There’s only three days until Turkey Day and, of course, the Erie Bell game.

Middletown hosts Port Jervis at 11 a.m. in the rivalry game. The Middies lead the all-time series, which started in 1897, by a mark of 69-57-7. In terms of games played, Middletown vs. Port Jervis is one of the longest high school football rivalries in the country.

Port Jervis defeated Middletown 13-12 last year in front of more than 3,000 fans at Glennette Field in the first Erie Bell game played on Thanksgiving since 1969. The difference was a 71-yard touchdown pass from Port Jervis quarterback Matt Smith to Da’Von Adamson on the first play of the fourth quarter that put the Red Raiders up 13-6. Middletown failed to convert a potential game-winning two-point conversion midway through the fourth quarter. The Middies had five turnovers.

Middletown enters this game 2-6 and Port Jervis is 3-5.

Middletown lost to Port Jervis 13-12 in last year’s Erie Bell game, the first showdown played between the two rivals’ on Thanksgiving since 1969.

The Middies want the Bell back and host Port Jervis at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Turkey Day, at Faller Field. The series began 1897. Middletown leads it by a mark of 69-57-7. In terms of games played, Middletown vs. Port Jervis is one of the longest high school football rivalries in the country.

Middletown defeated Port Jervis 30-0 on Turkey Day to win back the Erie Bell at Faller Field.

Two of the heroes were QB Juan Rodriguez (J-Rod, Part II), who threw for two touchdowns, and running back Justin Bynum, who added a rushing score. The Middies only led 9-0 at halftime put put down the throttle in the second half. Middletown, which started the year 0-5, ends the year by winning three-of-four.

Last year marked the first time the rivalry game was played on Thanksgiving since 1969. Port Jervis defeated Middletown 13-12 at Glennette Field. Middletown now leads the all-time series — which started in 1897 — 70-57-7. In terms of games played, it’s one of the longest high school rivalries in the country.

Port Jervis played the majority of Thursday’s game without starting QB/DB Matt Smith, who sustained a head injury on the second series of the game.

Class AA
Pine Bush: RB/DB Matt Geisler; RB/DB Mike Martin; OL Matt McCaffrey; C Ryan Goode; OL/DL Delano King.
Monroe-Woodbury: WR Justin Kaffenberger; C Nick Dillon; DL/TE Ken Fee; QB Kevin Carr.
Minisink Valley: RB/DB Austin Ferrier; DL Josh Bonneau; QB Sean Tirelli.
Kingston: WR Jerred Beniquez; LB Wally Stephens; LB Devan Shambo.
Middletown: OL/DL Tim Wade.
Roosevelt: DE/RB Joe Ciampaglione; WR/DB Bennie Taylor.
Warwick: QB/RB Brad Garcia; RB Matt Weaver; RB/DB Jordan Totaro.
Newburgh: LB Hardcor Coleman; DB/WR Jalen Williams; LB Mike Cerisano.
Valley Central: LB Jahrett DeGroodt.
Washingtonville: QB Matt Poveromo; RB Francesco Pichardo.

Coach of the Year: Jim Wright, Pine Bush

Class A
Cornwall: QB Mike White; WR Alex Cruz; OL/DL Connor Staudle; LB/RB Luke Zsido; RB/LB Jeff Grygiel; LB Pat Landro; DB James Faller; DB Anthony Vega.
Wallkill: RB Josh Villafane; OL Andrew Connors; LB Brendan Connors; DB Isaiah Berrios-Smith; OL Christian Ruddy; QB Joe Pillitteri; RB/WR Sean Puleo.
Port Jervis: QB/DB Matt Smith; RB Josh Ramos; OL James Sullivan.
Monticello: RB/DE Mistah Ali; LB Jake McLaughlan.
Saugerties: WR/S Lukas Grand; C/DL Eric Bereshein.
Goshen: TE/DE Evan Greiner.

Coach of the Year: Marcus Hughes, Cornwall

Class B
Marlboro: RB/DB Devin Pierre; LB/RB/WR Matt Tamburri; K Adam Laubach; RB Austin Beck; OL/DL Tyler Mastranuono; OL/DL Angelo Curci.
Spackenkill: TE/LB Josh Riley; RB/LB Wayne Bowden; FB/LB Nick Celestino; OL/DL Dean Ruggieri.
New Paltz: RB/DB Khariff LaBoy; OL/DL Anthony Tufano; RB/LB Darryl Clark; DL Elijah Dones.
Ellenville: RB/LB Justin Rose; RB/DB Tyler Albert; OL/DL Jeff Nunez.
Red Hook: QB Lucas Brochetti; WR/DE Brandon Coleman; OL/LB Tim Terry.
Highland: WR/DB C.J. Tozzi; C Kevin Rivera.
Rondout Valley: WR Keith Malak

Coach of the Year: Rich Ward, Marlboro

Class C-D
James I. O’Neill: RB Jerry Nasi; OL/DL Jordan Baskerville; RB/LB Zach Trainor; QB Keegan West; DL/WR Derrike Shrieve; OL/LB Eric Wallace.
Chester: OL/DL Justin Delgado; RB Lawrence Young; OL/DL Chris Wittekind; RB/LB Matt Perry; OL/DL Nick Seabrook.
Liberty: RB/LB Ryan Henry; LB Anthony Saravia; QB Quinn Jackson; RB/DB Atwoun Ackerley.
Millbrook: RB/DB Henry Cardinal; FB/LB Brad Pitz; OL/LB Andrew Richwine.
Sullivan West: QB/LB Sawyer Erlwein; WR Brad Hemmer; DL Scott Erdman.
Burke Catholic: QB Bob Pezzullo; WR Mike Kelly.
Dover: QB/DB Kyle Bradshaw; RB/LB Greg Boettcher.
Tri-Valley: OL/DL Aric Boyes.

Coach of the Year: Anthony Finochio, James I. O’Neill

You didn’t want to go face-to-face with Cornwall two-way lineman Connor Staudle in the trenches this season.

He was dominating on both sides of the ball, at tackle and defensive lineman, and Staudle is taking his big game to Lafayette College.

