Kicking off some football talk

For the most faithful readers of this page, this isn't news thanks to some of our vigilant Prep Talk posters. But just for the record: The 2008 Section VI football schedule has been compiled and is available at the football page at the section's Web site.

The major change for the '08 season is that the regular season will last only seven weeks instead of eight, with a total of eight teams in each class (four from each division) making the playoffs. Traditionally, the regular season has lasted eight weeks, with a total of four teams in each class (normally two from each division) qualifying for the Section VI championships.

I'll have more to say about it in the near future. For now, I'm going to cut-and-paste some outstanding chatter here which has been added as comments on some non-football posts (we might as well try and keep the talk about the ball with the pointed ends separate from the sports that use those boring, perfectly round spheres).

---Keith McShea

Comments

[mike]

hey......yea lackawanna has no chracter ok..........sure yea buddy.....thts why lackawanna does not need underwood rivers and webb...we didnt have the first to last year and we did good..........everyone will think lackawanna has skill after they beat albion and ea and pioneer wont stand a chance

[Keith McShea]

http://buffalonews.typepad.com/preptalk/2008/08/preseason-prep.html

There's the link - which is obviously also on the right side of this page.

Can't say enough about the football contributions and comments made here over the spring and summer. Outstanding job - and to think we'll be talking even more now that we've entered the two-week countdown to the season.

[Sean Bruso]

Friends, Keith has given us a gift, a new page so we dont have to read for 4 hours to read the whole blog. Lets use it i guess...my post continues on the new page

[Milt Latimer]

Scott D...let me clarify, that record will be for pass attempts in just the 2nd half (if those stats can be found. We both know that EA's best chance for victory will be to keep Iroquois' offense on the sideline, so a ball control, keep the clock running offense should be the plan. Unfortunately, The Blue devils will fall behind and will have to rely on passing in the 2nd half (and saving the clock)to catch up. Regardless, I expect a huge crowd at EA for the game...larger than the big turnout for the 2006 season ending game vs Lackawanna that decided B South. Reserve me a seat!!! Regardless of the outcome, I still forsee EA playing at The Ralph in November.

Mom works at F-P??? wow, the reality of the Scotty D, SuperArm toy (think Super Toe, but one that throws when you hit his head) might be in the works already. I expect them to be sold at Vidler's in time for the Christmas season. If they sell successfully, we might see one "supersized" and in the ToyTown parade or sitting on the F-P front lawn years from now!

[redskn54]

Any outside thoughts of how Lancaster will do this season.

[Sean Bruso]

Do we want to know why Lackawanna wont win this year. Very simple. You need heart and character on your team to win, or in that case 3 all world players to make a difference. Lackawanna doesnt have a great TEAM. They seriously lack character and they dont have 3 all world players (Underwood, Rivers, Webb) that can just absolutly dominate a football game. EA who has a good TEAM and Pioneer who does too will beat Lackawanna. Albion who i think will struggle this season will also win. You need heart to win football games. Last season Lancaster is my prime example. 2 All Western New York players on a team that won at the stadium. HEART wins football games.

[roy]

last year in the canisius east game canisius's heart and sole of both sides of the ball was carried off the feild on the first drive. that really caused the crusaders to panic. don't get me wrong eaast high is a good team and they may be better this year but so will caisius. and as for the refs even if they were unfair its not like it was the kids doing don't take their hard work away from them they deserved that win.

[Vern]

Everyone looks good this time of year. Between 7 on 7's and practices, all the kids know their play's and hustle. Besides It's when they get their pads on that matters.

[mike schiavi]

why does everyone think tht lackawanna wont have a good team this year?...im just saying they dont get any credit i've seen their practices they got a strong offense this year without webb and golda

[justfootball]

Milt - I agree with your assessment of the EA vrs Iroquois game. Not sure where EA is going to get 17 points from.

[delavans finest]

Now for all you people saying canisius would give it to East High think again.
I believe they played last year. Canisius won but if wasn't a blow out.
The game was close.
A lot of questionable calls that went Canisius's way.(the refs were all white).
I hate to bring up race but it's something schools like East are always going to have to put up with.
I belive the score last year was 14-0, dont jump on me if I'm wrong but East is also better this year than they were last year.

[roy]

i believe the crusaders would easily beat east. they have to many solid players in the skilled positions. Plus they have wilson and urschal in the trenches. although they will get hammered by ignatius why do they even schedule that game and then to have it as your season openner....bad decision

[gocrusaders]

Actually where is the hype? I think people have said he may fight to get carries in their backfield. Also delevans, i love when people bring up the ignatius games, it shows how truly smart they are. Here is a 3 week advance for all on the board, ignatius is ranked 15th in the country and would DESTROY every single team in WNY. This isnt an apples to apples argument.

[Scott D.]

Yo Milt my mama works at Fisher-Price and i dont think i'll be breaking Mike Paradise's school record of 42 pass attempts in a game but it would be sweet to do. Just over 2 weeks until the game.

[freethrow]

Hold up john before you start talkin about crusaders whoopin on east they wont whoop on sweet home ok. I dont get all this hype about "Ricky pringle" cuz against sweet home he would be crushed barbecue pringles ok lol. a 250 carrie 11 touchdown sophmore is not amazing (Dashanaro morris did that with sweet home) lol. And joes was not even that good.

[Milt Latimer]

My thoughts on Week 1, Iroquois-EA game...

Iroquois wins 34-17...EA kept '07 game close with 2 long Shane Biggs catch and run TDs, I don't see EA having the same type of weapon in '08. 1st game sloppiness on both sides, mistakes will be made. Iroquois has alot of team speed, especially on the offensive side of the ball. If EA chooses to focus all defensive attention on Brandon Murie, they will get burned from a number of other speedsters (Corigliano will have a 50+ yd TD), and possibly Murie anyways. Iroquois' team speed will also become evident as I don't forsee many long Drosendahl TD passes. EA is going to have to muster time consuming drives, without monster Art Garvey as a key force on the line...I don't think EA has a replacement that rivals Garvey (actually, I think a Garvey will be on the line in this game, but will be wearing white and red). Iroquois' line is not overly huge, but big enough with great technique to keep EA off balance. I give EA 17 because Ryan Sweet won't miss an XP or FG. The biggest problem EA may have is that they will need a ball control offense to keep Iroquois' offense on the sideline for as much as possible...I'm not convinced after '07 that EA can grind out 1st downs vs Iroquois. Drosendahl sets school record for pass attempts in the 2nd half. "Toy Town" sees The Crosstown Cup head back to Elma. BTW, has Fisher-Price been developing the Drosendahl Wind-Up toy yet???

