Bush’s his-toric run to the Section 9 Class AA championship. In a crowd-ed backfield, Martin rushed for 874 yards and 12 touchdowns,

Players working well together are truly better than one.

while Eller added 620 yards and five scores.

Pine Bush graduated running backs Matt Geisler (848 yards) and Brian Guzman (557 yards), setting the stage for the Martin and Eller show in the Wing-T of-fense. Martin is a combination of speed and power. Meanwhile, Eller runs like a tank, hard and straight, with no fear.

Like Martin and Bauer, they are close friends off the field. When they aren’t playing foot-ball, they work out at a frenetic clip six days a week. That in-cludes three two-a-day sessions in the summer. Yes, the pair is ready to bring it this fall.

“I think when you haven’t had kids like that over in the past, when you do, you really appreciate them,” said Pine Bush coach Jim Wright. “It’s awesome when you have talent like that because it makes up for any coaching mistakes that

you might make. It also makes blocks easier for the offensive line because kids like that can make things happen.”

In the trenchesAt Warwick, its offensive line

could lead the way for the rest of the unit. Linemen, the self-less grunts who bloody their hands in the trenches, don’t get a lot of pop. Not a problem. They just put their heads down and keep battling.

However, this year in War-wick, it will be hard to ignore tackles Capen Burbank and James Grennan. Burbank is a bruiser, entering his fourth year as a starter, who is 6-foot-2, 300 pounds. In his first year as a starter last season, Gren-nan, who is 6-foot-6, 260 pounds, established himself as a force.

He is only better this fall. Keep in mind, Warwick returns center Matt Gesner. Mean-while, junior Nate Sander, who is 6-foot-3, 270 pounds, came back to the team when Greg Sirico returned to coach War-wick again.

“I think we have the poten-tial to be the best line in the whole section, possibly the en-tire state,” Burbank said. “We work great together and we have great chemistry. I think we are going to dominate any-

JOHN MEORE/For The Times Herald-RecordWarwick linemen James Grennan, left, and Carpen Burbank, are a strong duo in the trenches.

Chester tackles Chris Wittekind and Nick Seabrook look to make a statement this ye


Gamebreaking combinations, Friday Night heroes, often evolve and develop together.

Sometimes, however, they are formed. Newburgh Free Academy coach Bill Bianco made a personnel move for this fall that he hopes to add up to a knockout 1-2 linebacker com-bination – juniors Anthony Du-

bose and Aaron Forbes.Newburgh graduated its three

linebackers from last season – Hardcor Coleman, Mike Ceri-sano and Shaheim Hill. Coleman and Cerisano were Varsity845 first-team all-stars.

Dubose, a running back, has rushed for 1,867 yards and 16 touchdowns over the last two

seasons. Dubose had played linebacker in lower levels of Newburgh’s program and in practice with the varsity squad. However, Bianco didn’t want to play him on both sides of the ball. Dubose will play both ways this fall.

Forbes moves from defen-sive back to linebacker. Bian-

co made the move because of their big-play potential.

“Both kids are really ath-letic, really fast,” Bianco said. “As far as making an impact, neither kid has played the po-sition, but I think they have ca-pabilities. We are comfortable with them.”

Justin Rodriguez

winning connections on field QUOTABLE

“If Mike (Martin) and Dy-lan (Eller) have a big year, we will have a big year. They are pretty good and they are the hardest workers on the team. They set the tone for the en-tire team. ... I love coaching them.”

JIM WRIGHTPine Bush coach

“Chris (Wittekind) and Nick (Seabrook) are great. They are the two best linemen I’ve ever played with, to be honest. They are experienced and not afraid to get down and dirty. They make the game so much easier for me.”

LAWRENCE YOUNGChester running back

“Having guys like Capen (Burbank) and James (Gren-nan) on the line make things much easier for me. They are both big guys. Our offensive line is great, I know they are always going to protect me. That gives me a lot more con-fidence.”

BRAD GARCIAWarwick quarterback

“Mike (White) and Chris (Bauer) will be tough to stop, but you have to worry about the entire team. They have talent all over the field, so you can’t take away just one guy. Plus, (Cornwall coach) Marcus Hughes does a nice job with new formations. It’s always a challenge. With Mike and Chris, you know you won’t stop them all the time. But you do what you can.”

LEE MEISINGERSaugerties coach

“Mike Martin is obviously getting some looks from some big schools. It will be the first time we play him, but we re-spect him as an athlete. We aren’t afraid, but we respect him. Eller is a hard downfield runner, he’s a big dude, and they make a great 1-2 punch of size and speed.”

A.J. SAKACWarwick linebacker

Coaches create combinations that often evolve into something special

one that comes in our way.”You have to love a lineman’s

fearless mentality. That’s the approach Chester two-way tackles Chris Wittekind and Nick Seabrook are taking this fall.

The Hambletonians are the overwhelming favorites to win the Section 9 Class D title for the fourth season in a row.

That’s great and all, but Wit-tekind and Seabrook, who have played together for four years, want to make a statement.

“We don’t want to play nas-ty or dirty football,” Seabrook

said. “But we have to play mean.”

Added Wittekind: “If we do that, we will be tough to beat.”

Aerial attackCornwall QB White made

most of his magic last season with wide receiver Alex Cruz, who graduated and is now at SUNY Cortland. The signal caller threw for a Section 9-re-cord 500 yards in a 53-0 win over Wallkill in the Section 9 Class A championship.

He added 433 in a 34-13 win against Somers in the quarter-

finals of the Class A state play-offs. Cruz caught 11 passes for a Section 9-record 285 yards against Somers. He finished with 1,141 yards – the second most in Section 9 history – and 10 touchdowns.

Still, Bauer was in the ro-tation and would have been most other teams’ No. 1 tar-get. Blessed with great hands, Bauer is tough, and runs great routes.

He caught 29 passes for 512 yards and eight touchdowns last fall.

When they aren’t on the field,

White and Bauer are together, hanging out pool side, ventur-ing to their favorite taco stand in Newburgh and playing video games. The friendship has led to a connection on the field.

That could be dynamic for Cornwall this fall.

“I know Chris will always be there for me,” White said. “He will do what he can do to get the ball, he will do what he needs to get open. I know he will always be there. We know each other well and know what’s going to happen on the field.”

[email protected]

ERIK GLIEDMAN/Times Herald-Recordyear for the Class D favorite Hambletonians.

ERIK GLIEDMAN/Times Herald-RecordPine Bush running backs Mike Martin and Dylan Eller will be difficult to stop.


BY KEVIN GLEASONTimes Herald-Record

PORT JERVIS — Twelve. Twelve excruciatingly long years. Has it really been 12 years since Port Jervis won a sectional football championship?

It has been that long since Port Jervis beat Minisink Valley 9-0 for the Section 9 Class A title. Twelve years since running back Roadney Sepulveda broke to the right side on Dietz Stadium’s turf, saw some daylight, saw a trophy staring at him from the end zone, and outran a group of Minisink Valley defenders for a 44-yard touchdown run 1:19 into the sec-ond half. Twelve years since J.D. Gallo clinched it with a 31-yard field goal with 6:21 left.

Twelve years since Port Jervis, 9-0 and not once trailing the en-tire 2001 season, stepped off the field a champion.

Twelve years, which in this railroad town of 9,000 people, might as well be 12 decades.

All these years later, on a scorchingly humid day, coach Matt Polanis gathers his team on its practice field behind the school. “You had a good day to-day and you blew it,’’ Polanis says. “We expect a lot out of you.’’

The Red Raiders blew it by letting up just a bit late in prac-tice, by giving in to the body and the elements conspiring against them. It is the second day of pre-season drills, one of those sticky days that separate character from characters, and Polanis seizes a teachable moment. He knows the Cornwall kids are cel-ebrating the day. He knows the Wallkill kids are pounding the heat like it’s a tackling dummy.

And he knows something else – he knows his relatively young team is starting to believe it be-longs with the behemoths of Sec-tion 9 Class A.

