FORECAST:
1. Dunkirk
2. Burgard
3. Fredonia/Brocton
4. Newfane
5. Alden
6. Eden/North Collins
7. Tonawanda
Offensive Players of the Year:
Quantavis Kleckley, Dunkirk
Colton Stetz, Eden/North Collins
Colon Skowronski, Alden
Defensive Players of the Year:
Tywon Wright, Dunkirk
Reese Casinelli, Newfane
Jacob Skinner, Fredonia/Brockton
Linemen of the Year:
Josh Allen, Tonawanda
Jacob Skinner, Fredonia/Brocton
Jamison Horch, Fredonia/Brocton
Louis DeCarolis, Eden
Unsung Players of the Year:
Peyton Moreland, Dunkirk
Ty Casinelli, Newfane
Jacob Schultz, Eden/North Collins
Underclassmen of the Year:
Andrew Baribeau, Fredonia/Brocton
Tywon Wright, Dunkirk
Noah Velez, Burgard
Strongest Player: Antonio Norwood, Burgard
Fastest Player: Demario Baines, Burgard
Top Scholar Athlete: Jonah Wisniewski, Newfane
Most Versatile Athletes:
Reese Casinelli, Newfane
Tywon Wright, Dunkirk
DUNKIRK MARAUDERS
Marauders return 15 starters from last year’s 7-2 season. Have All-WNY candidates in junior Tywon Wright and Peyton Moreland. Offense to be led by RB Quantavis Kleckley, Angel Reyes, and Moreland. Defense to be anchored by Zac Cooper, Wright, Conrad Thomas, and Koty Leeper. Mike Sarratori’s Marauders are 16-5 in the past 2 years. They will challenge for league and sectional titles. They open with Tonawanda and Alden. Key to the season will be the play of the QB. Marauders had 12 seniors graduate from the 2017 team.
Head Coach: Mike Sarratori (26-10-0, 4 years)
Assistant Coaches: Bob Krenzer, Issaiah Rivera, Tim Kachlemeyer, Evon Hernandez, Michael Morales
2017 Varsity Record: 7-2-0
Starters Returning: Offense is 8. Defense is 7.
Key Players: Quantavis Kleckley, Peyton Moreland, Tywon Wright, Conrad Thomas, Zac Cooper, Koty Leeper, Angel Reyes, Earl Stewart, Angel Rios, Phil Messina
Key Losses: Jaziah Rivera, Devaun Farnham-DeJesus
2017 JV Record: 4-4-0
BURGARD BULLDOGS
Bulldogs will try to rebound from last year’s 2 win season. Jason Kolb returns 6 players on both sides of the ball. Offense to be led by QB Dexter Lee, DeMario Baines, and Antonio Norwood. Defense to be led by Sincere Jefferson, Teryon Johnson, Jacquez Jones, and Sonny Hollingsworth. Talent from undefeated JVs will help Jason Kolb’s team. They open with Tonawanda and Newfane in the first 2 games. They will compete for a playoff berth. Key to the season will be the play at RB and line. 9 players graduated from the 2017 squad.
Head Coach: Jason Kolb (84-57-1, 16 years)
Assistant Coaches: Gary Braun, Andrew Hampton, Patrick Ricci, Cody Sanner, Chris Faltisco, Marr’ece Ardie
2017 Varsity Record: 2-6-0
Starters Returning: Offense is 6, Defense is 6.
Key Players: Dexter Lee, Antonio Norwood, Kaden Speakes, Laquan Daniels, DeMario Baines, Jacquez Jones, Carlos Lewis, Sonny Hollingsworth, Sincere Jefferson, Teryon Vernon, Damon Virgil
Key Losses: Tony Maple, Myron Pritchett, Marr’ece Archie, Jeremiah Moss
2017 JV Record: 8-0-0
FREDONIA/BROCTON BADGERS
The Badgers return several starters from last year’s team led by All-WNY candidates Jamison Horch and Jacob Skinner. Other key players include Nicholas Pucci, Giovanni Russo, Derek Walters and Trey Swartz. 11 players graduated from the 2017 team and Westfield is no longer merged with the Badgers. They host Newfane in week 1 and play Alden in week 2. They will compete for a playoff berth. Key to the season will be the play of the QB. Lincoln Paternosh, sophomore lineman will be an asset to Greg Sherlock’s squad.
Head Coach: Greg Sherlock (4-4-0, 1 year)
Assistant Coaches: Tim Wright, Matt Dolvino, Jordan Sherlock, Frank Quagliana, Steve Gromala, Steve Haas, Brandon Hite, Jude Gardiner
2017 Varsity Record: 4-4-0
Starters Returning: Offense is 6, Defense is 5.