[delavans finest]

gocrusaders, I know where Canisius High School is. I sent my youngest son there his freshman year( he's now playing for East High). But there was plenty of choices All High Stadium, Johnny B Wiley, etc.
Personally I don't like Canisius and don't root for them but all this hype I want to check out a couple of their games. It probaly will be worth the price of gas and admission to see them get spanked by St. Ignatius in week 1. Last year i believe they lost to them by 64 or 66.

[justfootball]

Just wondering who will win the the EA vrs Iroquois game? score? ....and why?

[Eric]

I've been hearing reports from Canisius camp saying that Senior CB Joe Iacono has been playing well and should get solid playing time this season.

[Football Fan]

hey i just came back from watching an ohara practice today, and Cardinal O'hara is Looking scary good despite not having Reggie garner and Jackie faggans. their new TE is 6'0 230lbs. and it is confirmed that Ricky Pringle is at CHS

[high school football fan]

Harvard Cup Schedule:
Sept 6-
10AM Tech v. Lafayette
12:30 Riverside v East
3:00 St. Marys v. Bennett
6:00 Mckinley v. Grover

Sept 12-
5:00PM Grover v. Bennett

Sept 13-
10AM Lafayette v. South Park
12:30 Riverside v. Burgard
3:00 Hutch Tech v. East
TBA McKinley v. Grover @ West Seneca

Sept 19-
5:00PM Canisius v. Grover

Sept 20-
10AM East v. Bennett
12:30 Hutch Tech v. South Park
3:00 Lafayette v. Burgard
TBA Riverside v. Aquinas @Rochester

Sept 26-
5:00PM McKinley v. Bennett

Sept 27-
10AM Lafayette v. East
12:30 Riverside v. South Park
3:00 Grover v. Hutch Tech

Oct 3-
5:00PM East v. McKinley

Oct 4-
10AM South Park v. Bennett
12:30 Lafayette v. Riverside
3:00 Tech V. Burgard(Hall of Fame)

Oct 10-
5:00PM McKinley v. Hutch Tech

Oct 11-
10AM Burgard v. South Park
2:00PM Grover v. Lafayette

Oct 17-
5:00PM Bennett v. Riverside

Oct 18-
10AM Burgard v. McKinley
12:30 South Park v. Grover
3:00 Niagara Catholic v. East

Oct 24-
TBA Lafayette v. Niagara Catholic @ Niagara Catholic
5:00 Hutch Tech v. Riverside

Oct 25-
10AM Bennett v. Burgard
12:30 South Park v. McKinley
3:00 Easy v. Grover

Oct 31-
5:00 Mckinley v. Lafayette

Nov 1-
10AM Burgard v. East
12:30 Riverside v. Grover
3:00 Bennett v. Hutch Tech

Nov 7-
5:00 Burgard v. Grover

Nov 8-
10AM South Park v. East
12:30 Bennett v. Lafayette
3:00 McKinley v. Riverside
6:00 MMHSAA v. Hutch Tech

All games at all high unless otherwise noted.

[Sean Bruso]

Honestly we have been trying to get a two hour show for about a year now. It would be great but i just dont think it is going to happen.

[gocrusaders]

Im pretty sure it is gaines job to lose. Williams is fearless, i feel the same way you do, i love watching hit run and play safety. Guys CHS is downtown there isnt exactly alot of space there. W. Seneca is a pain but it will be nice having their own field and not sharing. Plus all high parking was a pain.

[roy]

i have no idea why the new feilds are way out of the city, i liked them playing at all high. Plus there is very limited seating at the new stadium. so pringle is a crusader, wow does anyone know who will start in the back feild because i liked how williams played last year when he filled in for volk.

[delavans finest]

Also I don't knowe for sure but isn't that Ricky Pringles third High School Football team and he's only a junior

[delavans finest]

Also I don't knowe for sure but isn't that Ricky Pringles third High School Football team and he's only a junior

[delavans finest]

Why is Canisius's field all the way out in West Seneca when the school is on Delaware and Ferry.
Honestly the couldn't find a field closer to home.

[baseballfan]

Wislon verbally committed to UB

[CHSInsider]

I can confirm that Pringle is a Crusader. I can't confirm about Wilson.

[roy]

over the past couple of days i have heard some very interesting points on chs football. first that pat wilson signed with ub. next that ricky pringle the rb from joes transfered to the crusaders. i'm looking for someone to varifiy these facts.

[chris]

Sean, Why would you put Dick Gallagher on the radio at 10am on Saturday ,August30 when all the players/parents who would love to hear the show will be attending a multiple team scrimmage that morning somewhere in WNY? Haven't you read the recent blogs lately regarding where and when the scrimmages are being held? You should do a two hours show this week instead.

[freethrow]

Hey whats the official high school football transfer rules. For kids that just transfer.

[hoopster]

Lockport preview, http://www.niagara-gazette.com/sports/gnnsports_story_231211204.html

[hoopster]

Nate Beutel of the Niagara Gazette wrote the first published article of football. Here's the link; http://www.niagara-gazette.com/sports/local_story_231230617.html?keyword=topstory

[Sean Bruso]

Dates for previews:

Gallaghers Paper will be out either this or next satuday at sorrentinos or at Players Sports in West Seneca.

Buffalo News will probably release its HS preview September 4th as per ususal the day before the season starts.

I will put mine up on WGR 550.com when i get a chance. Probably thursday or next week.

BTW: Dick Gallagher will be in studio on Inside High School Sports the next two weeks and for everyone who lives under a rock thats at 10am saturdays on WGR 550.

[CHSAlum]

when will gallaghers paper be at sorrentinos?

[Vern]

Do you have a date when the HS football preview will be in the paper?

[hoopfan555]

hey delevans finest riverside does not hyave aj hopson this yr he was sr last yr isaiah jefferson will be the qb this yr

[Milt Latimer]

Please don't take much stock in any of the national computer generated lists that appear on sites such as Maxpreps/ freeman Rankings. The best way to utilize them is to compare schools of similar classification. They don't hold much weight when comparing schools of varying sizes, because their "Strength of Schedule" and "win-loss" factors are too heavily factored among their own competition. Even State-to-State comparisons are sketchy at best.

[hoopster]

By the way, what's the story with James Daye? Will he be back at McKinley? Ran into someone in the know who said he was gone, any only recently heard someone say he was going to be back. Any info?

[hoopster]

This probably deserves its' own post, but the Wilson baseball saga has now become a national story. See this story on Espn.com, http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=wilsonhigh .

