High School Football '09

TJ Housha-mama ... Championship Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Erik Columbia) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:49:00 +0000

The time has come, and it’s the final week of the Section 4 season. After this, Section 4 will not fight against each other, but join together and root for one another in a battle for state supremacy. But before all that can happen one more slate of games need to be complete; none more exciting than JC verse M-E - the sequel.

Here are three things you need to look for in this match-up:

1) New playing surface. Unlike the mud bowl two weeks ago this contest betweens rivals will take place on turf. This Section 4 title game is slated to take place at BHS’ Alumni Stadium, and many believe this will ultimately benefit Wildcats. While mostly this is true, did anyone see how the Spartans played on the turf last week in Vestal? The argument that JC will outplay M-E simply because of the playing surface is, what I think, null and void, but it will be something to keep an eye on.

2) The battle up the middle. In their last meeting M-E avoided running up the middle, at least toward DaQuan Jones, like the plague. It would be smart to do that again, but the Spartans like to pound people into submission. So, will M-E try to beat fire with fire? Or will they stick to a game plan that was enough to edge JC last time? My thought is that they change things up a bit.

3) Palmer is the key for JC. We all understand that Jake Spalik is going to get his. He is the straw that stirs the drink for the Wildcats, but for them to reach the next level they need their primary halfback to get going. When they’re running on all cylinders, with that one-two punch, JC is as tough as anyone to beat.

Prediction: While this game will be much more exciting than the Mud Bowl of two weeks ago, I believe that the result will be the same. The Spartans have just as many athletes as JC, but the key to this game is that they have been here before. They’ve played in the big game, and know how to handle the pressure. Spalik is great, but not great enough to win it himself, M-E 28 JC 14.

Section 4 Football Playoff Schedule

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Adamson) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 21:36:00 +0000

Class AA
Friday 7:00 PM: Binghamton vs Horseheads at Alumni Stadium
Saturday 7:00 PM: Union-Endicott vs Ithaca at Ty Cobb Stadium
Class B
Friday 7:00 PM: Johnson City at Norwich
Saturday Noon: Maine-Endwell vs Oneonta at Vestal
Class C
Saturday Noon: Walton vs Newark Valley at Ty Cobb Stadium
Saturday 3:00 PM: Chenango Forks vs Waverly at Ty Cobb Stadium
Class D
Saturday 1:00 PM: Tioga vs Delhi at Alumni Stadium
Saturday 4:00 PM: Bainbridge-Guilford vs Groton at Alumni Stadium

Final Power Poll

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Adamson) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:11:00 +0000

The wait is over. Playoff fever is setting in as the final 4 teams from each class in section 4 gear up for the semifinals. All year long we've featured the top 10 teams in our power poll and this week we wrap up with the final edition. If you're in the power poll now, you know it's been a successful season.
*=Divisional Champ

1.) Chenango Forks (8-0)*- Blue Devils haven't fallen off the top perch all season, no reason to bump them down now. Allowed less than 3 pts. a game this year.
2.) Binghamton (6-2)*- Chalk up 6 straight wins for the Pats who are looking like a playoff force once again. Highest scoring team in the section.
3.) Maine-Endwell (7-1)*- Spartans dispatched of JC Wildcats in mud bowl and look like a team on a mission.
4.) Delhi (8-0)*- Bulldogs are one of only two teams in the section to finish the regular season with a perfect record. Delhi D ranked 2nd in section's stingiest units.
5.) Johnson City (7-1)- Came up just short in bid for perfect season. Still have a shot at redemption against M-E if bracket breaks right.
6.) Waverly (7-1)- Wolverines are the last team to beat Forks and they'll have the chance to do it again in a semifinal rematch of '08 Section 4 Championship.
7.) Walton (6-2)- Walton's two losses this year are to the two unbeaten teams in Section 4 (Delhi/Forks).
8.) Newark Valley (7-1)*- Cardinals locked down division championship due in large part to all-purpose RB Travis French who tied for the most TDs in the section at 19 (tied with Waverly's Gorman and Tioga's Manuel).
9.) Corning West (6-2)*- Both losses this year came to Class AA foes (U-E and BHS), but in the end West showed it was the class of Corning by beating East for division title.
10.) Groton (7-1)*- Groton's saved its toughest battle for last. Indians took out Tioga for third straight divisional crown.

