The high school football season will kickoff on Saturday as area teams take part in scrimmage competition.

Albion will host Batavia, LeRoy and Elba/Byron-Bergen in a four-way scrimmage at 10 a.m while Medina/Lyndonville will face Wilson at Lyndonville, also at 10 a.m.

In other area action, Barker/Roy-Hart will be at Newfane and Holley will take part in a multi-team scrimmage at East Rochester.

The regular season will begin on September 4 with Newfane at Albion (7 p.m.), Lew-Port at Medina/Lyndonville (7:30 p.m.), Barker/Roy-Hart at Tonawanda ( 7:30 p.m.) and Holley at Attica (7 p.m.)

Photo by Mike Wertman – Veteran senior members of Barker’s defending champion varsity field hockey team include, in front, Emma Duffy, Kelsie Engert, Rebecca Stolosk and Courtney Bodine. In back are Paige Fudella, Erin Greenwald, Madison Greenwald, Caitlyn Mason, Erika Moeller and Amber Schafer.

Looking to extend a decade long reign, Barker is prepping to defend its Niagara-Orleans League field hockey title led by a large group of 10 returning seniors.

The Lady Raiders large veteran senior contingent includes Caitlyn Mason (goalie/midfield), Emma Duffy (attack), Erin Greenwald (attack), Madison Greenwald (midfield/defense), Erika Moeller (midfield/defense), Amber Schafer (defense), Courtney Bodine (goalie/defense), Rebecca Stoloski (attack), Kelsie Engert (midfield/defense) and Paige Fudella (defense).

Mason earned first team N-O All-League honors while Erin and Madison Greenwald were both second team selections. Duffy, Engert and Stoloski all received All-League honorable mention.

Junior Lydia Dewart (attack) also returns with varsity experience for the Lady Raiders whose roster also includes juniors Grace Weller (midfield/defense) and Emily Annable (attack) along with sophomores Sarah Mason (defense) and Natalie Menz (attack) and freshman Katrina Clare (attack).

The Lady Raiders big losses to graduation were their top two scorers, first team N-O All-League honorees Gabby Clare and Melissa Grosshans.

“We did lose our top two scorers so we’re going so we’re looking for a lot of goal production from a lot of different players but we do have a lot of experience,” said Coach Jeff Costello. “They are all hard workers and we are asking some of them to play multiple spots. The key will be scoring but its a new season and new opportunities.”

The nine time defending champion Barker begins its N-O title defense at home on September 1 against Kenmore. The Lady Raiders went 12-0 in N-O competition last fall.

Barker’s Schedule

Sept. 1 – Kenmore, 5 p.m.
Sept. 8 – Roy-Hart, 4:45 p.m.
Sept. 10 – at Wilson, 4:45 p.m.
Sept. 15 – Newfane, 4:45 p.m.
Sept. 17 – at Akron, 4:45 p.m.
Sept. 21 – at Nichols, 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 22 – at Medina, 4:45 p.m.
Sept. 24 – at Kenmore, 4:45 p.m.
Sept. 25 – at Roy-Hart, 7 p.m.
Oct. 2 and 3 – at Mt. Lebanon, Pa.
Oct. 6 – Wilson, 4:45 p.m.
Oct. 8 – at Newfane, 4:45 p.m.
Oct. 13 – Akron, 4:45 p.m.
Oct. 15 – Medina, 4:45 p.m.

Defending champion Wilson posted a narrow 225-228 victory over Medina at Shelridge this morning in a key early season Niagara-Orleans League golf match.

Connor Seeley shot 41 and Jonah Miller and Nate Fox both carded rounds of 44 to lead the way for Wilson which improves to 2-0.

Ian Wagner earned medalist honors with a 39 and Melanie Green shot 41 for Medina which slips to 2-1.

Roy-Hart evened its record at 1-1 with a 235-258 win at Akron.

Hogan Lang and Justin Czaja shared medalist honors for Roy-Hart with rounds of 44 as Murphy Lang and Austin Walker both added 48’s.

Newfane likewise evened its record at 1-1 with a 241-280 victory over Albion at Hickory Ridge.

Connor Duncan took medalist honors with a 44 to lead the way for Newfane as John Costanzo had a 48 and Zach Lajoie a 49.

Nick Penna had a 48 for Albion which slips to 1-2.

