Sidelines the Official Publication of the New York State High School Football Coaches Association INSIDE: Nystate Has 35 Players Sign in Division I-A

March 2011 Issue No. 10 FROM THE Sidelines The Official Publication of the New York State High School Football Coaches Association INSIDE: NYState has 35 players sign in Division I-A

NYSHSFCA names Award Winners PLUS:

Year Russ Cellan Makes Points Of The at Freeport ALSO: NY State Briefs President’s Message QBQB Extra Point The 2010 season saw quarterbacks all over New York State have great seasons FROM THE NYSHSFCA Sidelines Board of Directors The Official Publication of the New York State High School Football Coaches Association Section I Section VII Publisher Joe Casarella Larry Ewald Athletic Director, North Rockland HS Head Football Coach NYSHSFCA Thiells, NY 10984 Peru High School cell: (914) 673-6915 Peru, NY 12972 Editor [email protected] (518) 643-6421 Mark E. Adair Section II Section VIII [email protected] Nick Fitzgerald Joe Vito Athletic Director, South Glens Falls HS Football Coach, Roosevelt HS 716-433-8393 South Glens Falls, NY 12839 52 Franklin Street (518) 260-1231 East Rockaway, NY 11518 From The Sidelines is the official publication of [email protected] (516) 345-7216 the New York State High School Football Coaches Association and is published 12 times a Section III [email protected] year. Contents copyright ©2010 by Adair Kevin DeParde Section IX Publishing and the NYSHSFCA. All rights Football Coach, East Syracuse-Minoa HS CT Chatham reserved. This volume may not be reproduced in East Syracuse, NY 13057 Football Coach, Newburgh Free Academy whole or in part in any form without the prior writ- (315) 682-8011 ten consent of the publisher. Send editorial and 201 Fullerton Avenue [email protected] advertising correspondence to: Newburgh, NY 12550 From The Sidelines, Section IV (845) 563-5563 86 Park Lane Circle, Shane Hurd [email protected] Lockport, NY 14094 [email protected] Football Coach, Union Endicott HS Endicott, NY 13760 Section X (607) 427-5745 Joe Wahl Officers [email protected] Football Coach, Gouverneur HS 113 East Barney Street President Section V Gouverneur, NY 13642 Joe Vito Lyle Dixon (315) 287-1902 Football Coach, Roosevelt HS Athletic Director, Midlakes HS 52 Franklin Street Clifton Springs, NY 14432 Section XI East Rockaway, NY 11518 (315) 548-6450 Dave Falco (516) 345-7216 [email protected] Football Coach, Sachem High School [email protected] 212 Smith Rd Section VI Lake Ronkonkoma NY 11779 First Vice President Ken Stoldt (631) 471-1396 Lyle Dixon Akron HS • Akron, NY 14001 [email protected] Athletic Director, Midlakes HS (716) 937-9841 Clifton Springs, NY 14432 [email protected] Section XII (315) 548-6450 Greg Lauri Adam Stoltman [email protected] Football Coach, John Glenn HS Alden Central School • Alden, NY 14004 East Northport, NY 11731 Immediate Past President (716) 937-9841 cell: (631) 266-5488 Tom Heinzelman [email protected] [email protected] Athletic Director Hudson Falls CS Hudson Falls, NY 12839 www.NYSHSFCA.org office: (518) 681-4231 home: (518) 798-3547 News • Updates • Forms [email protected] Past President Institutional Members Gregory Sirico Athletic Director University at Albany Ithaca College Princeton University Warwick Valley High School Alfred University University of Iowa University of Rhode Island P.O. Box 595 Boston College Hamilton College University of Rochester Warwick, NY 10990 Bowling Green State U. Hartwick College St. John Fisher College (845) 987-3050 ext. 2085 Brown University Cortland State College St. Lawrence University home: (845) 986-6973 Buffalo State College Lafayette College SUNY Maritime [email protected] University at Buffalo University of Massachusetts Stony Brook University Colgate University Marist College Syracuse University Executive Director Columbia University Michigan State University Temple University Mike Foster University of Connecticut Morrisville State College U.S. Merchant Marine P.O. Box 312 Cornell University Mount Allison University U.S. Military Academy Canandaigua, NY 14424 CW Post University North Carolia State University Academy (585) 394-1806 (o) Edinboro University of Ohio State University Utica College (585) 747-7010 (c) Pennsylvania Pace University University of Wisconsin Fax: (585) 393-1742 Fordham University Penn State University New York Giants [email protected] Harvard University Purdue University New York Jets Hobart College University of Pittsburgh New York State High School Football Coaches Association Membership Form

