Photo by Mike Wertman – This quintet of returning starters anchors the lineup for this season’s Albion boys varsity soccer squad. In front are Donato Rosario and Nick Reed. In back are Dan Beam, Dylan Bader and Josh Metzler.

Five returning starters anchor the lineup for the Albion boys varsity soccer squad which is looking to keep the momentum generated by last fall’s strong run in the sectional playoffs.

The Purple Eagles veteran quintet includes senior midfielders Dylan Bader and Josh Metzler, senior forward Dan Beam and junior defenders Nick Reed and Donato Rosario.

Also looking to play key roles for the Purple Eagles are sophomores Devin Gaylord (goalie), Brad Sanford (defender) and Connor McQuillan (forward).

“We’re going to be young but it’s a good, hard working group,” said Coach Keith Akers. “We’ve got some question marks but we have some kids who played a lot last year and we did very well in the sectionals so we are going to try and build on that.”

Albion, which reached the Section VI Class B1 finals, posted a 4-8 Niagara-Orleans League and a 7-13 overall record.

The Purple Eagles begin N-O competition on September 2 at Newfane.

Albion’s Schedule

Sept. 2 – at Newfane, 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 4 – at Medina, 4 p.m.
Sept. 9 – at Akron, 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 11 and 12 – at Byron-Bergen Tournament
Sept. 15 – at CSAT, 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 19 – Wilson, 12 p.m.
Sept. 24 – Roy-Hart, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 26 – Newfane, 5 p.m.
Sept. 28 – Medina, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 1 – Akron, 6:45 p.m.
Oct. 3 – at Kendall, 6 p.m.
Oct. 5 – Batavia, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 7 – at Roy-Hart, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 10 – CSAT, 12 p.m.
Oct. 13 – at Wilson, 4:30 p.m.

Photo by Mike Wertman – Holley boys varsity soccer coach Dan Orbaker meets here with the Hawks returning starters. In front is Gabe Mendoza. In the middle row are Andrew Cary, Justin Parker, Derek McArthur and Santino Morales. In back are Patrick Bower, Flint DiLella, Taylor Hill, Chris Balys and Orbaker.

Looking to make Coach Dan Orbaker’s milestone 30th season a special one, the Holley boys varsity soccer team returns a large contingent of no less than nine regulars with which to make a strong run at Genesee Region League and Section V titles this season.

“I love it. I still have the fire. I just love it,” said Orbaker who has guided the Hawks to no less than 14 G-R League, 9 Section V, 5 West Regional and 2 state championships over the past three decades.

The Hawks are led by the veteran contingent of seniors Gabe Mendoza (midfield/forward), Flint DiLella (defender), Justin Parker (forward), Santino Morales (forward) along with juniors Derek McArthur (midfield/forward), Andrew Cary (forward), Chris Balys (defender), Tyler Hill (defender) and sophomore Patrick Bower (goalie).

Mendoza, Cary and Balys all earned G-R All-Star honors last fall.

The Hawks lineup also includes seniors Ryan Moseman (midfield), Dan Kozlowski (midfield), Jake DeSimone (defender), Cameron Bennage (goalie), Xander Apicella (forward) and Pablo Romero (forward), an exchange student from Argentina, along with juniors Bryce Baxter (defender), Will Harrington (midfielder), Dylan McKay (midfield), Antonio Puente (forward), Bailey Schubmehl (midfield) and James Skehan (defender).

“This is one of the biggest and most experienced squads we’ve had so we are going to expect and demand the best from them,” said Orbaker. “I look for it to be a very competitive league.”

The Hawks will prep for the G-R campaign by hosting their own tournament on September 2 and 4 facing Roy-Hart in the opening round. The G-R opener will be September 16 at Byron-Bergen.

Holley’s Schedule

Sept. 2 – Holley Tournament vs. Roy-Hart, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 4 – Holley Tournament
Sept. 8 – University Prep, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 12 – Sodus, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 16 – at Byron-Bergen, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 18 – at Pembroke, 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 22 – at Kendall, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 24 – Wheatland-Chili, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 28 – at Sodus, 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 30 – at Attica, 4:30 p.m.
Oct. 2 – Byron-Bergen, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 6 – Pembroke, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 10 – Kendall, 4:30 p.m.
Oct. 12 – Geneseo, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 14 – at Wheatland-Chili, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 16 – Attica, 6:30 p.m.

Photo by Mike Wertman – Albion’s contingent of returning starters includes, in front, Israel Florentino, Manwell Taylor, Tommy Mattison, Kyle Smith and Kory Reynolds. In back are Tyler Rotoli, Mike Laine, Nate Trembley, Jarod Hollinger and Trey Hart.