Staudle, a senior, has verbally committed to play at Lafayette – a Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA) school – located in Easton, Pa. He said he received a scholarship package worth about $57,000 annually.

“I couldn’t turn that down,” Staudle said. “Academically, Lafayette is a great school. This was the best option for me. It’s awesome and I’m excited. I just hope I can play their soon.”

Read more about Staudle in Friday’s edition of Varsity845.com

Washingtonville’s Matt Poveromo has verbally committed to play at Marist, where he will play tight end.

Poveromo made his debut at TE last year and made it look easy. He played quarterback this season for Washingtonville. Marist, located in Poughkeepsie, is a Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA) school.

“I love the tight end position,” said Poveromo, who played quarterback for Washingtonville this season. “You do it all, block, hit people, catch the ball and score. I feel I just have a knack for the position and I’m excited.”

Poveromo said he will receive an academic scholarship and grants that will cover three-quarters of his expenses at Marist, which costs about $40,000 annually. He played tight end for the first time last season, catching 31 passes for 759 yards and nine touchdowns. Poveromo was named a second-team Varsity845 all-star in 2011.

He moved back to quarterback this fall after starter Chaynce Pelio graduated. Poveromo, who is 6-foot-2, 220 pounds, also received interest from Georgetown and Sacred Heart.

CLASS B
Co-Players of the Year:
Nick Sorrenti (RB, Maine-Endwell-4) — 6-1, 240, Sr.
Jake Haddock (OL, Maine-Endwell-4) — 6-0, 280, Sr.

First Team Offense
QB Shane Sweeney Geneva-5 6-2 210 Sr.
RB Anthony Walker Lansingburgh-2 5-10 170 Jr.
RB Corey Barczyowski Alden-6 6-1 195 Sr.
RB Johnnie Akins Roosevelt-8 5-10 180 Jr.
RB Devon Willis Schalmont-2 6-1 185 Jr.
OE Zack Collins Chenango Valley-4 6-3 200 Sr.
OE Mustafaa Dais Hackley-AIS 6-1 170 Jr.
OL Tommy Hopkins Westlake-1 6-6 305 Sr.
OL Jason Bunk Alden-6 6-3 281 Sr.
OL Sam Beckenbach E. Rochester/Gananda-5 5-11 195 Sr.
OL Devlin Brennan Our Lady of Lourdes-1 6-4 270 Sr.
AP Mike LaNoir Glens Falls-2 6-2 205 Sr.
First Team Defense
DL Tyler Studd Springville-6 6-3 231 Sr.
DL Tim Remillard Peru-7 6-1 205 Sr.
DL Charles Eshenour Waterloo-5 5-10 175 Sr.
LB Aaron Jones Chittenango-3 6-5 230 Sr.
LB Darrell Woolfolk Maine-Endwell-4 5-9 208 Jr.
LB Derek Bishopp Livonia-5 6-0 170 Sr.
LB Josh Riley Spackenkill-9 Sr.
DB Sean Marshall Burgard-6 6-2 190 Sr.
DB Raishaun McGhee Rye Country Day-AIS 6-0 165 Sr.
DB Alec Wisniewski Maine-Endwell-4 6-2 170 Jr.
DB Khariff Laboy New Paltz-9 5-6 160 Jr.
PK Adam Laubach Marlboro-9 Sr.

Second Team Offense
QB Kyle Gallagher Maine-Endwell-4 6-5 205 Jr.
RB Bryce Gioia Our Lady of Lourdes-1 5-11 202 Jr.
RB Austin Beck Marlboro-9 6-2 Sr.
RB Jacob Wilson Cazenovia-3 5-9 180 Sr.
RB Justin Jacoby Maine-Endwell-4 5-8 180 Sr.
OE Gabe Kardish Ardsley-1 6-0 170 Sr.
OE Sean Cunningham Geneva-5 5-11 175 Sr.
OL Connor Johnson Pioneer-6 6-5 330 Sr.
OL Ryan LaFountain E. Rochester/Gananda-5 5-11 185 Sr.
OL Cam Burns Pleasantville-1 6-1 205 Sr.
OL Neftali Henderson Roosevelt-8 6-3 275 Sr.
AP Luis Uceta Maine-Endwell-4 5-10 161 Sr.
Second Team Defense
DL Mike Famalaro Schalmont-2 6-2 275 Sr.
DL Austin Porter Peru-7 6-4 260 Sr.
DL Khalil Sommerville Bennett-6 6-2 275 Sr.
DL Raekwon Ward Lansingburgh-2 6-2 300 Sr.
LB Matt Tamburri Marlboro-9 6-0 Sr.
LB Bill Schiavetti Lewiston-Porter-6 5-9 175 Sr.
LB Lee Girard Glens Falls-2 6-2 200 Sr.
DB Jesse Lewis Geneva-5 5-10 160 Sr.
DB Jake McNamara Alden-6 6-0 180 Sr.
DB Shane Lyon Schuylerville-2 6-4 175 Sr.
DB Cameren Smith Lackawanna-6 5-11 165 Jr.
P Colin Reynolds Maine-Endwell-4 5-11 208 Sr.

Third Team Offense
QB Brian Stoldt Alden-6 6-0 180 Jr.
QB Joe McDermott Hackley-AIS 6-1 220 Jr.
RB Joe McMahon Glens Falls-2 6-2 200 Sr.
RB Nick Vallone St. Mary’s-CHS/6 5-7 165 Jr.
RB Nick Grous Croton-Harmon-1 5-11 180 Sr.
OE Darrien White Albany Academy-2 5-8 165 Sr.
OE Brett Field Vernon-Verona-Sherrill-3 6-4 250 Sr.
OL Alex Soutiere Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk-2 6-1 290 Sr.
OL Alex Barrett Peru-7 6-0 175 Sr.
OL Anthony Tufano New Paltz-9 6-3 270 Sr.
OL Adam Shelepak Maine-Endwell-4 6-1 260 Sr.
AP Chris Keenan Our Lady of Lourdes-1 5-11 171 Jr.
Third Team Defense
DL Josh Cruz Nanuet-1 6-4 315 Sr.
DL T.J. Davis Maine-Endwell-4 6-0 207 Sr.
DL Tyler Shelpak Maine-Endwell-4 6-3 280 Sr.
LB Dustin Ayers Livonia-5 6-0 190 Sr.
LB Amunike Prince Franklin K. Lane-PSAL Jr.
LB Tyler Keear Geneva-5 5-10 170 Sr.
LB John Martisch Penn Yan-5 6-1 218 Jr.
DB Kyle Peck Oneida-3 6-2 178 Sr.
DB Danie Duah Franklin K. Lane-PSAL Sr.
DB Cam Girard Glens Falls-2 5-10 155 Sr.
DB Devin Pierre Marlboro-9 Sr.