Barker improved to 2-0 by downing CSAT 237-270 at Niagara-Orleans.

Josh Richbart took medalist honors for the Raiders with a 45 as Jacob Harris and Jake Meister both had rounds of 46.

Joey Yakovac shot 46 for CSAT which is now 0-2.

Photo by Mike Wertman – Veteran members of the Medina girls varsity soccer team include, in front, Hannah Adams, Destiny Satkowski, Emma Gardner, Martha Gardner and Kyla Leno. In back are Andrea Toussaint, Allie Bensley, Kylie Bielak, Katie Bilicki, Madison Wickham, Morgan Roach and Cora Payne.

Last fall the Medina High girls varsity soccer team with a roster of all underclassmen gained plenty of experience while compiling a 4-8-2 Niagara-Orleans League and 6-10-2 overall record.

Now that entire, more experienced, squad returns taking aim at moving up in the N-O standings.

“They are all back and we’re looking to build on last year,” said Coach Mike Lepkyj.

Medina’s veteran contingent includes seniors Madison Wickham, Andrea Toussaint, Katie Bilicki, Allie Bensley and Emma Gardner along with juniors Kyla Leno, Martha Gardner, Hannah Adams, Morgan Roach; sophomores Destiny Satkowski and Kylie Bielak and freshman Cora Payne.

Leno and Emma Gardner were both second team N-O All-League honorees while Satkowski and Martha Gardner were both honorable mention selections.

Satkowski scored a team leading 9 goals while Leno netted 6 and Martha Gardner 5.

The Mustangs will open N-O competition on August 31 at Roy-Hart at 6:30 p.m.

Schedule:

August 29 – at Depew, 10 a.m.
Aug. 31- at Roy-Hart, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 4 – at Newfane, 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 8 – at Akron, 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 11 – at CSAT, 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 14 – at Wilson, 4:30 .m.
Sept. 17 – at Barker, 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 21 – at Lyndonville, 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 23 – at Albion, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 26 – Roy-Hart, 10 a.m.
Sept. 29 – Newfane, 7 p.m.
Oct. 1 – Akron, 4:45 p.m.
Oct. 6 – CSAT, 4:30 p.m.
Oct. 8 – Wilson, 4:30 p.m.
Oct. 10 – Barker, 10 a.m.
Oct. 14 – Albion, 4:30 p.m.

Photo by Mike Wertman – These seniors will lead Lyndonville into the upcoming volleyball season. In front are Jenni Wetherbee, Riley Starr and Brook Allen. In back are Ciera Riley, Jessica Harling, Savanna Tackley, Amanda Blackburn and Jenna Doran.

A large contingent of eight seniors will provide the leadership for the Lyndonville girls varsity volleyball squad which opens Genesee Region League competition on September 9 at Oakfield-Alabama/Elba.

Those seniors include Jenna Doran, Jessica Harling, Ciera Riley, Amanda Blackburn, Jenni Wetherbee, Riley Starr, Brook Allen and Savanna Tackley.

Former Lyndonville varsity mentor Kerry Hinchey-Papaj returns to coach the Lady Tigers as Kevin Laskey, who guided the squad the last couple of years, is coaching the new boys varsity volleyball squad.

Schedule

Sept. 2 – Newfane, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 9 – at Oakfield-Alabama/Elba, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 12 – at Albion Tournament
Sept. 14 – Kendall, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 16 – Wheatland-Chili, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 18 – at Wheatland-Chili, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 21 – Alexander, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 22 – Roy-Hart, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 24 – Byron-Bergen, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 30 – Attica, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 2 – at Notre Dame, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 3 – Holley, 2:30 p.m.
Oct. 5 – at Newfane, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 6 – Oakfield-Alabama/Elba, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 8 – at Kendall, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 13 – at Medina, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 15 – Pembroke, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 23 – at Pembroke, 6:30 p.m.

Photo by Mike Wertman – Veteran members of the Barker/Roy-Hart varsity football squad include, in front, Ryan Doepp, Chris Steves, Joe Dimayo and Chris Anderson. In back are Scott Hoyle, Kyle Secore, Joel Ulrich, Ryan Ulrich and Andy Xapsos.

Boasting a good returning nucleus, Barker/Roy-Hart is prepping to begin its fifth season as a merged varsity football squad.

