Let’s be honest: Chester is the overwhelming favorite to win its fourth consecutive Section 9 Class D title.

The Hambletonians have blown through the competition for the past three years and reached the Class D state championship two years ago at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse. As for this fall, rightfully so, Chester coach Ron Stover is telling his charges not to look too far ahead.

Just concentrate on the Section 9 title. You can’t blame Stover, a good man, for playing that angle to Chester.

However, it’s hard to not look ahead at what could be: Potentially, another trip to Syracuse. Chester has plenty of work ahead of it, but this team is stacked. The Hambletonians graduated just one starter from last season – standout tight end/defensive end Justin Delgado.

“I’m very excited about this year’s team,” Chester two-way lineman Nick Seabrook said. “I’ve been waiting for this moment since, basically, freshman year. We have been putting this together for four years. It’s a well put together team.”

Check out more from Seabrook and Chester lineman Chris Wittekind here:

Chester returns plenty of talent that from last year’s team, which lost to Tuckahoe 34-18 in the quarterfinals of the Class D state playoffs. The list includes Wittekind, Seabrook, running back Lawrence Young, a 1,000-yard rusher last season, quarterback Vinny Aloi, defensive backs Owen Burke and Brandon Sadlier and running back/linebacker Matt Perry. Perry will move to defensive end on defense this fall.

Chester has outscored opponents 128-40 in the last three Section 9 championship games.

Two years ago, Chester lost to Letchworth 27-0 in the Class D state championship. Could the Hambletonians make another run to the Carrier Dome? In time, we will find out, but Chester is brimming with potential.

Section 9 Class D preseason rankings

1. Chester
2. Roscoe/Livingston Manor/Downsville
3. Eldred
4. Pine Plains

This is a big year for Valley Central. Why? See the past two seasons when the Vikings won just one game each year.

Rightfully so, Valley Central wants to forget about the past. There is optimism in Montgomery and the Vikings could be in for a rebound year.

Why?

Just call them VC’s “Big Three.” Valley Central will roll out a talented threesome this fall – fullback/linebacker Jahrett DeGroodt, running back Wanyae Reed and wide receiver/running back Jared Orndorff – to go along with, all in all, a deeper roster.

“Previous seasons don’t mean anything to me,” Orndorff said. “The only thing that means anything to me is to come out here, to work and build on that. Just work hard and do our best. I think if we put our mind to it, we can achieve a lot.”

Click below to see more of what Orndorff and Valley Central offensive lineman/linebacker Matt Deronda had to say about Valley Central:

One key for Valley Central, which competes in Class AA Division II, could be the return of Reed, who missed most of last season with a broken collarbone. He did rush for over 300 yards, before going down in week two against Pine Bush. Valley Central coach Ron Intrioni thinks this edition of the Vikings could be as athletic as any as he’s coached.

Once again, Valley Central finds itself in a competitive division with Warwick, defending champion Minisink Valley and Washingtonville.The Vikings don’t play their first league game until Oct. 11 at Minisink Valley. Washingtonville and Warwick follow. VC certainly appears to be better than a one-win team.

But that won’t cut it. The Vikings are looking for their first playoff appearance since 2006.

John S. Burke Catholic junior lineman Brandon Rawlins stands with a Guardian cap on his helmet during practice on August 19, 2013. (Will Montgomery photo/Times Herald-Record)

GOSHEN — More than the spread option, more than offseason weightlifting, the biggest trend in high school football these days is making the game safer.

At John S. Burke Catholic High School, the Eagles are pioneering a new helmet technology.

Burke Catholic’s football players have been wearing the Guardian protective helmet cover through their summer schedule. On the first day of practice, every varsity and jayvee player had a Guardian cap over their helmets.

“What it does is it reduces impact,” said Burke Catholic head coach Ed Van Curen, Jr. “If you’re getting that head-to-head contact, it reduces impact by up to 33 percent. Our philosophy was, something is better than nothing and if it doesn’t work, it’s like not having them on. If it does work, being a small school and with every athlete being import to us, it possibly helps keep athletes on the field. If it protects a kid from having problems down the road with concussions or head injuries, it’s well worth it.”

Guardian, an Atlanta-based company, has supplied the helmet caps to many high schools around the country. A handful of SEC teams have also worn them through their spring and summer practices. Burke Catholic is believed to be one of the only high school teams in New York using the product this season.

The lightweight, soft foam cap attaches to the helmet with loops through the facemask and adjusts to fit with a velcro strap in the back. They look similar to the headgear worn by rugby players and soccer goalkeepers.