Key Players: Jamison Horch, Shawn Hoor, Nicholas Pucci, Giovanni Russo, Derek Walters, Trey Swartz, Dalton Gardiner, Jacob Skinner
Key Losses: Ian Wright, Reid Tarnowski
NEWFANE PANTHERS
Panthers had an excellent season in 2017 with a 6-2 record. Chuck Nagel’s squad returns 12 starters. Offense to be sparked by Shane Harrington. Reese Caisinelli and Jaden Heers. Line to be anchored by Ty Casinelli and Jonah Wisniewski. Defense to be led by Heers, Dylan Finch, and Joe Snyder. They open at Fredonia/Brocton in week 1 and have a tough matchup with Burgard in week 2. They will compete for a playoff berth. 16 seniors graduated from the 2017 team.
Head Coach: Chuck Nagel 914-39, 6 years)
Assistant Coaches: John Vosburgh, Chuck Baker, Ryan Keys
2017 Varsity Record: 6-2-0
Starters Returning: Offense is 6, Defense is 6.
Key Players: Reese Casinelli, Ty Casinelli, Shayne Harrington, Jonah Wisniewski, Zach Aniolowski, Dylan Finch, Joe Snyder, Jaden Heers
Key Losses: Julian Nixon, Connor Hill, Ty Casinelli, Brandon Gross, Caleb Auernhamer
2017 JV Record: 6-2-0
ALDEN BULLDOGS
Bulldogs look to improve from last year’s 3 win season. 14 players graduated from a squad of 21 in 2017. Key players include Colin Skowronski, Joe Hammer, Justin Mason, Zac O’Shei, Robby Motz, Matt Hay, and Baylee Canzioneri. JV was 2-6 last year. They travel to Hamburg in week 1 and host Fredonia/Brocton in week 2. They could struggle this season.
Head Coach: Rob Currin (30-16-0, 5 years)
Assistant Coaches: Joe Gawron, Mike Matecki, Kevin Haggerty, Dan Cornwell, Brian Stoldt, Don Snell
2017 Varsity Record: 3-6-0
Starters Returning: Offense is 2, Defense is 3.
Key Players: Zac O’Shei, Colin Skowronski, Lucas Bush, Joe Hammer, Justin Mason, Robby Matz, Tad Lacki, Matt Hay, Baylee Canzioneri
Key Losses: Bryan Cybulski, Christian Snell, Riley Pastuszynski, Brandon Windnagle, Glenn Drew
2017 JV Record: 2-6-0
EDEN/NORTH COLLINS RAIDERS
Rick Weber takes over as head coach for Mike Alessi. Key players include All-WNY candidate Colton Stetz, and Louis Decarolis. 6 players graduated from last year’s team. They have a tough matchup in week 1 at Dunkirk and play Lake Shore in week 2. They should improve this season. Other key players include Colby Sroda, Zack DeCarolis, and Elliott Stappenback
Head Coach: Rick Weber (first year)
Assistant Coaches: Doug Reloski
2017 Varsity Record: 1-8-0
Starters Returning: Offense is 5, Defense is 5.
Key Players: Colton Stetz, Louis DeCarrolis, Colby Sroda, Colby Sroda, Zack DeCarolis, Stappen Back, CJ Sroda, Tyler Robinson, Connor Blake
Key Losses: John Markemel, Patrick Cuddihy
TONAWANDA WARRIORS
Warriors look to improve after last year’s winless season. Key players include Ian Summerson, John Forester, Zach Bradell and Noah Grodd. 6 players graduated from last year’s team. They host Burgard and Dunkirk in the first two games. Could struggle again this season.
Head Coach: Joe Kelly (2-16-0, 2 years)
Assistant Coaches: Brad Keitz, David Paffle
2017 Varsity Record: 0-9-0
Starters Returning: Offense is unknown, Defense is unknown.
Key Players: Ian Summerson, John Forester, Zach Bradell, Chris Tartick, Noah Gross
Key Losses: Henry Palermo, Alex Prims
PRESEASON ALL-LEAGUE
Offense
QB – Dexter Lee, Burgard
RB – Quantavis Kleckley, Dunkirk
RB – Colin Skowronski, Alden
TE – Justin Mason, Alden
WR – Reese Casinelli, Newfane
WR – Jacquez Jones, Burgard
OL – Peyton Moreland, Dunkirk
OL – Ty Casinelli, Newfane
OL – Andrew Baribeau, Fredonia/Brocton
OL – Ty Casinelli, Newfane
OL – Louis DeCarolis
OL – Jonah Wisniewski, Newfane
RS – Tad Lacki, Alden
Defense
DL – Jacob Skinner, Fredonia/Brocton
DL – Josh Allen, Tonawanda
DL – Antonio Norwood, Burgard
LB – Tywon Wright, Dunkirk
LB – Sonny Hollingsworth, Burgard
LB – Robby Motz, Alden
LB – Joe Hammer, Alden
DB – Shayne Harrington
DB – Carlos Lewis, Burgard
DB – DeMario Baines, Burgard
DB – Zac O’Shei, Alden
DB – Colton Stetz, Eden/North Collins
U – Nicholas Pucci, Fredonia/Brocton