Senior quarterback Andy Xapsos heads the returning contingent which also includes senior linemen Joe Dimayo, Chris Anderson and Chris Steves, senior running backs Joel and Ryan Ulrich, senior receivers Scott Hoyle and Kyle Secore, senior linebacker Ryan Doepp and junior kicker Noah Rocklein.

“The big keys for us are to stay healthy and to get off to a strong start to get the momentum going for the season,” said Coach Bill Bruning. “I like what I’ve seen so far. We’re just looking for the kids to keep improving.”

Barker/Roy-Hart went 1-5 in the ‘B’ North Division and 3-6 overall last fall.

Barker/Roy-Hart is scheduled to scrimmage at Newfane at 10 a.m. Saturday in a tuneup for the September 4 season opener at Tonawanda.

Schedule

Sept. 4 – at Tonawnada, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 11 – at Depew, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 18 – Alden, 7 p.m. at Roy-Hart
Sept. 25 – at Medina/Lyndonville, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 3 – Central Tech/East High, Pa., 2 p.m. at Roy-Hart
Oct. 10 – Albion, 1:30 p.m. at Barker
Oct. 16 – at East Aurora/Holland, 7 p.m.

Photos by Cheryl Wertman

Dozens of young football enthusiasts took part in the local Punt, Pass and Kick competition this evening at Bullard Park in Albion. The boy and girl winners in each age group advance to the district competition. Here Allison Gibson lets loose with a pass by coach Joe Fuller.

Cade Wolcott (boys ages 10 and 11) is in action in the kicking competition.

Photos by Tom Rivers

Anthony Freeman fires the football in the boys 12 and 13 division. Freeman was second with 190 combined feet in throwing, punting and kicking.

Thomas Furmanski follows through with a big kick. He won the 12 and 13 division with a combined 266 feet, 8 inches.

The first place winners in the Punt, Pass and Kick competition include, front row, from left: David Stritzinger (boys 8 and 9) with 145 feet, 3 inches; Reuben Rivers (boys 10 and 11) with 180 feet, 1 inch; and Nathan Gibson (boys 6 and 7) with 83 feet, 9 inches. Back row: Abbie Kincaid (girls 6 and 7) with 34 feet, 2 inches; Thomas Furmanski (boys 12 and 13) with 266 feet, 8 inches; Nate Moore (boys 14 and 15) with 296 feet, 7 inches; and Allison Gibson (girls 8 and 9) with 132 feet, 11 inches.

Getting balanced scoring, Medina posted a 223-268 victory over Albion this morning in a Niagara-Orleans League golf match at Hickory Ridge.

Mike Cardone took medalist honors for Medina with a 42.

Ian Wagner and Melanie Green both carded rounds of 43, Hunter Sturtevant a 46 and Andrew Fuller a 49 for the Mustangs.

Improving to 2-0, Medina next faces defending N-O champion Wilson at 9 a.m. Thursday at Shelridge.

Jared Fearby and Patrick Ricker both shot 50 for Albion which is now 1-1. The Purple Eagles next host Newfane at 10 a.m. Thursday at Hickory Ridge.

Photo by Mike Wertman – Anchoring the Medina/Lyndonville lineup this season will be this group of returning starters. In front are Dylan Lewis, Kalvin Packer, Noah Banazwski and Charles Beach. In back are Dawson Joy, Tom Follman, Tyler Howard and Eric Neace.

Eight returning starters head a large contingent of 16 veteran players anchoring the lineup for the Medina/Lyndonville varsity football squad which is prepping for the September 4 home opener against Lew-Port.

Offensively, running backs Tom Follman, a senior, and Eric Neace, a junior, along with senior wide receiver Dylan Lewis are returning starters at the skill positions while the senior trio of Kalvin Packer, Charles Beach and Noah Banazwski provide the experience on the line.

Lewis caught 29 passes for 519 yards and 5 touchdowns last season.

Beach earned first team B North Division honors while Neace and Banazwski were both second team selections.

Senior Tyler Valley, who saw some action last year, and freshman Izaiah Rhim, who is up from the JV ranks, step in to share the key quarterback position taking over for three-year starting signal caller Jason Hellwig who graduated in June. Hellwig threw for 1,361 yards and 16 touchdowns last fall and finished his career as the Mustangs all-time TD passer with 45 scoring strikes.