Honorable Mention: Corning East, U-E, Norwich*

Andy's Top 5

1.) Forks
2.) BHS
3.) M-E
4.) Delhi
5.) JC

Erik's Top 5

1.) Forks
2.) BHS
3.) M-E
4.) Delhi
5.) JC

This is IT!

noreply@blogger.com (Erik Columbia) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:29:00 +0000

Well here we are; the final week of the regular season, and man has this been a great year or what? With traditional powers Forks, and Binghamton still playing well, and teams coming back to prominence like Johnson City and Ithaca, Section 4 is on a high going into the playoffs.

But before the postseason begins here are two things to look for in this final week of the regular season:

1) THE best match-up of the SEASON! Johnson City vs Maine-Endwell; these two teams do not like each other, and now they have something to play for. The winner of this one will take home the Division Four Class B title, and most of all … bragging rights.

2) So you’re telling me there’s a chance. With a CV win over Norwich the Warriors can guarantee themselves a spot in the postseason. Also if they win, and Oneonta loses to Windsor, then CV also takes home the Division Three Class B crown. The Warriors have not won a Section 4 title since ’89, so you can bet that this year’s team is eager to end that streak.

2009 has been a great season for Section 4 football, and FOX 40 looks forward to seeing you guys in the postseason. We’ll see ya at game time.

Playoff and Title Breakdowns

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Adamson) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:07:00 +0000

It's the final week of the Section 4 football regular season. Every playoff spot is already locked up outside of Division III, but there are still a number of division titles that are up for grabs. Here's the breakdown.

Division I- All 4 teams will be in the playoffs and BHS has the #1 spot wrapped up. In Round 1, BHS will host Horseheads while U-E gets Ithaca at home.

Division II- Vestal will be the only team left out of the playoffs by virtue of their 0-4 divisional record. The Corning schools will duke it out for the divisional crown tonight.

Division III- This is the only division where playoff spots are still in the air. Norwich, Oneonta, and CV are fighting for 2 playoff spots. The Purple Tornado are in the drivers seat as the only team with a perfect record left in the division, but they have to travel to CV on Saturday. If Norwich wins, they're in along with Oneonta. If CV wins and Oneonta beats Windsor, the Warriors and Yellow Jackets are both in. If CV wins and Oneonta falls to Windsor, CV and Norwich grab the two playoff spots. If Windsor beats Oneonta and CV falls to Norwich, there would be a 3-way tie between CV, Windsor, and Oneonta for 2nd, but CV would get the playoff bid based on the tiebreaking points scale. It should be an exciting Saturday for Division III.

Division IV- Both post-season slots are already taken by JC and M-E. The Wildcats and Spartans are both 2-0 in the division and will settle their differences at M-E on Saturday. Whoever wins the division title and gets to take on the 2 seed from Division III in the first round of the playoffs.

Division V- The two playoff spots in this division have been won by Chenango Forks and Walton. Even if Greene beats SV and Walton falls to Unatego forcing a tie in the standings, the Warriors will still get the bid based on their head-to-head victory over the Trojans. Win or Lose, Forks has already locked up the division title. With a game against winless UV-E on the docket, the Blue Devils are in excellent shape to finish the regular season unbeaten.

Division VI- Newark Valley and Waverly will represent the division in the playoffs. Thanks to the Cardinals heads up win over the Wolverines, NV already has the division title won regardless of the outcome of tonight's games. In round 1 of the playoffs next week, Newark Valley will face Walton while Waverly will play Forks.

Division VII- Bainbridge-Guilford and Delhi trampled the competition this season en route to perfect records in the division so far. After Saturdays heads up contest though, one will leave with a blemish. The winner takes home the division title. The loser still gets the other playoff spot.