Honorable Mention
Quarterback — Mitchell Gallagher (Malone-10), Alen Makhmudov (Stuyvesant-PSAL), Devin Phelps (Chittenango-3), Mike Wawrzyniak (Maryvale-6)
Running Back — Fabian Bramwell (Benjamin Cardozo-PSAL), Darryl Clark (New Paltz-9), Brett Cole (Barker/Royalton-Hartland-6), Delano Codner (Evander Childs-PSAL), Kyle Hoffman (Pioneer-6), Adam Noonan (Nichols-CHS/6), Reggie Williams (Johnson City-4)
Offensive End — Steve Billington (Chittenango-3), Adam Gallagher (Maine-Endwell-4), Dymeen Hammond (Franklin K. Lane-PSAL), Brandon Winchell (Hudson Falls-2)
Line — Alex Buchanan (Albany Academy-2), Cameron Braathen (Cazenovia-3), Robert Buono (Depew-6), Nick Celestino (Spackenkill-9), Erik Feitshans (Alden-6), Rufus Guerin (Beekmantown-7), Jacob McKay (Fieldston-AIS), Harry Procter (Schuylerville-2), Jesse Ross (Schalmont-2), Sam Sax (Glens Falls-2)
Linebacker — Brandon Atlas (Depew-6), Ian Bennett (Albany Academy-2), Nick Bobbett (Cazenovia-3), Nick Gallo (Schalmont-2), Javante Glover (East-6), Nick Greto (Pleasantville-1), Dylan Keyer (Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk-2), Chris Phinney (Springville-6)
Defensive Back — Zane Bazzano (Peru-7), Dan Breit (Nanuet-1), Ryan Carey (Marlboro-9), Brian Rybak (Depew-6), Liam Ryan (Nichols-CHS/6), Preston Summers (Cheektowaga-6)
All-Purpose — Kyle Edwards (Norwich-4)

CLASS C
Co-Players of the Year:
Billy Pine (QB, Hoosick Falls-2) — 5-11, 180, Sr.
Brad Burns (RB, Hoosick Falls-2) — 5-10, 195, Sr.

First Team Offense
QB Matt Phelan Saranac Lake-7 5-10 165 Sr.
RB Zack Bacon Hornell-5 6-0 230 Sr.
RB Jerry Nasi James O’Neill-9 5-10 190 Sr.
RB Tim Soave Dobbs Ferry-1 6-1 240 Jr.
OE Brendan Buisch Hornell-5 6-4 190 Sr.
OE Kevin Morgan Saranac Lake-7 Sr.
OE Jake Cooney Skaneateles-3 6-3 195 Sr.
OL Nick Nocek Fredonia-6 5-11 195 Sr.
OL Jordon Baskerville James O’Neill-9 6-3 270 Sr.
OL Derek Mowers Mount Markham-3 6-0 280 Sr.
AP Tanner John Salamanca-6 6-3 190 Sr.
First Team Defense
DL Da’Sean Downey Woodlands-1 6-3 245 Sr.
DL Greg Elliott Waterville-3 6-5 250 Sr.
DL Jack Barnett Chenango Forks-4 6-3 275 Sr.
LB Eric Schweitzer Babylon-11 5-10 185 Sr.
LB Dylan Guttierez Waverly-4 6-1 189 Sr.
LB Nate Hatalsky Mechanicville-2 6-1 215 Sr.
LB Zach Zupan Canastota-3 5-10 210 Sr.
LB Richie Harkenrider Hornell-5 6-0 180 Sr.
DB Zach Cooney Waverly-4 6-1 170 Sr.
DB Jake Carlock Babylon-11 6-2 200 Jr.
DB Austin Mietz Akron-6 6-1 190 Sr.
PK Alex Malhas Babylon-11 6-0 190 Sr.

Second Team Offense
QB Conor Herr Skaneateles-3 6-1 217 Sr.
RB Tyrone Barber Woodlands-1 5-10 185 Jr.
RB Zach Dubois Elba/Byron-Bergen-5 6-0 170 Sr.
RB Brandon Thomas Cleveland Hill-6 5-9 180 Jr.
RB Cameron Thomas Pawling-1 6-0 215 Sr.
OE Randy Tutunjian Hoosick Falls-2 6-0 165 Sr.
OE Marcus Mistersaro LeRoy-5 6-0 200 Sr.
OE Ron Richards Woodlands-1 5-7 150 Sr.
OL Mike Doll Chenango Forks-4 5-11 225 Sr.
OL Andrew Watson Babylon-11 6-1 200 Sr.
OL Petey DeJoy Bronxville-1 6-0 205 Sr.
AP Austin Mills Herkimer-3 6-0 215 Jr.
Second Team Defense
DL Lance Rice-Wilder Hoosick Falls-2 6-1 240 Sr.
DL Corey Gaffney General Brown-3 5-9 225 Sr.
LB Jonathan Thomas Cleveland Hill-6 5-10 195 Sr.
LB Mike Burpoe Saranac Lake-7 Sr.
LB Ryan Henry Liberty-9 6-1 205 Sr.
LB Al Kelly Chatham-2 5-10 190 Jr.
LB Austin Jasper Sherburne-Earlville-3 6-3 220 Jr.
LB Zach Buckley Fredonia-6 5-9 185 Sr.
DB Nate McDonald Sidney-4 5-11 215 Sr.
DB Nick Anderson John F. Kennedy-6 6-0 175 Sr.
DB Dan Treadwell Greene-4 5-10 165 Sr.
PK Connor Ladd Akron-6 6-2 216 Sr.