The Mustangs backfield also has to fill the void left by the graduation of running back Brett Pecoraro who rushed for 1,001 yards and scored 13 touchdowns last season.

Sophomore Jalin Cooper will help bolster the wide receiver ranks while seniors Gage Grabowski and Trent Cotriss are working at tight end.

Up front, seniors David Moore, Andrew Dusett and Baylee VerCruysse help round out the line.

“We’ve got a good corps of receivers and running backs and Tyler and Izaiah both have their strengths so we’re going to mix it up,” said Coach Eric Valley.

Defensively returning linebackers including Neace, Follman and juniorsTyler Howard and Dawson Joy anchor the unit which also returns Lewis in the secondary.

“We’re pretty solid at linebacker but we lost most of our secondary so we’ll have to have some guys step up there,” said Valley.

Senior Charlie Enderby and junior Jake Cotter also both look to see time at linebacker as well as running back.

Junior Frank Carrasquio looks to see time on the defensive line along with Beach, Packer, Banazwski, Dusett, VerCruysee and Moore as does sophomore Mason Lewis in the secondary.

“We’ve got great depth,” sad Valley. “We’re solid across the board both offensively and defensively. We’ve got a good mix of returning starters and upcoming players.”

The Mustangs lineup also includes seniors Zach Jones (wide receiver/defensive back), Tevin Riley (line), Jared Zinkievich (wide receiver/defensive back), Scott Smith (wide receiver/defensive back), David McRae (line), Jeff Gress (wide receiver/defensive back), Damien Norrish (line) and Brooklyn Moore (line) along with junior Emmanuel Sones (line).

The Mustangs, which went 4-2 in the ‘B’ North Division and 5-4 overall last fall are in the new ‘B’ East Division this season along with Albion, Barker/Roy-Hart, Alden, Depew and East Aurora/Holland.

“Every year it’s something different but there is some real good football to be played in this division so you can’t look past anybody,” said Valley whose Mustangs will begin division competition on September 11 at East Aurora/Holland.

The Mustangs will tuneup for the season opener by facing Wilson in a scrimmage at 10 a.m. Saturday that will be held at Lyndonville.

Mustangs’ Schedule

Sept. 4 – Lew-Port, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 11 – at East Aurora/Holland, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 18 – Riverside, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 25 – Barker/Roy-Hart, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 2 – at Alden, 7 p.m.
Oct. 9 – Depew 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 16 – at Albion, 7 p.m.

Photo by Mike Wertman – Veteran members of the Lyndonville girls varsity soccer squad include, in front, Dianna Smith, Rhiannon Burgess and Aubrey Lewis. In back are Makenzie Muck and Jasmine Plummer.

Facing a bit of a rebuilding task with the loss of nine seniors to graduation, the Lyndonville girls varsity soccer squad is looking to build around five returnees.

Junior forward/midfielder Aubrey Lewis, who earned Genesee Region League All-Star honors, heads that veteran quintet which also includes junior goalie Makenzie Muck and seniors Rhiannon Burgess (forward), Dianna Smith (defender) and Jasmine Plummer (midfield).

The Lady Tigers are also looking to junior defender Brianna Panicia and freshman forward Anna Lewis.

“We’re a very young team but we’ve got a lot of good soccer players,” said Coach Jim O’Connor. “The positive is we’ve got some experience at every position and I certainly think they can compete.”

Lyndonville, which went 7-9-2 last fall, will prep for the September 9 G-R home opener against Notre Dame by hosting Northstar in a non league contest on Sept. 2.

Lyndonville’s Schedule

Sept. 2 – Northstar, 4 p.m.
Sept. 9 – Notre Dame, 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 12 – Oakfield-Alabama/Elba, 11 a.m.
Sept. 15 – Pembroke, 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 17 – at Alexander, 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 19 – at Attica, 11 a.m.
Sept. 21 – Medina, 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 23 – Byron-Bergen, 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 29 – at Kendall, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 1 – Wheatland-Chili, 4:30 p.m.
Oct. 3 – Holley, 4 p.m.
Oct. 5 – at Barker, 4:30 p.m.
Oct. 7 – at Notre Dame, 4:30 p.m.
Oct. 13 – at Pembroke, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 15 – Alexander, 4:30 p.m.
Oct. 17 – at Oakfield-Alabama/Elba, 11 a.m.