“They gotta believe they can do it,’’ says Polanis. “They want to be the team that brings Port Jervis back to where people fear coming over the mountain again.’’

How close are the Red Raiders

Why I picked my number Port Jervis still waiting for title

It’s been 12years since lastchampionship

Number of years since Port Jervis’ last championship.

TOM BUSHEY /Times Herald-Record

Port Jervis coach Matt Polanis thinks his team is closing the gap on the top teams in Class A.

to reaching that football utopia where belief and talent explode onto the field?

“We are pretty close,’’ says Po-lanis, who married Erica Ropke, uniting two families a mere six-plus decades deep in Port Jervis football history.

Polanis ran around Port Jervis’ preseason camp as a 9-year-old, played QB before graduating in 1990. His dad, Ed, Port Jervis Class of ’49, played quarterback and running back here, coached here, was an athletic director here. Three of Matt’s brothers and several cousins also played.

You want tradition? Polanis is Port’s fourth varsity coach since 1957. He replaced another Port graduate, Mark Trotta, who re-signed after going 10-16 in three seasons. Before that, Bob Corvi-no went 161-70-1 in 24 seasons, and before that Joe Viglione built a powerhouse as head coach from 1957-83. The Red Raiders have played their home games at Glennette Field just shy of 100 years. Port Jervis played its first game in 1897. Twenty-eight titles have followed. Zero since 2001.

Peering through sunglasses on this day, Polanis repeats, “We

are pretty close. This is my third year of putting in a system and you can see the players have got-ten better at it.’’

What happened? How did Port Jervis go from a perennial pow-er to second-tier status? There is never one factor, never a neat an-swer, to why and how Cornwall and Wallkill caught up to the Red Raiders and then sprinted past them.

“I really think that it’s up to the older kids,’’ says senior halfback/linebacker Matt Crown, now one of those kids. “That’s what I did when I was younger. I looked up to them. I got home from (youth) practice and did not shower – I went straight to the game. We couldn’t wait to be them.’’

Which means it’s also up to the younger kids. Crown and fellow

captains Tanner Sexton and Dan DeCarlo talk of a different demo-graphic these days. Kids are fo-cusing on other sports. If football is religion here, as it’s often been said, then kids and their families are missing a lot of Masses.

“My father played Port Jervis football,’’ Crown says. “That in-stilled in what I wanted to be. I look at other kids in this town that are not playing football. It’s kind of weird. Instead of going out for football, they are going out for soccer. It’s harder to get people to play football now.’’

Crown sees signs of a foot-ball renaissance. About 80 kids signed up for jayvee and varsity, 16 more than last season. Num-bers were so high during sum-mer weight training that players waited 20 minutes for an open bench.

Polanis explains the disappoint-ing end to practice. “At the end of the day, they were cooked,’’ he says. “But it’s just like the fourth quarter. You gotta finish it.’’

Port Jervis last finished things perfectly in 2001. Twelve years later, it tries to jump-start a foot-ball tradition generations old.

[email protected]

“I wore 44 my whole ca-reer. But I had to change numbers because I’m also playing center now. I chose 51 because it’s been a family number,” having been worn by his uncle Ralph Baker and his brother Matt. “Both were linebackers.’’

DAVE BAKER, NO. 51Wallkill senior linebacker/center

It was Bauer’s baseball number. When he was an all-star in Little League, “I was 17 and it kind of carried over. When I was on jayvee football, I was No. 3 because 17 was taken.” He finally got it when he made the varsity as a sophomore. “It was by coincidence my grandpa’s birthday, so I’ve stuck with it and worn it in memory of him.’’

CHRIS BAUER, NO. 17Cornwall senior receiver

Crown’s dad, Brian, had it at Port Jervis. “Ever since I played Pee Wee, my second-to-last year, I wore it. I wear it in every sport.’’

MATT CROWN, NO. 33Port Jervis senior halfback/linebacker

White’s brother Joe, a for-mer Cornwall receiver, was No. 11 the year before arriv-ing on the varsity as a sopho-more. “I had the choice to pick a number I wanted, but I figured I looked up to him, so I thought, ‘Why not?’ And ever since, I’ve loved it, and I think it’s a pretty good fit.’’

MIKE WHITE, NO. 11Cornwall senior quarterback

During Puleo’s freshman year on the jayvee team, “Dominick Calvanico was No. 1 on the varsity. He was a great running back. I was playing running back at the time and I just wanted to fol-low in his footsteps.’’

SEAN PULEO, NO. 1Wallkill senior RB/slotback

FOOTBALL 2013


BY KEN MCMILLANTimes Herald-Record

Carl Relyea has seen a lot of ups and downs in his 29 seasons as head coach at Highland, and he’s hoping things are looking up for his Huskies.

There was one win in 2011, and a jump to four wins in 2012. Relyea used very young lineups the past two seasons and he believes the team will mature into a winner in 2013.

“We had gone young and brought up four or five fresh-men at one time,’’ Relyea said. “Those players are now juniors

BY KEN MCMILLANTimes Herald-Record

NEW PALTZ — Khariff LaBoy is at his most dangerous when he finds a little open space in the backfield and waits to make his move with the football.

“I have great vision,’’ the New Paltz senior running back said, “so once I get to that outside and the perimeter I am seeing holes open up right away. I like to call it my ‘Spidey’ sense. The game kind of slows down for me. When I see it, I take advantage and I am gone.’’

Apparently, LaBoy and the comic-book character Spider-Man have a bit in common. Peter Parker, too, was a teenage high school student who dealt with in-adequacy – in LaBoy’s case, it is trying to be taken seriously as a varsity running back in a 5-foot-7 frame.

Of course, anyone who has seen LaBoy play can spot the similari-ties to the costumed crimefight-er, with his tremendous agility and super strength. Sprinter’s speed, an uncanny understand-ing of the game unfolding before him and quick reaction time have all helped LaBoy become a 1,000-yard rusher for the past two sea-sons and an all-state defensive back as a junior.

That’s where the comparisons to the troubled Peter Parker end. In school, LaBoy is immensely popular because he will talk with just about anybody, from fresh-men to seniors and from the prin-

Number of years Carl Relyea has been head coach at Highland.

with two years of experience. We have some seniors to blend in with them, and now it looks like we have a strong junior class and

some other underclassmen to help.’’

The Huskies may be looking more to the passing game with a cast of three quarterbacks who can throw the ball long to a good cast of receivers. Plus, Relyea is open to running some Wildcat.

“I want to have a winning record and I would like for us to get involved in the playoffs,’’ Relyea said. “Once you are in the playoffs, anything can happen in that situa-tion, and that’s where I want to be.’’

Dragon leapDover makes the jump from

Class C to Class B, with Ellen-ville dropping in with the smaller schools. Dover coach Chris Lounsbury expects it will be “quite a challenge,’’ but he is hope-ful because the Dragons have a senior-laden cast.

“I think the difference between B and C is year in and year out (the schools in Class B) fill spots a little easier,’’ Lounsbury said. “We do not have a junior varsity team, we have a modified.’’

Gander MountainRondout Valley took its lumps

last year (0-9) with a schedule that

featured three Class A schools. The schedule makers were kinder this season, with Onteora and Tri-Valley as non-league foes, but there’s a monster in the opener, a road date against Class B champ Marlboro on Sept. 6.

“I like that,’’ said Rondout Valley coach George Iacobaccio. “Playing them will be a great challenge for us to see where we’re at. Just get the kids out there playing great competi-tion right away. It’s going to – hope-fully – make them better.’’

[email protected]; Twitter: @KenMcMillanTHR

Coach thinks experience will push Highland over .500 mark

LaBoy’s keen vision key to success

New Paltz running back Khariff LaBoy has hit the coveted rushing yards plateau the past two years.

New Paltz running back dangerous in open field

cipal to the janitorial staff.“I am well-known,’’ LaBoy said.

“Some people would say it’s be-cause of football, but me … I just like to be social in school. I have great relationships with all my teachers. I like to talk to every-body, it doesn’t matter who you are.’’