Division VIII- This division championship is also up for grabs, but the playoff spots have already been gobbled up Tioga and Groton. The Tigers and Indians are both 6-0 in the division, but tonight these two stellar squads face off in Tioga. To the winner goes the spoils, otherwise known as the division title.

Tonight, we're headed to a pair of great games.

Vestal vs. U-E (Game of the Week)
Tioga vs. Groton

Week 8 Power Poll

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Adamson) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:35:00 +0000

The most exciting time of the year is almost here. The playoffs! Only one chance left for teams to sneak in...or play themselves out of a post-season berth. Week 8 should provide plenty of drama so don't blink. Take a look at the latest power poll.

1.) Chenango Forks (7-0)- Forks posted their fourth shutout of the year and will almost certainly finish the regular season unbeaten with winless UV-E on the docket.
2.) Binghamton (5-2)- Pats blast their fourth straight power poll foe (Corning West) and will have back to back easy match ups with last place Horseheads.
T-3.) Johnson City (7-0)- JC made it look easy in huge test vs. Corning East on Saturday. Wildcats are one win away from perfect regular season.
T-3.) Maine-Endwell (6-1)- M-E vs. JC should provide plenty of entertainment this Saturday in regular season finale.
5.) Delhi (7-0)- Bulldogs have risen all the way to #3 in Class D state rankings. Highly anticipated battle against B-G looms on Saturday.
6.) Waverly (6-1)- Wolverines putting it together at the right time for another playoff run.
7.) Walton (5-2)- Walton's early season struggles seem like a distant memory. Orange Crush happy to survive brutal Division 5 schedule.
8.) Corning East (6-1)- East came crashing back to earth vs. JC. Pivotal tilt with rival Corning West will decide Division 2 champ.
9.) Newark Valley (6-1)- Shocking loss to SV prevents undefeated season, but NV can still claim Div. 6 crown with win at Lansing.
10.) Tioga (6-1)- Tigers quietly crushing foes. Enormous Friday fight vs. Groton will determine Division 8 winner.

Honorable Mention: Bainbridge-Guilford, Greene, Groton, Union-Endicott

Getting down to the nitty-gritty

noreply@blogger.com (Erik Columbia) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 22:09:00 +0000

This is the week that playoff dreams could be dashed! With everything on line; here are three can’t miss match-ups over the weekend:

1) Forks vs Greene. If the Greene Trojans want to return to the postseason they have to beat the unbeatable. What a sight it is to see; the high-powered offense of Greene going up against the shut-down defense of Forks. The Blue Devils could make things easier for all of Division V by simply defeating the Trojans, because that would avoid the dreaded 3-way tiebreaker altogether.

2) Ithaca vs U-E. Both of these squads are coming off a loss last week, and both of these squads have lost to Binghamton. That makes this game the most crucial game for these two teams this season. The Little Red have been a pleasant surprise this fall, while the Tigers have been a little inconsistent. It will be interesting to see which U-E team will show up on Saturday.

3) Seton vs Delhi. Last week the Saints were shocked by Bainbridge-Guilford. Even though SCC’s best player, quarterback James Hranek, returned to the line-up last week the Saints struggled on offense. Delhi’s “D” is tough, only giving up 46 points this season. So if the Saints have any hope of marching into the playoffs, they must beat Delhi or they’re out.

With the playoffs quickly approaching this is the time to send in pics and video showing off your school. You can email them to fox40erik@wicz.com.

See you at game time.

Week 7 Friday Preview

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Adamson) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 02:45:00 +0000

It's a light Friday night for High School Football thanks to the Yankees opening up the ALCS on Fox 40, the B-Sens home game vs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, and BU's Midnight Madness. That doesn't take anything away from a couple of great games on the gridiron on Football Friday.

Binghamton vs Corning West- Both of these teams have playoff aspirations after winning Section 4 titles last year. That makes this contest a no-brainer for Game of the Week. BHS has won 4 straight games including back-to-back against previously unbeaten squads (M-E and Ithaca). Meanwhile, the Vikings have triumphed in 5 consecutive contests. Their only blemish is a week 1 loss to U-E. Give the Pats the edge thanks to home-field advantage, but expect this one to be a shootout.