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1. Print This Page 2. Complete Form 3. Mail Form and Payment to: NYSHSFCA P.O. Box 312 Canandaigua, NY 14424 Stewart among Albany’s Green Tech 35 NYS signees to start in Class AA for Division I-A Green Tech has never played a varsity football game and has just one season at the JV level. When the Eagles take the Niagara Falls High School field for their inaugural varsity campaign had a big week this February this fall, they will be competing as one of when one graduate starred in 14 Class AA teams in Section II. the Super Bowl and his youngr Green Tech, a charter school with 263 brother signed a Division I-A students, has been placed in the Liberty scholarship offer. Division with Schenectady (2,140 stu- Niagara Falls graduate dents), Shaker (1,563), Colonie (1,390), James Starks, who also Columbia (1,154), Niskayuna (1,052) and starred at the University at La Salle (472). Buffalo, rushed for 53 yards on Although the tentative 2011 Section II 11 carries in the Green Bay football schedule was released Packers Super Bowl win over Wednesday by Section II football chair- Pittsburgh. man Gary VanDerzee, the final determina- That same week, Starksʼ tion on where Green Tech will compete younger brother, Dale Stewart, will come from the Section II Athletic signed a scholarship offer from Council, which will next meet either in the University at Buffalo. Photo by Mark Adair March or April. “Generally, the Athletic Council sup- “Theyʼre both great kids,” Niagara Falls star Dale Stewart is one ports the recommendations from the other Niagara Falls coach Don Bass of 35 NY State players to receive said. Division I-A football scholarships. committees,” VanDerzee said. Bass coached Starks on the Green Tech football coach Pete Porcelli JV level. He took the head varsity coaching job four years ago and simply stated, “I'm just very surprised.” When contacted by the Times Union, coached Stewart for two seasons. Green Tech athletic director Bill Spath “Heʼs a great kid,” Bass said. “Dale is very coachable. Heʼs a good would not comment. student. Heʼs hard working and a fast learner. You just have to give The school does not have a practice him a little direction and let natural talent take over.” field (it rents time at Livingston Middle While both players were star high school players, they were differ- School) or a weight room. The team ent, Bass said. hopes to play its three scheduled home “James played more within the system,” Bass said. “Dale was more games at Bleecker Stadium. of a free-wheeler. James was a bit faster but Dale is a bit stronger VanDerzee said the football commit- than James was in high school.” tee's rationale behind placing Green Tech Stewart is among 35 New York State players that signed Division I- in Class AA revolved around two key fac- A scholarship offers, the most in years. (The complete list is on tors. page...) “Being a charter school, the state treats This past fall, Stewart scored 17 TDs, including scores by rushing, them like a private school,” VanDerzee passing, receiving, kickoff return, punt return and interception return. said. “The school has no tuition fees and He had a 99-yard kickoff return in a loss to defending state-champion is drawing kids from the Albany School North Tonawanda. District.” Bass says that Stewart will probably not play quarterback at UB. Private schools in Section II that com- “I think they are planning on using him as a running back, a slot pete in football play at various levels. back or on defense,” he said. “Of course, Dale will be in the mix as a Christian Brothers Academy and La Salle kick return specialist too.” compete in Class AA. The others are Bass says that the increase in Division I-A scholarship players Bishop Maginn (Class A), Albany across the state is a direct reflection on the recent increase in Academy (Class B), Bishop Gibbons “We are doing now what others states have been doing for a long (Class D) and Saratoga Central Catholic time,” Bass said. “With the off-season passing leagues, the year-round (Class D). “We're not here to jeopardize anyone,” weight-lifting and the summer camps, football is year round, now. You VanDerzee said. “In turn, we're not going have to be committed throughout the year. You canʼt just show up in to give (Green Tech) an unfair advantage.” August and play.” 4 Floyd Star Being Heavily Recruited William Floyd High School product Stacey HEART OF A CHAMPION Bedell took a big step Legacy Builder forward during his junior campaign in terms of This week we want to introduce a series on Leadership. showing his talent and Almost every coach will point to the following ingredients for production, going over success: 1) Leadership 2) Chemistry or 3) Character. 1600 yards on the season and winning a Questions - plethora of awards. PSU, Rutgers and What determines a good leader? Syracuse are on him most heavily right Are leaders born or developed? now. What gives a leader confidence? Stacey Bedell, a 5-foot-10, 165-pound running back from William Floyd High WORD - Leadership School in Mastic Beach, N.Y., is current- ly being recruited most heavily by Penn ...serving and giving your life and talent for those State, Rutgers, Syracuse and Stony entrusted to your care. It's leading by integrity of Brook. heart and skillful guiding hands. As a junior, Bedell carried the ball 208 times for 1658 yards and 18 TDs. He ...... the Final 4 when it comes to Leadership..... also caught 12 passes for 177 yards and Believe - Leaders do not come to be served but serve and give two touchdowns and returned a kickoff themselves for the team or organization. 91 yards for another score. Bedell was named first-team All-Division, All-County, Think - Leadership is an attitude not a title.... Do all things without All-Long Island and All-State by the complaining NYSSWA. Love - “Heart Power” When you Capture the heart you capture Union-Endicott LB the person.