By his own description, LaBoy is a guy in love with football. When he’s not working at his job on weekends or hanging out with his girlfriend, LaBoy is watching football, whether it’s game film, Saturday college action or Sun-day NFL games. “It’s football, 24-7,’’ LaBoy said. “It’s just me.’’

That passion goes all the way back to when he first started play-ing at the age of 6. It’s no wonder LaBoy started to make an impact when he was only a freshman in high school, grabbing seven in-terceptions.

“He’s had three huge seasons in a row,’’ New Paltz coach Tom Tegeler said.

Tegeler said LaBoy may have

relied solely on his talents in his first couple of seasons, but he has noticed a change in his new team captain.

“Khariff has never worked harder,’’ Tegeler said. “We had workouts all year and he would stay an hour extra. He is focused 100 percent on football.’’

By his sheer will and talent, LaBoy has earned the respect of some of his opposing coaches.

“I root for Khariff when he’s not playing us,’’ Marlboro’s Rich Ward said. “He’s a very respect-ful kid with how he treats us. We’re looking forward to playing against him because he always brings out the best in us. I can’t say enough about him.’’

“That kid can run,’’ Highland’s Carl Relyea said. “It’s one thing to know about him, but you have to stop him constantly. You let him get out into the open field and you are going to be watching him.’’

New Paltz has an entirely new offensive line and that has caused concern for both coach and run-ner, but LaBoy likes what he has seen so far.

“Our line is not as deep as it was in the previous years,’’ LaBoy said, “but I think everybody is big enough and we will stay healthy. I think the line will be set and we will get the job done up front.’’

A host of mid-major colleges have expressed interest in LaBoy, including Albany, Stony Brook and others in Division I-AA, as well as Division II and III schools. After speaking to college coach-

es, LaBoy believes he is destined for special teams play and per-haps a couple runs as a scat back. “I am fine with that,’’ he said.

LaBoy said it’s hard for him to fathom how far he has come in four years, and at how fast time

has slipped by.“It just seems like the blink of

an eye,’’ he said. “... I am just go-ing out and enjoying it, living it up and enjoying time with my boys. We’re going to do it big this year.’’

KELLY MARSH FOR THE TIMES HERALD

New Paltz running back Khariff LaBoy’s passion for football started when he was 6 years old.

FOOTBALL 2013


DOVER

Last season’s record: 6-3, 1-3 Coach: Chris Lounsbury, sixth seasonReturning starters: Sr. RB Anthony Greco; Sr. QB Tye Hill; Sr. OT/DT Mark Vinci; Sr. OL Sidney Ball; Jr. WR Dustin Bowen.Key losses: QB/DB Kyle Bradshaw; RB/LB Greg Boettcher; WR/S Chase Beebe; RB/DB Chris Easter; RB/DL Shakim Futrell; TE/DE Tom Marston; OL/LB Jake Wadroska.Outlook: Experience on the front lines should help the Dragons make the transition from Class C to B. Greco is a 295-pound running back with mobility, and Hill takes over at quarterback after three seasons at split end.

HIGHLAND

Last season’s record: 4-5, 2-4 Coach: Carl Relyea, 29th seasonReturning starters: Sr. DE/FB A.J. Buchanan; Jr. DE/OLB Teddy Mapes; Jr. QB Travis Marmell; Jr. QB Brandon Mack; Jr. OT Alex Oliver; Jr. OG Dominick Bellachicco.Key losses: WR/DB C.J. Tozzi; C Kevin Rivera; OT/DT Connor McCutcheon; FB/LB Brandon Bisaccia; QB Chris Ranalli; K Jake Armstrong.Outlook: Relyea used a young lineup the past two seasons and now believes this is the payoff year, with roughly seven returning starters on both sides of the ball. The Huskies may use a handful of quarterbacks because they have good arms. Relyea believes the playoffs are a realistic goal.

MARLBORO

Last season’s record: 11-1, 6-0Coach: Rich Ward, fourth seasonReturning starters: Sr. RB/QB Ryan Cary; Jr. OT/DT Robert

Papuli; Sr. DE/LT Clinton Howell; Sr. RB/S Ralph Votta; Jr. MLB/HB Ryan GreavenKey losses: RB/DB Devin Pierre; RB/WR Matt Tamburri; K Adam Laubach; RB Austin Beck; OL/DL Tyler Mastranuono; OL/DL Angelo CurciOutlook: Marlboro lost quite a bit of talent from its state semifinal team, but Ward is convinced the Dukes will fill in the holes quite adequately. The Dukes have good size, and until someone can knock them off they have to remain favorites.

NEW PALTZ

Last season’s record: 6-3, 4-2 Coach: Tom Tegeler, 13th seasonReturning starters: Sr. RB/DB Khariff LaBoy; Sr. OL/DL Troy Grant; Jr. OL/DL Mike Hull; Jr. QB/S Harrison Zraly; Sr. WR/LB Austin Hekking; Sr. LB Deron Dixon; Sr. LB Nick DiMarco; Jr. DB/WR John O’Donnell; Jr. LB/RB Nick Pisciotta.Key losses: OL/DL Anthony Tufano; RB/LB Darryl Clark; OL Nick Morris; OL/DT Terrence Patterson; Sr. DL Elijah Dones.Outlook: LaBoy is coming off consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons, but this year he has to run behind a line that has zero experience. Tegeler believes he has the athletes to fill the line and let LaBoy use his speed and vision to break free. Harrison does give the team some throwing options.

RED HOOK

Last season’s record: 4-5, 2-4 Coach: John Kravic, first seasonReturning starters: Jr. TB Dustin Ducey; Sr. C Teddy Ross; Sr. OG Ben Zitz; Sr. S Brian Moore; Jr. MLB Tim Perry.Key losses: Graphics/Sports Pix QB Lucas Brochetti; WR/

DE Brandon Coleman; OL/LB Tim Terry; LB Luis Garcia; RB Brendeon Tator; WR Brandon Coleman; WR Anthony Depaoli; LB Shane Crittenden; WR Brian Messmer.Outlook: The Raiders are

young with only seven returning seniors. Kravic believes this team has many similarities to the 2006 sectional champs.

Red Hook needs junior Nick Carlson to learn quickly at quarterback.

RONDOUT VALLEY

Last season’s record: 0-9, 0-6Coach: George Iacobaccio, fourth seasonReturning starters: Sr. QB Keith Malak; Sr. WR/S Brett Steers; Sr. WR Thomas Reardon; Sr. John Wildgruber.Key losses: RB/LB Jordan Gwynn; OT/LB George Lent; OG/DL Casey Ligi; C/DT J.C. Ellsworth; OT/DE Carlton Legg; DT Brian Sickler.Outlook: The Ganders failed to gain any traction with a brutal schedule last year. Rondout has better

numbers and is sporting its most speed in years, so expect more of a spread attack. Iacobaccio expects to be in closer games this season.

SPACKENKILL

Last season’s record: 7-3, 5-1 Coach: Clinton DeSouza, fourth seasonReturning starters: OT Victor Twal; Sr. C/NT Quentin Bade; Jr. OL Antonio Pendleton; Sr. LB Ryan Mills; Jr. RB/LB Trevor Dolan.Key losses: TE/LB Josh Riley; RB/LB Wayne Bowden; FB/LB Nick Celestino; OL/DL Dean Ruggieri; OT/DT Zach Short; WR/DB Tommy Fink;

Class BMarlboro team to beat again

Why I picked my number

“Last year we had a good defensive tackle (Tyler Mastrantuono) and he is someone to look up to. I hope he feels good about it.’’

TYLER CARDINALE, NO. 70Marlboro defensive tackle

“It’s a dedication to my brother (John Cosentino) because he just passed away in December. … I want to keep on his num-ber to represent him. I just met him three sum-mers ago. We did bond a lot, we got really close. Out of nowhere he died in a car accident.’’