[Chaut_Co]

3 class D teams in the top 100 total teams in the state? wow. Randolph got beat by 20 last year in the regional to the team that got killed 42-0 in the state semi. give me a break. Im glad some southern tier teams are getting some love but c'mon

[Sean Bruso]

Woah woah woah, Sweet Home embarrassed Central at the stadium, they played Lancaster at Lancaster Week 1 and won 34-21 when it was 26-21 half way through the 4th quarter. What max preps does is like some weird computer configurated standings based on other teams you play strength of schedule class...its like a mini BCS computer, so now hopefully you can see the difference, BCS

[freethrow]

WOW They have Lancaster ranked over sweet home. even tho sweet home embarassed them at their stadium last year. thats funny LOLOLOL Maxpreps need better rankers. before you know it they might have Will south ranked over OP. lolololol

[Sean Bruso]

Vern,
Yea it was one of our better shows Kyle did great. He is 17 going on 30 and you can see he clearly loves playing the game of football.

[Vern]

I thought having a player on the Inside HS Sports was a good idea. Hoppy did a good job, was poised and articulate.

[Milt Latimer]

My thoughts on EA heading into '08....I think the biggest issue they may have is getting solid line play to have a running game. Dechert was a hard runner last year behind Garvey. They are going to need a decent run game to loosen the secondary for Drosendahl to spread the ball out. They aren't going to have the breakaway threat of Biggs either, so grinding out first downs will be paramount. The one advantage they do have is that they do try to run a balanced offense with a blend of sweeps, play action, drop back, and power runs...so defenses must play disciplined. I expect them to succeed, but I can see how they may "slip" in some games. Whether one wants to believe it or not, most top high school football teams have a better than average ground attack...jury is still out for me on EA's.

[Darius Davis]

we have officially one day till the first practices! and the ohara hawks are out to prove to the world we are the best team WNY!! better than that team in OP, and Athol springs!

Hawks Win!

[Rob]

Nice Scott call another team a bunch of jerks! I dont think 1 or 2 players make a whole team.

[Sean Bruso]

And EA is led by one of the classiest players in the area. It is going to be a great game.

[Jake C.]

It's not really the East Aurora Football team who is 'talking' on facebook. Understandably, there is a lot of stupid drama that has been on there, but most of the conflict from the East Aurora side is from a few alumni and one or two players trying to stir some emotions before the game.

Nonetheless, East Aurora has very classy football players and 95% of which could care less about social arguments, and just want to play the game of football.

I respect Sean saying that we should just "Shut up and play", because i feel the same way. However, take note that it is just a few goofballs trying to make a name for themselves, not the whole team.

[mckinley 2008 alumni]

haha i doubt mansa is actually going to be on the football team? take a chance at ruining his basketball career? never.

[tom]

Sean here's a few interesting add ons. ST. Joe's 223 Riverside 209 Timon 259 , Frontier 115 I don't put much faith in pre-season polls done from a remote location. Let the games begin.

[Sean Bruso]

Oh boy so i guess were going to start this debate again...whos number 1? Maxpreps state rankings came out for all schools (not by class). Here are theyre state rankings
5.) St. Francis
6.) Orchard Park
17.) Lancaster
22.) Sweet Home
34.) O'Hara
39.) Canisius
59.) Randolph
64.) Maple Grove
83.) Iroquois
91.) Depew
95.) Kenmore East
96.) Portville
98.) Cheektowaga

Now i know very well that these are preseason and based on the computer they have (oh jeeze a BCS? scandal) but i think its interesting to look at.

[Sean Bruso]

Scotty
You know i know that, and i know what you stand for. I just don't want to see a good team fall down a wrong path, ive been on those teams. You guys are going to have a great season but leave it all out on the field.

[Scott D.]

Hey Sean Bruso, your a great dude i love what ya do on here, but as i read these comments and i see that you read that facebook stuff i mean thats all talk please. Ppl is always making fun of us in every sport calling us hicks and chumps and all i dont know why. I'm just eating oreo's with milk, just got my equipment today and i cant wait for this year. As too OP players i respect the program coach tundo is a real great guy but i mean some of those kids were just straight up talking for no reason about me and my guys, didnt really understand why they think i cant throw to my left side either cuz big bad neussle was over there to scare me i suppose but whatever floats their boat. I played with a few of there players in lil loop and all and them even say there a bunch of jerks sometimes but whatever. I'm just putting in my two cents and someone will prolly rip on me for this but i dont care i just want too go that extra step this year and get to the dome, as Dick Gallgher told me "It's Blue Devil time this year". Hope all is well everyone see ya on time warner week 1 when we play a fast as lightning iroquois team. Respect it.

[TML1000]

Well...they haven't necessarily been bad...but they never seem to create the space in the middle that the backs need to be complete runners. I've too often seen the backs forced outside when they shouldn't have been...but here's hoping that changes this year.

[Sean Bruso]

Great point but i dont think that West's line is going to be that bad. They return 3 all leaguers on that line plus have Tim Hersey who is a very good fullback. Maybe he is going to run like a florida Spread with two backs becaue Hemphill is very good too

[TML1000]

Case in point teams with talent but no line...Ken West. Their skill players can compete with any team, but the line consistently holds them back. It did when they had James Mallory and it will again this year.

I don't see why you have to be cocky if you are good...what happened to letting your play on the field do all the talking. Maybe teams from around here can start talking when they consistently compete for state titles.

[Sean Bruso]

My thoughts:

1.) Op would still be a great team even if they didnt have a line but that doesnt matter because they HAVE a line. Some teams run spread because they dont have a line and they rely on their QB play which last i checked OP has really good QB Play. Teams who have no line run Wing T.

2.) The cockyness of OP players is a true sterotype. There are some great kids in Op but there are alot of cocky kids. One thing, they can back it up, so they can talk.

3.) Lancaster will be either 5-0 or 4-1 or 3-2. They have Lockport week 1 and Frontier week 2. They should win the rest of their games those are games that can go either way.

4.)I am sick and tired of EA players talking. I sat and read the whole facebook junk between Iroquois and EA and now theyre talking with OP, the best team in the area, are you kidding me. Shut up and play the game. Play the game. You have one of the top QB's in the area and decent talent surrouding. Don't give teams another reason to be fired up at you and possibly try to hurt you. PLAY FOOTBALL

[Vern]

I don't know where the issue of the EA QB not being able to throw left. He threw left twice on the first D for two, two yard completions.

[freethrow]

hey milt its allright lol OP sucked in track so even if they did cheat a little bit it still didnt help em lol

[OP72]

Redskin54
I don't think Lancaster will be 5-0 when they come to OP. OP will win by 3 scores. Lancaster can't compete with our skill players.
Go Quakers

[delavans finest]

im still looking for the harvard cup schduele.

Who do you guys think is the best qb in the harvard cup?

i heard mansa habeeb will quater for mckinley
Spencer Alston will replace Angelo Threats at East
Riverside has AJ Hopson who already proved himself

But i dont know about any other teams

[highschool football fan]

harvard cup schedule anywhere?

