Blue Devils celebrate Title with parade

The Chenango Forks Blue Devils are still riding high after their thrilling State Title win over Rye Neck back on December 1st.  Almost two weeks later, the team braved the cold and the snow and trekked through the school's neighborhood for their championship parade.  Droves of fans lined the street, braving the elements themselves, to applaud their boys one last time.

After the parade, the team and their fans continued the party with a free lunch and autograph sessions at Moe's on Front Street.

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Forks Seniors finish careers on top

Imagine practicing every day and playing games every weekend for the better part of four months.  Your team is riding an 11-game win streak into the State Semifinals only to fall short and lose one week before the final game of the season.  That's what happened to the Chenango Forks Blue Devils in 2012 when Hornell ended their season, but this year's team, specifically the seniors, remember all too well last year's loss.

Since training camp they had one goal on their mind, State Championship.  They've achieved their goal, and for them, it's the best possible way to go out - on top.

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Spartans prove anything can happen

With most of the attention being focused on head coach Matt Gallagher's decision to go for two and the win, but what's slightly overlooked is the drive and touchdown that led to the conversion.  With just 88 seconds left to play, the Spartans needed only nine plays to march 75 yards down the field and score with four seconds left.  It took several clutch catches by Jake Sinicki and a monster grab by Alec Wisniewski.

This Maine-Endwell team never gave up and was well aware that they could make any comeback possible.

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First half deficit requires halftime inspiration

The last time the Maine-Endwell Spartans had trailed a game at halftime was in the very stadium they were playing in on Sunday.  In 2011 M-E trailed Burnt Hills at the half before making a comeback to win the first of three consecutive state titles.  In 2013, the Spartans trailed the Schalmont Sabres 14-0 at the break.  It was arguably the sloppiest half of M-E football all season.  Three fumbles, a handful of penalites, and an uphill battle in the second half.

But there's a reason this team had, to that point, won back-to-back titles.  They show no quit.  The halftime message was simple, essentially: "Go out there and play Spartan football."  That, they did.  The Spartans scored the next two touchdowns before giving up the go-ahead score with 1:28 left to play.  Kyle Gallagher and the M-E offense then covered 75 yards in 1:19 to score with 4 seconds left.  The drive was completed by a surprising two-point conversion toss from Gallagher to Darnell Woolfolk for the 22-21 win.

As exciting as the second half was for the M-E faithful, the first half was the opposite.  The change is due largely to the message at halftime.

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Two-point conversions from both sides of the ball

Two State Titles, a combined two point margins, two teams coming down to two two-point conversions.  If this were Sesame Street, this article would be "brought to you by the number 2."  The M-E Spartans scored to pull within 21-20, leaving 0:04 on the clock.  Coming out to kick the PAT, Schalmont called a timeout to ice the kicker, which Head Coach Matt Gallagher was thankful for.  He says it looked like the Sabres had a good shot of blocking the kick, so he changed the call.  The Spartans went for two and the win, and got it.

The case wasn't so for the Rye Neck Panthers, and the Chenango Forks Blue Devils can celebrate because of it.  In the Class C Title Game, Rye Neck scored to pull with 28-27 with 4:02 left to play.  The Panthers came out going for two, but the monstrous Blue Devils rush defense held strong and stopped the run in the backfield.  And the rest, as they say is history.

For the Spartans, it's back-to-back-to-back State Titles.  Chenango Forks takes home top honors in the state for the first time since 2004.

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Special Congratulations for the Spartans

Maine-Endwell alumnus, Thomas Tull, Class of '88 is part owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers.  To congratulate head coach Matt Gallagher and the Spartans, he had a few of his own players share their congratulations.
(Video Courtesy: Maine-Endwell School District.)
http://www.me.stier.org/PittsburghSteelersVideo.aspx

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Forks looked to the best for final drive

After stopping Rye Neck on a two-point conversion that would have given the Panthers the lead, the Chenango Forks Blue Devils needed one last drive to end the game.  Obviously, the goal was to score, but they at least needed to chew off the majority of the four minutes left on the clock.  To do so, they looked to their best lineman, their best lead blocker, and their best ball carrier.  The result?  A 32-yard Isaiah Zimmer touchdown that was called back after offsetting penalties, and a drive that stalled out with just two seconds left to play.  The Panthers took over for one chance at a Hail Mary, but the Blue Devils line was too strong, sacking Thomas Pipolo to secure the win.

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Three-Peat takes everything M-E has

No one ever said winning three state titles was going to be easy.  But not even looking at the final score of 22-21 can tell you how tough it actually was.  But somehow, with every bit of heart, every bit of will power, and probably some luck, the Maine-Endwell Spartans overcame the Schalmont Sabres on Sunday for their 3rd State Title in as many years, and second consecutive State Title in Class B (2011's coming from Class A).

The first half, was arguably the worst half of football Maine-Endwell had played all season long.  Three fumbles by the offense led to four possessions with excellent field position for the Schalmont Sabres, two of which resulted in Schalmont touchdowns.  But both sides of the ball were penalty prone, drawing a handful of flags in the first half.  Most of them were in the direction of false starts and offsides, including a few crucial encroachment penalties when the Sabres were facing 4th and short.

Schalmont capitalized, calling out quarterback Nick Gallo's name to cap off touchdown drives.  The first of those was a one yard run, the second a two yard run.  Gallo finished with 80 yards rushing on 27 carries with the two touchdowns.  Gallo's performance on the ground was a big reason that the Spartans had to carry a 14-0 lead into the locker room.  It was the first time M-E had trailed at the half since the 2011 State Finals against Burnt Hills, a 27-20 M-E victory.

Wide Receiver/Defensive Back Alec Wisniewski said after the game, that the halftime locker room speech was not angry, not animated, but forceful.  "Coach G" as head coach Matt Gallagher is called, told his boys that they were in the Dome for a reason, and that they've overcome worse obstacles, and it can happen again.  And boy did it.

With Schalmont winning the coin toss and deferring to the second half, the Spartans knew that a stop on the first drive of the game was necessary.  But as Quarterback Kyle Gallagher says, "we didn't need it."  Wisniewski forced a fumble on the kickoff and M-E took over.  Although, they wouldn't score on that drive it definitely was an early sign of life.

The first touchdown for the blue and gold would not come until under the two minute mark of the third quarter.  Gallagher dropped back to pass but could not find any open receivers and decided to take off running and found the endzone 17 yards out.

With the ball on their own 4 yard line, the Spartans had their back against the wall.  But Darnell Woolfolk found a gaping hole on the line and busted through it for an 88 yard run, being brought down inside the ten by Trevon Perez-Tucker who was out of bounds before the tackle was made.  The Spartan bench was animated, wanting a call, but they argued to no avail.

The Sabres then stopped the Spartans on four straight plays and took over on the two.  But on the first play of the drive, Gallo was intercepted by Michael Palmer and the Spartans not wasting that possession.  The game would be tied, thanks to Trevor Garbleman sneaking into the endzone from one yard out.  Garbleman had just three carries for six yards, but that one yard touchdown was crucial.

Fast forward to the last two minutes of the game.  M-E facing 4th and very, very long.  Forced to punt, the ball is reeled in by Trevon Perez-Tucker.  Perez-Tucker used a few spin moves and broke a handful of tackled and broke free for a 58 yard punt return touchdown to make the score 21-14 with less than 1:30 to play.