Anchored by a good returning nucleus of 10 starters, Albion is prepping for the September 4 season home opener against Newfane.

Senior quarterback Kyle Smith heads that veteran contingent which also includes senior wide receiver/defensive backs Trey Hart and Manwell Taylor, senior running back/linebacker Tyler Rotoli, junior running back/linebacker Tommy Mattison, junior tight end/defensive end Kory Reynolds, senior linemen Israel Florentino, Mike Laine and Nate Trembley and junior lineman Jarod Hollinger.

Smith, who threw for 761 yards and 10 touchdowns, earned first team All-B North Division honors last year as did Hart who caught a team leading 21 passes for 403 yards and 6 touchdowns. Rotoli earned second team honors.

“We’ve got a great nucleus of returning kids,” said Coach Gary Parisi. “We’re just going to take it one game at a time. The only thing on our minds right now is game one against Newfane. You can’t take anybody for granted.”

The Purple Eagles are also looking for help at the running back and linebacker spots from juniors Tyler Nashburn and Brandon McGuire and sophomore Demetrius Gardner, at wide receiver and defensive back from senior JJ Downs and on the offensive and defensive lines from junior Tony Rotoli.

Albion, which went 3-3 in the division and 4-4 overall last fall, will open ‘B’ East Division competition on September 11 at Alden.

Th Purple Eagles will tuneup for the season by hosting Batavia, LeRoy and Elba/Byron-Bergen in a scrimmage at 10 a.m. Saturday.

Albion’s Schedule

Sept. 4 – Newfane 7 p.m.
Sept. 11 – at Alden, 7 p.m.
Sept. 18 – at Depew, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 25 – East Aurora, 7 p.m.
Oct. 2 – at Pioneer, 7 p.m.
Oct. 10 – at Barker/Roy-Hart, 1:30 p.m. at Barker
Oct. 16 – Medina, 7 p.m.

Contributed Photos – Players and coaches of the AnJo National Division champion Brigham Concrete Blue Claws meet here. In the first row are Thomas Russo, Alex Conheady, Vinny Buscarino and Tyler Baes.  In the second row are Coach Tom Russo, Miguel Aybar, Coach Jake Baes, Kiefer Bloom, Javon Ruffin, Matt Gilbert, Coach Dan Gilbert, Colin Fragale, Gianna Fazzolari and Coach Todd Fragale.

After a very tight four innings, the Brigham Blue Claws broke away from a 2-2 tie with the Hillman Automotive Aqua Sox, by erupting for 6 runs in the fifth inning to key a 14-2 victory in the recent Anjo National Division championship game.

On the hill for the Blue Claws, Matt Gilbert tossed four innings and Gianna Fazzolari came in to close out the last three innings yielding no hits, one walk and hurling six Ks.

For the Aqua Sox, Ben Shanley pitched four solid innings against a high powered offense yielding only two runs on six hits, one walk and four Ks.

Shanley also helped his cause at the plate with a double, scoring once.  Jonathan DeMartz also was strong at the plate with a hit and two walks.

For the Brigham Blue Claws, the offense was spread out.  Colin Fragale finished a very strong year going 3 for 4 with two RBIs, scoring three times.  Matt Gilbert also was a force going 3 for 4 with an RBI and scoring once.  Kiefer Bloom also had a great day catching and went 3 for 4 scoring twice with two RBIs.  Javon Ruffin had two hits on the day.  Gianna Fazzolari and Thomas Russo each had a hit and a walk scoring once each.  Alex Conheady and Vinny Buscarino both had a hit and a walk. Conheady also scored twice.

The Brigham Blue Claws finished second during the regular season to the talent heavy Basil Toyota Hammerheads that were coached by Kyle Hayes.

League MVP Gianna Fazzolari receives her award from Coach/President Todd Fragale.

The Blue Claws were coached by long-time coach and AnJo President Todd Fragale, Bombers coach Jake Baes, Oakfield-Alabama Varsity coach Dan Gilbert and Tom Russo.

For the Blue Claws, Matt Gilbert received the AnJo Sportsmanship award and Javon Ruffin received the Most Improved award on the year.

Gianna Fazzolari won the coveted  MVP award for the league being chosen as the best player in the league.  Gianna is the first ever female selected for the award edging out standouts Bryce Seddon and Jordan Sansone.

The MVP is awarded by the League President to longtime AnJo players with superior baseball ability and that are good teammates and model sportsman. Gianna’s parents are Tony and Wendy Fazzolari of Newfane. The decision was quite difficult, as all three of the players met all the criteria and were standout individuals.