[Redskn54]

week 6 prediction Lancaster (5-0) @ Orchard Park (5-0). Any thoughts...

[joe]

EA ..take away the last name Tasker and Kelso and you have average players.This area loves to play on last names. Take away Biggs and you have Tom Secky All-WNY QB

[cuzola]

EA_ I factored it in......combine that with losing a few headbands/bandana's from existing players and I have you finishing 3rd in Class B.

[Sean Bruso]

Money would be nice :)

[Ea Player]

All western new york players pat wilson and luke tasker both live in east aurora and were lost to private schools same with jesse kelso put that into a factor with all wny qb scott drosendalh

[CHSAlum]

I have no doubt they could be looking at both, pat wilson looks like a college junior right now. Good luck to the olines trying to pick their poison this year.

[hoopster]

Could be I suppose, but I do't think so CHS Alum. Either way, hope they both have plentiful opportunities!

[Waz Up]

Milt - The track was not impacted in the OP renovation. Besides, track records??? who cares?? Nice to know people take stock of 7 on 7's .... someone get Bruso a job.

[CHSAlum]

Hoopster, i hope that is the case about Pat. I wonder if that person may have been confused with Zdrojewski. I know he had a phenominal showing at the Penn State camp and he opened the eyes of their staff.

[Sean Bruso]

That was probably the best way to put it was it looked like preseason. I didnt see today but from the other day both teams didnt look sharp but they looked like good football teams. I hope the field gets done it looks great.

[hoopster]

For crying out loud, can we get another football thread going. There must be at least 700 comments here. I had to scroll down to post this comment for 15 minutes.

Nevertheless, heard from someone that should know, but not directly from the family or coaching staff, that Penn State is taking a real close look at my man big Pat Wilson. As I've said before look out for this one-man wrecking crew!

[Milt Latimer]

OP fans...any truth to the rumor that when they dug up the old track to put in the new field, it was discovered that the old track was off in yardage??? I believe I heard it was slightly smaller than regulation. Can we just throw out the record book at OP for some events???

[cuzola]

Hey Sean, its easy to look fearless when there is no hitting, blitzing, sacking, pass rush, or clock.

I watched a little today and to me it still looks like the preseason. On both sides of the ball. 14 delay of games on EA. unofficial of course.

Pads to start a crackin'! OP's field to get completed in the nick of time, if we are lucky.

[cuzola]

Hey Sean, its easy to look fearless when there is no hitting, blitzing, sacking, pass rush, or clock.

I watched a little today and to me it still looks like the preseason. On both sides of the ball. 14 delay of games on EA. unofficial of course.

Pads to start a crackin'! OP's field to get completed in the nick of time, if we are lucky.

[George Vetter]

On the morning of the 30th North Tonawanda hosts Grand Island, Riverside, and Jamestown.

[Gator Bait]

7 on 7 tommorrow at OP again EA vs OP. Drosendahl vs Hoppy, Doll vs. Tundo, Bossman vs. Perla i just love it.

[Sean Bruso]

Will South is hosting Maryvale St.Marys and South Park at 7pm.

Now i actually took the trip out to OP and watched OP and East Aurora 7 on 7. Wow is all i can really say. Scott Drosendhal put on a spectical not showing any fear against the strong OP defense. His ball placement was awsome, great mechanics. If he gets a line look out Class B. Now OP looked decent and did some interesting things with Tundo as far as formations go. Hoppy is going to have a great season. Luke Nowakowski, Perla and Robinson are all fast sure handed receivers. Ken Selby had a decent day at TE. Now all we have to do is figure out their line. I believe Mesi and Bontiquisti and Boyd will be sure starters. Man they looked better and better too. Thoughts on OP or EA?

[redskn54]

Lancaster is going to a scrimmage august 30 which is hosted by webster schroeder

[Chaut_Co]

In Class C SW has to be the favorite to win but a sleeper. i dont know if i would call cassadaga valley a sleeper. they are returning 9 on both sides of the ball. My sleeper is Silver Creek. They have to home run threats at running back. Im curious to see when the sleeping giant Salamanca finally wakes up. Any comments on Class D?

[chris]

Canisius is hosting Cheektowaga,Depew and West Seneca East Saturday,August 30th,10am at Canisius athletic complex on Clinton Street

[Bill]

Frontier is hosting Lackawanna and Iroquois for scrimmages August 30th

[Gator Bait]

Orchard park vs. East Aurora tommorrow in a 7 vs 7 scrimmage at noon in OP. Sounds intriging so my sources say.

[Milt Latimer]

Sean, and others...we've heard of a few scheduled scrimmages the week before regular season (Lockport/Frannies/Sweet Home for example)...this might be a good place to post where most of the other teams will be headed. I'm sure getting sneak peeks at a few teams/players would be of great interest. Anyone got any confirmed scrimmages???

[Red Devil Fan]

Delevan's Finest, It is Bruce Smith at a red light!

[delavans finest]

not to sound stupid, but i hear the term sleeper and never really fully understood what it meant.

Can somebody please clear that up?

[Milt Latimer]

Freethrow...I've got to chuckle a little at your "sleeper" list. I'm curious how Southwestern could be one of your sleeper teams when most are predicting nothing less than a C Final at the Ralph. Who they sleeping from?? Albion can't be considered a sleeper, either, as they just might be last one standing in B North. Timon???? who they sleeping on??? I hope not JFK.

My sleeper team is Cassadaga Valley. I'm thinking 2nd in C South for them with the potential for 1st with an upset over SW. Ken East has been getting strong support going into '08, but still can be considered a sleeper. A program which has potential to be a sleeper this year is Niagara Falls. With NT not as dominant as years past, and Lockport and KW still Jekyll and Hyde, a school like NF with some good athletes could surprise. I'm not betting on it, but if I saw a score 22-20 NF over one of the above 3, I wouldn't be in total shock. Another place to find a sleeper team might be B South...everyone has EA pegged for the top. Could someone knock off Lackawanna to sneak in for 2nd place come playoff time??? Fredonia was the sleeper last year, who's going to fill that void? Pioneer moved down from A, might we be talking about them?

[Sean Bruso]

Free Throw here is what i know about a few teams...

Albion is not going to be that good, or they may be really good. I will be up there week one vs Lackawanna to find out for myself. They lost 26 seniors and return only one all league player who was HM.

Clarence, I dont know enough about which is why I am asking everyone else.

JFK: Returns the younger Bartozik can make a push for the #2 slot in C North

Southwestern: Intersting situtation there. Now in C south, they have a ton of talent. Now some people say it isnt talent but i like to think it is. For starters they have another Langworthy and Mazgaj in the lineup. 6'3 Wideout Will Sleggs and probably the best junior lineman in the area in Jasen Carlson. This is the early favorite for the sectional title and could make a run at states. Key to season is the QB right now i think Zak Zopak.