Third Team Offense
QB Justin Riccio Woodlands-1 5-10 165 Sr.
RB Isaiah Zimmer Chenango Forks-4 5-10 190 Jr.
RB Pete Privitera LeRoy-5 5-8 160 Jr.
RB Jakob Calvini Rye Neck-1 6-1 189 Jr.
RB Brandon Walters Sidney-4 5-11 225 Sr.
OE Antoine Montgomery Bishop Ludden-3 6-0 175 Sr.
OE Mike Kelly Burke Catholic-9 6-3 180 Sr.
OE Nick Koelmel Immaculate Heart-3 6-2 165 Jr.
OL Tyler Cranker Fonda-Fultonville-2 6-4 260 Jr.
OL Jeann Cruz Babylon-11 5-9 210 Sr.
OL Jordan Schofield General Brown-3 5-11 235 Sr.
Third Team Defense
DL Bryan Sherman Hoosick Falls-2 5-6 150 Sr.
DL Derrike Shrieve James O’Neill-9 5-10 160 Sr.
LB Andy Underhill Elba/Byron-Bergen-5 5-6 145 Jr.
LB Josh White Cleveland Hill-6 5-5 205 Jr.
LB Cadizsh Norford Holley-5 5-6 175 Jr.
LB Mike Beckwith Greene-4 5-10 186 Sr.
LB Tyler Brion Wellsville-5 5-11 206 Jr.
LB Aaron Peterman Mynderse-5 5-8 205 Sr.
DB Richard Lagano General Brown-3 6-0 185 Sr.
DB Weston Ley Fredonia-6 5-9 165 Jr.
DB Jared Watkins Cleveland Hill-6 5-11 165 Sr.
PK Dan Hyland Waverly-4 5-9 130 Sr.

Honorable Mention
Quarterback — Kyle Bradshaw (Dover-9), Nick Santorelli (Babylon-11), Keegan West (James O’Neill-9)
Running Back — Dom Brescia (Rye Neck-1), Henry Cardinal (Millbrook-9), Nico Denise (Albertus Magnus-1), Liam Kane (Stillwater-2), Justin Slango (Wilson-6), Mike Spain (Tully-3), Jesse Whiteman (Chatham-2)
Offensive End — Austin Bostwick (Waverly-4), Dylan Eddy (Woodlands-1), Austin Lauricella (Akron-6), Shawn McNeil (Stillwater-2), Matt Tormey (Bronxville-1)
Line — Austin Dean (Sidney-4), James Gallup (Corinth-2), Chris Kehoe (Greene-4), Chris Saden (Fredonia-6), Will Turner (Fonda-Fultonville-2)
Linebacker — Joey Burkowski (John F. Kennedy-6), Terrence Oldfield (Herkimer-3), Corey Wilkinson (Bishop Ludden-3)
Defensive Back — Kyle Malik (Lowville-3), Kevin Twardzik (Fonda-Fultonville-2)

CLASS D
Player of the Year:
Jordan Dowiasz (RB, Randolph-6) — 5-10, 170, Sr.

First Team Offense
QB Austin Smith Oriskany-3 6-2 170 Sr.
RB Nick Reisman Tuckahoe-1 6-1 210 Sr.
RB Josh Hoagland Whitehall-2 5-11 190 Sr.
RB Oliver Simpson Maple Grove-6 5-11 175 Sr.
RB Jack Minasi West Canada Valley-3 6-0 165 Sr.
OE Jake Kiehle Perry-5 6-0 190 Sr.
OE Nathan Beaver Randolph-6 6-0 180 Sr.
OL Jake Remington Letchworth-5 6-0 200 Sr.
OL Casey Brown West Canada Valley-3 6-2 265 Sr.
OL Matt Ennist Sandy Creek-3 6-3 290 So.
OL Jake Swan Maple Grove-6 6-1 210 Sr.
AP John Barnes Greenwich-2 6-2 190 Jr.
First Team Defense
DL Dan Lictus Clymer-6 6-3 280 Sr.
DL Justin Delgado Chester-9 6-3 220 Sr.
DL Mike Arborn Tuckahoe-1 5-10 190 Jr.
LB Tyler Spires Tioga-4 5-10 205 Sr.
LB T.J. Crye Avon-5 6-1 200 Sr.
LB Zed Williams Silver Creek -6 6-2 200 Sr.
LB Joseph Bellantoni Tuckahoe-1 5-11 190 Sr.
LB Dan Welch Avon-5 5-9 195 Sr.
LB Cody Oldro Randolph-6 6-3 225 Jr.
DB Tyler Butler Unatego-4 6-0 195 Sr.
DB Jon Kudla Port Byron-3 5-9 165 Sr.
PK/P Zack Green Westmoreland-3 6-1 170 Sr.

Second Team Offense
QB Tyler Shutts York-5 6-1 190 Sr.
RB Paul Wonka Oxford-4 5-9 210 Sr.
RB Matt Parmenter Cambridge-2 5-5 167 Sr.
RB Zeke Wright Groton-4 6-1 180 Jr.
RB Seth Butler Rensselaer-2 6-0 220 Sr.
OE Ryan Grogan West Canada Valley-3 5-10 160 Jr.
OE Brandon Butler Rensselaer-2 5-10 165 Jr.
OL Carter Jackson Tioga-4 6-0 258 Jr.
OL Will McFee Greenwich-2 6-2 280 Sr.
OL Derek Liner Unatego-4 6-2 245 Sr.
OL Tyler Taverne Westmoreland-3 6-5 220 Jr.
AP Shyheim Nixon Tuckahoe-1 5-10 180 Sr.
Second Team Defense
DL Eric Leach Weedsport-3 6-1 195 Sr.
DL Matt Watkins Notre Dame-4 6-2 230 Sr.
DL Dylan Faust Randolph-6 6-0 155 Sr.
LB Alex Musolino Lyons-5 5-6 165 Sr.
LB James Stevens Rensselaer-2 6-2 185 Jr.
LB Nick Taylor Notre Dame-5 5-10 185 Sr.
LB Mike Beers Walton-4 6-1 200 Sr.
LB Andrew Ogrodowski Red Jacket-5 6-1 210 Sr.
LB Jake Mazzarella Bainbridge-Guilford-4 5-10 185 Sr.
LB Mike Nevinger Caledonia-Mumford-5 5-10 210 Sr.
DB Jake Martinez Avon-5 5-7 170 Sr.