Cue the heroics.  Kyle Gallagher led the M-E offense on one of the most effective and quickest two minute drills in recent memory.  With only one timeout, the Spartans drive covered a good portion of the field with huge catches by Wisniewski and Jake Sinicki to quickly get out of bounds and stop the clock.  With time winding down, the Spartans ran the ball on first and goal, only to be stopped short.  They burned their last timeout, but Wisnieski was banged up on the play.  Because of the injury, M-E was not required to use the last time out, affording them one more chance to run the ball.  Woolfolk managed to get to the 4 yard line, where the timeout was finally used, bringing up 3rd and Goal with 0:09 left.  On a pass play that was designed to go to his brother Adam, Kyle Gallagher noticed his younger sibling was double covered.  "As he should be," Kyle added."  So, #7 found Sinicki on the slant route into the endzone for the touchdown leaving four seconds on the clock.

The Spartans came out in field goal position.  A smart move.  Play for the tie, win it in overtime.  Schalmont Head Coach Joe Whipple, as coaches do, used a timeout to "ice the kicker."  Well, as Matt Gallagher said, "I'm glad he called timeout, he overloaded the right side and I had a feeling they could block us."  So, after the timeout, the Spartans came out with Kyle Gallagher under center and going for the win.  Gallagher dropped back to pass and found a wide open Woolfolk in the endzone, 22-21.

Two penalties were assessed to the Sabres bench after the play, moving the Spartans to the Schalmont 30.  Needless to say, the Sabres started on their own 20 after the touchback.  Four seconds left on the clock, needing a miracle, Gallo dumped it out to Perez-Tucker who scrambled around but was brought down no more than 10 yards from the line of scrimmage.  Kyle Gallagher, fittingly, making the final tackle to complete the historical comeback and securing the three-peat.

After the game, when asked about the decision to go for two, Kyle still amazed that his dad made that choice.

"He always says, when you're the favorite, you go for the tie.  If you're the underdog, you go for it and go for the win," Kyle said.  "When he said we were going for it I was like, 'what, umm, alright.'"

Gallagher finished 6-11, 100 yds, and 1 TD; adding 41 yards rushing on 10 carries and 1 TD.  Woolfolk was named Finals MVP after his 24 carry, 177 yard performance.  The only time Woolfolk found the endzone was on the winning 2-pt conversion.

The Spartans win makes it three straight state titles, and 38 victories in a row - the longest active win streak in New York State.

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Blue Devils stand tall in State Finals

The Chenango Forks Blue Devils knew they wanted a State Title real bad.  On Sunday, they had to prove just how bad.  It took until the final second of the game, but the Blue Devils gutted out the 28-27 victory to take home the Class C State Title over Rye Neck.

Despite falling behind early on a 20 yard touchdown pass from the Panthers Nick Pipolo to Matt Garcia, the Blue Devils showed no quit.  Having made it to the State Semifinals the year before and losing, this year's team was going to finish what they started.

As he's done all year, Isaiah Zimmer evened the game up on a 1 yard TD play set up by the previous run of LJ Watson.  With the game tied, Forks had a chance to take the lead, they did so through the air.  JC Sweeney and Andrew Ziegenfus have connected on monster plays all season long, so it's only fitting that they did it one last time in the State Finals.  A 30 yard bomb that Ziegenfus had to use all of his 6'4" frame to reel in over the defender and lunge into the endzone, gave the Blue Devils a second quarter 14-7 lead.

But the seven point lead would be short lived.  How short?  The ensuing kick off, returned 88 yards by Ryan Morningstar.  The Panthers set back on the PAT by a penalty and with the added yardage decide to go for two, but fail to convert.  So while the lead was cut down, it was still 14-13 Forks.

The Blue Devils though, would extend their lead in no time.  Zimmer getting the call again, a 7 yard run for #45 and Forks was back on top 21-13.  But with 43 seconds left and the Panthers inside the ten, Pipolo tossed it up to Jakob Calvini who made the circus catch for the touchdown.  Trying to even things up, the Panthers go for two and covert.  So, we take a 21-21 game into the locker room.

The second half, much quieter in terms of scoring, but twice as thrilling.  A back and forth 3rd quarter with no scoring brought us to the edge of your seat final frame.  Zimmer earning his MVP award in style, takes the lead on a 7 yard touchdown, 28-21.  Zimmer finished with 39 carries, 175 yards, and 3 touchdowns. 

But with just over four minutes remaining on the clock, the Panthers strike once again.  Jake Sevean with the catch from Pipolo, a 9 yard pass to draw within one.  Rye Neck going for the win and going for two, but opting for the run, Forks run defense doing what it's done all year and getting a huge stop on the 2-pt conversion attempt.  But there was plenty of football left to play.

In the final ten seconds, Blue Devils with possession, Zimmer finds a hole and takes it 32 yards for the score and the clincher.  But wait, an illegal shift calls the touchdown back, Zimmer said afterwards he went from excited to frustrated in a matter of seconds.  But, that's part of the game.  So with seven seconds left and on 4th down, the Blue Devils turn the ball over on downs.  Rye Neck with the clock reading 0:02 go to Pipolo's arm, but he never released the ball.  The Blue Devils all over him in the backfield getting a sack to secure the first State Title in nine years.

For Head Coach Dave Hogan, it was all smiles as he expressed how proud he is of this team, never giving up and working hard all year long.  When asked how it feels for him personally, taking home his first state title as a head coach (he was an assistant in '03 and '04), he says "Wow, I haven't really even been able to think about that," and his mouth widens to a ear-to-ear grin.

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Spartans, Blue Devils talk experience and emotions before the big game

For the Maine-Endwell Spartans, having played in the previous two State Finals will be a huge advantage against 13-0 Schalmont Sunday.  Several of M-E's players have been on one or both of the previous state championship teams.  Add to that, that the 2011 title came in a come from behind win, while last year's came with M-E leading throughout.  Having seen it all, the Spartans are ready for Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Chenango Forks football program has been to the Dome before.  Making appearances in 2001, '02, '03, '04, '05, and '07, taking home titles in '03 and '04.  But, none of the players on this year's team have ever played in the Dome on the last day of the season.  Despite the inexperience, sometimes the excitement and the nerves can be a good thing.

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Class B Scouting Report: M-E vs. Schalmont

The Maine-Endwell Spartans have been making plenty of headlines this season.  Having won 37 straight games and in position to win a third, straight State Title, the Spartans are ready for their next opponent Schalmont.  Head Coach Matt Gallagher compares the Sabres to his Spartans, not the biggest team, physically but both teams have strength and speed.

Meanwhile, Schalmont Head Coach Joe Whipple says that if his Sabres want to take home the top honors, they can't get caught up in the accomplishments of the Spartans, and just stick to their game.

Kick-off at 3:00 on Sunday at the Carrier Dome.

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Forks ready for Sunday, not overestimating Rye Neck

While the Chenango Forks Blue Devils are ready for the school's first appearance in the State Finals since 2007, they know it won't be an easy game.  Their opponent, Rye Neck, as Forks Head Coach Dave Hogan says, runs a very similar 5-2 defense and there are many other similarities in their games.  The Blue Devils are averaging 40 points per game, the Panthers, 38.  Forks allows an average of 10.9 pts per game, Rye Neck just 6.  So, while the Blue Devils have been confident throughout this week of practice, they know beating Rye Neck won't be a walk in the park and will take an all around effort.

Kick-off at 12:00 on Sunday at the Carrier Dome.

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Blue Devils Return to Glory

It's been six years since the last time the Chenango Forks Blue Devils have made an end of season appearance in the Carrier Dome.  State Champs in '03 and '04, runners up in '01, '02, '05, and '07, Chenango Forks has a strong history of football excellence in the 21st century alone.  For this year's squad, the goal at the beginning of the year was to make it back to the state finals, where Hornell ended their season the year before.  After getting over that hump on Saturday, the Blue Devils now have their eyes on the prize... a state title, and a return to Forks glory.