Ken East: The sleeper team of Class A North. They have alot of talent and if they keep their heads on straight they could make a play for the stadium. Wiltberger and Dorhety are both good football players. Key game will be beating Grand Island or Sweet Home (probably GI is more likley cuz ive expressed my thoughts on how stacked SH is) could make a stadium run. If they pull the number two slot they would have to play the #3 south team (maybe Hamburg( then Cheektowaga/Iroquois for the right to go to the stadium.

Riverside: Early Harvard Cup favorites. Returns Trent Alls who will be an ALL WNY linebacker. Ajay Hopson is back at QB and the mammoth Dana Winger 6'7 410 pound offensive tackle. Dont let the size fool you, he is athletic and even lined up at Guard last year and just pancake block after pancacke block, he was the main reason they could move the ball so well against McKinley next year who has their own internal issues they have to set aside before i name the 3 time defending champs a legit favorite. Something is brewing there.

Akron: Ken Stolt is now coaching at Alden, i team i like to surprise. Dont know enough about Akron exepct they changed divisions...again.

Starpoint. Could push for that 4th slot in the A North playoffs. Returns Brandon Bratek who is a great back.

Hope that answers some questions, any more?

[Chris J]

Pringle going to Canisius may put this team into the group elite programs in the area. He may be a tad slower than Bernard but Pringle looked outstanding in his two games against Canisius last year. Pringle can carry the load and then with the change of pace with Bernard and then you even add Gaines into the pitcure, that backfield is loaded.
That Crusader Offense has so many weapons..it will be interesting to see if they can put it all together.

[freethrow]

people should post their sleeper teams i wanna hear some good ones like what teams gonna pull some upsets.

1.STARPOINT
2.KEN EAST
3.ClARENCE
4.Albion
5.RIVERSIDE
6.AKron
7.JFK
8.southwestern
9.bishop timon
10.MAYBE jamestown

[freethrow]

oh yeah about ken west im kinda feelin them too but idk. they gotta show up.i believe if ken west can keep a decent record and beat ken east in the rivalry game they may just do some damage in the playoffs.but idk i think they may b good.

[freethrow]

RED DEVIL FAN i agree with you 100 percent i believe Clarence is a really good team. they just need some kind of push to finish the season off. i was very suprised when they beat grand island last year it shows they got potential. Oh yeah i CANT WAIT TILL THE 5th WIGGINS AND WESTBROOKS IS BOUT TO SMACK MARYVALE !!!!LOLOLOLOLOL

[Red Devil Fan]

Sean, 4 off the top of my head
Pazda OL/DL 6-4 260
Skura LB/TE 6-1 220
Radice OL/DL 6-4 220
Harof TE/S 6-1 195
4 nice players nobody in WNY probably ever heard of. There are others I am sure.

[Sean Bruso]

I was at the Lancaster game the #52 and i think #54 for clarence, theyre returning right?

[Red Devil Fan]

Sean, I read through this blog last night. Where do you find hype for Clarence? The two main prognosticators on this blog don't even think they will make the playoff..even under the new format! Hardly an endorsement or "hype". You asked if certain teams will be duds or a studs, including the Red Devils. Here are some facts that you might use to help you diagnose the 2008 season. In 2006 when they played OP for the title they had 4 sophomores starting that evening. In 2007 they did not lose to Frontier, they beat them at Frontier in a slug fest. The majority of starters on the 2007 team were 11th and 10th graders. They were 3-0 with wins over GI, NT and Frontier. Some unfortunate injuries and a tough OT loss to Lancaster sent them in a downward spiral. On paper they probably will be the under dog against the top 3 in AA south teams but there are other kids other than the Vogel twins that might surprise you. Best of luck with your Maryvale team.

[TML1000]

I meant Hemphill at RB...he and Hersey should provide a nice quickness/power combo.

[Sean Bruso]

I forgot Ken West's Warren Hemphill, another very good player

[Sean Bruso]

I honestly dont understand the hype around Clarence. They have the Vogels who are teffific football players but other than that I dont get it. Sure they went 8-0 this senior classes was on JV but OP's best 6 were on Varsity, Lancaster's best 7 were and Jamestowns best 5 were. They lost in 07 to Lancaster Frontier OP.
As far a Ken-West goes they are one good team on paper, as is Ken East. I like west and its a dog fight in AA North as it is in pretty much everyother divison. This is why this year is going to be one of the best in memory.

[TML1000]

Ken West returns QB Bailey, RB Ferguson, FB Hersey and TE Grandits...that core of skill players could rival just about anyone, but I'm not sure about their line...I believe they return 2. They do return about half their defense which kept OP off the board for a half in the playoffs. They open at OP's new field Week 1, so don't be surprised if they hang with them for a while again. KW, Lockport and NT could go 1-3 in the North in any order.

[CHSAlum]

I dont think Bernard will be getting 80% Gaines will be getting a bunch. Its a really nice problem to have. i dont remember ricky standing out in last years two joes games, but then again no one on that roster did. Maybe with a lot more talent around him he will shine.

[hoopfan555]

ricky pringle had 8 tds last yr and it was in a total of 2 games one game vs canisius and another from canada hes not that great hes really slow i wudnt be surprised if bernard got 80% of the carrys

[freethrow]

hey sean why do you say clarence. i dont know much about them but i know the first couple of games last year clarence was a pretty good team. they even beat grand island i think? They could be ok this year. i think amherst might be good too (bert smith). I actually see albion doin good they just missed it last year. all other teams lol lolol DUDS 4 LYFE

[Gator Bait]

Dunkirk is a dud i dont know anyone who there that is returning and in my eyes they have been a push over for a while but things can change.

[chad henne 7]

East Aurora's final game regular season game against Lackawanna promises to revive a classic rivalry, and should be a great game.

[Sean Bruso]

I was hoping to get some opinions on some teams, let me know what you think...
Clarence
Ken West
Amherst
Lew Port
Albion
Lackawanna
Dunkirk

These are teams that could be potental stud or dud teams. I am on the fence about them and was looking for opinions...

[delavans finest]

I dont know Chris, but Canisius looks like a GREAT team without Ricky Pringle.

[chris]

Can anyone confirm the rumor coming out of 1180 Delaware Avenue that Ricky Pringle was seen at the voluntary workouts at Canisius High School and has apparently transferred from St. Joe's?.Let's see, if that is in fact true,Gaines and Pringle in the same backfield,Brady at quarterback,Fulham at receiver,Zdrojewski at Tight End with Wilson and Urschel anchoring the line.. Anyone care to change their preseason poll predictions?