Honorable Mention
Quarterback — Cory Dillon (Perry-5), Steven Harwood (Rensselaer-2), Mitch Maycock (Randolph-6), Tom Molisani (Clyde-Savannah-5)
Running Back — Miles Austin (Ticonderoga-7), Phalla Musall (Ellicottville/
West Valley-6), Matt Pelc (Weedsport-3), Cameron Wright (Moriah-7), Lawrence Young (Chester-9)
Offensive End — Joe Faniel (Clyde-Savannah-5)
Line — Michael Bowers (Randolph-6), James Brys (Dolgeville-3), Cory Daly (Moriah-7), Bryant Gibbons (Cambridge-2), Cody Henthorn (Ticonderoga-7), Lance Irwin (Dundee-5), Jacob Kehoe (Lyons-5), Mason McNitt (Sandy Creek-3), Jon Scroxton (Maple Grove-6), Andrew Short (York-5)
Linebacker — Jake Benedict (Sandy Creek-3), Tyler Brockway (Fort Edward-2), Kody Homann (Unadilla Valley-4), Greg Knier (Ellicottville/West Valley-6), Donald Liotine (Stony Brook-11), Tyler Morris (Salem-2), Brandon Steves (Whitehall-2), Jared Pitchford (Randolph-6), Kyle Podolak (Port Byron-3)
Defensive Back — Tom Agan (Notre Dame-4), Chris Doubek (Randolph-6), Aaron Germaine (Maple Grove-6), Nick Hettenbaugh (Randolph-6), Isaac Isom (Salem-2), Tim McCulley (Notre Dame-5)

There will be some changes in league alignment for girls’ and boys’ swimming in 2013-14, plus a couple other league jumps, according to the league alignments approved by the OCIAA executive committee on Dec. 7.
Both swimming leagues will be split in two (they competed as single 14-school entries this school year). The OCIAA Division I will consist of Newburgh, Monroe-Woodbury, Middletown, Kingston, Pine Bush, Valley Central and Washingtonville. The Division II will consist of Warwick, Minisink Valley, F.D. Roosevelt, Cornwall, New Paltz, Marlboro and Rhinebeck.
In girls’ and boys’ tennis, Warwick will move from Division II to Division I, dropping Minisink Valley into the “smaller” league.
According to the document, Burke Catholic joins Division IV in indoor track and field while James I. O’Neill drops out.
Port Jervis will drop freshman football and add Modified “B” football.

Mike White to Alex Cruz could go down as one of the greatest quarterback to wide receiver connections in Section 9 history.

The Cornwall pair lit it up this season, especially in the playoffs. Of course, White played quarterback and Cruz is a wide receiver. For their big-time efforts, White and Cruz have been named first-team Class A all-state by the New York State Sportswriters Association. White and Cruz were the only first-teamers in Class A in Section 9, although Cornwall was well represented on the other teams.

In Class AA, Pine Bush defensive end Delano King and Newburgh defensive back Jalen Williams were named first-team all-state. King was a force on both sides of the ball and is a great kid/team player. Congrats to “The Caribbean King”. Only a junior, Williams put up another great year. He already has a scholarship offer from Syracuse.

Below is a complete list of Section 9′s all-state selections in Class AA and A. Class B, C and D picks were announced last week.

Section 9 all-state selections
(Section 9 representatives in Class AA and A who were named all-state by the New York State Sportswriters Association)

Class AA
FIRST TEAM
Delano King, Pine Bush senior defensive lineman: King, who only started playing football four years ago, made 80 tackles with five sacks. At 6-4, 280, he was an almost impossible match-up.

Jalen Williams, Newburgh junior defensive back: A third-teamer last season, Williams made 56 tackles with five interceptions this season. He already has a scholarship offer from Syracuse and several other Division I schools are interested.

SECOND TEAM
John Thorn, Pine Bush senior punter: Once a soccer player, Thorn averaged 40.3 yards per punt and also played tight end and defensive lineman for the Section 9 Class AA champs.

THIRD TEAM
Matt McCaffrey, Pine Bush senior offensive lineman: McCaffrey, who played right tackle, had a breakout year and was a model of consistency on the line.

Hardcor Coleman, Newburgh senior linebacker: Hardcor was one of the hardest hitters in Section 9. Coleman had 80 tackles, including 13 for a loss, and seven sacks.

Matt Geisler, Pine Bush senior defensive back: Geisler was always in on the big plays. He had 60 tackles and three interceptions. Geisler also rushed for 848 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Brad Garcia, Warwick junior all-purpose player: A two-time Varsity845 first-team all-star, Garcia had 1,031 all-purpose yards and nine touchdowns. Midway through the season, he moved into the backfield in the wildcat formation — which helped rejuvenate Warwick.

FOURTH TEAM
Justin Kaffenberger, Monroe-Woodbury senior offensive end: A wide receiver, Kaffenberger caught 43 passes for 714 yards and five touchdowns, overmatching opponents with his height.

Colin Scott, Minisink Valley senior offensive lineman: Scott’s steady play at right tackle helped Minisink Valley win the Section 9 Class AA Division II regular-season title.

Honorable mention: Sr. RB Francesco Pichardo, Washingtonville; Sr. OE Jerred Beniquez, Kingston; Sr. DE Ken Fee, Monroe-Woodbury; Sr. LB Mike Cerisano, Newburgh; Sr. DB Austin Ferrier, Minisink Valley.