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Win Streak? Three-peat? No pressure for Spartans

Logic would dictate that at 18 years old, or younger, one might start to feel the pressure of a 37-game win streak dating back to 2011.  One might also feel the pressure of being the two-time defending state champions, going for three in a row.  One would also expect to feel the weight of the expectations from a community and Section IV fan base.  But, one is not a Maine-Endwell Spartan.

Despite having plenty of importance riding on Sunday's state championship game against Schalmont, the Maine-Endwell Spartans are still focusing on one game, one week at a time.  That game, that week, comes Sunday at 3:00 in the Carrier Dome, and they're ready for it.

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East extends Ernie Davis win streak

It was a cold night at U-E's Ty Cobb Stadium, and despite earlier concerns that the game might be postponed, the 23rd annual Ernie Davis Exceptional Senior Classic went off without a hitch.

For the 4th straight year, the East won the battle.  This year's contest was a 20-6 victory.  Binghamton's Joe Crowley scored the first two touchdowns of the game.

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Spartans, Blue Devils get shot at Title

While Section IV Teams went 0-2 in Semifinal games Friday night, Saturday was much better for the Southern Tier.  The Chenango Forks Blue Devils blanked Cleveland Hill 22-0 in the opening game of the day.  The Maine-Endwell Spartans followed up with a 35-13 victory over Depew.

For the Blue Devils, it's the first trip to the Carrier Dome since 2007, having made six State Finals since 2001, and winning it all in '03 and '04.  Since the opening of training camp, the Blue Devils have been working towards a return to the semis, to secure a better outcome than last year's loss to Hornell.  While that goal is complete, the larger goal, a state title, will have to wait one more week.  Chenango Forks faces off against Rye Neck, who beat Hoosick Falls 14-0 in the East Semis, at the Dome on Sunday, Dec. 1, at 12:00.

The Maine-Endwell Spartans also battled the whiteout conditions in Rochester and bested Depew.  It was the 37th straight win for the Spartans and secures a third straight State Title berth.  M-E goes for back-to-back titles in Class B, and a third straight state title overall (having won Class A honors in 2011).  M-E draws the 3:00 game on Sunday, against Schalmont.  Schalmont blanked Marlboro Central 66-0 in their semifinal game.

VIDEO COURTESY OF TIME WARNER CABLE SPORTS CHANNEL

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Both Tigers fall in bad night for Section IV

ROCHESTER -- It was a bad night to be a Tiger on the gridiron.  In the first of two matchups at Sahlen's Stadium, Tioga fell to Randolph 35-6.  In the nightcap, Union-Endicott fell to Williamsville North 27-14.

For Tioga, all roads led to this game.  Last year, the Randolph Cardinals put an end to the Tigers season 7-6 in the State Semis.  Since then, the Tigers have been waiting, hoping that the Cardinals would find their way back to the Semifinals for a bit of revenge.  Unfortunately for #2 ranked Tioga, #1 ranked Randolph came out with a sense of urgency.  The Cardinals scored on their first two drives of the game, and led the Tigers 21-0 at the half.  Tioga eventually trailed 28-0 after three, before Brad Jump found his way into the endzone, but it was too little too late as Tioga's season once again ended at the hands of Randolph, 35-6.

Union-Endicott also saw it's season end in the Semis last year, but at the hands of Sweet Home.  With Sweet Home out of the way, the Tigers had their eyes on the Dome, but like their striped counterparts, U-E's Tigers were caught flat footed out of the gate.  The Spartans put up 20 unanswered points in the first half and took a 27-0 lead at the start of the 4th quarter.  U-E made a run late in the 4th, scoring twice, but it was also too late.  U-E's six game win streak ends with the 27-14 loss, the Tigers finish the season 8-4.

VIDEO COURTESY OF TIME WARNER CABLE SPORTS CHANNEL

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Spartans stand tall with back to wall

As the Maine-Endwell Spartans prepare for Saturday's semi-final against Depew, everyone is still talking about the one point win over Cazenovia in the quarterfinals.

With 1:12 left to play in regulation, the Lakers scored to make it a 35-34 game.  Rather than playing it safe and kicking the extra point to, hopefully, force overtime, Head Coach Tom Neidl opted to let QB Kevin Hopsicker go for two and the win.  The call on the field was no-good, but no one, including myself, is sure if the ball did or did not cross the plane of the goal line.

The Spartans certainly agree with the officials and look to carry that momentum and that heart into Saturday's semi-final matchup.

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Forks not taking Semis for granted

Since training camp, the Chenango Forks Blue Devils have had their eye on this weekend - the State Semifinals.  It's the same game that brought an end to their season a year ago in a loss to Hornell.  In past years, the Blue Devils seem to be at home in the semis, making appearances in all but three seasons since 2001.  They've also advanced to the State Finals in six of those years, including state titles in 2003 and 2004.  Forks, however, has not made it past the semifinal round since 2007, leaving this year's team hungry for the spotlight.  To get past Cleveland Hill on Saturday, the Blue Devils know it's going to take a little extra effort than previous weeks, and that begins with an emphasis on keeping up the stellar job on blocking.

Chenango Forks plays Cleveland Hill at noon on Saturday, at Rochester's Sahlen's Stadium.

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Regrouping following one point thriller

Saturday's 35-34 win over Cazenovia was unfamiliar territory for the 2013 M-E Spartans.  In the 10 games previous, the Spartans outscored their opponents by 401 points, with their smallest margin of victory coming in a 35-15 win over JC in the Section Title game.  To be tested the way they were Saturday night and still emerge victorious, Head Coach Matt Gallagher said his team showed a lot of heart and a lot of guts, especially playing without six of their teammates who were serving a one game suspension for breaking a team rule.

All 51 Spartans will make the trip to Rochester and be eligible to play in the team's third straight semifinal appearance.  Kick-off against Depew is at 3:00 Saturday.

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Road to the Dome: Regional Saturday

The Maine-Endwell Spartans cruised through the regular season and into the playoffs, with their smallest margin of victory coming just last week in the Section Finals, a 35-15 win over Johnson City.  Enter Cazenovia, the #3 ranked team in the State in Class B, and M-E's opponent last year.  It came down to the final minute, but the Spartans survived with a 35-34 win to advance to the state semis.

Aside from the first score of the game, which went to the Lakers, the Spartans never trailed.  They scored back-to-back to go up 14-7 and then both teams traded scores the rest of the way.  The toughest test for Maine-Endwell came with 0:08 on the clock in the 4th quarter.  The Lakers on 4th and goal from the 8, lining up to kick, QB Kevin Hopsicker the placeholder, from two knees, tries to run but is hit.  Referees throw a flag in the direction of a 15-yard facemask, Spartans Head Coach Matt Gallagher wanted Hopsicker ruled down.  Ball moves to the 4 yard line with 0:05 left.  Hopsicker goes back to pass, Spartans flagged for pass interference with no time left on the clock.  With one last play before the quarter, and 4th and goal from the 2, the Lakers go for it and fall just short to end the quarter.

After a Kyle Gallagher fumble on the 1 to start the 4th, the Lakers tie the game at 28 and plenty of football left.  But Kyle would get his redemption, finding little brother Adam from 5 yards out for the eventual game winning score.