[Milt Latimer]

Quick thoughts on Lion's All-Star game....I thought Josh Barrett, WR for the North, deserved Offensive MVP over Reggie Garner. He made a few nice catches, including game winning TD. He easily wins MVP if not for the underthrown bomb when he was wide open. Garner had a couple good runs, but was held in check most of the game. I was sitting near the 40 on the North side and thought AJ Roberts was out of bounds as he turned up field on the out and up big play that got North deep into South territory (2nd quarter). Official was looking the other way. Negate that play and South may be the winners. Nick Christman was the clear force on North's line, as evidenced by the South's most effective running play...the QB draw. Osika did a great job at CB considering he was left on his own island most of the game, usually against a WR several inches taller (Roberts, Hale). I know Mooch Jesonowski did some kicking during the season and kicked OK during the game, but no roster spot for a dedicated kicker???

[delavans finest]

I was looking at the schduele for Canisius High School, their first five games are worth seeing, four of them is a little trip out to their new field.
Just to name their first 5 games:
home vs St Ignatius of Ohio
home vs Mckinley
vs Grover at All High Stadium
home vs Aquinas
home vs St Francis

if you ask me thats a hell of a schduele

[freethrow]

you are so right gaitor bait you couldnt even have said it better. the qbs were a little trash. did you see the last touchdown by north the receiver had to wave about three times for the qb to see him lol llol

[Gator Bait]

I need to comment on the title "classic air duel" i mean come on most of the passes were underthrown the QB's were undersized and didnt have big time arms. i felt bad for all the big time playmaking receivers who were busting tail to not even get thrown too. I mean Davis, Biggs, Roberts they were all outstanding receivers who i wish were thrown too a little more. The QB's next year will put this crop to shame.

[Keith O'Neil]

With regard to the new academic policy at Sweet Home, it appears that it won't have much of a negative effect at the start of the season. From what I was told (and have read in the News), where it could have an effect is at the five week point (of the school year) and in future quarters and academic years. De Marco (the AD) and Faller see no need for an academic policy (surprise), using the old "well if a kid doesn't have sports they may not come to school at all" approach while teams Sweet Home is playing who come from the NFL like Kenmore East and Grand Island have had academic policies in place for nearly two decades. Athletes won't be penalized for past academic shortcomings. Word is that these harsher standards came to be since the Superintendent was fed up with the overall academic performance of athletes (read: football players) over the past two or three years.

[CHSAlum]

Wilson is a great player and deserves all positive talk he gets on this board. Just dont forget about the most productive player on that defensive line is coming back this year. Andrew Zdrojewski(12.5 sacks) is back. Is there a returning varsity player coming back with more sacks in WNY? These two guys have quite the line partner in John Urshel coming back. Good luck to anyone trying to block any of these three one on one. Dont foget about Love over in athol springs, he really stood out last year.

[Keith McShea]

Shameless plug for our survey, which we would appreciate your feedback on.

http://buffalonews.typepad.com/preptalk/2008/08/help-us-help-yo.html

As for our 2008 football preview, we'll let you know the exact date ASAP. We're already working on it.

[Sean Bruso]

WNYFootball Guy: When Gallaghers paper comes out in 3 weeks. It has the entire list of all league players. You can get it at Players Sports (14 Michael Road in West Seneca) or at Sorrentinos in Williamsville.

[Vern]

As for talented Seniors, OP has Selby, Nuessle, Hoppy and Bonaquisti. These kids will be playing next year at a D2 or D1AA level.

[DanFrancisco]

I heard through the rumor mill that some Sweet Home athletes are not going to be academically
eligible for part or all of 2008. Any truth to this?

[Vern]

When is the news going to put out it's preseason football issue?

[wnyfootballguy]

Does anyone know where i could find the players who were all-league last year?

[Gator Bait]

Season is closing in fast, everyday just drags on for me in antiipation for august 18th, all these returning standout juniors like murie, neutz, tundo, kacz, wilson, fabor, tasker, drosendahl, dudley, chillis, smith's (Bert and Capone), and wiltberger, wiggins, westbrooks should make this year a straight up slug fest in all division's. It's closing time baby as said by omar epps before his td catch in the movie The Program

[freethrow]

i have been lookin at some post. and heres what i gotta say. as goes for sweet home there lookin solid pass offense and rush defense wise. but rush offense there is that big gap that marcus johnson left. there is not really any up and coming rb's to fill that hole. as goes for pass defense i dont think hanif russell will be back and i think hudson moved away. but on the plus side they have the speedy blango who actually beat the so-called fast brandon murie in the 200 meter dash in outdoor track. some teams to keep an eye on this season.cleve hill (wiggins),ohara(dudley),orchard park(tundo),Mckinley(chillis),iroquois(murie),starpoint(bratek),grand island (neutz), cheektowaga(harris),sweet home (cacz) and many many more this is gonna be the best year ever

[tom]

The three Section V class A's to watch are AQ McQ ans CA , the rest are pretenders. Arcadia and Olympia are door mats Athena looks good on paper because they play a soft schedule. and Irondequoit is no threat. Point of interest CA and McQ camped together and this week CA and AQ camp / scrimmage this week I plan to catch that one out of curiosity. CA's coach was the AQ coach that won the state titles.

[Milt Latimer]

Sean...the problem that any of the VI A schools are going to have come post season will be getting past Section V. Besides private Aquinas, they also have their 2007 AA Champ Canandaigua, private school McQuaid, and the Greece schools that have moved down to "A" this year. I believe the biggest obstacle that VI must overcome in this Class in particular is the difference in policy between the 2 Sections. Besides having their 2 biggest privates schools to contend with, Rochester has a much more lenient "open enrollment" policies than most schools in Section VI. Kids have a little more flexibility to attend varying schools at no extra expense. They have an "urban-suburban" program that gives them that extra flexibility. Sweet Home, Iroquois, Grand Island, Cheektowaga, or whoever makes it out of VI has a tougher road to the Dome.

[highschool football fan]

Can anyone post the harvard cup schedule please?

[shane]

did anyone see the championship game in the baseball american legion playoffs. what a great game between 2 great teams.