Owego vs Dryden- A big Class B brawl goes down in Owego's 1st Friday night home game in years. OFA just installed lights on their field which should make for an electric atmosphere. Both the Indians and Lions have had split personalities this season. Some weeks they look like playoff caliber squads, while other weeks they struggle mightily. Both teams are searching for their first divisional win, but it's tough to get divisional wins when you're aligned with M-E and JC (a combined 11-1 on the year). We'll see the lights shine bright on Owego tomorrow night.

Week 7 Power Poll

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Adamson) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:53:00 +0000

The playoffs are just around the corner. Desperation is starting to set in for some, but for these Top 10 squads, things are looking up. For the most part, it's not about if they'll make the post-season, but who they'll play. It's the teams occupying the power poll this week, but we have a number of shake ups in the rankings.

1.) Chenango Forks (6-0)- Blue Devils still reign supreme after another win over rival CV.
2.) Binghamton (4-2)- BHS has made it a habit of beating previously unbeaten squads. This time, Ithaca felt the wrath of the Pats.
T-3.) Johnson City (6-0)- Wildcats locked up a playoff spot in their first year in Class B, but they'll face two top 5 teams in coming weeks.
T-3.) Maine-Endwell (5-1)- Spartans snagged their biggest W of the year to date with revenge win over U-E.
T-5.) Corning East (6-0)- Huge match up with undefeated JC looms on Saturday.
T-5.) Newark Valley (6-0)- Cardinals are clearly the class of Division 6.
7.) Greene (5-1)- Nobody lights up the scoreboard like Greene. They're still the top scoring team in the section.
8.) Corning West (5-1)- West hasn't faced much resistance since getting edged by U-E in Week 1.
9.) Delhi (6-0)- Almost fell at lowly Oxford. Bulldogs can't afford a let down at Seton this week.
10.) Ithaca (5-1)- No shame losing to BHS, but road stays rocky vs. U-E this week.

Honorable Mention: Waverly (5-1), Walton (4-2), Bainbridge-Guilford (5-1)

Andy's Top 5

1.) Forks
2.) BHS
3.) JC
4.) M-E
5.) Corning East

Erik's Top 5

1.) Forks
2.) BHS
3.) M-E
4.) JC
5.) Newark Valley

Week 6 is time to put up or ...

noreply@blogger.com (Erik Columbia) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 18:10:00 +0000

How quickly the football season moves. In just a few short weeks the regular season will be over, and it will be time for the postseason. But before playoff wins, teams have to win their week six match-ups.

Here are three things to watch for this weekend:

1) Game Time Changes for Saturday. Plenty of games on Saturday have been pushed back. Pay attention, because nothing is more aggravating then to show up at a game an hour-and-a-half earlier then you’re supposed to.

2) Walton vs. Whitney Point. Last week the Golden Eagles had a reality check in the form of the Forks. This week the hits just keep coming. The Orange Crush have lost two games this season, and need a “w” this week to feel comfortable about their playoff chances. WP needs to win to show that they can indeed hang with the big boys.

3) U-E vs. M-E. This is without a doubt the best match-up of the week. This is the one-loss-to-the-patriots bowl, and both teams our battling to show Section 4 supremacy. How will the Spartan defense match-up against Jordon Thomas, and will Mike Bertrand be back under center Saturday? These are the things to look for, because they very well could decide this game.

Early October means great football. See you at game time.

Week 6 Triple Play

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Adamson) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 19:45:00 +0000

We're coming up on Week 6 of the high school football season and there's only a couple of chances left for teams to make their claim for a playoff spot. Every win counts and you can bet teams will be scratching and clawing for every point. This Friday on the Fox 40 Sports Report, we've got a trio of great match ups on the docket.