But enter the drama, Andrew Vogl scores with 1:12 left to pull Cazenovia within one point.  After both teams call a timeout, the Lakers opt to go for two, and the win.  Hopsicker calls his own number and lunges for the goal line.  The ball comes lose, but the whistles already blew the play dead.  Both teams are celebrating before any official call was made.  Eventually, Hopsicker was ruled down before the ball crossed the plane and the Spartans maintain their one point lead.  Cazenovia with one last chance, goes for the onsides kick, but the Spartans recover and take a knee to secure their 36th straight win.

M-E advances to the State Semis for the 3rd straight year.  Next weekend they play Depew at Rochester's Sahlen Stadium.

In Class C, the Chenango Forks Blue Devils hold off a late surge from General Brown for the 35-18 win.  JC Sweeney and Andrew Ziegenfus connected for two touchdowns through the air.  LJ Watson and Isaiah Zimmer each added one score apiece on the ground.  Watson also found the endzone on a 65 yard punt return.  The Blue Devils advance to the State Semis for the 2nd straight year and they have plenty of unfinished business.

The Forks team has been talking about this next game (and beyond) since training camp.  After losing to Hornell in the State Semis, their entire season has been played with the goal of returning to the Carrier Dome where they have historically had plenty of success.  The Blue Devils, most recently, went back-to-back in 2003 and 2004.

The Blue Devils draw Cleveland Hill in Rochester next weekend.

Finally, in Class AA, possibly the upset of the year, the Elmira Express hold on to defeat Christian Brothers Academy 24-18.  The go-ahead touchdown was scored by Eli Thomas with 2:28 left on the clock.  Rasean Brooks then came up with an interception to tip the scales even more in Elmira's favor.  But CBA had the ball with 53 seconds left but could not convert on 4th down.  From there, it took just a few knees to run out the clock.

An impressive 5-0 weekend sweep for Section IV in the State Quaterfinals.

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The Road to the Dome: Friday Regionals

Scores and highlights from the State Quarterfinal games on Friday Night:

Class A:

Carthage 7 - Union-Endicott 43

UE vs. winner Eastridge/Williamsville North (at Sahlen's Stadium, Rochester)

Class D:

Herkimer 13 - Tioga 43

Tioga vs. Randolph @ Sahlen's Stadium, Rochester - Fri. 5:00

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Union-Endicott hopes for second straight semifinals appearance

After an 0-2 start to the season under first year Head Coach Tom Baleno, Union-Endicott has responded quite nicely.

The Tigers are currently riding a five game win streak and have come out on top in seven of their last eight contests. On the docket for the Tigers is Class A's 16th-ranked team, Carthage. U-E comes in at No. 18 in Class A.

On the heels of its second straight sectional title, Union-Endicott hopes to make their second straight state semifinals appearance as well.

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Maine-Endwell could be in trouble in quarterfinals

The Maine-Endwell Spartans could be in some trouble in their state quarterfinal game against Cazenovia this Saturday. Six Spartans, according to Head Coach Matt Gallagher, broke an undisclosed team rule.

Gallagher said that disciplinary action will be taken care of in-house. When asked if the unnamed players will be in the lineup Saturday, he said it is quite possible that some will be sitting out.

All 51 Spartans will dress for the quarterfinal contest, however.

Maine-Endwell enters the state playoffs with hopes of a third straight Class B Title. Their quarterfinal matchup is against Cazenovia at 6 PM Saturday, at Union-Endicott's Ty Cobb Stadium.

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Tigers(x2) and Blue Devils take home Section Titles

Three games left on the Section IV Finals schedule for Saturday, none disappointed.  Class D started off the day with a bang as Tioga blasted Unatego 80-53.  Class C followed with a Chenango Forks 49-15 victory over Waverly.  The night concluded with the Union-Endicott Tigers holding off the rival Vestal Golden Bears for the 20-14 win.

The Class D Shootout, as it were, saw Tioga take a 59-12 lead into the locker room.  Finals MVP Jesse Manuel led the first half attack with 16 carries, 217 yards, and three touchdowns but he and the rest of the first stringers for the Tigers did not see any action in the second half.  Meanwhile, quarterback Ryan Vergason threw the ball once.  One complete pass for 28 yards.  Outside of Manuel's running game, the rest of the Tigers ran the ball  41 times for 405 yards and six touchdowns.  That's a total running game of 57 carries, 622 yards and nine TDs.  But that's not the most impressive stat of the day.

The Unatego Spartans came out guns a-blazing in the second half.  Offensive Player of the game, Spartans QB, Josh Feyerabend set the NYS single game record for passing yards.  His 29-40, 581 yard, 7 TD performance stole the record away from CBA's Greg Paulus who went 30-50 with 543 yards.  Feyerabend also came up just one TD shy of the record 8 set by St. Joseph's Gary Castine.  Feyerabend joins 8 other NYS QBs to throw for 7 TDs in one game.

The Tigers follow their third straight section title with a Regional matchup agianst Herkimer at 7:00 on Friday at U-E's Ty Cobb Stadium.

For the Chenango Forks Blue Devils, it's their second straight Class C title, and 4th in 5 years (with 2013 opponent Waverly taking 2011 honors).  Including their previous seasons in Class B, Forks has won Section titles in 11 of the last 13 seasons.  Saturday's 49-15 victory over the Wolverines was highlighted by the play of Finals MVP Isaiah Zimmer.  Zimmer's four TDs came on 25 carries and 219 yards rushing.  The Blue Devils have successfully integrated a solid passing game over the last few seasons, but Saturday, Head Coach Dave Hogan said the ground game was working too well to throw the ball.  A classic case of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."  JC Sweeney picked up just seven yards passing on one completion and four attempts.  Ryan Bronson was named Offensive Player of the Game, Mike Zurenda, Defensive Player of the Game.

Chenango Forks draws the winner of Immaculate Heart and General Brown (those two play Sunday at the Carrier Dome).  Blue Devils regional game is at noon on Saturday at U-E.

The nightcap featured two bitter rivals, the U-E Tigers and the Vestal Golden Bears in a rematch of last year's Class A Finals.  The Tigers got the best of that one, 27-3 but this year, it would be a little closer.

Trailing 20-14 late in the 4th quarter, the Golden Bears forced a fumble and took over possession.  On 4th down, QB Nick Wegmann took off scrambling, gained significant yardage, but fell mere inches shy of the first down line.  From there, the Tigers took over possession and just needed to take a knee to make it back-to-back titles in Class A.

Sammy Davis led the Tigers on the ground with 20 carries, 122 yards, and 1 TD.  Joey Orlando 8-16 with 123 yards and two interceptions.

The Tigers next opponent, Carthage, scored it's last TD with 21 seconds left to beat Indian River 21-20 for the Section III Class A Title.

U-E and Carthage battle it out at 7:00 Friday night at Vestal (U-E is not allowed to play on its home field).

Friday night's winners, Elmira (AA) and M-E (B) also now know when their next game is, but only Elmira knows who it's against.  Elmira will play CBA at 3:00 Saturday at U-E.  M-E gets the winner of Cazenovia and Oneida (Sunday), that game at 6:00 Saturday at U-E.

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Spartans 4-peat, Patriots fall in Section Finals

Five Sectional titles this weekend.  With three games Saturday, Friday night provided a teaser with plenty of thrills.

In the evening game, the M-E Spartans rode three consecutive touchdowns by Darnell Woolfolk to take down the JC Wildcats 35-15.  For the Spartans it's their 4th straight Section IV Title.  They won the Class A Title in 2010 and '11 and made it back-to-back Class B Titles Friday evening.  Next up: the winner of Cazenovia and Oneida.  Those two teams play for the Section III Title on Sunday.