KYLE COSENTINO, NO. 58Marlboro junior center

JEFF GOULDING/Times Herald-RecordHeading into his 36th season as a football coach, Highland’s Carl Relyea encourages a player during a drill during preseason camp.

CHET GORDON/Times Herald-Record

Marlboro quarterback Ryan Cary cools off during practice.

QB Evan LoughranOutlook: The Spartans are inexperienced but athletic. A speedy lineup and strong line play will certainly help the green-and-white. A quick start would help. Harrison Zraly


Order of finish1. Marlboro: Even with personnel losses, the Dukes are primed to repeat.2. New Paltz: The Huguenots will go only as far as Khariff LaBoy can take them.3. Highland: The Huskies are going to score more points this year.4. Red Hook: Young Raiders need to grow up fast.5. Spackenkill: The Spartans may be a bit challenged on offense.6. Dover: Step up in class will be a tough go for the Dragons.7. Rondout Valley: Ganders will have success if they use their speed.

Top five matchups

Players to watch

DOVER VS. HIGHLAND

When: Sept. 6, 7 p.m. Where: HighlandLast season: In season-ending crossover on Oct. 27, Highland rallied to send the game into overtime, but Dover won 20-14 on Tye Mill’s 20-yard scoring reception.What to expect: Dover makes its Section 9 Class B debut against a Highland team bent on revenge and sporting a lot of experience.

NEW PALTZ VS. SPACKENKILL

When: Sept. 12, 4 p.m. Where: Spackenkill, in the Town of PoughkeepsieLast season: Visiting Spackenkill opened the campaign with a thrilling 21-20, double-overtime win. Khariff LaBoy rushed for 107 yards on his way to more than 1,000 for the season.What to expect: Runner-up position in Class B may be at stake, just as it was last season. Whichever team grows up the quickest may prevail.

MARLBORO VS. NEW PALTZ

When: Sept. 20, 7 p.m. Where: New PaltzLast season: Ryan Cary caught a TD pass and threw for another out of the wildcat to lead Marlboro to a 28-7 win on a sloppy field in New Paltz and the regular-season title.What to expect: New Paltz’s Khariff LaBoy was held to 75 yards by Marlboro and the mud, so he is going to want to do something special against the Dukes.

MARLBORO VS. SPACKENKILL

When: Oct. 5, 3 p.m.Where: SpackenkillLast season: Marlboro squeaked out two wins over Spackenkill, 21-14 on Sept. 28 and 10-7 in the sectional finals on Nov. 4.What to expect: Spackenkill wouldn’t mind a little payback, but Marlboro should be rolling into the second month of the season by then.

HIGHLAND VS. SPACKENKILL

When: Oct. 19, 1:30 p.m. Where: Spackenkill Last season: Spackenkill posted a huge road win at Highland, 27-6, on Sept. 7.What to expect: With a finale against Marlboro looming, Highland may be faced with a must-win to secure a playoff spot. Spackenkill should still be in the hunt, as well.

A.J. BUCHANAN

School: HighlandPosition: Running backHt.: 5-11 Wt.: 190Year: SeniorOutlook: Strength and speed aid this workhorse.

RYAN CARY

School: MarlboroPosition: QuarterbackHt.: 5-10 Wt.: 175Year: SeniorOutlook: Ability to throw and run adds to his intelligent decisions.

RYAN GREAVEN

School: MarlboroPosition: Halfback, linebackerHt.: 5-10 Wt.: 230Year: JuniorOutlook: Good feet allows him to move quickly.

CLINTON HOWELL

School: MarlboroPosition: Defensive end, left tackleHt.: 6-2 Wt.: 185Year: SeniorOutlook: Returnee is tough to get around on ends.

KEITH MALAK

School: Rondout ValleyPosition: QuarterbackHt.: 6-0 Wt.: 180Year: SeniorOutlook: Strength work should aid running, throwing.

TRAVIS MARMELL

School: HighlandPosition: Quarterback, wide receiverHt.: 6-3 Wt.: 170Year: JuniorOutlook: Has ability to run wildcat plays on offense.

ROBERT PAPULI

School: MarlboroPosition: Tackle, defensive lineHt.: 6-2 Wt.: 260Year: JuniorOutlook: He is tough to move and has a great understanding of schemes.

HARRISON ZRALY

School: New PaltzPosition: Quarterback, safetyHt.: 6-0 Wt.: 160Year: JuniorOutlook: Smart, confident leader may open up offense with his throwing.

By the numbers0: Wins by Rondout Valley, matching the section-low by Livingston Manor.2: Consecutive sectional titles by Marlboro.2: Ellenville, moved down to Class C, will play non-league games against former foes Marlboro on Oct. 11, and New Paltz on Oct. 18.3: Wins improvement by Highland (1-8 to 4-5) last season.4: Years since Highland last won the regular-season title.11: Wins by Marlboro and Class A’s Cornwall, the top marks in the section.70: Rondout Valley scored the fewest points of any Section 9 team in Classes AA, A, B or C.83: The total of Highland’s roster for varsity and jayvee.295: The weight for 6-foot-4 Dover running back Anthony Greco.

KELLY MARSH/For the Times Herald-Record

New Paltz will be relying on running back Khariff LaBoy.


Division I

ELLENVILLE

Last season’s record: 2-7, 2-4; Class BCoach: Tony Borriello, 13th seasonReturning starters: Sr. RB-LB Gary Gaeta; Sr. RG/DL Jason Lawrence; Sr. QB/LB Connor McCarthyKey losses: QB Kyle Conner; TE-LB Justin Rose; OL/DL Jeff Nunez; RB/DB Tyler AlbertOutlook: After spending 2012 in Class B, the Blue Devils drop back down to Class C because of a slight decline in enrollment numbers. Ellenville’s Gary Gaeta was one of the area’s most prolific runners last year and he’ll be back to wear down opposing defenses yet again.

JAMES I. O’NEILL

Last season’s record: 9-3, 3-1; Class C Division ICoach: Anthony Finochio, fourth seasonReturning starters: Sr. QB Keegan West; Sr. LB Kyle Kilner; Sr. RB/SS/OLB Malik Chambers; Sr. OL/NG Rob Scandel; Sr. OL Matt Newlin; Sr. CB Geoffrey StokerKey losses: OL/DL Jordan Baskerville; RB/DB Jerry Nasi; WR/DB Chris Olave; LB/LB Zach Trainor; DE Chris Van Skyock; G/LB Eric WallaceOutlook: After losing a 2,000-yard rusher to graduation, the two-time defending Section 9 Class C

champions will have some work to do on offense. Malik Chambers, who played tight end last season, shifts to running back and he also anchors what should still be a stout defensive unit.

JOHN S. BURKE CATHOLIC

Last season’s record: 5-4, 3-1; Class C Division ICoach: Ed Van Curen, Jr., fifth season as head coach, 12th season on Burke Catholic staffReturning starters: Sr. Nick Nanakos OL/LB; Jr. Joe Grasso OL/LB; Jr. Brandon Rawlins OL/DL; Jr. Tom Connolly TE/DL; Jr. Matt Przybocki QB/DB; Jr. Stephen Cushing RB/LB; Jr. Stephon Sander RB/LBKey losses: WR/DB/KR, Patrick Joyner; QB/FS, Bob PezzulloOutlook: Despite going 3-1 in division games last season, Burke Catholic found itself eliminated from the playoffs on a tiebreaker. With eight returning starters on offense and nine on defense, the Eagles have plenty of experience this year. Expect Burke Catholic to be strong on both sides of the ball and yet again factor in the mix for a playoff berth.

ONTEORA

Last season’s record: 2-7, 0-4; Class C Division ICoach: Justin Kight, fourth seasonReturning starters: Sr. FB/LB Dustin MacKenzie; Sr. RB/S Theo Beecroft; Sr. TE/DE Pat Wortman; Sr. WR/

2,934: Rushing yards for James I. O’Neill in 2012. Jerry Nasi, who graduated in June, gained 2,072 of those yards.