Getting Noticed Work - They understand leadership is action not position. Endicott, N.Y., native Troy Beddoe has had Quote - “Leadership is getting visitors from many someone to do what they do not schools including Albany, want to to do, to achieve what Buffalo, Fordham, they want to achieve.” Maine, Pittsburgh, Tom Landry Rutgers and Syracuse former Dallas Cowboy Coach. and the linebacker will camp this summer and Final Gun - Leadership is not easy and it is very lonely. try and secure some offers after sending out these junior high- “Remember, before you can lead lights. others you must be able to lead Troy Beddoe, a 6-foot-1, 220-pound yourself.” linebacker from Union-Endicott High John Wooden School has seen Albany, Buffalo, Fordham, Maine, Pittsburgh, Rutgers and Love, Syracuse stop through the hallways of his Coach Masters school to visit his coach about him and Cross Training Football right now he hopes the highlights below pique their interests. This yearʼs HEART of A Champion Character Play book As a junior, Beddoe registered 70 tack- F.I.N.I.S.H. S.T.R.O.N.G. les, five tackles for los

5 NYS Division I-A Signees Player Ht, Wt High School College Tyrell Goodman, Akron Bill Allen (OL)...... 6-1, 270...... Garden City...... Army Bob Blodgett (OL-DL)...... 6-6, 285...... Honeoye Falls-Lima...... Buffalo Kieran Borcich (OL-DE)...... 6-3, 265...... Bronxville...... Boston College Ashton Broyld (QB-FS)...... 6-3, 225...... Rush-Henrietta...... Syracuse Devon Cajuste (WR)...... 6-4, 222...... Holy Cross...... Stanford Jordan Canzeri (RB-DB)...... 5-9, 175...... Troy...... Iowa Zenel Demhasaj (OT-DT)...... 6-5, 255...... New Utrecht...... Pittsburgh Siriki Diabate (LB)...... 6-0, 220...... Lehman...... Syracuse Malcolm Eugene (WR-DE)..... 6-5, 210...... John Glenn...... Temple David Evans (DL-OL)...... 6-3, 270...... Sauquoit Valley...... Army Joe Felicia (DE, OT)...... 6-5, 235...... Marcellus...... Buffalo Jonathan Fisher (P-K)...... 6-1, 210...... Oakfield-Alabama...... Syracuse Ivan Foy (OL-DL)...... 6-5, 295...... Fort Hamilton...... Syracuse Jordan Frysinger (RB-DB)...... 6-0, 175...... Corning...... Illinois Quentin Gause (LB)...... 6-0, 205...... Bishop Kearney...... Rutgers Glenn Gronkowski, Kansas St. Tyrell Goodman (QB-DB)...... 6-2, 206...... Archbishop Stepinac...... Akron Glenn Gronkowski (WR)...... 6-3, 195...... Williamsville North...... Kansas State Terrell Hunt (QB)...... 6-3, 185...... Christ the King...... Syracuse Josh Keyes (S)...... 5-2, 190...... Chatham...... Boston College John Kling (OL, DL)...... 6-7, 287...... Depew...... Buffalo Jeremiah Kobena (RB)...... 6-0, 180...... Cardinal Hayes...... Syracuse Wilbert Lee (S)...... 6-2, 205...... Boys & Girls...... UConn Joe Licata (QB)...... 6-3, 205...... Williamsville South...... Buffalo Andrew Oberg (OL-DL)...... 6-7, 230...... Islip...... UNLV Al Page (DT)...... 6-3, 290...... Columbus...... Rutgers Brandon Reddish (WR)...... 5-11, 175...... Fort Hamilton...... Syracuse Vinnie Rizzo (C)...... 6-3, 275...... Manhasset...... Akron Nick Robinson (OL-DL)...... 6-6, 285...... Baker...... Syracuse Donnie Simmons (TE-DE)...... 6-3, 230...... Archbishop Stepinac...... Syracuse Ryan Sloan (OL)...... 6-3, 315...... Bellport...... Syracuse Tyree Smallwood (RB,DB)...... 5-11, 170...... Cornwall Central...... Syracuse Dale Stewart, Buffalo Dale Stewart (QB-DB)...... 6-0, 185...... Niagara Falls...... Buffalo Greg Thomson (TE)...... 6-3, 230...... Syr. Christian Brothers...... Tulane Dominique Wharton (OL/DL).. 6-3, 315...... Beach Channel...... Bowling Green Ishaq Williams (DE/TE)...... 6-6, 230...... Lincoln...... Notre Dame