Ithaca vs Binghamton- After going winless in 2008, the Little Red have shocked the section by going undefeated to open up 2009. They'll need to bring their A+++ game and get a little bit of luck if they want to remain amongst the unbeatens after this week. That's because a red-hot Binghamton team invades their stadium on Friday. The Patriots have reeled off 3 straight wins against top shelf opponents including a take down of previously perfect M-E last week. BHS is known for their high scoring offense, but lately the D has been dynamic as well (24 points allowed combined vs. M-E & U-E). It's hard to see the Pats taking an L in this one.

Greene vs Sidney- The Greene Trojans suffered their first set back of the year last weekend against the always dangerous Walton Warriors. This time, they get a crack at another Warriors club as Sidney pays a visit. Sidney has also lost to Walton this year, but they're currently coming off back to back wins to put their tough opening schedule behind them. A pair of talented QB's square off on Friday as Greene's Scott Gorton aims to out gun Sidney's Dylan Umbra. Expect a shootout going down at Greene with the better QB play dictating the winner of this battle.

Bainbridge-Guilford vs Seton Catholic- Seton hits the road after 3 straight home games. The Saints have fared very well considering they lost their leader and QB James Hranek a couple weeks ago. They face arguably their toughest test to date though as the Bobcats of B-G won't hold back. B-G is perfect in Division 7 play tied for 1st with Delhi. SCC lies just one game back, so this contest has some serious playoff implications on the line. With 2 of the best offenses in Class D going toe to toe, an exciting game should be in the cards.

Week 6 Power Poll

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Adamson) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:46:00 +0000

The power poll had plenty of positioning this week, but the top 10 stayed intact. The biggest mover up the poll was BHS with their victory over previous #2 M-E. The slider of the week was Greene after they lost their first game of the year to Walton.

1.) Chenango Forks (5-0)- Defense allowing less than 2 points per game. The CV-Forks rivalry continues on Saturday at Blue Devils field.
2.) Binghamton (3-2)- Every week, it's a top shelf foe for BHS. Last week's big win over M-E sets up a matchup at undefeated Ithaca on Friday.
3.) Johnson City (5-0)- Wildcats will face gauntlet to wrap up regular season (Dryden, Corning East, M-E).
4.) Corning East (5-0)- Division II will be 2 horse race between the Corning schools.
T-5.) Ithaca (5-0)- Schedule has been cake-walk thus far, but real tests against BHS and U-E on tap.
T-5.) Maine-Endwell (4-1)- No shame in suffering 1st defeat to one of the area's best in BHS.
7.) Greene (4-1)- Trojans came up short vs. Walton, but still lead Section 4 in points scored.
8.) Newark Valley (5-0)- Legit shot at finishing regular season unbeaten. Upcoming opponents are a combined 2-13 on the year.
9.) Delhi (5-0)- Bulldogs still feasting on Class D foes.
10.) Corning West (4-1)- Vikings will be lucky to hold on to this spot with Binghamton and Corning East looming.

Honorable Mention: Union-Endicott (3-2), Waverly (4-1), Dryden (4-1) Seton Catholic (4-1)

Andy's Top 5

1.) Forks
2.) BHS
3.) JC
4.) Corning East
5.) M-E

Erik's Top 5

1.) Forks
2.) BHS
3.) JC
4.) Corning East
5.) Ithaca

Wild Week 5 on tap

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Adamson) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 18:15:00 +0000

We've seen some great high school football games so far in 2009, but this week's slate might be the best of the bunch. Tonight, Fox 40 will be at 5 games (our season high for a Friday). Here's a look at the highlights you can expect to see on the Fox 40 Sports Report.

Binghamton vs M-E- Our game of the week. Both teams rank in the top 6 of our power poll. The Pats and Spartans look like contenders not only in their division but in the state playoff chase. M-E has rolled over the competition so far en route to a 4-0 record, but they haven't seen a squad like BHS yet. The Patriots won this matchup at the Spartans field last year. After last week's big win over U-E, Binghamton will look to get over .500 for the first time this season.

Vestal vs Corning East- Vestal looked like world beaters in week 1, but since then they've fallen on hard times. An unbeaten East squad invades the Bears' den this week and should give Vestal quite a challenge. The Trojans are always among the sections elite and this year is no different. If the Golden Bears want to win, they'll need their run game to be clicking on all cylinders.