Order of finishDivision I1. James I. O’Neill: The Raiders have reloaded after winning a second straight Section 9 title last fall. With 3-year starter Keegan West leading the offense, O’Neill should have no problem putting up points.2. John S. Burke Catholic: The Eagles have a large group of talented juniors this year, so the best may be yet to come in Goshen.3. Ellenville: The Blue Devils were a playoff team in Class B a season ago, but they won’t have it easy in Class C in a division with O’Neill and Burke Catholic.4. Onteora: The Indians have plenty of holes to fill, but they could surprise if their newcomers step up. Division II1. Liberty: Fresh off an appearance in the Section 9 championship game, the Indians are hungry for a return trip in 2013. 2. Millbrook: The Blazers might not exactly live up to their nickname, but they’ll certainly wear down opposing defenses with their power

DB Dustin Bundy; Sr. OL/DL Noah MagraneKey losses: RB/DB Bernie Smith; QB/LB Tim Shultis; LB Zac Viagas; OL/DL Sean Krum; TE/DL Godfrey Lucas; OL/DL Conor HarkinOutlook: The Indians lost two huge offensive players to graduation in QB Tim Shultis and RB Bernie Smith, but Dustin MacKenzie, who ran for 401 yards and three touchdowns last year, returns for his senior season. MacKenzie was also the team’s leading tackler last year, but the next five tacklers in 2012 were all seniors. Onteora will have to fill those spots on defense in order to be successful in 2013.

Division II

LIBERTY

Last season’s record: 6-4, 3-1; Class C Division ICoach: John Wilhelm, fifth season as head coach, 12th year in the programReturning starters: Sr. QB Quinn Jackson; Sr. C Kevin Brannigan; Sr. DT Julius Graves; Sr. RB/DB Jericho Male; Soph. RB/LB Kevin Morgans; Sr. TE Brenden WilliamsKey losses: TE/ILB/K/P Ryan Henry; RB/OLB Kenny Jaycox; OL/LB Andrew Martinez; LT/DE Tony Saravia; LB Ehat Shehi; RB/DB Atwoun AckerleyTOM BUSHEY/Times Herald-Record

John S. Burke’s Brandon Rawlins, left, works with Joe Grasso during a drill at practice during preseason camp in Goshen.

Class CO’Neil, Liberty are favorites

running game.3. Sullivan West: The Bulldogs lost a few key players to graduation, but should still contend for a playoff spot out of Division II.

EDWARD DILLER/For Times Herald-Record

O’Neill senior linebacker and running back Kyle Kilner practices handoff drills during preseason camp.

See Class C page 21


By the numbers2: Number of Class C schools in 2012 that shifted to other classifications in 2013. Dover merged with Webutuck for football and will now compete in Class B. Pine Plains moved to Class D with a drop in enrollment. Fallsburg, which had competed in Class C in recent years, will not field a team this season. 15: Streak of consecutive losses by Section 9 teams in state tournament play that was snapped by O’Neill’s victory over Woodlands last year. Highland’s 1996 victory over Dover, then a Section 1 team, had been Section 9’s last Class C state tournament victory.62.5: Percent of total tackles from 2012 that Liberty lost to graduation. Tony Saravia, Ryan Henry, Ehat Shehi, Andrew Martinez, Ryan Boxberger and Kenny Jaycox combined for 335 of Liberty’s 536 tackles last season.72.9: Percentage of all-purpose yards that Tri-Valley lost to graduation. Cody Exner, Brendan Tierney and Shatik Smith combined for 2,246 of the 3,082 yards gained passing, rushing and on returns in 2012.450: Points scored by James I. O’Neill in 12 games in 2012. Only one Section 9 team, Cornwall (480), scored more points.

Players to watch

Top five matchupsSULLIVAN WEST VS. MILLBROOK

When: Sept. 27, 7 p.m. Where: at MillbrookLast season: On Oct. 19, 2012, the final week of the regular season, Millbrook won a 30-15 decision with Henry Cardinal rushing for 165 yards and two touchdowns on 27 attempts.What to expect: It certainly isn’t a rivalry based on geography – the schools are separated by about 100 miles – but Millbrook and Sullivan West will battle for control of Division II in this crucial early season showdown.

O’NEILL VS. MILLBROOK

When: Oct. 4, 7 p.m.Where: at MillbrookLast season: The teams did not play in 2012. O’Neill won the most recent meeting, Sept. 10, 2011, 41-21.What to expect: It’s a non-division matchup, but it could be a potential Section 9 playoff preview. O’Neill is coming off two straight Section 9 titles, but the Raiders lost plenty of talent to graduation. Millbrook was a young team last year and returns a great deal of experience.

ELLENVILLE VS. ONTEORA

When: Oct. 5, 3 p.m. Where: at OnteoraLast season: The teams did not play in 2012 or 2011. Ellenville won the last meeting on Oct. 8, 2010, 37-0. What to expect: Both of these teams finished with 2-7 records in 2012, with Ellenville playing a Class B schedule. This year, they’re in Division I along with James I. O’Neill and Burke Catholic, so the winner of this game likely keeps pace in the race for a division title.

JOHN S. BURKE VS. O’NEILL

When: Oct. 11, 6:30 p.m. Where: at O’NeillLast season: Burke Catholic was one of only two teams to defeat O’Neill during the regular season last year, winning 26-21 on Sept. 29. What to expect: Depending on how the early part of the season shakes out, this game could have major implications in the Division I standings and in the Section 9 playoff seedings. Burke Catholic returns many players from last year’s team, so they’ll know that they can beat O’Neill if a few breaks go their way.

TRI-VALLEY VS. LIBERTY

When: Oct. 18, 7 p.m. Where: at Liberty Last season: These teams haven’t met since Sept. 25, 2009, a 41-6 victory for Liberty in Grahamsville.What to expect: Liberty shifts back to Division II after playing in Division I last year, meaning the Indians and Bears will meet again for the first time in four years. There will be local bragging rights on the line and the division title might be at stake as well at this point in the season.

STEPHEN CUSHING

School: John S. BurkePosition: FB/ILBHt.: 5-10 Wt.: 165Year: JuniorOutlook: Cushing led Burke Catholic in tackles (85) as a sophomore and he brings his punishing style of play back in 2013.

JULIUS GRAVES

School: LibertyPosition: OL/DLHt.: 6-1 Wt.: 285Year: SeniorOutlook: Graves returns to anchor Liberty’s lines on both sides of the ball.

ALBERTO HERNANDEZ

School: Tri-ValleyPosition: C/NGHt.: 5-7 Wt.: 195Year: SeniorOutlook: Hernandez will be counted on to lead a large group of underclassmen.

TAYLOR HUGHES

School: James I. O’NeillPosition: RG/DTHt.: 6-2 Wt.: 230Year: SeniorOutlook: Hughes missed the 2012 season after suffering a shoulder injury. He projects as a two-way starter.

QUINN JACKSON

School: LibertyPosition: QBHt.: 6-0 Wt.: 185Year: SeniorOutlook: Jackson returns to run the potent spread option attack. He ran for 812 yards and passed for 877 as a junior.

JASON LAWRENCE

School: EllenvillePosition: RG/DLHt.: 5-10 Wt.: 210Year: SeniorOutlook: The power rushing attack starts up front with blockers like Lawrence, one of the top linemen in Class C.

BRANDON RAWLINS

School: John S. BurkePosition: OL/DLHt.: 6-3 Wt.: 245Year: JuniorOutlook: Rawlins will be a force on the line on both side of the ball for the Eagles.

JUSTIN SWARTHOUT

School: Tri-ValleyPosition: QB/SHt.: 5-10 Wt.: 165Year: JuniorOutlook: Swarthout takes over as the Bears’ starting quarterback. He also play in the secondary.

JOHN MEORE/ForTimes Herald-Record

Liberty’s Kevin Brannigan, left, does some heavy lifting during a strenuous practice during preseason camp. Brannigan, a center, leads a host of key players returning from last season’s 6-4 team, including quarterback Quinn Jackson.