[sean bruso]

Sweet Home has alot coming back. Casey Kacz/Mike Wolcott at QB then they have all 4 receivers returning, Ryan Gutt, Emanuel Reed, Noah Nwachukwu, and William Reese. They return all league linemen Ryan Wilson and Chris Arkmois. Also Steven Phillips saw time at Left Tackle last year. Defensivly they have Junior Ibrahim Ramanadn and Sophmore and quite possibly the nastiest player in the area Mikal Coleman back at Ends (both all league) Arkomis, Matt Zon, Joe Tillman, Deshanario Morris returning in the front seven then in the secondary Hanif Russell, Brandon Hudson and Nwachukwu. They also return their kicker Mike lawandus. So again i believe they are legit contenders for the state title should they win here and get by rochester. 11 of their returning players were all league at some level last season. Losing Christman, Johnson, and Hopkins hurt but this team will be able to reload easily. I would project Morris to be the runningback and should be joined by Ramandan and Coleman in shortyard situtations in the olddddddddddd double wing. They play two AA opponents this year in non-league games i believe Clarence and Jamestown who just offically fired Restivo why this close to the season i dont know well i do know but atleast wait until the end of the year come on! Anyways im rambling again and i should expect/hope to see Sweet Home at Patec or farther in november. (I also think that OP and Southwestern/Cleve Hill) will join them. Again it should be an exciting year. Best of all Maryvale Modified is poised for a strong year too...

[tom]

Regarding private vs public I just read where Dick Cerone the father of the play-offs purposed a Catholic / private championship which the state turned down.

[DanFrancisco]

That looks good Milt. Thank you. Speaking of web sites do you know of any HS football web sites?

http://www.wefootball.net/
http://www.leaguelineup.com/links.asp?cmenuid=10&url=starpointfootball&sid=81950941
http://www.ntjacksfootball.com/
http://www.section6.wnyric.org/football/football.htm

[Milt Latimer]

I'm not sure if he's publishing this year...but there was a weekly publication called Section 6 Upstate Football Weekly that gets sent through mail. Address was 86 Park Lane Circle, Lockport, NY 14094 and phone (716) 433-8393 , email adairs4@aol.com for subscription info (last year was $20 for year). it did a pretty job of covering games, stats, etc you couldn't find on websites.

[DanFrancisco]

Does anyone know if there is a WNY football weekly publication devoted to HS football?

[Vern]

Ken Selby (OP) a TE 6'4" 230Lb's will also be a force as he has been running 4.7's at camps this summer.

[delavans finest]

yes i know the harvard cup schduele is out and the harvard cup coaches should have it. I dont know if its posted anywhere thou.
Ive just heard a youngg man that lives next door to me talking about his schduele at lafayette.

[Milt Latimer]

Does anyone know if Harvard Cup schedule has been finalized, and if so, is it posted anywhere??? I haven't seen mention of it.

[Milt Latimer]

A short list of some top returning WRs (no particular order)...

Kevin Chillis, McKinley
Alex Neutz, Grand Island (All-WNY)
Luke Tasker, St Francis (All-WNY)
Joe Coporale, Maple Grove
Nick Pederson, Medina
Jesse Kelso, St Mary's
Anthony Fulham, Canisius
Sean McLeod, Lancaster
Mike Doherty, Kenmore East
Ethan Baker, Wilson

Look for someone from East Aurora or Sweet Home to step and catch passes from Drosendahl and Kacz.

[Gator]

Joe Caporale Maple Grove....

[Vern]

I know we talked about the QB's and RB's, who would be the receivers to look for this year?

[neutronman]

did anybody see that former st. francis star, doug worthington was arrested on dwi charges in columbus? i hope that doesn't effect the buckeyes chances of getting to the title game again..

[Milt Latimer]

delevan's finest...please check out my July 8th posts as I've broken down a nice guideline of each week's best games, must sees, etc. Its about 4 different posts. That should be a good start to plan a few roadtrips!

[Vern]

OP vs Frontier on 10/3 will be a good game. Almost all 40 times are suspect due to hand timing. Electronic time as they have in the Pro combines are the only truly accurate times. If you go to College scouting days, they use the Pro shuttle and other drills to assess lateral movement and the ability to turn their hips. 40 time is only an indication of straight ahead speed w/out pads on.

[delavans finest]

what are some teams wortrh traveling to see this year?

[chad henne 7]

How the hell is Southwestern rated above East Aurora in small schools?

Southwestern will do well as a C school, but East Aurora has beat them four years in a row. Regardless of how big everyone may say the line on SW is, there's no reason they should be put above East Aurora.

[Gator]

4.38 is fast, very fast...If he can consistently run 4.4 and better he will get a D-1 scholarship....4.38 is fast

[Gator Bait]

Murie ran a 4.38 for all you ppl who keep saying he ran something else shut up, it was also after a 4 hour car ride down there which is even more impressive considering the conditions. Some of the top prospects were running mid 4.4's and Brandon really blew them outta the water. 4.38 ok not not 4.33 not 4.3 a 4.38, it's hot thats all i gotta spit.

[ftbal00]

i played against murie in a scrimmage...didn't play well against AA at all..hopefully with all this hype he wasn't trying hard in that scrimmage..

[IndiansFan20]

And also, let's not stretch Murie's 40 time too much. A 4.3 as a Highschool running back is absolutely insane, and this would no doubt give him more National publicity. I don't know the truth about his "4.33" at Penn State, but at the Nike SPARQ combine at the Ralph Wilson Field House, he was clocked in around the 4.5-4.6 range. However, the timing at that combine was noteably slow for all the athletes. (Murie's time was the fastest of the day, nonetheless!) Let's not say 4.3 though, because the fastest of NFL players are running legitamate high 4.2's.

Of course...40 time's are always subject to debate

[IndiansFan20]

Gator Bait is correct, if students from the East Aurora school district attended EA instead of private schools, they would have an unstoppable small school team. (Tasker, Wilson, J. Kelso, C. Kelso,) Along with Drosendahl and others, would make for a real great team.

[Gator Bait]

I'm not saying Luke T. would have been better off at EA that would be retarded because a school like St. Francis gets national recognition, im just saying him, kelso and Pat wilson would have made the Blue Devils a state championship contender i believe with Drosendahl.

[SUfan]

Officially, Murie ran a 4.38,anything in the sub 4.4 range is incredible

[Milt Latimer]

Murie is not overly big, in the 5' 11" 170-175 range...but he has gotten a little bigger every year. He's got what I call "sneaky" strength. I know he takes great pride in having very few fumbles. He projects as a pure RB/kick returner in college. I don't see him making the move to WR or DB. His field vision to see what is happening after he makes a cut might be his best attribute, that trait might be what gets a D-I offer. I-AA or II are definate at this point. As he set the career rushing mark last year, I would suspect other marks he will be looking to topple would include the career TD mark (Kyle Shevlin) and game rushing, along with another Sectional title.

[Gator]

A 4.3 40 yard dash?......There are only a small handful of NFL players that run a 4.3...Thats hard to believe...If it's true WOW!.... How big is he?

[johnnyyV]

delevans Finest: Fabor is tlaking to alot of colleges such as UB, Syracuse, Pitt, Ohio State, and Virgina Tech.