6 Football is Flourishing in NY

THE The NYSHSFCA Coaches Clinic was a huge success. Almost 600 of your fellow coaches attended the clinic during the weekend of Feb 3-5 at the Turning President’s Stone Resort in Verona. Clinic Director Mike Foster and his committee are to be commended for putting on MESSAGE this top-flight clinic. By Joe Vito The Empower Upstate/Downstate Football Classic team is in the process of being selected. Coaches Lou This is my first opportunity to address the fine Dirienzo (Downstate) and Jack Burgos (Upstate) and coaches of NY State. I am extremely honored and priv- their staffs are painstakingly reviewing video to put the ileged to serve you all. best product on the field. George Mangicaro, Empower In order for me and the executive committee to rep- Federal Credit Union, and their committee are working resent you properly we need coaches on all levels to behind the scenes to again make this a First Class join and be part of the NYSHSFCA. Our goal is to event that showcases New York State football. The make this organization the largest coaches association game is scheduled for June 5 at the Carrier Dome. in the country. Please make every effort to attend. If you have any Iʼd be remiss if I didnʼt, on behalf of the NYSHSFCA, players please contact your state representative. thank Outgoing President Tom Heinzelman for his lead- I had the chance to see the Broadway show ership and service for the last three years. “Lombardi”. (What other show would a coach go to?) It I had the opportunity to attend some of the NYS was an excellent depiction of the legendary coach. His Championship games, the NYC Championship game message was simple. “Love your players.” and the LI Championships. I would like to report that Remember the executive committee and officers are football is flourishing in NY State. there for you and you can also utilize the website at It has been a busy off-season: NYSHSFCA.org.

7 Making His Points Freeport Offense Explodes under Russ Cellan

By Chris Vaccaro

Freeport used an A kid can work hard offensive explosion to and do all the lifting, come back from an but if he doesnʼt have early deficit and beat the genetics, itʼs not William Floyd 62-35 to going to happen.” win the Long Island Ferguson, who has Class I championship. played for the Jets for Freeport quarterback the past five seasons, Isaiah Barnes, account- spoke about Cellan in ed for a Long Island a recent article in New record seven TDs in York Newsday. the win. “Russ is just a great The Red Devils have coach,” Ferguson said played in three straight after the 2008 Class I Class I title games and Long Island title game. won their fourth Long “Look around and see Island crown under what he's done. Look head coach Russ at these guys and see Cellan. how everyone is hav- “When the kids work ing a great time.” real hard, good things Cellan grew up in happen,” Cellan said. Lindenhurst and later “Itʼs really something to played defensive line see. Thatʼs what itʼs all at C.W. Post. about.” Cellan started his In the last 24 years, coaching career as a Cellan has built his pro- wrestling coach at gram into one of the Island Trees High most threatening offen- School under the leg- sive juggernauts Long endary Ted Peterson, Island football will ever who ranks in the top see. 25 in state history with Cellan has also 325 career wins. churned out high-quali- Peterson would later ty players, including Photo by Chris Vaccaro become Cellanʼs NFL players Morlon Freeport coach Russ Cellan led the Red Devils to the Long father-in-law. Greenwood, Clifton Island Class I championship. Cellan has a record of 178-80-2 “I learned as much Smith and and has won four Long Island titles. about coaching from DʼBrickashaw him as anyone,” Cellan Ferguson. said. “He taught me how to work with kids and how to He also coached Aaron Valentine, a former receiver win.” at Purdue and Jerry Mackey, the nephew of NFL legend Cellan left Island Trees to take a job at Levittown- and Long Island native John Mackey, who was on the Division, where he coached JV football under Joe practice squads of Tampa Bay and the New York Jets. Patrovich. “We were very fortunate,” Cellan said. “We were “I was exposed to a different style and another suc- lucky enough to have them in our district,” Cellan said. cessful coach,” he said. “I think it was a coincidence that we took advantage of. See Cellan on page 9 8 Cellan continued from page 8 Cellan landed his first head coaching position at St. Dominicʼs High School in Oyster Bay, where he stayed A&R SPORTBAGS COMPANY for three seasons. QUALITY BAGS FOR ALL SPORTS In 1986 he was hired as the head coach at Freeport and hasnʼt let up. The offenses that Cellan has used at Freeport have evolved during his tenure at the school. Cellan and his staff originally used the Wing T at Freeport but the Red Devils couldnʼt handle the power- Top Quality Bags house teams on Long Island. He admits his first 10 Excellent Durability years at Freeport were grueling. Made in the U.S.A. “We had our Customize with a wide array of colors rough times,” he Silk Screening & Embroidery Services Available said. “We took our lumps.” Supplying Teams Across the Country for 15 Years! Cellan reassessed the Red Devils offen- arsportbags.com sive approach and email: [email protected] installed the Run- and-Shoot offense before the 1993 season. 116 Stewart Lane “We knew we Fonda, NY 12068 could block people by alignment,” he 1-800-377-7951 said. “We wanted to do something Have you joined the NYSHSFCA? that was unique. When teams prac- ticed for us, theyʼd only be able prac- Photo by Chris Vaccaro tice for us and they Freeport QB Isaiah set a Long couldnʼt simulate Island record when he accounted what we did.” for 7 TDs in the title game. Cellan switched to the Spread in 2001 after he saw Northwestern University use the offense on television. “It was amazing what kind of run game they had,” he said. “I couldnʼt believe it. These guys were in shot- gun and running the hell out of the ball. I said, ʻwe Jeff Quinn has. have to find out more about this.ʼ” Since employing the Spread, Freeport has rewritten the record books. The 62-35 win in the title game was only the latest bomb dropped on opponents. Cellan is now the all-time wins leader in Freeport history with a record of 178-80-2. Heʼs made 17 playoff appearances, graduated 28 all-state players and won five Rutgers Cups as the top team in Nassau County. As for the championships, Cellan said it never gets Over 1,500 coaches are committed to old. our sport. Wonʼt you join us? “We want to get to that big game at the end,” he said. “The feeling at the end makes it all worthwhile.”