Class A
FIRST TEAM
Mike White, Cornwall junior quarterback: White threw for 2,674 yards with 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions for the Class A champs. His 500 yards against Wallkill in the A title game set a Section 9 single-game record. He added 433 the next game in the Green Dragons’ Class A state quarterfinal win over Somers.

Alex Cruz, Cornwall senior offensive end: A wide receiver, Cruz finished the year with 1,141 yards — the second most in Section 9 history – and 10 touchdowns. His 285 yards against Somers in the Class A state quarterfinals is a Section 9 single-game record.

SECOND TEAM
Connor Staudle, Cornwall senior offensive lineman: Staudle, who will play at Lafayette on a full scholarship, dominated at left tackle for the Green Dragons.

Anthony Vega, Cornwall senior defensive back: Vega had seven interceptions this season in his first year as a starter.

THIRD TEAM
Josh Villafane, Wallkill senior running back: Rushed for 1,429 yards and 15 touchdowns this season, marking his second straight 1,000-yard season.

Pat Landro, Cornwall senior linebacker: Had a breakout season as an impact player. Landro, who also played on the offensive line, made 89 tackles with four sacks. He earned the defensive MVP in the Class A championship and state quarterfinal games.

Matt Iorlano, Wallkill senior kicker: Iorlano converted 5-of-7 field goals with a long of 37 yards, hitting 30-of-31 extra points.

FOURTH TEAM
Isaiah Berrios-Smith, Wallkill senior defensive back: Berrios-Smith, made 95 tackles, forcing three fumbles and recovering three. He returned two kickoffs for touchdowns.

Honorable mention: None.

He’s, perhaps, the best football and basketball player from Newburgh.

But he doesn’t play for Newburgh Free Academy. Junior swingman Jabari Wells is lighting it up for New York Military Academy in Cornwall, averaging 19 points per game. He rushed for 1,200 yards as NYMA’s star running back this fall. NYMA’s Les McMillen, who coaches the basketball and football teams, thinks Wells is A Division I prospect in football. And, possibly, basketball.

“I have a lot of confidence in Jabari,” McMillen said. “In 30 years, I’ve coached some good players, and I have confidence he will do very well.”

McMillen said Wells, who is 6-foot, 190 pounds, could possibly play football in the Big East. With the help of his AAU coach, Harold Rayford Jr. of the Newburgh Zion Lions, Wells arrived to NYMA two years ago.

“Harold just felt this was a better fit for him,” McMillen said. “He was pulling a 70 average at Newburgh. His grades have jumped big time, he’s in the 80’s now. I think this was the right move for him.”

Check back for more on Wells soon on Varsity845.com.

In the shocker of this offseason, James Sciarra will not return as Warwick’s football coach this fall.

On Monday, Sciarra confirmed the news, stating: “I’m not the head football coach any longer.” He declined further comment.

When you think of Sciarra, you think of his wild, wild west-style offenses, which put up tons of points. He had the pedigree: Sciarra is a 1997 Warwick graduate and played linebacker and offensive line for the Wildcats.

As a coach, he went 40-25 in seven seasons, helping the Wildcats to the Section 9 Class AA championship game in 2009 and 2011. Warwick finished 6-3 this past season, losing to Monroe-Woodbury 14-13 in the Section 9 Class AA semifinals.

So what was Sciarra’s downfall?

According to team sources, the Sciarra was “disconnected” from several of his players. I talked to three Warwick players about Sciarra’s dismissal on Monday – quarterback/wide receiver Brad Garcia, linebacker A.J. Sakac and defensive back Matt Cattani. For the most part, the players said nothing disparaging about Sciarra.

However, they didn’t exactly go to bat for him.

Said Garcia, one of the best players in Section 9: “Coach Sciarra was with us for a long time. I feel bad for him, but there is not much you can do as a player. It’s hard, but some things happened in the program that shouldn’t have.”

Garcia declined to elaborate.

Added Sakac, Warwick’s de facto team spokesperson: “Coach Sciarra was a hell of a coach, he was smart, but he was missing one part. He was nothing more than a coach. There was no relationship out of football.”

More from Sakac in Tuesday’s editions of the Times Herald-Record and Varsity845.

Said Cattani: “It’s pretty sad to see coach Sciarra leave, but the administration knows what’s best for the team. I’m not going to try to start anything. There is nothing we can say to argue.”

So who replaces Sciarra? Although it’s early, two potential candidates are John Garcia and Greg Sirico. Garcia has coached in the program for 34 years and served as Warwick’s head coach from 1981-86. His son is Brad Garcia.

Sirico is Warwick’s athletic director. He is the school’s all-time winningest football coach with a 67-27 record (1996-2005). Sciarra served as his successor.

Sciarra has become a fixture in Section 9 football and said he will coach again. I wish him the best.

Record-setting Cornwall wide receiver Alex Cruz should fit right in at Division III SUNY Cortland.

Cortland runs a fast-paced spread offense a la Cornwall.

“I think it’s the perfect fit,” Cruz said. “I’m really excited. They are big on passing, it’s a quick offense. Plus, Cortland has really nice facilities.”

Cruz finished the year with 1,141 yards — the second most in Section 9 history. Cruz’s 285 yards against Somers in the Class A state quarterfinals is a Section 9 single-game record. He had 10 receiving touchdowns.

Division II American International College and Division III Utica also showed interest in Cruz, a first-team Class A all-state selection. Cruz helped Cornwall to the semifinals of the Class A state playoffs this year.

Former Warwick football coach James Sciarra has found a new gig: Meet rival Monroe-Woodbury’s newest volunteer assistant coach.

Sciarra has joined the Crusaders and will work with the offense.

“James is just a guy with a wealth of experience and sees the big picture,” Monroe-Woodbury coach Bernie Connolly said. “He is very experienced and will be very helpful. James still wants to coach.”

Sciarra, a math teacher at Warwick High School, did not immediately return a phone call on Monday night.

Sciarra was advised in January by Warwick schools Superintendent Ray Bryant that he wouldn’t be recommended by the school board to return to the Wildcats this fall. Varsity coaching appointments are made on a year-to-year basis.