Whitney Point vs Chenango Forks- Forks reigns as the top team in our power poll once again and it's no surprise. They've destroyed all comers and look well on their way to another outstanding season. Whitney Point has been one of the area's surprises so far with a 3-1 record on the year. Although the Eagles faithful will likely be hyped for the team's first Friday night home game of the year, an upset over the Blue Devils will be an extremely tall task.

Waverly vs Watkins Glen- Waverly is off to another great start after taking home the Section 4 title in stunning fashion over Forks in 2008. Kevin Gorman may be the area's most dangerous running back. He leads the section in TD's at his position. Don't be surprised to see him find pay dirt multiple times tonight against a winless Watkins Glen squad.

Tioga vs Moravia- Tioga comes in to this contest as one of the highest scoring teams in the section. They're currently tied with Groton for 1st in a tight Division 8 race. Moravia won't just bow out peacefully though. They were a playoff team a year ago.

Week 5 Power Poll

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Adamson) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:01:00 +0000

The stakes are getting higher with the regular season hitting the halfway point. It's tight near the top, but BHS is looking to crash the party. With a handful of hot matchups this week, it remains to be seen who will hold on to their spot in the power poll.

1.) Chenango Forks (4-0)- Blue Devils still haven’t received any resistance this year.
T-2.) Maine-Endwell (4-0)- M-E hoping to avenge last year’s loss to Binghamton on Fri.
T-2) Greene (4-0)- Greene won battle of unbeatens vs. WP. Big tilt with Walton looms.
T-4.) Johnson City (4-0)- QB Jake Spalik has 8 TD passes without an INT this season.
T-4.) Corning East (4-0)- RB Jordan Frysinger ranks 2nd in the section with 12 rushing TD's (Waverly’s Kevin Gorman has 14).
6.) Binghamton (2-2)- The Pats won their 3rd straight over U-E and have righted the ship after a ridiculous starting schedule.
7.) Ithaca (4-0)- Little Red has made winning close games a habit this year.
8.) Newark Valley (4-0)- RB Travis French scored 5 TD’s in big win over Notre Dame.
9.) Delhi (4-0)- The cream of the area’s crop in Class D.
10.) Corning West (3-1)- West going north after Week 1 loss to U-E.

Honorable Mention: Waverly (3-1), Union-Endicott (2-2), Dryden (3-1), Tioga (3-1)

Andy's Top 5

1.) Forks
2.) M-E
3.) Greene
4.) JC
5.) Corning East

Erik's Top 5

1.) Forks
2.) Greene
3.) M-E
4.) Corning East
5.) JC

Inside BHS vs U-E

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Adamson) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 20:32:00 +0000

Friday's barn burner between Binghamton and U-E added another great chapter to the storied rivalry. Here's a look from sidelines.

Week 4; Titans Collide

noreply@blogger.com (Erik Columbia) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:04:00 +0000

We are now three weeks into the 2009 Prep Football season, and we are starting to see some teams separate from the pack, and really dominate. But can we expect the same in week four?

Here are three things to watch for this weekend:

1) Forks vs. Walton. What Binghamton verse Union-Endicott is to Friday night, Forks verse Walton is to Saturday. If you like high school football, these are the match-ups you want to see. Forks comes off a dominating win against Sidney, while the Orange Crush need to rebound from their first loss of the season last week to Delhi. Everyone has always wanted to know who would win in game between the area’s two most dominant teams? Now is our chance to find out.

2) CV vs. JC. JC is undefeated. CV is coming off two very solid wins. This set-ups an interesting match-up that could sneak up, and become one of the more interesting games of the week.

3) Kick Returns for a TD. This season there has been an insane amount Kick-off returns for touchdown. Last week FOX 40 had footage of two, and another one that was called back, because of a penalty. So pay closer attention at all kick-offs, because the ultimate game changer is happening at an all-time high.

