Photo by Mike Wertman – Helping to anchor the lineup for the Medina High golf team this season are returning starters Mike Cardone, Ian Wagner and Trevor Luthart. Missing from the photo is Andrew Fuller.

After finishing in the runner-up spot the last two years, Medina is again looking to challenge for top Niagara-Orleans League golf honors this season led by a quartet of returning starters.

The Mustangs veteran foursome includes senior Mike Cardone, junior Andrew Fuller and freshmen Ian Wagner and Trevor Luthart. Wagner earned N-O All-League honors last year.

The Mustangs also return the junior trio of Carson Gates, Jacob Bensley and Jake Kuhmann.

“The big key for us is they all have to play consistent,” said Coach PJ Bell whose Mustangs have gone 12-2 each of the last two seasons and both times have finished second to undefeated (14-0) Wilson.

Medina is slated to visit Akron in the N-O opener on Thursday.

In addition, Melanie Green, a freshman who was a starter last year, is playing a girls schedule this season in order to be eligible to compete in the girls Section VI and state tournaments. An N-O All-League honoree last year, she will be following the Williamsville East girls’ team schedule.

“It’s a great opportunity for her and with her skill and ability she should do very well,” said Bell.

Schedule (4 p.m.)August: 25 – at Akron; 29 – Newfane; 31 – Wilson
September: 1 – Roy-Hart, 7 – Barker, 9 – at Albion, 14 – Akron, 16 – at Newfane, 19 – at Wilson, 21 – at Roy-Hart, 23 – at Barker, 28 – Albion, 30 – All-League Tournament at Willowbrook.

Photo by Mike Wertman – Leading Albion into the upcoming season is this group of returnees. In front are Tony Rotoli, Blake Aina, Brandon McGuire, Lamar Chambers and Tom Mattison, In back are Kory Reynolds, Tanner Ferris, Meach Gardner and Jared Hollinger.

A core group of nine returnees anchors the lineup for the Albion varsity football squad which is prepping for the September 2 season opener at Lew-Port.

That veteran group includes tight end/defensive end Kory Reynolds; wide receiver/defensive back Lamar Chambers; running back/linebackers Tom Mattison, Meach Gardner, Blake Aina and Brandon McGuire and linemen Jared Hollinger and Tony Rotoli. All are seniors except Gardner who is a junior.

Reynolds and Mattison both earned first team B-East Division All-Star honors last season while Hollinger was a second team selection and Rotoli and Gardner honorable mention picks.

The Purple Eagles also return varsity experience in seniors Brayden Howell (TE/DE) and Jacob Buzard (OL/DE) and junior Caleb Pettit (OL/DL).

Sophomore Bryce Pritchard takes over the key quarterbacking position backed up by another sophomore Matt Kovaleski.

The Purple Eagles are also looking to juniors Jaquess Harrison (WR/DB) and Justin Stritzinger (OL/DL) along with sophomores Ugene Harrison (WR/DB), Kirk Ellison (OL/DL), Ben Restivo (OL) and Nate Moore (WR/DB).

“We have a very good group of older kids back along with a really good group of younger kids,” said Coach Gary Parisi. “It’s a real good mix. Practices have been really good and up beat.”

The Purple Eagles key losses to graduation include quarterback Kyle Smith, running back Tyler Rotoli, wide receivers Trey Hart and Manwell Taylor and linemen Mike Laine and Nate Trembley.

Albion, which went 2-3 in the division and 3-5 overall last fall will tune up for the season by hosting LeRoy, Batavia and York in a scrimmage this coming Saturday.

Schedule
Sept. 2 – at Lew-Port, 7 p.m.
Sept. 9 – Alden, 7 p.m.
Sept. 16 – Barker/Roy-Hart, 7 p.m.
Sept. 23 – Depew, 7 p.m.
Sept. 30 – at Lackawanna, 7 p.m.
Oct. 7 – Akron, 7 p.m.
Oct. 14 – at Medina, 7:30 p.m.

Photo by Mike Wertman – Anchoring the lineup for the Roy-Hart soccer team is this group of returnees. In front are Tyler Choate, Andrew Srock and Aarm Miller. In back are Jamasen Johnson, Noah Kindron, Tim Moriarity and Kody Hayes. Missing from the photo Steven Bruning.

Taking aim at rebounding from last year’s 1-10-1 league record, Roy-Hart returns a good nucleus of eight starters heading into the Niagara-Orleans soccer season.

Seniors Tim Moriarity (defender) and Steven Bruning (defender) along with juniors Tyler Choate (defender), Kody Hayes (goalie), Jamasen Johnson (midfield), Noah Kindron (midfield), Andrew Srock (goalie) and Aaron Miller (defender) lead the way for Roy-Hart which also returns experience in senior Jack Muscarella (midfield) and juniors Patrick Sheelar (forward) and Steven Schumacher.