BY WILLIAM MONTGOMERYTimes Herald-Record

HIGHLAND FALLS — Roll back the clock 10 years and almost every high school football team in our area ran some sort of ground at-tack out of one of three basic sets – I-backs, splits backs or a Wing-T formation.

Then came Urban Meyer’s spread option offense. It wasn’t long before the spread caught on at the high school level and be-came a headache for defensive coordinators.

Defenses have begun to adapt to the spread with a variety of so-lutions. Some schools install mul-tiple defenses, using one set of players to beef up their run-stop-ping abilities by putting eight players in the box. They might switch out a few players, empha-sizing speed over strength, leav-ing just seven in the box to stop a more pass-happy team.

At James I. O’Neill, the solu-tion has been much simpler. The Raiders just needed to make one equal two – find someone who could play two positions at once.

Versatile ChambersMalik Chambers, a 5-foot-

11, 175-pound senior, is listed on O’Neill’s roster as a running back and safety, but he’s not an average strong safety.

“If it’s a passing team that likes to throw the ball a lot, I’ll drop back in a Cover-2 as a strong safety more,” Chambers said. “If we’re going against more of a running team, a power kind of team, I’ll come up in the box as a linebacker.”

For O’Neill head coach Antho-ny Finochio, it’s all about simplic-ity. He chats with other coaches during the offseason, many of whom have mentioned trying to balance 3-man, 4-man and 5-man defensive fronts.

The Raiders, two-time defend-ing Section 9 Class C champi-ons, are able to excel on defense because Chambers’ flexibil-ity allows the other 10 starters to focus on their relatively un-changing responsibilities.

“I like to treat our defense kind of the same way we approach of-fense,” Finochio said. “We don’t want to change our offense ev-ery week, because if we change our offense every week, the kids wouldn’t know what they’re do-ing. ... We don’t feel comfortable changing our defensive scheme

Why I picked my number

“I’m a Giants fan and one of my favorite players is Zak DeO-ssie, who also wears No. 51. I’m a

long snapper, too.”KEVIN BRANNIGAN, NO. 51

Liberty senior C/LB/LS

“I wore No. 39 for a while, but I think I might change it up this year. I think I might go with No. 21 for LaMichael James,” who wore No. 21 at the University of Oregon.

GARY GAETA, NO. 21Ellenville senior running back

“I wanted to get 52, but that was tak-en already by Nick and Nick’s older brother. I kind of like Brian Ur-

lacher, so I went with 54.” JOE GRASSO, NO. 54Burke junior C/OLB

“This year I’m going to take 52 because my broth-er wore that for all four years and I want to carry on that legacy.”

NICK NANAKOS, NO. 52Burke senior guard

“I wear No. 11. I’ve worn it ever since I was in sev-

enth grade, ever since I started play-ing organized football. My dad was No. 11 all the

way through his career. My grandfather wore No. 11 when he played, so it’s been a big number in our family.”

KEEGAN WEST, NO. 11O’Neill senior QB/FS

Chambers skills combat spread

EDWARD DILLER / For the Times He

The versatility of O’Neill's Malik Chambers allows head coach Anthony Finochio to use him as a strong safety or an extra linebacker without disrupting the assignments of the other players on defense.

Defensive positions that Malik Chambers excels at playing.

every week.”That leaves four down line-

men, three linebackers, two cor-nerbacks and one free safety with more-or-less similar assign-ments week-to-week. Chambers, who played defensively against Woodland’s fastest receiver in the slot in a 2012 playoff game, slid over to linebacker the next week against run-heavy Hoosick Falls in the state semifinals.

It’s the same during the regu-

lar season in Class C, as O’Neill looks for Chambers to be a dif-ference-maker and the other de-fensive players to simply handle their assignments.

“We can move him down in the box and play him at outside linebacker because he’s physi-cal enough and he’ll get his nose involved and he’ll make plays as a linebacker,” Finochio said. “At the same time, he’s athletic enough to play strong safety.”

Offensive standout, tooChambers’ versatility comes

in handy on offense, as well. As a junior, he was the team’s sec-ond-leading receiver with 16 catches for 451 yards as a tight end.

This season, after the gradua-tion of 2,000-yard rusher Jerry Nasi, Chambers will take over

as the Raiders’ top running back.

“Malik is one of the most ath-letic kids I’ve seen that has come out here,” said O’Neill senior quarterback Keegan West. “I’ve been lucky to be able to play with him the last three years. ... We expect big things from him and he expects big things from him-self.”

“I’m used to it,” Chambers said. “I’m kind of versatile, so I’ll play anything coach wants me to play.”

Hybrids change defensesFrom the stands, a high school

football game might look chaotic with 22 players running in all dif-ferent directions, colliding and then huddling up before doing it all over again.

Yet for the coaches, every movement is orchestrated through hours spent in practice and in breaking down game film. As more and more schools shift away from the “5 yards and a cloud of dust” offense to a spread look, it’s the safety-linebacker hybrids that will play a bigger role in the latest evolution of the game.

“We always make sure that all of our defensive schemes that we use are very solid against the power run, the option and the zone read concepts that many teams” are using today, said John S. Burke Catholic head coach Ed Van Curen, Jr. “As far as defens-es evolving, I can speak only for Burke Catholic when I say that we clinic during the offseason with college coaches as much about our defense as we do about our offense and special teams and we clinic a lot.”

“Outside linebackers and strong safeties have to be inter-changeable,” Rusin said. “The guy playing outside linebacker for you has to be tough enough to play the run, but he also has to be quick enough to play back in the flats against backs and re-ceivers.”

As the game evolves, it’s going to be players like Chambers who play a role in slowing spread op-tion offenses. If enough players like Chambers thrive in that role, who knows? Maybe they’ll force offenses to adjust again and give defensive coaches a whole new set of problems with which to deal.

[email protected]

FOOTBALL 2013


BY WILLIAM MONTGOMERYTimes Herald-Record

GOSHEN — More than the spread option, more than offseason weight-lifting, the biggest trend in high school football these days is finding ways to make the game safer.

At John S. Burke Catholic High School, the Eagles are pioneering a new helmet technology.

Burke Catholic’s football players have been wearing the Guardian protective helmet cover through their summer schedule. On the first day of practice, every varsity and jayvee player had a Guardian cap over their helmets.

“What it does is it reduces impact,” said Burke Catholic coach Ed Van Curen Jr. “If you’re getting that head-to-head contact, it reduces impact by up to 33 percent. Our philosophy was, something is better than nothing and if it doesn’t work, it’s like not having them on. If it does work, being a small school and with every athlete being important to us, it possibly helps keep athletes on the field. If it protects a kid from having problems down the road with concussions or head injuries, it’s well worth it.”

Guardian, an Atlanta-based company, has supplied the helmet caps to many high schools around the country. A handful of SEC teams have also worn them through their spring and summer practices. Burke Catholic is one of just five football programs in the state to have pur-chased at least 20 caps from Guard-ian. Goshen Youth Football and Loyal Roy-Hart Youth Football also wear the caps.

The lightweight, soft foam cap attaches to the helmet with loops

Continued from page 18

Outlook: The Indians played in the Section 9 championship game last year against O’Neill, but they have lost a handful of very talented players to graduation. That means Liberty will be young and inexperienced in spots, but Wilhelm says the team’s goal is to “improve each week and get back to the playoffs.”

MILLBROOK

Last season’s record: 6-3, 4-0; Class C Division II

Coach: Sean Keenan, seventh season

Returning starters: Sr. RB/DB Henry Cardinal; Sr. FB/LB Brad Pitz; Sr. RB/DB Joe Daley; Jr. OL/NG Jacob Higgins; Sr. TE/LB Joe DiGregorio; Sr. OL/DL Nick Raylor

Key losses: QB Jon Crane; RB/LB Anthony Carolei; LB Andrew Richwine

Outlook: The Blazers have installed a new synthetic playing surface, which could help speed up an already powerful offense. Millbrook plays three Class B schools this season in Spackenkill, Dover and Red Hook, all of which should provide tough non-

league games. The defending Class C Division II champions will yet again be in the mix for a division title.