“The majority of kids that play sports at the high school level, they’re going to go on to college and they’re going to graduate and they’re going to be fathers and husbands and role models in society and community leaders,” Van Curen said. “There is life after athletics. If I can do something to just protect them a little more and give them a little assistance so they can be productive fathers and husbands, than so be it.”

During Minisink Valley coach Kevin Gallagher’s speech to end the first day of preseason practice, he told his players they are a blue-collar team. He told them they will beat teams down.

Darn right they will.

Minisink Valley played smash mouth football as well as almost anyone in Section 9 last season. Let’s flash back to 2012 for a moment. The Warriors were 1-2, coming off a blowout loss to Newburgh. Many, including J-Rod himself, wrote Minisink Valley off as finished.

That was a mistake.

Minisink Valley responded with five straight wins. The Warriors dismantled rival Warwick to start the streak and added a win over Monroe-Woodbury during the frenetic run. Minisink Valley won the Section 9 Class AA Division II title. The Warriors’ season ended with a loss to Pine Bush in the Class AA semifinals.

Now back to this season. Minisink Valley will use the same formula to try for the Division II repeat. The Warriors are going to run the ball, hard. They are going to block, hard. They are going to bring it for four quarters.

Gallagher might call his charges blue-collar. They are also made up of a lot of country kids who pride themselves on hard work and being tough. Defensive lineman Nate Lake and running back Kyle Gainer explained their mentality.

“Every day when we come in, we are looking to work hard,” Lake, a junior, said. “Nobody takes a day off. Everyone is pushing each other. It just makes the whole team better. We are always on each other.”

Added Gainer, a senior running back: “You want to beat the guy next to you, whether he is on your team or the other. Pushing each other makes both of you better.”

Here is more from Lake and Gainer:

Gainer, who had a breakout year last season, and fullback Pat Dawson will headline Minisink Valley’s backfield. Other potential players to watch for the Warriors are Lake, linebacker Austin LaDuke, wide receiver Shawn Talmadge and offensive linemen and Zach Paino.

Expect Minisink Valley to be a factor in Class AA again this fall. Keep in mind, the Warriors have a tough schedule, playing Warwick, Monroe-Woodbury and Newburgh in the first five weeks.

It was a long day, which ended at Minisink Valley at dusk, with a full moon in the background. I have to say, I was energized by the personality of Minisink Valley’s players. It was a fun bunch of interviews. As for coach Gallagher and his staff, they do a wonderful job promoting their players and the program.

I’ll catch up with you on Tuesday with more preseason camp reports.

There were plenty of impressive performances by Section 9 teams last season.

See, among others, Pine Bush, Marlboro, James I. O’Neill and Chester. However, no team was as dominant as – you guessed it – Cornwall.

The Green Dragons cruised to their second straight Section 9 Class A title, dominating opponents. Of course, after Wallkill and Roosevelt, which moves from AA this fall, the league doesn’t exactly consist of prime time teams.

Still, Cornwall was still impressive. To recap 2012:

– Cornwall, which gradauated several starters, lost one game – to Albany-area champ Burnt Hills, 28-13, in the semifinals of the Class A state playoffs. The Green Dragons didn’t miss a beat, which is a credit to coach Marcus Hughes.

– Cornwall outscored opponents 494-139. The Green Dragons beat Goshen 62-0 in the Class A semifinal playoffs and rival Wallkill 53-0 in the championship.

– Cornwall’s defense allowed just 9.8 points against Section 9 opponents and Hughes was quikc to pull his starters in most blowouts.

– Then there was the performance of quarterback Mike White, who returns as a senior. White put up 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.

And what about 2013?

Yes, Cornwall is the Class A favorite – again – despite losing 14 starters. Most programs in that spot would be done. Not Cornwall.

Cornwall is a loaded program, but – again – Hughes deserves credit for what he does with the Green Dragons. Here is what three returning starters – Quinn Zsido, who moves from safety to linebacker and will also play running back, White and wide receiver Chris Bauer, had to say about this season:

Last year, White’s main receiver was record-setter Alex Cruz, who caught 45 passes for 1,141 yards. Bauer, who caught 29 passes for 512 yards and eight touchdowns last year, figures to be White’s main target. But there is more where that came from. Matt Robinson and Tyler Peddie are talented receivers.

Senior Brandon Lupo has the potential to be a stud offensive lineman and Moiset Santos established himself as a power on the defensive line last season. Three new linebackers take over at Cornwall – Zsido, Robinson and John Roth.