9 Year of the QB By Mark Adair There is no doubt that 2010 will go down as the Year of 2nd in Section 5 history behind the 72 TD passes thrown the Quarterback in New York State. by Canandaigua quarterback Bill Scharr, who also went on Never have so many to play at Syracuse. quarterbacks produced “No question, Ashton so much in the same is the best player I have season. Even solid sea- ever coached,” sons were overlooked Montesano said. “He is because of the REALLY the best pure athlete I great years. have ever seen come At the NYSHSFCA out of this area.” Awards Banquet three Broyld also rushed quarterbacks were for 1,600 yards and 24 named Players of the TDs and averaged 9.8 Year for their classes. yards per carry. Rush-Henrietta quar- Montesano says that terback Aston Broyld Broyld will have no trou- was named the Player of ble making the transition the Year in Class AA. to Big East football. Williamsville South “Heʼll have his work QB Joe Licata was cut out for him but his named the Player of the athletic ability is as good Year in Class A. as anyone there now,” Alden QB Tyler Stoldt he said. “Heʼs a great was named the Player of leader and a great com- the Year in Class B. petitor and he thrives on Both Syracuse and challenges. He wonʼt be Buffalo, the stateʼs two intimidated going into Division I-A college pro- the next level.” grams, landed in-state Broyld is 6-foot-4 and QBs on National Signing 230 pounds. He runs Day in February. the 40-yard dash in 4.5 “You have two college seconds. coaching staffs that want “Heʼs also a good to keep New York kids in pocket quarterback,” New York,” Williamsville Montesano said, “and South coach Kraig he has the shake of a Kurzanski said. “Iʼve Photo by Tim Frank tailback. I donʼt remem- talked to Coach Marrone Williamsville South QB Joe Licata capped a solid career by ber any high school kid and Coach Quinn and being named the New York State Class A Player of the Year. doing what he can do on both of those guys want Licata will play at the University at Buffalo in 2011. the field. He has size, to make New York kids a strength and speed.” priority. You see that in their recruiting classes.” Licata also capped off a great career with a great senior Syracuse grabbed the top QB prospect in the state season. He passed for 2,573 yards and 34 TDs in 2010 as when they signed Broyld, who led Rush-Henrietta to a per- he led the Billies to a 9-1 record and a spot in the Section fect 13-0 season and the NYS Class AA championship. 6 Class A title game. “Ashton Broyld was the best athlete and the fastest In his three seasons leading the Williamsville South player in all 13 games this season,” R-H coach Joe offense, Licata simply re-wrote the WNY record book. He Montesano said. “Not only could he win a game for you owns almost every passing record and will graduate this with his arm but he could win a game with his legs, too.” spring as Western New Yorkʼs most accomplished QB Broyld is a 4-year varsity starter and leaves high school ever. as the All-time passing leader in Section 5 with almost Licata set single-game, season and career records for 7,000 passing yards. Broyld also tossed 69 TD passes, See Quarterbacks on page 11 10 QBs continued from page 10 attempts, completions, yards and TDs. The only record he York. Heʼs just a great kid.” does not own is TD passes in a game (the record is 8, Stoldt signed a Letter of Intent to play Division II foot- Licataʼs personal best is seven.) ball at Edinboro University in northwestern Pennsylvania. Licataʼs career records for TDs (87), completions (408) “I think heʼs going to do a great job there,” Diminuco and yardage (6,671) may stand for a while. said. “He has a great work ethic and a great football IQ. Kurzanski, his coach who convinced him to come out They will feel good about him.” for football as a freshman, says that Licata could have Another quarterback, Chad Kelly from Buffalo St. Joeʼs, posted even bigger num- became the first player in bers. New York State history to “We took Joe out when rush for 2,000 yards and we were winning big,” pass for 2,000 yards in Kurzanski said. “If Joe the same season. Kelly would have played four led St. Joeʼs to the Msgr. quarters of every game, Martin Association title. his numbers would have Kelly was also over- been off the charts.” looked for many post- While Kurzanski is season honors because sorry to see Licata leave so many other QBs had his Williamsville South huge seasons. program, he is confidant Kurzanski says that that Licata will be just as the reason so many quar- good when he plays for terbacks are rising to the the University at Buffalo top is that the overall next season. level of football in New “Joeʼs been great,” York State is improving. Kurzanski said. “He is as “The game is evolv- humble as he is good. He ing,” Kurzanski said. has a unique ability and I “New York is catching up think heʼll be even better to other states. We are with better athletes around starting to throw the ball him. I think heʼll do great a little more which is things for UB. Thatʼs why showcasing some of our Iʼm so excited for him.” talent. A lot of schools Kurzanski says that are starting to use the high school defenses were Spread offense and are geared totally to stop letting our athletes play Licata, something the QB now. Itʼs exciting football will not face in college. and kids want to play it.” “Joe wonʼt see the Photo by Mark Adair Montesano agrees same coverages at UB with Kurzanski. Rush-Henrietta QB Ashton Broyld capped a solid career by that we saw at the high “We were behind so being named the New York State Class AA Player of the school level,” Kurzanski many other states for a Year. Broyld will play at Syracuse University in 2011. said. “Heʼll see a lot more long time,” Montesano one-on-one coverages and heʼll be able to get the ball said. “Football used to end in November. Now, with the wherever he needs to. I think heʼll do very well.” year-round passing leagues and the year-round condition- Stoldt, who led Alden to the Section 6 championship ing, our kids are getting better. We are using more wide- before losing to eventual state-champion Hornell, had a open offenses and, because of that, you see a lot of super season of his own. coaches putting their most-talented kids at quarterback.” Stoldt passed for 2,000 yards this past fall.He also Montesano also points to the fact that New York State threw 22 TD passes and just 3 INTs. had 32 players sign Division I-A scholarships this past “Iʼve been coaching for 36 years,” Alden coach Dick February... the most in several years. Diminuco said, “and Tyler is one of the top kids Iʼve ever “Football in the state is starting to expand,” he said, had.” “and the get kids are getting noticed. Over the years, a lot Stoldt led the Bulldogs to a 25-5 record over his three of our kids have been missed. Thatʼs changing. If you look seasons as the starting QB. at both Syracuse and Buffalo, they grabbed a lot of good “Heʼs a great one,” Diminuco said. “Heʼs a great leader, kids from New York State.” a great competitor and a Scholar Athlete for Western New