SULLIVAN WEST

Last season’s record: 6-3, 3-1; Class C Division IICoach: Ron Bauer, 14th season since district merger in 1999 (has been coaching in the area since 1966)Returning starters: Sr. RB/LB Jared Meola; Jr. RB/LB Andrew Stabbert; Jr. RB/LB Richard Shevak; Jr. RB/LB Bryan Stauch; Sr. OL/DL Devin Mirch; Sr. Cody Franskevicz TE/DL

Key losses: QB/LB Sawyer Erlwein; WR/DB Brad Hemmer; OL/DL Scott Erdman; OL/DL Scott Herbert; OL/DL Blain ReddishOutlook: The Bulldogs will look to replace Erlwein, who led the team in both total yards and total tackles in 2012. They’ll also miss Hemmer and Erdman, but will have plenty of talent returning on both sides of the ball.

TRI-VALLEY

Last season’s record: 4-5, 2-2; Class C Division IICoach: John Rusin, eighth seasonReturning starters: Jr. QB/DB Justin

Swarthout; Sr. RB/LB Jesus Lozada; Jr. RB/DB Jared James; Jr. OL/DL Donovan Flores

Key losses: OL/DT Aric Boyes; FB/LB Brendan Tierney; RB/DB Cody Exner; QB/DB Shatik Smith; OL/DL John Anzano

Outlook: The Bears lost a number of key players to graduation, including all-Section lineman Aric Boyes. Tri-Valley had plenty of young players returning, including juniors Justin Swarthout, Jared James and Donovan Flores, all of whom saw significant time as sophomores.

Protective helmet caps are said to be 33 percent safer.

CLASS C: Liberty’s goal is to advance to the section playoffs

Burke pioneering new helmet technology

TOM BUSHEY/Times Herald-RecordJohn S. Burke Catholic football players wore protective Guardian Caps over their hemlets during preseason practices.

through the facemask and adjusts to fit with a velcro strap in the back. They look similar to the headgear

worn by rugby players and soccer goalkeepers.

Tri-Valley small, but tough

Tri-Valley head coach John Rusin barked some motivation at his play-ers as they wrapped up practice with a series of conditioning drills.

“We might not be the biggest team, but we’re going to be the best-conditioned!”

The Bears will be using players along the line that would probably be slotted at another position if they

went to any other school. One such player is 5-foot-7, 195-pound senior center Alberto Hernandez.

“We knew we’re going up against bigger guys, but we try to have our toughness,” he said. “We’re small, but we’re really strong. Our line-men are pretty good this year. We have toughness and they might be stronger than us, yeah, but we have technique. We’ll get to them. We’ll be able to hold them off.

A big, hulking line isn’t exactly the key to offensive success for Tri-Valley

anyway, as their triple-option attack thrives with quicker blockers able to get to the outside.

“We don’t need that. Definitely, having smaller, agile linemen, it helps them move quicker gets the offense up-tempo and catches teams off-guard,” said junior quar-terback Justin Swarthout. “They’re not seeing what we’re going to do. It keeps them guessing and keeps them on their heels, so we can take advantage of that.”

Social media lessons

At the end of the second day of practice, Liberty coach John Wilhelm gathered his team around for a few words of wisdom. He told his players to drink plenty of fluids and to get a good night’s sleep, but he also had a very 2013 message.

Be careful what you post on social media.

“You’re a coach, you’re every-thing,” Wilhelm said. “You’re a teacher, a coach, like a parent. There are a lot of things you have to do.”

A decade ago, coaches couldn’t have imagined the role social media would play among their players. Wilhelm stressed the importance of avoiding trash talk on Twitter and Facebook and how that could motivate opponents. He also advised against sending photos of postgame parties, and other proof of things they shouldn’t be doing off the field.

“I’m on Facebook and Instagram, that’s it,” said senior center and linebacker Kevin Brannigan. “I never post anything. It’s just there. I don’t use it too much. When I do use it, it’s mostly about practices. Things like, ‘Practice today at 4:30. Be there.’”

FOOTBALL 2013


Class DChester expected to dominateCHESTER

Last season’s record: 7-4Coach: Ron Stover, 15th season Returning starters: Sr. RB-WR-CB Lawrence Young; Jr. QB Vinny Aloi; Sr. FB-DE Matt Perry; Sr. S Owen Burke; Sr. T-DT Chris Wittekind; Sr. T-DT Nick Seabrook; Jr. WR-S Brandon Sadlier; Jr. RB-DE Mike Volkmer.Key losses: WR-DE Justin Delgado.Outlook: Chester returns all but one of its top players from its Section 9 Class D championship team. The three-time defending section champs have talent spread over the field and have added depth on both lines with the emergence of senior nose tackle Jalen Logan (6-1, 215), and sophomore Danny Wittekind (6-4, 275).

ELDRED

Last season’s record: 4-6Coach: Mike Hoover, first season Returning starters: Sr. WR-S Nik Dilles; Sr. RB-LB Julian Gottlieb; Sr. OL-DL Andrew Kougher; Sr. DL Dylan Williams DLKey losses: QB-LB Anthony Margarum; RB-S Mike Donnelly; C-DT Jesse Corcoran; TE-DE R.J. Thiele.Outlook: Mike Hoover, a three-year assistant, takes over for Pat Kean as head coach. Eldred, which lost to Chester 53-22 in the Class D title game last season, is dedicated, practicing two hours in the morning, two hours at night and lifting for

two hours during the first week of preseason. A young offensive line must develop quickly and open holes for Gottlieb and juniors Nick Warren, Taylor Warren and Nick Banghart. Junior Hunter Kolvenbach will start at quarterback, replacing his cousin Anthony Margarum, who is playing at Division III Hartwick

ROSCOE/DOWNSVILLE/LIVINGSTON MANOR

Last season’s record: 1-6 (as Roscoe/Downsville)Coach: Fred Ahart, 35th season Returning starters: Sr. RB-LB Brad Dreher; Sr. Liam Fogarty RB-DB-KR; Sr. Joe Schwartz TE-DE; Sr. Rob Taurino FL-DB; Sr. Ryan Wood OL-DL; Jr. Dylan Murphy FL-DB; Jr. Josiah Steele OL-DL; Jr. Collin Tallman QB-LB; Soph. Kyle Hendrickson DB; Soph. Logan May OL; Soph. Joey Gales K; Jr. Everett Kunz OL; Jr. Joe McDoal OL.Key losses: OL-DL John Becker; OL-DL Steve Mootz; TE Karl Odell; WR-DB Marc RosarioOutlook: Roscoe/Downsville adds three Livingston Manor players, including senior linebacker Austin Decker. Veteran coach Fred Ahart likes his team’s experience. A successful season may come down to keeping the offensive line healthy.

PINE PLAINS

Last season’s record: 2-7 (in Class C)Coach: Tom Povall, third year

BY SAL INTERDONATOTimes Herald-Record

Matt Perry is known as “Brute” among his Chester football team-mates. If Perry had his choice, he’d lift weights non-stop.

Unfortunately for Perry, his gym, Straub Fitness in Goshen, isn’t open 24 hours a day.

Perry has lived in the gym since Chester’s 34-18 state Class D quarterfinal loss to Tuckahoe.

“We have to drag him out of the weight room or he would stay there all day,” said senior run-ning back Lawrence Young. “He

By the numbers3: Livingston Manor seniors who are playing for Roscoe/Downsville this season.13: “Varsity” players on Pine Plains’ 2012 roster. Pine Plains has 26 this season.19: Rushing touchdowns by Chester senior Lawrence Young in 2012.21.4: Kick-return average of Roscoe’s Liam Fogarty last season.379: Receiving yards by Eldred’s Nik Dilles in 2012.