“We’ve got eight returnees and we’re hoping that experience will pay off,” said Coach Greg Martillotta. “I’m really encouraged with the players we have. It’s a good group and I think we’ll be pretty competitive. We’re heading in a positive direction.”

Roy-Hart is scheduled to visit Lew-Port on Saturday and then compete in the Holley Tournament on August 31 and September 2 before opening the N-O season at home against Newfane on September 3.

Schedule
August: 27 – at Lew-Port, 7 p.m.; 31 – at Holley Tournament vs. Holley, 6:30 p.m.
September 2 – at Holley Tournament, TBA; 3 – Newfane, 6:30 p.m.; 6 – at Albion, 6:30 p.m.; 8 – Wilson, 6:30 p.m.; 14 – Medina, 6:30 p.m.; 16 – Holley, 6:30 p.m.; 20 – Akron, 6:30 p.m.; 26 – at Newfane, 4:30 p.m.; 29 – at Wilson, 4:30 p.m..
October: 5 – Albion, 6:30 p.m.; 7 – at Medina, 7 p.m.; 11 – CCA, 6:30 p.m.; 13 – at Akron, 4:30 p.m.

Albion and Medina both used late scores to earn season opening wins Saturday in the Mini Division of the Niagara Orleans Football Association (NOFA).

Albion rallied to nip host Pembroke 13-6 on two long fourth quarter touchdown runs by Makyell Walker covering 67 and 76 yards.

The Albion defense was led by Jared Ostrander with 9 tackles, Jerimah Bennett and Nate Gibson with 7 each and Wesley Olles and Walker each with 6.

The Medina Colts got a late safety to edge past host Akron 15-13.

Cole Callard and Jamair LeMaines each scored a touchdown for the Colts.

In Varsity Division action, Medina defeated Akron 34-12 as Tyler Chinn and Brian Fry both scored 2 touchdowns and Iverson Poole 1.

The Medina defense was led by Anthony Monell, Connor McNeil, Carson Dusett and Brandon Collins.

Photo by Mike Wertman – Key returning starters for the Holley girls varsity soccer team include Olivia Radford, Madison Papaj, Lexi Milazzo, Peyton Sargent, Haylee Passarell, Ryley O’Mara and Julianna Drewry.

The accent is on youth this season for the Holley girls varsity soccer squad whose lineup is dominated by underclassmen.

The Lady Hawks are led by a number of key returning starters including senior Julianna Drewry (midfield), juniors Lexi Milazzo (midfield) and Madison Papaj (goalie), sophomore Peyton Sargent (midfield), freshman Olivia Radford (midfield) and eighth grader Haylee Passarell (forward).

“We’re super young,” said Coach Renee Wolf. “The experience we have returning will certainly help but we’re really looking to build throughout the season.”

Holley, which went 3-8-3 in Genesee Region League competition and 4-10-3 overall last year, will open the season by hosting their own tournament on September 1 and 3. The Lady Hawks will face Albion in the opening round.

Schedule:
September: 1 – Holley Tournament v. Albion, 6:30 p.m.; 3 – Holley Tournament, TBA; 7 – Kendall, 6:30 p.m.; 12 – vs. Addison at Wayland-Cohocton, 5 p.m.; 15 – at Byron-Bergen, 6:30 p.m.; 17 – Pembroke, 6:30 p.m.; 19 – Lyndonville, 6:30 p.m.; 21 – at Oakfield-Alabama/Elba, 6:30 p.m.; 23 – at Notre Dame, 4:30 p.m.; 27 – at Alexander, 4:30 p.m.; 29 – at Kendall, 6:30 p.m.
October: 1 – Wheatland-Chili, 6:30 p.m.; 7 – Byron-Bergen, 6:30 p.m.; 8 – Attica, 4:30 p.m.; 11 – at Attica, 4:30 p.m.; 13 – at Wheatland-Chili, 6:30 p.m.

Photo by Mike Wertman – Anchoring the lineup for the Albion golf team is this returning starting trio of Nick Penna, Victor Benjovski and Patrick Ricker.

Looking to improve upon last year’s 3-11 record, the Albion golf team is led by a trio of returning starters heading into the Niagara-Orleans League season.

Juniors Nick Penna and Victor Benjovski along with freshman Patrick Ricker will lead the way for the Purple Eagles which also return varsity experience in freshman Nick Perry.

The key now for the Purple Eagles is to find a fifth starter so they can score as a team in league matches.

“We’re confident we can compete but right now we need to fill that fifth spot,” said Coach Bill Dambra.

Albion is slated to open the N-O season against Roy-Hart next Thursday.

Schedule
August: 25 – at Roy-Hart, 10:30 a.m.; 29 – at Barker, 10 a.m.; 31 – Newfane, 10 a.m..
September: 7 – Akron, 4 p.m.; 9 – Medina, 4 p.m.; 12 – at Wilson, 4 p.m.; 14 – Roy-Hart, 4 p.m.; 16 – Barker, 4 p.m.; 19 – at Newfane, 4 p.m.; 23 – at Akron, 4 p.m.; 26 – at Medina, 4 p.m.; 28 – Wilson, 4 p.m.; 30 – All-League Tournament at Willowbrook.