In Class AA nightcap, the Binghamton Patriots gave the Elmira Express a run for their money, but couldn't get the job done late in the game.  Trailing 22-14 at the half, the Patriots tied the game up early in the 3rd, but the Express, appropriately, quickly scored and subsequently ran away with it and ended the game 42-22.  For Elmira, it's the team's first Sectional title in the three years since the ESS/EFA merger.

Saturday's schedule:

Class D: Tioga vs. Unatego, 12:00, Alumni Stadium

Class C: Chenango Forks vs. Waverly, 3:00, Alumni Stadium

Class A: Union-Endicott vs. Vestal, 9:00, Alumni Stadium

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Blue Devils, Tigers ready for Section Title games

As we prepare ourselves for the excitement that is the Section IV Finals, the teams on the field have plenty of preparing to do as well.  In Class AA, Binghamton and Elmira met in week 8, so the Patriots loss, is all too fresh in the memory bank, and they're ready for revenge, U-E and Vestal get a second rivalry showdown for the Class A Title, and in Class B, another rivalry, the Spar-Cat,  M-E and JC head-to-head in a rematch of week 4.

Meanwhile, in Class C, the Chenango Forks and Waverly go head-to-head in a rematch of last season's Section Final.  The Blue Devils won that won, and if not for Waverly in 2011, would be looking for five Section titles in a row.  But as Head Coach Dave Hogan knows, the biggest chink in his team's armor is it's pass defense.

Finally, in Class D, the Tioga Tigers are putting their 9-0 record on the line in their quest for a third straight title.  To do so, they will go up against the 8-1 Unatego Spartans.  The Spartans have scored 122 more points than they've allowed this year, a differential second only in Class D to their next opponent Tioga.  While most Class D teams are known for their ground and pound offenses, both teams showed off impressive and blossoming air attacks in their semi-final games on Saturday.  For Tigers Head Coach Nick Aiello, the arm of three-year starter Ryan Vergason will be a key to victory.

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Semi-Final Saturday: Scores and Highlights from Section IV Football

Several games on the schedule to set the schedule for the Section IV Finals (home team listed second):

Class AA:
Elmira vs. Binghamton, 11/8, 8:00pm, Ty Cobb Stadium

Class A:
Horseheads 0 - Union-Endicott 50
U-E vs Vestal, 11/9, 6:00, Alumni Stadium

Class B:
Owego 6 - Maine-Endwell 49
Norwich 14 - Johnson City 35
JC vs. M-E, 11/8, 5:00, Ty Cobb Stadium

Class C:
Lansing 26 - Chenango Forks 48
Newark Valley 20 - Waverly 25
Waverly vs. Forks, 11/9, 3:00, Alumni Stadium

Class D:
Spencer-Van Etten 0 - Tioga 54
Notre Dame 12 - Unatego 20
Unatego vs. Tioga, 11/9, 12:00pm, Alumni Stadium

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Section IV Semi-final weekends: Friday Night

Scores and highlights from around Section IV in the Section IV Semi-Final round (home team listed second):

Class AA:
Ithaca 24 - Binghamton 54

Class A:
Corning 14 - Vestal 33

Non-Playoff Games:
Walton 6 - Sidney 20

Greene 0 - Windsor 32

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Section IV Semifinal schedule announced

With the regular season over, and the Class D Playoff pool narrowed down, the road to a Section IV Title can officially begin.  It's a busy day weekend to begin the postseason, but Fox 40 will have all your playoff football action.

Class AA
Ithaca @ Binghamton, Friday, 7:00
Elmira - BYE

Class A
Corning @ Vestal, Friday, 7:00
Horsheads @ Union-Endicott, Saturday, 7:00

Class B
Owego @ Maine-Endwell, Saturday, 1:30
Norwich @ Johnson City, Saturday, 7:00 (Alumni Stadium)

Class C
Lansing vs. Chenango Forks, Saturday, 12:00 (Ty Cobb Stadium)
Newark Valley vs. Waverly, Saturday, 3:00 (Ty Cobb Stadium)

Class D
Spencer-Van Etten vs. Tioga, Saturday, 1:00 (Alumni Stadium)
Notre Dame vs. Unatego, Saturday, 4:00 (Alumni Stadium)

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4th & Goal: Game of the Week - Trumansburg @ Greene

It was a rainy senior night for the Greene Trojans. The skies cleared in time for the second half, but the first half saw a lot of fumbles caused by slick footballs. Luckily for the Trojans, most of the bounces went their way and enabled them to finish their rollercoaster season with a 26-6 victory.

 

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Cardinals ready for Wolverines in Semis

If there's anyway to guarantee momentum into the postseason, the Newark Valley Cardinals figured it out.  Entering Week 8, Newark Valley was tied with Cheanango Valley for the last playoff spot in Class C.  Win, or go home.  The Warriors got the benefit of home field advantage, but that didn't stop a relentless Cardinals attack from securing the 26-7 victory and a playoff berth.

They would have to wait a few hours before finding out who their opponent was, however.  Lansing and Waverly had both gained playoff berths, but needed the decisive Week 8 matchup to decide seeding.  Waverly won by a touchdown, setting the playoff picture for a Newark Valley/Waverly Class C Semifinal on Saturday.

Luckily, for the Cardinals, they have plenty of experience with Waverly, and feel confident heading into a week of practice in preparation for the playoffs.

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Week 8: Saturday Night Scores and Highlights

Scores from the final day of the regular season from around Section IV (home team listed second):

Spencer-Van Etten 32 - Harpursville 14 (Class D Quarterfinal)

Chenango Forks 41 - Whitney Point 6

Newark Valley 26 - Chenango Valley 7

Lansing 22 - Waverly 29

Binghamton 14 - Elmira 32

Corning 20 - Union-Endicott 48

Maine-Endwell 49 - Oneonta 0

Dryden 14 - Edison 16

Seton 19 - Delhi 8

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Week 8: Friday Night Scores and Highlights

Week 8, Friday Night Scores and Highlights from around Section IV Football (home teams listed second):

Susquehanna Valley 20 - Windsor 14

Norwich 7 - Johnson City 55

Ithaca 0 - Vestal 49

Trumansburg 6 - Greene 26

Sidney 0 - Tioga 31 (Class D Quarterfinals)

Moravia 6 - Unatego 35 (Class D Quarterfinals)

Walton 28 - Notre Dame 36 (Class D Quarterfinals)

Odessa-Montour 8 - Candor 35

Oxford 14 - Unadilla Valley 27

Bainbridge-Guildford 38 - Watkins Glen 6

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Thursday Night Football: Horseheads beats Owego

Week 8 of the high school football season got started a little early, with a Thursday night contest between Horseheads and Owego. Despite the Indians taking a lead in the first quarter, the visiting Blue Raiders won 41-27.

Owego finishes the year 4-4, in 4th place in their division. The Indians will take on Maine-Endwell in the first round of the playoffs.

Horseheads ends 2013 with a 2-6 record.

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4th & Goal: Game of the Week - Forks/Valley

In what could possibly be the last ever Chenango Civil War, as both districts are talking merger, Chenango Forks beat Chenango Valley 55-20 on Saturday in front of a packed house.

Isaiah Zimmer led the strong running game for Forks with 18 carries and 162 yards, and 2 TDs.  The Blue Devils have been integrating a strong passing game over the last few years and JC Sweeney helped out through the air, 4-6, 73 yards, and 2 TDs.  Andrew Ziegenfus and Scott Craver each with only one reception, but both were touchdowns, Ziegenfus with 24 yards, Craver with 13.