11 NYS Scholar Athletes of the Year AA Eric Vasko...... Lockport (6) Class AA - Eric Vasko Joe Campion...... Jamestown (6) A Simon Bialostok...... Lawrence (8) B Brian Goodell...... Plattsburgh (7) Jake Stone...... Akron (6) C Matt Benedict...... Nichols (6) D Andrew Shein...... Dalton School (12)

William Papadimas Seaford HS (8) Drew Zahradka Carey HS (8) TRyler Heuer Oceanside HS (8) Chris Flynn Oceanside HS (8) Brian Ellis Oceanside HS (8) Gene Garay Oceanside HS (8) Brandon Noblett East Meadow HS (8) Chris Shevins Mepham HS (8) Niv Sultan Hewlett HS (8) Stephen Jahelka Garden City (8) John Reicherter Wantagh HS (8) Pete Swiggett Cold Spring Harbor HS (8) Class A - Samson Bialostok Colin Flaherty Eastport South Manor HS (11) Luke Combs Eastport South Manor HS (11) Alan Henderson Eastport South Manor HS (11) Ryan McCormick Eastport South Manor HS (11) Harry Kuchsrczyk Manhasset HS (8) David Lulgjuraj Mount St. Michael Academy (12) Gino Nadela Brooklyn Technical HS (12) Eric Tyra Jamestown HS (6) Jordan Frysinger Corning East HS (4) Nikhon Schuler Niskayuna HS (2) Kyle Willmott Saratoga Springs HS (2) Josh Skowronski Monroe-Woodbury HS (9) Chris Warren Suffern HS (1) Alec Brodsky Suffern HS (1) Eric Hammershlag Suffern HS (1) Kyle Eastwood Suffern HS (1) Thomas DiCarlo Eastchester HS (1) Chris Bostick Aquinas Institute (5) Joe Manzione North Shore HS (8) Dan Agovino North Shore HS (8) Alec Volpe North Shore HS (8) Steven Ragusa North Shore HS (8) Jordan Shay Elmira Southside HS (4) Class B - Brian Goodell Tyler Augliano Watertown HS (3) David Curtis Attica HS (5) Robert Porco Southhampton HS (11) Stephen Loudon Babylon HS (11) Eli Ebanks Newark HS (5) Zachary Catz Hampton Bays HS (11) Dylan Flynn Hampton Bays HS (11) Jake Pickett Owego Academy (4) Chris McKay Cohoes HS (2) Scott Knaak Albion HS (6) Jason Forshee Springville Griffith Institute (6) Grant Jones Canojoharie HS (2) Peter DiMilla Tri-Valley CS (9) Matt Cronmiller St. Maryʼs HS (6) Jacob DuBois Chenango Forks HS (4) Scott McMorris Wellsville HS (6) Alejandro Cazzulino Dalton School (12) Trevor Haut Caledonia-Mumford HS (5) Kyle Fenton Clyde-Savannah CS (5)

12 NYS Scholar Athletes 2011 NYSHSFCA Class B - Jake Stone Combines Open to all football players in grades 9-11 5 Combines on May 1, 2011

Long Island at Half Hollow Hills West HS Contact www.bluechipprospects.com (631) 676-2530

Albany Class D - Andrew Shein at Stillwater HS Contact Nick Fitzgerald [email protected] (518) 792-9887 ext. 4

Binghamton at Union Endicott HS Contact Steve Virkler Shane Hurd [email protected] [email protected] (607) 687-6241 (607) 757-2191

Syracuse Media Award - Joe Calderone at Baldwinsville HS Contact Carl Sanfilippo [email protected] (315) 638-6014

Rochester-Buffalo at Fairport HS Contact Don Santini Lyle Dixon [email protected] [email protected] (585) 223-1274 (315) 548-6450

13 Players of the Year Class AA Ashton Broyld - Rush-Henrietta (5) Ishaq Williams - Lincoln HS (12) Class A Derelle Hunter - St. John Baptist (11) Joe Licata - Williamsville South HS (6) Mike Messina - Aquinas (5) Class B Sam Stonerock - Hornell HS (5) Tyler Stoldt - Alden (6) Class C Dillon Mitchell - Bronxville (1) Josh Keyes - Chatham HS (2) Class D Jarret Sommer - Tuckahoe (1)

Hunter Messina Stoldt Coaches of the Year Class AA Joe Montesano - Rush-Henrietta (5) Class A Chris Battaglia - Aquinas (5) Class B Gene Mastin - Hornell HS Dave Shanahan - Elwood John Glen (11) Class C Jeff Napolitano - Bronxville (1) Class D John DʼArco - Tuckahoe (1)

Montesano Shanahan Napolitano D’Arco 12th Man Award Brian McPartland, Brewster (1) • Tyree Webster, Central Islip (11)

Hunter Low Media Award Skip Paridon Service Award Joe Calderone, Time Warner TV (2) Frank Luisi, President of NCHSFCA (8)