Photo by Mike Wertman – Kendall’s veteran contingent includes Joey LoSapio, Ben Frasch, Jesus Aquirre, Cameron Zinsmeister, James Longrod, Collin Lewis and Jeremy Browe. Missing from the photo are Jake Adams, Nate Warters and Zach Perrin.

Anchored by a large contingent of 11 returnees the Kendall boys soccer squad is taking aim at improving upon last year’s 5-5 Genesee Region (9-9 overall) record.
The Eagles veterans include seniors Jake Adams (attack), Jesus Aquirre (midfield), Ben Frasch (defender), Collin Lewis (midfield), James Longrod (midfield), Joey LoSapio (defender), Zach Perrin (defender and Cameron Zinsmeister (goalie) along with juniors Miguel Aguirre (midfield) and Jeremy Brow (defender) and sophomore Nate Warters (attack).
Adams had 12 goals and 5 assists and Warters 6 goals last season.
“We’ve got a lot of returners and a pretty solid squad so we have pretty high expectations for the league and for sectionals,” said Coach Chris Prokou. “We’ll see if they can play up to their capabilities.”
Kendall is scheduled to open the season at H-A-C on September 2 and then begin G-R competition at home against Pembroke on September 6.
Schedule
September: 2 – at H-A-C, 4:30 p.m.; 6 – Pembroke, 6:30 p.m.; 12 – Attica, 6:30 p.m.; 14 – Byron-Bergen/Elba, 6:30 p.m.; 17 – at Batavia, 11 a.m.; 19 – at Albion, 6:30 p.m.; 22 – at Pembroke, 4:30 p.m.; 24 – Holley, 3 p.m.; 26 – at Wheatland-Chili, 6:30 p.m.; 28 – at Attica, 4:30 p.m.
October: 1 – Rochester Academy Charter, 11 a.m.; 4 – at Byron-Bergen/Elba, 6:30 p.m.; 7 – at Rochester Academy Charter, 4:30 p.m.; 10 – Wheatland-Chili, 1 p.m.; 12 – at Holley, 6:30 p.m.; 14 – Batavia, 6:30 p.m.

Competition in the Niagara Orleans Football Association (NOFA), which includes teams from 11 communities in four area counties, gets underway on Saturday.
The opening day schedule will have Medina at Akron, Oakfield/Elba at Newfane, Albion at Pembroke, Holley at Roy-Hart and Batavia at Tri Town as Attica draws the bye.
Games are scheduled for 10 a.m. (Beginner), noon (Mini), 2 p.m. (JV) and 4 p.m. (Varsity) though some programs do not have teams in all four divisions.
Albion’s home opener will be August 27 against Attica, Medina’s on September 3 against Tri Town and Holley’s on September 3 against Batavia.

Photo by Mike Wertman – Leading the Medina volleyball squad this season will be these six returning starters. In front are Lexi Neuman, Je’ne Brown and Molley Gross. In back are Lexie Sargent, Carley Schultz and Emily Kams.

With the starting lineup returning intact, Medina is looking to improve upon last year’s 7-5 Niagara-Orleans League volleyball record.
The Mustangs veteran group includes seniors Emily Kams, Molley Gross, Carley Schultz, Lexi Neuman and Lexie Sargent along with sophomore Je’ne Brown.
Kams earned first team N-O All-League honors last fall while Gross was a second team honoree and Schultz an Honorable Mention selection.
The Mustangs lineup is also bolstered by juniors Alyssa Beyer and Grace Masse who also return with varsity experience and sophomore Maddie Williams.
“We’ve got a lot of experience and we’re very excited about the season,” said Coach Tim Lincoln. “We know the league will be a battle though as there are a number of good teams.”
Medina is scheduled to open the N-O season at Akron on September 7.
Schedule
August: 24 – at Gates-Chili Tournament; 30 – Tapestry, 6:30 p.m.; 31 – Byron-Bergen, 6:30 p.m.
September: 7 – at Akron, 6:15 p.m.; 10 – at Albion Tournament, 8 a.m.; 13 – at Roy-Hart, 6:15 p.m.; 15 – Wilson, 6:15 p.m.; 19 – Albion, 6:15 p.m.; 21 – at Tapestry, 6:15 p.m.; 23 – Newfane, 6:15 p.m.; 29 – Akron, 6:15 p.m.
October: 3 – at Lyndonville, 6:15 p.m.; 5 – Roy-Hart, 6:15 p.m.; 11 – at Wilson, 6:15 p.m.; 12 – Holley, 6:15 p.m.; 14 – at Albion, 6:15 p.m.; 15 – at BNCC Tournament; 18 – at Newfane, 6:15 p.m.; 20 – Kendall, 6:15 p.m.; 21 – Roy-Hart, 6:15 p.m.