Sciarra went 40-25 in seven years at Warwick, helping the Wildcats to the Section 9 Class AA championship game in 2009 and 2011. Warwick finished 6-3 this last season, losing to Monroe-Woodbury 14-13 in the Section 9 Class AA semifinals. Monroe-Woodbury hosts Warwick in a non-league game on Sept. 13.

“It’s good for him to find a new place to be,” said Warwick star quarterback/running back Brad Garcia. “It will be interesting to see how the Monroe-Woodbury-Warwick rivalry is now. I still think he has moved on and we have moved on. We are a new team with a new coach (Greg Sirico) and a new attitude.”

Added Warwick defensive back Matt Cattani: “It’s definitely going to be a weird experience seeing coach Sciarra with Monroe-Woodbury. I know him as my coach. I didn’t expect to see him at Monroe-Woodbury. But he’s a smart coach and will do well.”

Warwick linebacker A.J. Sakac said the team respected Sciarra’s decision, but his move to Monroe-Woodbury did “amp up” the Wildcats.

“It’s going to push our team a lot harder,” Sakac said. “We respect his choice, but it is eye-opening. Everyone here is excited for week two, I can tell you that.”

For the past three years, former Rondout Valley head football coach Jim Malak has inquired about assistant coaching positions in Section 9.

After all, he couldn’t just walk away from coaching, which Malak calls his passion. However, Malak couldn’t find a fit, at least, until now. Malak, who led Rondout Valley to the 2000 Class B state championship, will serve as a volunteer assistant with Marlboro this fall.

Malak’s son, Keith, will be a senior wide receiver for Rondout Valley this fall. So it will be Malak vs. Malak in Week 1. Marlboro, the two-time defending Section 9 Class B champions, host Rondout Valley at 7 p.m. on Sept. 6.

“It will be very odd going up against Keith,” said Malak, who was was dismissed as Rondout Valley’s coach in 2010, after going 99-66 with five Section 9 titles. “But it won’t be the first time a father and son have gone up against each other. Keith is a great kid and, after that game, I will help him a lot.”

As for his return to coaching, Malak said: “People have told me to try to officiate, but I want to coach. That’s what I love to do and it’s great to be a part of a program like Marlboro. (Marlboro coach) Rich Ward has provided me with a great opportunity.”

Malak, 49, a physical education teacher at Rondout Valley High, will work with Marlboro’s offensive line. The Iron Dukes are the favorites to win the 2013 Class B state championship.

“We’re blessed to have Jim,” Ward said. “Everyone has a lot of respect for him. Any time you add someone with his experience and knowledge, you have to be excited.”

The final day, the big day, full scrimmage day, wraps up Camp of Champions at Valley Central High School in Montgomery on Thursday.

However, on Tuesday – during Day Three of the camp – the nine teams got their first taste of scrimmage action. How did it go? Of course, everyone loved it. It felt a little like the fall when it’s game on in the trenches.

“It was awesome,” Pine Bush running back Mike Martin said. The Bushmen scrimmaged against defending Section 9 Class B champion Marlboro and Minisink Valley, which Pine Bush beat in the Class AA playoff semifinals last year en route to the championship. “We were pumped up. Even though it was like 10 plays on, 10 plays off, you felt that rush. It was Pine Bush football out there. It was pretty up-tempo, fast-paced, pound the ball.”

Camp of Champions is one of my favorite events because where else can you find nine teams together at one venue? It’s always good to catch up with players and coaches as the long offseason winds down. Summer camp begins in less than two months.

Camp of Champions always attracts some of the top teams in Section 9. Eight of nine teams at this year’s event qualified for the postseason last season. Along with Pine Bush, Marlboro (Class B) and Chester (Class D) also won Section 9 titles last year. Chester is the only Class D team at camp, but never has backed down from the big boys.

I arrived at the tail end of the day as the teams’ gathered together at picnic tables to eat pulled pork, barbecue chicken and various salads.

Here is my interview with Martin and Pine Bush quarterback Dan McNamara.

Next up on the interview trail is Minisink Valley’s Pat Dawson and Kyle Gainer. Gainer and Dawson will likely be an integral part of the Warriors’ backfield next year. Dawson is also slated to play on the defensive line.

We wrap up the interviews with Warwick quarterback Brad Garcia and running back Lawrence Young – two of the most dynamic players in Section 9.

Day Four of Camp of Champions is set for Wednesday. It will be a short session in the morning. Scrimmages on Thursday are set for 9 p.m. and will end at about noon.

Some highlights of Thursday’s scrimmage (20-minute sessions) will include:

9 a.m.: Minisink Valley vs. Warwick; Marlboro vs. Wallkill.

9:30: Pine Bush vs. Warwick.

10:00: Wallkill vs. Pine Bush

10:30: Wallkill vs. Monroe-Woodbury

11:00: Pine Bush vs. Minisink Valley

Noon: Minisink Valley vs. Monroe-Woodbury

I will be back at Camp of Champions on Thursday for scrimmage day and provide coverage here on the Varsity845 blog online at Varsity845.com and in print in the Times Herald-Record. Follow me on Twitter at justinrod845.

MONTGOMERY – There were big plays and even biger hits. Coaches huddled up, calling out plays and encouraging their players during spirited play.

Ah, it felt like the fall was already here. The big games are a few months away, but Camp of Champions provided us with a preview of what’s to come this fall when the Section 9 season begins.

The five-day camp concluded at Valley Central High in Montgomery on Thursday with scrimmage day. Nine teams, including three defending Section 9 champions, Pine Bush, Marlboro and Chester, competed on a steamy morning.

“It’s pretty cool to see people hitting in June,” Warwick coach Greg Sirico said. “It gets you going.”

Indeed, it does. There was a buzz in the air with teams competing in 20-minute scrimmage sessions. Camp of Champions means so much to every team. In a way, the camp is a proving ground for the fall.

How do you rate? How does your team rate? Thanks to the players and the coaches, once again, Camp of Champions was a hit.

“I thought the camp was really good,” Wallkill quarterback Joe Pillitteri said. “The team progressed every day. From the first day we got here, until today, we progressed so much. We got a lot done. We did a lot and I’m excited.”