See you at game time

Week 4 Power Poll

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Adamson) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:24:00 +0000

Our latest poll stays pretty consistent at the top with some newcomers joining the party in the latter half. Walton, Waverly, Southside, and Dryden have all dropped out of the power poll after being ranked last week.

1.) Chenango Forks (3-0)- The Blue Devils have only allowed 3 points all year.
T-2.) Maine-Endwell (3-0)- Spartans in the Division 4 drivers seat after downing Dryden on the road.
T-2.) Greene (3-0)- Greene's offense is on fire. Most points in Section 4 to date.
4.) Corning East (3-0)- East has fared very well despite a tough schedule.
5.) Johnson City (3-0)- Wildcats playing great outside of division.
6.) Ithaca (3-0)- Little Red putting bad memories from 2008 to rest.
7.) Union-Endicott (2-1)- Tigers clawing up fast. A big battle with BHS looms on Friday.
8.) Chenango Valley (2-1)- We'll see what CV's made of when they face JC on Saturday.
9.) Delhi (3-0)- Bulldogs on the map after huge win over Walton last weekend.
10.) Newark Valley (3-0)- Cardinals winning close games, but can't discount nice W vs. Waverly.

Honorable Mention: Walton (2-1), Corning West (2-1), Whitney Point (3-0), Waverly (2-1)

Andy's Top 5

1.) Forks
2.) M-E
3.) Greene
4.) Corning East
5.) JC

Erik's Top 5

1.) Forks
2.) Greene
3.) M-E
4.) Corning East
5.) JC

Week 3 is going to be great

noreply@blogger.com (Erik Columbia) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 18:12:00 +0000

Two weeks are down, but we have many more to go. Some teams started this season right where they left off last fall… winning football games. Teams like: Walton, Forks, and Greene have all showed they know how to win, and win big. Others like Vestal and CV have been a little inconsistent as they stand with one-and-one records. But which one of these teams will make strides starting this week?

Here are three things to watch for this weekend:

1) Vestal Needs to Rebound. The Golden Bears looked dominant against Horseheads, but were then stunned by a pesky Chenango Valley team. Which Vestal squad will show up this evening when they face-off against Corning West. Right now your guess is as good as mine.

2) Can CV Continue? Possibly the biggest surprise over the weekend was the Warriors upsetting the Golden Bears. I must admit, I didn’t see this one coming at all. The Warriors offense was fluid, and their defense shut down a Vestal offense that has the ability to put up major points. This Saturday CV has Susquehanna Valley. The Sabers, while 0-and-2, have played pretty well on the year. They have been in both games and could give the Warriors some fits. But for CV to build upon last week they need to some they can dominate an opponent. This could be that week.

3) Get a Ticket to the Umbra Show. Number Five for the Sidney Central Warriors is Dylan Umbra. Remember that name, because what Tim Tebow is to the Gators, Umbra is to the Warriors. Last week, Umbra single-handedly led his squad back into contention with the Orange Crush of Walton. And Sidney did it, not only with one player, but with one play. Sidney ran quarterback draws like this was 1940’s NFL game between the Browns and Packers. No one in this Section is as valuable to their team as Umbra is to Sidney. If you have not seen this kid work, then go to the Sidney-Forks game this Saturday. Don’t ask questions; just make the trip to Forks, to watch Umbra versus the Blue Devil Defense. You won’t be disappointed.

As you can see there are plenty of great storylines to partake in this week on the prep football front. So, you have no excuses not to show, and possibly take a picture or two, and send it to us.

See you at game time.

Week 3 Football Power Poll

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Adamson) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:40:00 +0000

It's early in the season, but we've already got a grasp on some of the area's contenders. Here's a look at the area's top 10 teams going in to Week 3.