AnJo held its inaugural season in 1955 and the AnJo MVP that year was Jack DiMaggio.  For more information on AnJo or the AnJo Bombers organization and tryouts, go to www.anjobombers.org or anjobaseball.org.

Albion, Barker, Wilson also score wins

Medina downed Roy-Hart 232-252 this morning at Shelridge to open the Niagara-Orleans League golf season.

Melanie Green took medalist honors for Medina with a 40 as Ian Wagner had a 42 and Mike Cardone a 46.

Austin Walker shot 48 and Murphy Lang 49 for Roy-Hart.

Medina next visits Albion Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Hickory Ridge.

Albion defeated CSAT 263-298 at Hickory Ridge as Nick Penna shot 48 and Patrick Ricker 49 to lead the Purple Eagles.

CSAT’s Joey Yakovac took medalist honors with a 47.

Defending N-O champion Wilson opened with a 217-248 victory over Newfane as Connor Seeley took medalist honors with a 39. Jonah Miller added a 41 and Brandon Seider a 43 for the Lakemen. All three golfers earned first team N-O All-League honors last fall as Wilson claimed the N-O title with a 14-0 record.

Barker bested host Akron 236-252 as Brad Wilson earned medalist honors with a 36. Josh Richbart added a 44.

Photo by Mike Wertman – Barker’s links veterans include Jacob Harris, Jake Meister, Josh Richbart and Cameron Fox. Missing from the photo is Brad Wilson.

Led by a quintet of returnees, Barker will open Niagara-Orleans League golf competition on Tuesday with a match at Akron.

Senior Brad Wilson, who earned N-O All-League honors last fall, heads Barker’s veteran group which also includes juniors Cameron Fox, Josh Richbart and Jake Meister along with eighth grader Jacob Harris.

It will be a busy opening week for Coach Tim Daley’s Raiders which also host CSAT on Thursday and visit Newfane Friday.

The Raiders went 8-5-1 in N-O competition last fall.

Barker’s Schedule

Aug. 25 – at Akron, 4 p.m.
Aug. 27 – CSAT, 4 p.m.
Aug. 28 – at Newfane ,4 p.m.
Sept. 1 – Medina, 4 p.m.
Sept. 3 – at Roy-Hart, 4 p.m.
Sept. 9 – Wilson, 4 p.m.
Sept. 11 – Albion, 4 p.m.
Sept. 14 – Akron, 4 p.m.
Sept. 16 – at CSAT, 4 p.m.
Sept. 18 – Newfane, 4 p.m.
Sept. 21 – at Medina, 4 p.m.
Sept. 23 – Roy-Hart, 4 p.m.
Sept. 24 – at Wilson, 4 p.m.
Sept. 28 – at Albion, 4 p.m.
Oct. 1 – All-League Tournament at Willowbrook

Photo by Mike Wertman – Veteran members of Holley’s varsity football squad include, in front, Zach Day, Adam Stetzel, Clarence Moyer, Pat Purtell and Ronnie Dewahl. In back are Austin Vroman, Nick Passarell, Zack Vaccarelli, Nick Schenk and Ross Pinson.

Anchored by a strong veteran group of skill position players, Holley is prepping for the September 4 Genesee Region League football opener at Attica.

Senior quarterback Nick Passarell heads that veteran contingent which also includes senior wide receivers Zack Vaccarelli and Clarence Moyer, junior running back Zach Day, senior running backs Adam Stetzel and Nick Schenk and senior tight end Ronnie Dewahl.

Passarell threw for 5 touchdowns last season, 3 to Moyer and 2 to Vaccarelli, and also ran for 3 scores.

“We’ve got good skills players returning so a lot depends on how our offensive line develops,” said Coach Wil Prince.

The veteran trio of seniors Ross Pinson, Pat Purtell and Austin Vroman looks to anchor the line which also should get help from sophomores Glenn Thrower and Nick Schutz.

The Hawks home opener will be September 12 against Elba/Byron-Bergen.

Holley went 1-5 in the G-R and 2-7 overall last fall.

Hawks Schedule

Sept. 4 – at Attica, 7 p.m.
Sept. 12 – Elba/Byron-Bergen, 1:30 p.m.
Sept. 19 – at CG Finney, 1:30 p.m.
Sept. 26 – Alexander, 1:30 p.m.
Oct. 2 – at Pembroke, 7 p.m.
Oct. 10 – Oakfield-Alabama, 1:30 p.m.
Oct. 17 – at Notre Dame, 1:30 p.m.