We have several videos lined up from Camp of Champions. Check them out below.

Here is footage of the Wallkill-Pine Bush scrimmage (each scrimmage was 20 minutes)

Up next we have Goshen and Marlboro. Marlboro is the defending Section 9 Class B champion and Goshen debuted at Camp of Champions

Finally, it’s Minisink Valley and Pine Bush, which served as a rematch of last year’s Class AA semifinals. Pine Bush went on to win the title.

Now, on to some interviews. First up? Monroe-Woodbury quarterback Kevin Carr and center Nick Dillon. Of course, the Crusaders will be a Class AA contender once again in the fall.

We wrap up with Wallkill coach Brian Vegliando and quarterback Joe Pillitteri, entering his second year as a starter. As always, Wallkill will be a player in Class A this fall.

I will be posting another Camp of Champions video later today and provide more coverage on Varsity845.com on Friday. It was great seeing everyone this week. See you in August for summer sessions. Follow me on Twitter at justinrod845

Kingston radio station WKNY (1490-AM) will once again broadcast Kingston High School varsity football games. The nine-game schedule gets underway on Sept. 7 when the Tigers travel to Long Island to take on Holy Cross.
A brief 10-minute pregame show precedes the kickoff.
The games can also be heard on 1490wkny.com and also on the TuneIn.com website.
The schedule, with kickoff times:
Sat. Sept. 7 – at Holy Cross, 4 p.m.
Thur. Sept. 12 – Washingtonville, 7 p.m.
Fri. Sept. 20 – Cornwall, 7 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 28 – at Warwick, 1:30 p.m.
Fri. Oct. 4 – Pine Bush, 7 p.m.
Fri. Oct. 11 – Monroe-Woodbury, 7 p.m.
Fri. Oct. 18 – at Middletown, 7 p.m.
Fri. Oct. 25 – at Newburgh, 7 p.m.
Fri. Nov. 1 – Crossover or playoff, time TBD

Cornwall quarterback Mike White doesn’t seem close to making his college decision, but one school might have the inside track on the 2012 Varsity845 Player of the Year.

White could take his big game across the Hudson River to Marist College in Poughkeepsie. He has visited the school and is enthusiastic about, potentially, playing for the Red Foxes in 2014.

“I really like Marist,” White, a senior, said. “I just don’t want to go far from home. I like the campus and I like the academics. (Former Cornwall lineman) Dan Rice and (former Washingtonville quarterback) Matt Poveromo go there. They say it’s awesome and they love playing there. It’s definitely possible”

White, who is 6-foot, 175 pounds, also said he is interested in Albany, New Hampshire, Colgate and Stonehill (Mass.) College. He is unsure of when he will make his college decision. White put up 2,674 yards with 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions for the Section 9 Class A champs last year. His 500 yards against Wallkill in the A title game set a Section 9 single-game record. He added 433 the next game in the Green Dragons’ Class A state quarterfinal win over Somers.

“I think I’ve gotten a little better than last year,” White said. “I lift every day, so my arm is stronger, and I’m quicker. I want to have a great year, not just me, but the team.”

Summer is fading rather quickly which, of course, is somewhat of a downer. However, as fall creeps closer, there is something to be excited about.

Are you ready for some Section 9 football?

Thirty-five teams in Section 9 open practice on Monday. This is big for teams from New Paltz to Port Jervis to Liberty. Of course, the intensity will hit a fever pitch on the opening night of the season, Sept. 6.

We already have our first preseason video interview – with Newburgh Free Academy quarterback Donovan Fields and defensive back Jalen Williams – poolside at Williams’ home. There will be plenty more. Check out what Fields and Williams had to say about preseason camp and the 2013 season:

Preseason camp — grueling, tiring, exciting and rewarding — is a rite of passage. The build-up for the fall, the big games, the clutch plays, the championship runs, all begin Monday.

Myself and colleague William Montgomery will be hitting camps, starting Monday. You can check out coverage, including stories, videos and blogs on Varsity845.com.

If you have a story idea or want be to check out your camp, email me at jrodriguez@th-record.com. You can also hit me up on Twitter @justinrod845. Looking forward to seeing you at camp. Good luck!

My first stop on Monday on what will be a Section 9 preseason camp tour de force over the next few weeks was Port Jervis.

You know Port’s story: The Red Raiders have tons of tradition and are trying to reclaim that glory. Coach Matt Polanis enters his third season and hopes to bring Port Jervis closer to championship contention.

Of course, we all know the deal in Class A: Cornwall runs the show and Wallkill is the undisputed No. 2 team. Roosevelt moves from Class AA to Class A this season and should also be a contender. That likely leaves one playoff spot left for Port Jervis, Saugerties, Goshen and Monticello to fight for.

Polanis would at least like to qualify for the playoffs. The Red Raiders lost to Wallkill 31-18 in the semifinals of the Class A playoff last season.

“I feel this is the moving year for us,” said Polanis, a Port Jervis alum and former quarterback. “We let some games slip away last year. If we can win those, I think it will improve our psyche.”

Port Jervis only returns two starters on offense – running backs Dan DeCarlo and Matt Crown – but they will provide the Red Raiders with a formidable backfield. On defense, Port Jervis returns seven starters, including middle linebacker Tanner Sexton, who is interviewed here:

Powered by a big offensive line, old school Port Jervis football style, the Red Raiders’ jayvee team went 8-1 last fall. Two players to watch on that line, now on varsity, are sophomore Joe Bock and junior Josh Conklin. And don’t forget about Port Jervis sophomore quarterback Wesley Schools.

Schools was pushed into duty in last year’s Erie Bell game when starter Matt Smith went down with a head injury. Port Jervis lost to rival Middletown 30-0 in the Erie Bell game, but Schools showed potential as a tough runner. Schools will compete with junior Noah Knesel for the job.

Preseason Section 9 Class A rankings

1. Cornwall
2. Wallkill
3. Roosevelt
4. Port Jervis
5. Goshen
6. Monticello
7. Saugerties