Returning starters: Sr. Brett Hall RB-LB; Sr. Chris Kruzynski FB-LB; Sr. Keith Hoffman FB-DE; Sr. WR-RB-FS Matt Moss; Sr. C-DE Nick Hedges; Sr. TE-DL Tyler Wendover; Sr. WR-SS Ryan Coons; Soph. T-DT Jarek RudinKey losses: TB-LB Trevor Amato (1,000-yard rusher); FB Jake Gomm (700 yards); C-LB Joe Wendover.Outlook: Pine Plains, which drops from Class C, had 26 varsity players, twice as many as it had last season. Sophomore Kyle Barton, a jayvee fullback and linebacker last season, takes over at quarterback. Senior Matt Moss (6-foot-3, 170 pounds) moves from quarterback to wide receiver.

Matt Perry’s max bench press

just keeps going and going.”Anticipating a move to defen-

sive end, Perry wanted to get big-ger and stronger for his senior season.

The results were a new Perry. He gained 25 to 30 pounds of mus-cle and now weighs 205 pounds.

Perry’s bench press jumped from 245 to 315 pounds. He now squats 495 pounds.

“I lift six days a week,” Perry said. “I take Sunday off and do cardio. ... I feel a lot stronger.”

Perry’s quest for power has become contagious among his Chester teammates. Perry has convinced Young, quarterback Vinny Aloi, lineman Nick Sea-brook and running back Angel Suarez to join his gym.

“I’ve gained 10 pounds since going with him,” Young said.

Last year, Perry dropped 15 pounds and added speed. This off-season, running 40-yard sprints with Young has made Perry even faster.

“He’s an animal,” said coach Ron Stover, whose teams have won seven of the last 10 Class D titles. “He does everything at one speed, all out.”

Perry’s addition to the defen-sive line should make Chester’s front one of Section 9’s best in any class. Seniors Chris Wit-

Weight room is Chester’s Perry’s second

TOM BUSHEY/Times Herald-Record

Eldred’s Julian Gottlieb, left, and Nik Dilles run through a drill during practice as coach Mike Hoover, left, watches during preseason football camp.

EDWARD DILLER / For the Times Herald-Record

Chester's Vinny Aloi is in his second season as starting quarterback.


Order of finish Players to watch

Top three matchupsCHESTER VS. O’NEILL

When: Sept. 6, 7 p.m. Where: James I. O’Neil High School, Highland FallsLast season: Did not meet. What to expect: Chester gets a strong test out of the gate against the defending Class C champions. Chester’s secondary of Lawrence Young, Owen Burke and Brandon Sadlier could potentially be tested by James I. O’Neill quarterback Keegan West. Chester looks to be more balanced with Mike Volkmer and Lawrence Young running the ball and junior Vinny Aloi passing.

ELDRED VS. PINE PLAINS

When: Oct. 18, 7 p.m. Where: Pine Plains High SchoolLast season: Did not meet.What to expect: Eldred takes the two-hour, 116-mile bus ride for a key divisional road game with a possible berth in the section championship on the line. Pine Plains will pound the ball behind a good-sized offensive line led by four-year player Nick Hedges Eldred junior Hunter Kolvenbach, who enters his first season at starting quarterback, will look to veteran big-play wide receiver Nik Dilles, who caught four touchdowns passes last season,

SECTION 9 CLASS D CHAMPIONSHIP

When: Nov. 8, 7 p.m. Where: Dietz Stadium, KingstonLast season: Chester defeated Eldred 53-22.What to expect: Chester, which has seven of the last 10 Class D titles, is the favorite to win its fourth in a row. Eldred, which has captured the three titles in the 10-year span, Pine Plains and Roscoe/Downsville/Livingston Manor will battle for the second spot. Pine Plains has never won a section crown. The Bombers last played for a title in 2004, losing to Tri-Valley in Class C.

VINNY ALOI

School: ChesterPosition: quarterbackHt.: 6-4 Wt: 185Year: juniorOutlook: Second-year starter looks to build on strong 2012 finish

NIK DILLES

School: EldredPosition: WR/SHt.: 6-6 Wt: 195Year: seniorOutlook: Sidelined for half of 2012 the season due to an injury, Eldred needs a healthy Dilles to compete in the division.

BRAD DREHER

School: Roscoe/Downsville/Livingston ManorPosition: RB-LB Ht.: 5-10 Wt: 234 Year: seniorOutlook: Four-year starter averaged 6.5 yards per carry and 11.5 tackles.

JULIAN GOTTLIEB

School: EldredPosition: RB-LBHt.: 5-9 Wt: 175Year: seniorOutlook: Rushed for 499 yards and four TDs as junior but bigger contribution will come on defense.

MATT PERRY

School: ChesterPosition: FB-DEHt.: 5-10 Wt: 205Year: seniorOutlook: An outside linebacker last season, Perry added 30 pounds of muscle to play defensive end.

BRANDON SADLIER

School: ChesterPosition: WR-SHt.: 5-11 Wt: 160Year: juniorOutlook: One of team’s best athletes and a ballhawk on defense,

CHRIS WITTEKIND

School: ChesterPosition: T-DTHt.: 6-1 Wt: 240Year: seniorOutlook: One of Class D’s most experienced lineman, the three-year starter looks for another consistent season.

LAWRENCE YOUNG

School: ChesterPosition: running back/wide receiver/cornerbackHt.: 5-8 Wt: 155Year: seniorOutlook: Speedster rushed for more than 1,700 yards last season

tekind (6-1, 240) and Nick Sea-brook (6-2, 235) return at defen-sive tackle. Mike Volkmer is a 195-pound physical defensive end opposite Perry. Senior Jalen Logan (6-1, 215) has good quick-ness for a nose tackle.

“We are definitely stronger,” Perry said. “But we can’t go out there like a bunch of bulls and not know what we are doing.

“I won’t know how much stron-ger I am until I get on the field and see if I’m as strong as I think I am.”

[email protected]

home

EDWARD DILLER / For Times Herald-Record

Chester's Matt Perry can squat 495 pounds.

1. Chester: The two-time defending Class D champion’s toughest tests come out of division with three straight games against Class C teams James I. O’Neill, Tri-Valley and John S. Burke Catholic to open the season.2. Pine Plains: Dropping down from Class C to D should benefit the Bombers. Senior Brett Hall, Chris Kruzynski and Keith Hoffman give coach Tom Povall a solid three-back rotation.

3. Eldred: With only 19 players in the program, Eldred’s depth will be tested. Team will rely on the experience of four-year players Nik Dilles and Julian Gottlieb.4. Roscoe/Downsville/Livingston Manor: Tough to predict how players from the three schools will mesh. The team has some experienced skilled players returning in running backs Brad Dreher and Liam Fogarty and quarterback Collin Tallman.

Why I picked my numberAs part of team tradition,

Chester graduating seniors give their number to a young-

er player. Shaun Stover gave Sea-brook No. 52. The number takes on an-other meaning for Seabrook.

“Ever since I started playing football, I loved Ray Lewis. The way he played, the leader that he was. Shaun was a re-ally good lineman for us and I wanted to be as good or better than him.”

NICK SEABROOK, NO. 52Chester lineman

“Anthony Ognibene (a gradu-ating senior) gave me his No. 4. Matt Perry was given No. 5 by Andrew Lakis. Ryan Cabrera just liked the No. 8. Last year,

we were standing on the side-lines next to each other and realized we were ‘845.’ We took a picture of it and called our-selves, ‘The 845 boys.’ ”

CHESTER’S RYAN CABRERA, NO. 8LAWRENCE YOUNG, NO. 4

MATT PERRY, NO. 5‘The Varsity 845 boys’

“In ninth grade, nobody had the number and I wanted to make a number mine.

JULIAN GOTTLIEB, NO. 20Eldred senior running back

“I’ve worn No. 12 since my freshman year. I wear No. 12 in basketball. Dwight Howard is No. 12 and he’s my favorite basketball player.”

NIK DILLES, NO. 12Eldred wide receiver

football tab 2013

Documents

minisink valley

valley central

rondout valley

delaware valley

pine bush

pine plains

burke catholic

new paltz