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Playoff atmosphere prepares Blue Devils

A rivalry game like Chenango Valley vs. Chenango Forks is guaranteed to pack the bleachers on both sides of the field.  While the Blue Devils won't soon forget their 55-20 win over their bitter rivals, the game served a much higher purpose for the road going forward.

Forks starts a good number of both freshmen and sophomores on both sides of then ball, and playing in front of a large and raucous crowd can only help toughen up mentally.  When it comes time for the postseason, that's good experience to have.

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Week 7: Saturday Scores and Highlights

Scores and highlights from around Section IV, Week 7 - Saturday night (home teams listed second):

Union-Endicott 50 - Horseheads 22

Chenango Valley 20 - Chenango Forks 55

Norwich 19 - Susquehanna Valley 13 OT

Lansing 34 - Newark Valley 20

Deposit/Hancock 2 - Delhi 40

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Week 7: Friday Night Scores and Highlights

Scores from around Section IV, Week 7, Friday night (home teams listed second):

Corning 21 - Binghamton 42

Elmira 59 - Ithaca 0

Vestal 28 - Windsor 14

Johnson City 63 - Oneonta 32

Maine-Endwell 57 - Owego 14

Whitney Point 16 - Greene 8

Waverly 35 - Dryden 14

Edison 22 - Trumansburg 42

Walton 27 - Bainbridge-Guilford 22

Unatego 45 - Unadilla Valley 19

Seton 40 - Candor 18

Harpursville 47 - Oxford 22

Sidney 8 - Tioga 34

Notre Dame 30 - Watkins Glen 14

Groton 6 - Spencer Van Etten 30

Moravia 37 - Odessa-Montour 0

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Hoover in the hunt for "Best Coach"

WALTON -- Warriors Head Football Coach Jim Hoover is still in the running for Best High School Football Coach in America in a  USA Today poll.  Hoover passed the regional vote, keeping him in the competition with just seven other coaches.  Voting begins at noon on Monday.  The Final round starts with a clean slate for all eight remaining coaches.

The Athletic Department of the winning coach receives $2,000.  If you'd like to vote to help Hoover advance, you can visit USATodayHSS.com.

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Wildcats push for playoff position

A 20 point divisional win in Week 6 is a huge boost to a team like Johnson City, that despite starting the year 1-3, has bounced back for an even 3-3 record and a tie for second in Division II with Norwich.  The Wildcats and the Purple Tornado have one week to gain separation before going head to head in the last week of the regular season.

The top two teams in the division get home field advantage in the first round of the playoffs, and that's something that head coach Fred Deinyhardt feels is important for postseason success.  But he also knows, that the road ahead, likely, brings with it a, recently, unbeatable team in Maine-Endwell who currently leads the division.

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4th & Goal Game of the Week: Week 6 - Newark Valley @ Whitney Point

Week 6 - Newark Valley @ Whitney Point

Game of the Week

Cardinals 27 - Golden Eagles 8

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Hornets not sitting back after loss

When two undefeated teams go head-to-head, logic dictates, only one will remain unbeaten.  Unfortunately for the Harpursville Hornets, on Saturday that was not them.  Trying to rally from a 19 point halftime deficit is never an easy task, but trying to do so against a tough team with a lot of depth like the Tioga Tigers, is that much difficult.

For the Hornets, the second half was much better than the first, trading touchdowns with the Tigers, ultimately only a six point, second half deficit, albeit in favor or Tioga.  While losing your first game of the season is never easy, this late in the season, there is some solace in the fact that it was done against another undefeated team.  It may feel like a long week at practice waiting for the Oxford Blackhawks on Friday, but the Hornets are learning and growing from their Week 6 loss.  It's also good to know, that their likely opponent in the Playoffs would be the Tioga Tigers, and a chance for revenge.

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Week 7 Schedule

For most teams, Week 7 represents the continued push for the playoffs.  But for teams in Class D, it's the last regular season game before the postseason starts a week early.

Here is the list of games scheduled for Week 7 (subject to change):

Friday, October 18:

Corning (3-3) @ Binghamton (5-1)
Elmira (6-0) @ Ithaca (0-6)
Vestal (3-3) @ Windsor (2-4)
Johnson City (3-3) @ Oneonta (1-5)
Maine-Endwell (6-0) @ Owego (4-2)
Whitney Point (2-4) @ Greene (2-4)
Waverly (4-2) @ Dryden (4-2)
Edison (1-5) @ Trumansburg (0-6)
Walton (4-2) @ Bainbridge-Guilford (1-5)
Unatego (5-1) @ Unadilla Valley (0-6)
Seton (2-4) @ Candor (1-5)
Harpursville (5-1) @ Oxford (1-5)
Sidney (4-2) @ Tioga (6-0)
Notre Dame (5-1) @ Watkins Glen (3-3)
Groton (4-2) @ Spencer Van Etten (4-2)
Moravia (3-3) @ Odessa-Montour (0-6)

Saturday, October 19:

Union-Endicott (3-3) @ Horseheads (1-5)
Norwich (3-3) @ Susquehanna Valley (2-4)
Chenango Valley (4-2) @ Chenango Forks (5-1)
Lansing (4-2) @ Newark Valley (5-1)
Deposit/Hancock (4-2) @ Delhi (2-4)

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Tigers riding high after win

It was the last time this regular season that two undefeated teams would meet head to head.  The Tioga Tigers traveled to Harpursville and bested the Hornets 45-20.  After heading into the locker room up 19-0, Head Coach Nick Aiello admitted there were some nervous moments on the sideline as Harpursville began to surge, but the Tigers held off their opponent for the crucial divisional win.

Not only does a win like this help the Tigers in the division standings, as well as likely the state rankings, it is a huge confidence boost for the team.  That boost will be much needed as Tioga will be faced with a tough 4-2 Sidney Warriors team next week.

 

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Week 6: Saturday Scores and Highlights

Scores from around Section IV on Saturday night (home teams listed second):

Tioga 45 - Harpursville 20

Susquehanna Valley 0 - Maine-Endwell 69

Greene 0 - Chenango Forks 69

Waverly 21 - Chenango Valley 31

Spencer Van Etten 36 - Moravia 14

Vestal 0 - Elmira 30

Oxford 18 - Seton 48

Owego 28 - Johnson City 48

Unadilla Valley 8 - Walton 53

Bainbridge-Guilford 20 - Delhi 30

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Friday Night Scores and Highlights from Week 6

Scores from around Section IV Football, Friday Night, Week 6 (home team listed second):

Newark Valley 27 - Whitney Point 8

Union-Endicott 54 - Norwich 23

Groton 15 - Notre Dame 34

Watkins Glen 38 - Odessa Montour 12

Edison 6 - Lansing 61

Deposit/Hancock 14 - Unatego 42

Windsor 31 - Oneonta 27

Horseheads 28 - Corning 36

Binghamton 41 - Ithaca 14

Sidney 41 - Candor 0

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Indians head back to work on Monday

It will be a short lived celebration of the 43-33 victory over Susquehanna Valley on Saturday.  While the Owego Free Academy coaching staff is pleased with the offensive output, they're well aware that 33 points against, will be hard to combat from week to week.  After a good week of practice leading up to the SV game, with another divisional win under their belt, it will be another hard week of practice in preparation for Johnson City in week six.