1.) Chenango Forks (2-0)- Blue Devils defense looks rock solid so far.
2.) Maine-Endwell (2-0)- Spartans offense is rolling under Tom Connolly.
3.) Greene (2-0)- Trojans have outscored opponents 96-0 to start the season.
4.) Walton (2-0)- A step up to Class C hasn't been a problem for Orange Crush yet.
5.) Corning East (2-0)- East aiming to show they are still class of Corning.
6.) Johnson City (2-0)- PSU-bound Daquan Jones is helping Wildcats running wild.
7.) Ithaca (2-0)- Hard to argue with 2 wins in Class AA.
8.) Waverly (2-0)- Will need to keep it going to repeat as sectional champs.
9.) Dryden (2-0)- Just 10 points allowed so far.
10.) Elmira Southside (2-0)- 2 decent wins to open up 2009.

Honorable Mention: Union-Endicott (1-1), Chenango Valley (1-1), Vestal (1-1)

Week 2 has a lot of hype

noreply@blogger.com (Erik Columbia) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 19:24:00 +0000

Alright, week one of Section 4 football is in the books, and it was a great opening week, but what can we expect for week #2?

Here are three things to watch for this weekend:

1) Tons of great games. Especially on Saturday, Vestal @ CV, EFA @ M-E, and Oneonta @ JC, just to name few. Fox 40 will be at six games Saturday, which is definitely the most games we have ever covered on any given football day.

2) Greene’s homeless. With the Trojans’ field still under construction, for the time being, Greene will occupy the house of the Purple Tornado. How will Norwich treat Paske & Co. when Unadilla Valley/Edmeston rolls in for this neutral site contest? My guess: no home field, no problem for Greene.

3) Orange Crushed? New class & new division mean new challenges for the Walton Warriors, and last week Windsor gave them all they could handle. Now Windsor and Sidney (this week’s opponent for Walton) might be at different levels, but Sidney has a knack for putting together great games against better opponents. The Warriors probably will still win this game, but expect some road bumps before they get the hang of Class C.

All of you football fanatics don’t forget to send us pics, viral vids, or messages about what you see on the fields this weekend. Section 4 is one of the best traditions in the Tier and we want your help in covering it.

See you at game time.

Week 2 Pre-game

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Adamson) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 01:05:00 +0000

We're road tripping this Friday to four great section 4 showdowns. Here's where we're headed.

Sidney vs Walton- This match up looks like it's going to win our "Game of the Week" and it's no wonder. With Walton moving up to Class C, this Division 5 dogfight could be a playoff preview. Last year, the Orange Crush made it all the way to the State Semifinals and they have high hopes once again this year. The Warriors edged the Black Knights of Windsor last week while Sidney grabbed a win over rival Bainbridge-Guilford. Which brings us to our next tilt.

Bainbridge-Guilford vs Harpursville- Expect a close battle at B-G. These two Class D Divison 7 foes should be very evenly matched. B-G is going to come out firing after a closely contested loss to Sidney last week. Harpursville is coming off a slugfest win over Unatego in Week 1.

Candor vs Moravia- There's never love lost between these Class D Division 8 schools. Both teams made the playoffs from the same division last year. Although their division is much larger this season, both squads should once again be in the hunt. Candor endured a crushing defeat against Lansing last week while Moravia pulled out a W vs. Southern Springs.

Tioga vs Newfield- Sticking with the Division 8 theme, it's another Class D duel between Tioga and Newfield. Both teams are looking to get back to playoffs after earning third places finishes in 2008. Newfield's feeling great after a week 1 shutout against Unadilla Valley/Edmeston while Tioga's thinking bounce back after a heartbreaking loss vs. Waverly.

What a weekend!

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Adamson) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 01:42:00 +0000

The 2009 High School Football Season has officially kicked off. I've been anticipating this weekend for months and it has definitely lived up to expections.

A few observations about the first football friday of the year.

-Vestal looks much improved and should be a contender in Class A. They absolutely torched Horseheads on the ground and through the air yesterday.

-Binghamton lost their first regular season game since 2007. The Patriots got rolled by an experienced Monroe-Woodbury Crusaders team that has been to the state finals the last 4 years.

-Greene picked up right where they left off last season with a gigantic win over Oxford. It looks like QB Scott Gorton is in for a big year.

-Owego's defense stifled Norwich all night and they look primed for a return to the playoffs. The Indians missed the post-season in 2008 for the first time in 4 years.