Gator Bait: how do you figure Tasker would have been better off at EA I mean look at there team Tasker would have no recognition on that team because they have no competition

[SUfan]

I just heard Brandon Murie ran a 4.3 in the 40 at Penn State camp.WOW

[delavans finest]

Does anyone know what colleges are looking at delano fabor? I think he is the same kid that played for the Buffalo Vets a couple years ago, he was like a man among boys. But i personally dont think he will do anything special past high school because when he was younger he was already playing with a man's body among boys. When those boys start to catch up physically with him he's not going to be able to do everything he's use to.

[Milt Latimer]

Why do I think OP would stop Aquinas? OP has enough beef on their line defensively to neutralize the big line of Aquinas, a very athletic group of linebackers that can move to the ball, and good enough corners should Aquinas do play action. They aren't going to give up the big play.

Aquinas' strength was their defense. Again, OP's line was big and athletic enough to create space. Worthington and Barber at LB for Aquinas relied on their line to tie up opposing lines to give them free lanes to stuff run or put pressure on the QB. I think OPs line would force those LBs to not be as aggressive or else Tundo would slip by for some big gains. If Aquinas gets behind...game over...their ability to have a passing attack is limited. Fast receivers, but not good route runners and a less than strong QB throwing the ball in Bostick.

Overall, the versatility of OP is the deciding factor. Also consider, Aquinas won 7-0 vs Iroquois in '06 FWR. If the Chiefs line, which is good, but not OP good, can hang with Aquinas, OP has more success. We'll never know the outcome until Section V gets its act together to put Aquinas in AA, where they probably belong.

[tom]

Milt Predictable heck they announced their game plan in the pre-season and thirteen teams could not stop them why do you think OP could.

[Gator bait]

Fabor is a great athlete, not a great a QB a great athlete plain and simple. I thought the 3 players selected for the elite 11 camp was B.S, fist of all Deshaun Clark most likely wont be the starting QB at Will. South, Kyle Hoppy is a good passer and Fabor is shaky accuracy wise. I thought is wasnt a great group of passing QB's to represent western new york go figure. Frannies is the number 2 team in my opinion to start the season. Too bad tasker didn't stay at East Aurora, him and there qb would have been great together. They have a stout defense but im uncertain about there line.

[tom]

Sean Maybe this can help you with the Frannie evaluation. With 3 losses the Frannies are rated number 688 and with 1 loss Sweet Hone is rated 789 nationally . The only common opponent they faced AQ. Frannies lost 13-7 and Sweet Home lost 28-7. This seems to give the edge to St. Francis for the number 2 slot .

[tom]

Regarding the previous blog about the Frannie qb I just viewed one of his games. he had to run a lot more than he intended to. he took 7 sacks 8 incompleted passes and 6 short passes completed. he looked better running the ball .

[Vern]

From my discussions with MMA parents, Fabor is an excellent athlete, that runs first and passes second. According to them he panics under pressure and then takes off. This one dimension will prevent them from being a threat to beat the elite teams.

[Sean Bruso]

Cuzola you know well having played JV in 06 that OP had their top 6 up on varsity, Lancaster had 7 and Jamestown had 5. This equals a 8-0 Clarence team. Plus on the JV fact my junior year our JV teams were 15-1 and we went 5-5...Its not what you got as much as what everone else has

[Sean Bruso]

AGAIN, will someone (other than someone from the St.Francis community) convince me that they are the first or second best. Right now i think OP and Sweet Home are better. Non Red Raider biases people convince me

[johnnyyV]

Cuzola what is there to debate about Fabor he is by far the best player in WNY & his toughness he ran over and smacked players from Mooney who are going to Penn State.

[cuzola]

Keith,
I think there will be alot of long seasons for Will East.

[cuzola]

Success on JV equals not success on Varsity. 2 years ago Clarence and Lancaster had awesome JV teams, it did not translate last year.

[Milt Latimer]

2007...OP over Aquinas...many people from Rochester that got to see OP at Paetec would say the same thing. Aquinas had a great defense, but their offense was quite predictable. The only real comparison we have is that Aquinas barely beat McQuaid, which didn't fare well in the V AA playoffs, won by Canandaigua. The funniest thing about this debate is that Aquinas plays in "A", while OP is "AA".

[Keith McShea]

Familiar name is the new coach at Will East ... what do we think?

http://buffalonews.typepad.com/preptalk/2008/07/shifflet-to-coa.html

[tom]

Msgmrt I agree that AQ would have won but we'll never know . If you are a Martin coach here's a note of interest. This years seniors are the jv team that went undefeated / un-scored on. AQ finished 58th in the nation in 07 they may improve on that in 08.

[cuzola]

Hey Message Mart,

Nobody debates Frannies coaching quality or their "rock solid" program.

Your Fabor statement leaves open plenty for debate, starting with the questions about his toughness.

Since you coach in the MMA and your not Frannies, your record probably stinks so goes your opinion.

When are YOU going to challenge Frannies? Maybe start there instead wondering about OP!

[CHSAlum]

3 quick points. First off, for people to assume that msgmrt is an actual coach is foolish. Msgmrt if you are then fine, but I wouldn't recommend coming on here and talking about section 6, it just doesnt look good. Second, im SOOO sick of the catholic vs private thing. It would be fun to see, but the same arguments are going to be made OVER and OVER. Public school guys says "You can recruit its unfair" Catholic school guy says, "Of course we can recruit we need people its how we keep an enrollment up, also it is allowed in the majority of the country(catholics in playoffs)" Guys its not happening in the next few years so why keep talking about it? Its getting old. Thirdly, people need to stop bringing up the record of catholics vs out of state powers. News Flash people OH and PA are probably top 6 high school football states. NY isnt in the top 25. Someone want to disagree? Go to scounts.com or rivals.com and see where the elite prospects come from. Local NY public schools would get their asses handed to them by a PA or OH power. Stop the argument it lacks any sensibility. And if you dont believe me please go to a friday night game in western pa or oh and then come back here. NY is A-ball where oh and pa are the yanks and sox.

[msgmrt]

tom, as a coach who has to go against aquanis every year, they would blow OP out of the water, not even close....i'm not trying to defend frannies here but they play cardinal mooney, st. ignatious and a handful of others... i really do ont think there is much merit on out of state teams in relation to how good they are here in WNY....OP would never be able to catch the fabor kid, a legit D1 football player.... just my thoughts again

How about a little fun???....2008 WNY Fantasy Football!!!

Here’s the rules: Pick a 15 “man”, 7 “team” roster. Breakdown as follows: in each class (AA, A, B, C, D, MMA, Harvard Cup), you must pick 1 team, 1 QB, 1 RB. Your last pick will be a kicker which can be from any class/League. No trades, replacements throughout the sea