Photo by Mike Wertman – Anchoring the lineup for Holley this season will be this large contingent of veteran players including Brittney Shattuck, Kristen Nenni, Lillian Klafehn, Mikala Smith, Riley O’Mara, Riley Sanger, Anne Jewell, Lexi Milazzo, Heather Winkley, Maddie Papaj and Courtney Winkley.

Taking aim at bouncing back from last fall’s 4-11-2 season, the Holley girls varsity soccer squad is led by a large group of returning regulars.

That large veteran contingent includes seniors Brittney Shattuck, Kristen Nenni, Lillian Klafehn, Mikala Smith, Riley Sanger, Anne Jewell, Heather Winkley and Courtney Winkley along with junior Riley O’Mara and sophomores Lexi Milazzo and Maddie Papaj.

Shattuck, O’Mara, Heather Winkley and Papaj all received Genesee Region League All-Star honorable mention.

“We’ve got a lot of returners which is a positive thing and we working to improve upon last year,” said Coach Renee Wolf.

Holley, which went 3-10-2 in G-R actionl last season will open the season against Roy-Hart on September 3 in the opening round of the Lady Hawks Tournament.

Schedule

Sept. 3 – Holley Tournament vs. Roy-Hart, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 5 – Holley Tournament
Sept. 8 – at Pembroke ,4:30 p.m.
Sept. 11 – at Attica, 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 14 – at Kendall, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 17 – at Wheatland-Chili, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 19 – Byron-Bergen, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 21 – Pembroke, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 23 – Alexander, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 29 – Oakfield-Alabama/Elba, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 1 – Notre Dame, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 3 – at Lyndonville, 4 p.m.
Oct. 7 – at Byron-Bergen, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 10 – Kendall, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 14 – Attica, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 15 – Wheatland-Chili, 6:30 p.m.

Contributed Photos – Legion of Doom QB Darrell Keith completes a touchdown pass to Carlos Rodriguez in first half action against the Super Heroes in Training.

Trueballers dominated the Dragons 84-12 and the Legion of Doom downed the Super Heroes 34-26 to highlight Saturday’s Medina Flag Football League action.

In the other contest, the Warriors defeated the Crush 55-22 as the Jackals had the bye.

This coming Saturday’s schedule will have Super Heroes in Training vs. Jackals at 9 a.m., Crush against Legion of Doom at 10:15 a.m. and Dragons battling Warriors at 11:30 a.m. Trueballers have the bye week.

RB Jason Francabandiero gains some good yardage for Super Heroes in Training as Adrion Dobbs (21) pursues for the Legion of Doom.

Photo by Mike Wertman – Setting the pace for the Medina High golf team this season will be this veteran quartet of Melanie Green, Ian Wagner, Mike Cardone and Hunter Sturtevant.

After finishing in the runner-up spot last fall, Medina is taking aim at claiming the Niagara-Orleans League golf championship this season led by a quartet of returning starters.

Eighth grader Ian Wagner, who took top honors at the N-O Tournament, heads Medina’s veteran group which also includes eighth grader Melanie Green, junior Mike Cardone and senior Hunter Sturtevant. Wagner and Cardone both earned All-League honors.

The Mustangs also also counting on senior Brad McPherson and sophomore Andrew Fuller.

“We’ve got good experience back and our goal and our expectations are to win the league,” said Coach PJ Bell. “The keys will be to take every stroke seriously, take nothing for granted and eliminate mistakes in the short game. We want to make sure our scores are consistent.”

Medina went 12-2 last season to finish second behind undefeated (14-0) champion Wilson.

The Mustangs are scheduled to open the N-O season on August 25 against Roy-Hart at Shelridge.

Schedule

Aug. 25 – at Roy-Hart, 8 a.m.
Aug. 27 – Wilson, 4 p.m.
Aug. 28 – at Albion, 4 p.m.
Sept. 1 – at Barker, 4 p.m.
Sept. 3 – at Newfane, 4 p.m.
Sept. 9 – CSAT, 4 p.m.
Sept. 11 – at Akron, 4 p.m.
Sept. 14 – Roy-Hart, 4 p.m.
Sept. 16 – at Wilson, 4 p.m.
Sept. 18 – Albion, 4 p.m.
Sept. 21 – Barker, 4 p.m.
Sept. 23 – Newfane, 4 p.m.
Sept. 25 – at CSAT, 4 p.m.
Sept. 28 – Akron, 4 p.m.
Oct. 1 – All-League Tournament at Willowbrook