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4th & Goal: Week 6: Game of the Week - OFA @ SV

Game of the Week, 4th & Goal:

Owego Free Academy 43 - Susquehanna Valley 33 Final

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Week 5: Saturday scores and hightlights from Section IV

Saturday scores from around Section IV (home team listed second):

Norwich 7 - Maine-Endwell 49

Owego 43 - Susquehanna Valley 33

Ithaca 28 - Oneonta 33

Walton 12 - Deposit/Hancock 13

Corning 12 - Elmira 22

Notre Dame 48 - Moravia 14

Chenango Forks 35 - Newark Valley 14

 

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Week 5: Friday Night Scores and Highlights

Scores from around Section IV Football, Week 5, Friday Night (home team listed 2nd):

Union-Endicott 27 - Binghamton 34

Unadilla Valley 0 - Bainbridge-Guilford 28

Oxford 0 - Tioga 50

Trumansburg 34 - Waverly 0

Horseheads 11 - Vestal 38

Dryden 22 - Lansing 28

Chenango Valley 41 - Greene 6

Watkins Glen 18 - Groton 48

Delhi 14 - Unatego 48

Seton 22 - Sidney 38


Johnson City 37 - Windsor 16

Harpursville 1 - Candor 0 (forfeit)

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Spartans Focus on Game, Not Streak

After a 36-3 win over the Wildcats on Saturday, the Maine-Endwell Spartans retained the SparCat Trophy, but more importantly, pushed their winning streak to 29 straight games dating back to the beginning of the 2011 season.  But if you were to sit in on team meetings or practices, you wouldn't know it.

Every week the Spartans put the streak in the back of their minds and instead focus on the game ahead.  This relieves some of the pressure that a win streak of this magnitude can carry.  That streak is on the line once again, as Maine-Endwell hosts Norwich on Saturday

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Week 4: Saturday Scores and Highlights

Scores from Week 4, Saturday from Section IV Football (home team listed second):

Groton 0 - Moravia 14

Trumansburg 0 - Chenango Valley 48

Corning 28 - Susquehanna Valley 27

Maine-Endwell 39 - Johnson City 3

Newark Valley 46 - Edison 6

Elmira 56 - Horsheads 14

Walton 30 - Delhi 20

Ithaca 6 - Union-Endicott 55

Tioga 44 - Seton 22

Whitney Point 20 - Waverly 41

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Week 4: Friday Night Scores from around Section IV

Friday Night Scores from Week 4 of Section IV Football (home team listed second):

Odessa-Montour 6 - Elmira Notre Dame 52

Vestal 13 - Binghamton 14

Oneonta 14 - Owego 42

Spencer Van Etten 8 - Watkins Glen 18

Candor 14 - Oxford 26

Harpursville 28 - Sidney 26

Chenango Forks 28 - Lansing 0

Windsor 20 - Norwich 35

Greene 12 - Dryden 47

Bainbridge-Guilford 20 - Unatego 35

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Latest NYS High School Football Rankings

The newest rankings for NYS High School Football were released Tuesday.

Not surprisingly, Maine-Endwell remains in the top spot statewide in Class B.

Chenango Forks ranked 4th in Class C, Newark Valley 20th.

Tioga ranks 2nd in Class D, Harpursville cracked the top ten, ranking 9th.

Fourteen teams across Section IV earned honorable mentions: Binghamton and Elmira (Class AA); Vestal (Class A); Norwich and Owego (Class B); Dryden, Greene, Lansing, and Waverly (Class C); Elmira Notre Dame, Groton, Moravia, Sidney, and Spencer Van Etten (Class D).

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4th & Goal: Game of the Week - Union-Endicott @ Vestal

Dating back to 1951, the Tigers and Golden Bears have taken one weekend out of the fall to go head to head in what we now call the Battle of the Susquehanna.  Two power house football programs separated by just a few miles.  The fans constantly turn out in droves to see the hated rivals face off.

Deservedly so, Union-Endicott vs. Vestal, 2013 is this week's Game of the Week.

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Chenango Valley win, puts team back on track

It was a rough first two weeks of the season for the Chenango Valley Warriors.  Despite a 42-40 loss to Sidney in week one and a 22-21 loss to Lansing in week 2, the Warriors never pressed the panic button.

Instead, in week three, they battled the Whitney Point Golden Eagles and emerged victorious 28-8.

Week four brings Trumansburg to CV.

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Section IV Football: Week 3 Saturday Scores

Other Scores: Unatego 27 - Walton 6

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Week 3: Section IV Football - Friday Night

Scores from around Section IV Football, Week 3 - Friday night (home teams listed second):

Union-Endicott 29 - Vestal 6

Maine-Endwell 69 - Windsor 22

Ithaca 22 - Corning 60

Elmira Notre Dame 26 - Spencer Van Etten 24

Susquehanna Valley 49 - Oneonta 0

Moravia 26 - Watkins Glen 20

Lansing 54 - Trumansburg 20

Bainbridge-Guilford 14 - Deposit/Hancock 26

Sidney 46 - Oxford 6

Owego 15 - Norwich 25

Tioga 54 - Candor 6

 

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Maine-Endwell is tops in first NYSSWA football rankings of 2013

The New York State Sportswriters Association's first rankings of 2013 are out. The rankings list the top 20 schools in each class. Section IV has eight representatives on the list.

Vestal is at #20 in the Class A rankings.

It comes as no surprise that Maine-Endwell sits atop the Class B rankings. The two-time defending state champions currently boast a 27-game win streak. Owego rounds out the Class B top 20.

Class C has a pair of representatives as well. Chenango Forks checks in at number five while Greene is holding down the 20th spot.

In Class D, Tioga is in second place after a shutout win over Forks in Week 2. Section VI's Randolph takes top honors in Class D. An undefeated Harpursville squad is at 10, and Walton comes in at #12 on the list.

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4th & Goal: Week 2 Game of the Week

This week's game of the week - Oneonta @ Norwich.

Brought to you by: Visions Federal Credit Union, Mayhood's Sporting Goods, Christman Auto Sales, Shortline Coach USA, and Lourdes Hospital.

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This is Sparta!

With the 35-14 win over the Binghamton Patriots Saturday afternoon, the Maine-Endwell Spartans extended their win streak to 27 games. Thanks to losses from Hornell in the state finals last year and week one this year, the Spartans are the owners of the longest active win streak in New York State.

 The streak began in week one of the 2011 season, since then, the Spartans have not lost a game, and picked up two state titles in the process. To try and keep the streak going to 28, M-E will travel to Windsor on Friday night for a key divisional matchup.

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Section IV Football: Week 2 - Saturday

Scores and highlights from around Section IV Football from Saturday night (home teams listed 2nd):

Johnson City 21 - Susquehanna Valley 13

Dryden 34 - Moravia 12

Elmira 38 - Union Endicott 33

Oxford 6 - Walton 30

Waverly 14 - Harpursville 28

Binghamton 14 - Maine-Endwell 35

Unadilla Valley 0 - Whitney Point 44

Seton 14 - Newark Valley 43

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Week 2: Friday Night Scores and Highlights

Scores from around Section IV Football on Friday night, Week 2 (home teams listed 2nd):

Oneonta 7 - Norwich  43

Chenango Forks 0 - Tioga 7

Horseheads 22 - Ithaca 6

Windsor 14 - Owego 41

Chenango Valley 21 - Lansing 22

Edison 33 - Odessa-Montour 8

Sidney 30 - Unatego 32

Groton 36 - Bainbridge-Guilford 6

Delhi 14 - Greene 16

Watkins Glen 28 - Deposit/Hancock 22

Waverly 29 - Cortland 20

Elmira Notre Dame 40 - Trumansburg 32

Candor 22 - Spencer Van Etten 38

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Vestal is first team to 2-0 in 2013

CORNING -- The Vestal Golden Bears made a strong case for themselves in Class A with a 30-13 win over Corning Thursday night.