14 Webster named 12th Man Senior overcomes blindness, stars for Central Islip

By Mark Adair Tyree Webster was one of two players named a the 9th grade.” recipient of the NYS 12th Man Award by the NYSHSF- Webster was named a team captain for his senior CA in February. season. Webster played four years of football for Central Islip “He set a great example for the other kids,” Taormini (Section 11) on Long Island, despite the fact he is blind said. “Tyree was always in the weight room lifting dur- in his right eye. ing the off-season. Webster overcame Heʼs just a real role blindness in his eye model for the other that was brought on by players. A great kid to glaucoma when he was have on the team.” an infant. Webster started at “When he was a offensive and defen- couple of months old, sive tackle for the past his parents noticed two seasons. His some swelling in his senior season ended eye,” Taormina said. in disappointment as “They went to special- the Musketeers fin- ists all over the country. ished 3-5 and out of There was nothing they the Long Island play- could do.” offs. Webster underwent “Tyree hurt his knee several operations by and missed a game,” the time he was 5 Taormini said. “He hurt years old. his knee and ankle “They were just try- and missed the sev- ing to take care of his enth game of the sea- other eye,” Taormina son. We missed him. said. With just one He came back for good eye, you really Game 8 but we had need to take care of already been eliminat- that one.” ed.” Webster did hang Webster was a total around the football var- team player, according Photo by Mark Adair sity team as much as to Taormini. possible. Senior Tyree Webster was named the NYSHSFCA 12th Man at “He had this handi- “He was our water the recent awards banquet. Webster overcame blindness in cap but never talked his right eye caused by glaucoma. boy in the 8th grade,” about it,” Taormini said. Central Islip coach Joe Taormini said. “His older brother “He never used it as an excuse to not perform at a played football but Tyree was playing tennis.” high-level. He never complained once about how hard Tyreeʼs older brother, Aaron Whyte, was a captain on we worked him or how hard we pushed him.” the varsity. Webster was named an all-Division player for “Aaron was a good ball player for us,” Taormini said. Central Islip. He also maintains an academic average in “He was a team leader, too.” the high 80s. Taormini, who has been the head coach at Central “He is a Happy-Go-Lucky kid and the perfect team Islip for 6 seasons, tried to convince Tyree to come out mate,” Taormini said. “He has great character. He threw for football, too. the shot for the track team. He really bought into what “He was kind of a goofy, fun-loving kid but he had we were teaching and he would run through a wall for size,” Taormini said. “He finally came out for football in us.” 15 ! " # $ # $ %&

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! " " # " " $ $ $ % " & % "# % $ '( "! , &-.- (/$"!01221 ,& .34*2.5*-67. 8 9(% : Improving The Classic the Upstate and Downstate squads six sections each. THE And that was the mistake. Section 9 and Section 1 were added to the Downstate team... because of geography. They are the EXTRA two sections that are closest to New York City and it gave each coaching staff six sections to choose players POINT from. By Mark Adair In looking at the population of the state, New York City and Long Island have about 11 million people living Despite the winter weather, springtime is here. in those areas. “Upstate” New York (meaning everyone That means one thing... Spring football. north of the Tappan Zee Bridge) has a population of Now, New York State is about 8 million people. not allowed to play Spring Putting Section 9 and football like they do in Texas. Section 1 onto the Downstate But we do have plenty of team was supposed to make football related activities to things “even”... with six sec- help our players get ready for tions per side. the coming season. It actually had the opposite Most teams have been at effect. It turned a small popu- work in the weight room for lation advantage into a huge two months now. There are population advantage for the also non-contact passing Downstate team. Instead of leagues, and “Uppers” team making things “even”, it made camps all over the state. the game even more lop- The NYSHSFCA Combines sided. will be held May 1st at five Several of the best locations across the state. Downstate players in the The NYSHSFCA is also blowout were from Rye High getting ready to host the 2nd and Monroe-Woodbury, two Upstate-Downstate All-Star traditional powers from Classic. (The form to nomi- Upstate New York. In fact, nate your seniors for the Monroe-Woodbury quarter- game is on the previous back Dan Scalo was named page of this issue.) the Player of the Game. It is my hope that every Mon-Wood and Rye play in one of the 32 kids that the NYSPHSAA playoffs - signed Division I-A scholar- which Downstaters donʼt par- ship offers will opt to play in Photo by Mark Adair ticipate in. Both programs the game. We have some have made numerous trips to Monroe-Woodbury QB Dan Scalo was named the prime-time players in New Player of the Game as he led the Downstate team the Carrier Dome for the NYS York State and I hope they to a 36-7 win in the Classic in 2010. Championships in recent can be showcased for one years. last high school game. Westchester County is one of the most populated Last year, for the Classic, everything surrounding the areas in Upstate New York. game was exciting. The combines, the sponsor, every- Iʼll admit, I never even thought of this myself... until thing was new. the teams stepped onto the field. Unfortunately, the game was a bit of a blowout. At that moment it was readily apparent that the Downstate bolted out to a 19-0 lead and eventually Downstate team was bigger, faster and stronger... and pulled away for a 36-7 win. had a lot more of them! One reason that led to the blowout was the mistake The game was as one-sided as you might expect. that the gameʼs organizers made in determining the In order to facilitate a more even contest, All-Star teams. It was a mistake that no one saw at the time. Classic organizers should put Sections 9 and 1 back With 12 sections in New York State, organizers split where they belong... on the Upstate team. 17