Vestal won 30-13. Zach Cook had 232 yards on 26 carries.

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Work not done after week one wins

Two teams that had great success in week one, have tough tasks ahead for week two.  Binghamton beat Johnson City 31-7 on Friday, but face a tough M-E team in week two, after the Spartans won their 26th straight game on Saturday.

Meanwhile, it was Chenango Forks over Unatego in a 54-13 drubbing, but the Blue Devils travel to Tioga to take on the notoriously strong Tigers in week two.

Both head coaches know they have plenty of work left to do in practice this week.

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4th & Goal: Week One, Game of the Week

BINGHAMTON -- This week's game of the week, between the host Binghamton Patriots and the Johnson City Wildcats

 

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Section IV Football: Week One - Saturday

Here are your scores from around Section IV on Saturday of Week One (home team listed second):

Norwich 9 - Vestal 47

Newark Valley 33 - Watkins Glen 22

Odessa-Montour 0 - Seton 46

Oneonta 7 - Elmira 58

Harpursville 18 - Delhi 0

Unatego 13 - Chenango Forks 54

Windsor 23 - Horseheads 22

Maine-Endwell 31 - Nottingham 7

Candor 22 - Edison 16

Spencer Van Etten 28 - Trumansburg 26

Whitney Point 16 - Walton 18

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Week One: Friday Night

Scores from around Section IV on Week One, Friday Night (home team listed 2nd):

Union-Endicott 32 - Christian Brothers Academy 56 Final

Johnson City 7 - Binghamton High School 34 Final

Owego Free Academy 20 - Corning 13 Final

Susquehanna Valley 35 - Ithaca 20 Final

Chenango Valley 40 - Sidney 42 Final

Greene 37 - Bainbridge-Guilford 0 Final

Deposit/Hancock 42 - Roscoe/Downsville/Livingston Manor 28 Final

Oxford 14 - Dryden 32 Final

Moravia 33 - Unadilla Valley 6 Final


Lansing 13 - Groton 21 Final

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Fox 40 Goes to Camp: Youth Movement

DELHI -- Balance. That's the word Delhi Head Coach David Kelly uses to describe Class D. With a young squad that graduated just seven players in 2012, there is a lot of promise for this edition of the Bulldogs.

A young quarterback will lead the attack -- Kelly is putting his faith in a sophomore. A learning curve is to be expected, but the team is confident that its run game can pick up the slack from having a young arm in the pocket. At the same time, though, the coach is concerned. He doesn't want Delhi football to become one-dimensional.

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Fox 40 Goes to Camp: Something to Prove

JOHNSON CITY -- A 26-20 loss to Chenango Valley ended the wildcats season in the playoffs. This year, with CV in Class C, there may be less competition in Class B. But, that doesn't mean its any easier.

The wildcats are hoping to run deep in the postseason. To do so, they will have to deal with powerful squads like Maine-Endwell, Susquehanna Valley and Windsor. 2013 will be challenge from the get-go, as the Wildcats open their season at Alumni Stadium against Binghamton.  The good news is the Wildcats return most of their back field and other veteran guys who haven't forgotten the end of last year.

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Fox 40 Goes to Camp: Replacing the Candyman

OXFORD -- While every school always loses players to graduation ever year, you can make a case to say that Oxford got hit the hardest.  Even with Vestal losing 30 players from last year, it's not the numbers that Oxford lost, but who they lost.

Paul Wonka was a staple in our highlight reels last year, and for good reason, his 3,726 career yards rushing is not just an Oxford Academy record, but a Chenango County record.  Also, Anthony Golden who joined the 1,000 receiving yard club last season, and now he's college freshman.  So, the Blackhawks are now faced with replacing that talent on the field.

While they have the players to fill those positions Oxford is relying on its experienced offensive line to help create opportunities for its brand new backfield.

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Fox 40 Goes to Camp: Balanced Attack

CHENANGO VALLEY -- Evan Trebilcock and Zach Collins lit up the highlight reels last year for CV, but graduation ended their high school careers.  The Warriors, fortunately, had their replacements waiting in the ranks.  Chenango Valley is now relying on a more team-wide attack, making them arguably more dangerous.  Coming off a 6-4 season, the Warriors believe it's their year to make a playoff run and finally beat the hated Blue Devils.  To do so, they will use the entire roster, making it impossible to key in on just one guy.

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Fox 40 Goes to Camp: Unfinished Business

CHENANGO BRIDGE -- It's been a good start to the 21st Century for the Chenango Forks Blue Devils.  The program has boasted undefeated regular seasons every year, with the exception of 2011.  Add to that, state finals appearances from 2001-2005, including titles in '03 and '04.  With all of the players from those teams since graduated, last year's team hoped to etch their own names in the record books only to suffer a 22-7 loss to Hornell in the state finals.

Any team that loses their last game of the season, and returns most of it's roster, is typically in a hurry to get that bitter taste out of their mouths.  The seniors on this year's squad are pushing the newcomers to live up to the expectations of the Chenango Forks football program, but at the same time, they all have to deal with the pressure that accompanies it.

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Fox 40 Goes to Camp: Three-peat?

ENDWELL -- The target on the backs of the Maine-Endwell Spartans is even bigger this year after winning their second straight state title last fall.  But this year, if they hope to make it three in a row, they'll have to do it without running backs Nick Sorrenti, Justin Jacoby, or Luis Uceta.

The good thing for the Spartans is the return of three year starting QB Kyle Gallagher, his younger brother Adam who will run out of the back field, and Darnell Woolfork, Trevor Garbelman, and Colin Lasalle who all saw time running the ball last year as well.

Head coach Matt Gallagher motivating his guys to work hard by telling them "someone can make their season if they beat Maine-Endwell," but despite the pressure, the Spartans are looking to stay focused, have fun, and most importantly, play Spartan football.

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Fox 40 Goes to Camp: Winning Big Games

BINGHAMTON -- The Binghamton Patriots return eight starters to their offense and eight starters to their defense.  That's not a bad position to be in for a team that won the Class AA Section IV Title last year, before losing to CBA in Regionals.  But the one thing this year's team has that last year's doesn't?  Experience, specifically in those big, pressure, games.

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Fox 40 Goes to Camp: Digging in the Trenches

VESTAL -- It may have been an anomaly, but the Vestal Golden Bears graduated 30 seniors last year.  That's a lot of rosters spots to replace.  The good news for Head Coach Tank Anderson, the players returning, make up the core of the skills positions.  But he says a lot of work needs to be done in the trenches.  It's still early in training camp, so Golden Bears fans need not worry.

 

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Fox 40 Goes to Camp: One Game at a Time

BINGHAMTON -- The Seton Catholic Central Saints have had a rough go of things on the gridiron the last few years.  But a new emphasis on conditioning will hopefully keep the small squad injury free and help turn around the program.
 

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Fox 40 Goes to Camp: New Coach, Same Tradition

ENDICOTT -- A program steeped in 103 years of tradition, Union-Endicott finds itself in a period of transition as last year's head coach, Shane Hurd left U-E to join fellow U-E alum Dave Archer at Cornell.  Donning Hurd's headset is former Defensive Coordinator, Tom Baleno.

Baleno, a U-E grad himself, has served as the Tigers Defensive Coor. for the last seven years and says he understands the pressure that comes with the head coaching job.  Having also played at U-E, Baleno knows that any season without some kind of title is viewed as a disappointment.
 

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