Here’s what they had to say about their new roles:

There are other holes to fill. Bottom line, here: Cornwall will still be good. Real good.

Maybe not as dominant as last year, but the Green Dragons will, of course, be the team to beat in Class A.

No team has been as good, as consistent, as Monroe-Woodbury over the last 15 years than Monroe-Woodbury.

Period.

We all know about the Crusaders’ impressive resume: Nine Section 9 championships since 1998 and seven straight from 2004-10. Monroe-Woodbury played for the Class AA state title every year from 2005-08, winning it all in ‘05. The Crusaders are 69-4 against local opponents since the start of 2004.

So, of course, the expectation is for Monroe-Woodbury to be a contender this season.

“Obviously, every team in the section is good,” Monroe-Woodbury senior center Nick Dillon, a two-year starter, said. “We just hope to be one of the best, get back to the championship and, hopefully, win it this time. We have to expect to win.”

Monroe-Woodbury missed the playoffs two years ago and lost in the Class AA championship to Pine Bush last year. Still, if you asked any team in Section 9 at the beginning of last year, if they would take Monroe-Woodbury’s 2012 record – 7-3 – they would jump at it. The Crusaders won the Class AA Division I regular-season championship last season.

“It’s great for any team to make a championship,” Dillon added. “Being from Monroe, it’s just the way it was, a championship every year. It’s been tough not to win it, but we are going to work as hard as any team. We want it just as much as any other team.”

Class AA could be interesting this season with Monroe-Woodbury, Newburgh and Pine Bush expected to roll out contending teams. Don’t forget Minisink Valley and Warwick in Class AA Division II. The Crusaders are lined up to succeed.

Senior quarterback Kevin Carr, who had a successful debut last season, returns. Powerful linebacker Cole Gennett, a junior, will be featured in the backfield. He has flashed his potential on defense and could be a player on offense. Standout defensive back Ricky Giraldo will add a wrinkle to the offense, playing out of the backfield and as a wide receiver.

For all of its offensive success over the years, Monroe-Woodbury has been smothering on defense. The Crusaders allowed just 14 points per game last year. Gennett, Giraldo, linebacker Brendan Fee and defensive end Rob Kelly lead Monroe-Woodbury’s defensive unit.

Here is what Carr and Kelly had to say about Monroe-Woodbury’s 2013 outlook:

I’m sure we will be hearing a lot more from the Crusaders during the fall. Stay tuned for more camp updates on the Varsity845.com blog. You can also follow me on Twitter @justinrod845

Like his Newburgh Free Academy teammates, Anthony Dubose hopes to play at a few important venues this season.

Middletown’s Faller Field, where the Section 9 Class AA championship will be held. Perhaps, the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, home of the state championship game. Of course, right now, every team in Section 9 is a long way from Syracuse.

Dubose also could land in St. Petersburg, Fla. in January. A hard-hitting running back, Dubose has been named to the Under Armour All-American Football Combine watch list for juniors. A total of 150 prospects will be picked later this year to compete in the event om Jan. 1-2 at Tropicana Field in St. Pete.

I talked to Dubose at practice on Wednesday.

“It’s a good feeling,” said Dubose, who has rushed for 1,867 yards and 16 touchdowns over the last two years. “It would be great to compete against players from all over, it would be a great experience. Right now, I just want to work hard and help my team get better.”

Dubose is one of the top returning running backs in Section 9 and there is plenty more talent where that came from. He is also expected to play linebacker. Newburgh lost all three of its linebackers last season – Mike Cerisano, Hardcor Coleman and Shaheim Hill – the only glaring hole from last season.

But quarterback Donovan Fields and defensive back Jalen Williams, who has already verbally committed to the University of Pittsburgh, also is back for the Goldbacks. We talked to another Newburgh returnee, center Mike Risio, and tackle Javon Robinson. On Twitter today (follow me at @justinrod845), I referred to Risio as Triple H meets Clay Matthews (man, if I could only have locks like that on this bald dome).

Here is the video of Robinson and Risio:

Newburgh lost to Orchard Park in the Class AA state championship two years ago. At times, it seemed like the referees rigged the game against the Goldbacks. Newburgh missed the playoffs last season.

Expect Newburgh to be in the playoff mix again this fall in a deep Class AA field. The Goldbacks are bracing themselves for a tough opening three weeks, which features power Iona Prep, Minisink Valley and rival Monroe-Woodbury, which the Goldbacks have beaten two years in a row.

Is Pine Bush going to be a one-hit wonder?

Pine Bush won its first Section 9 Class AA title last season, taking out perennial power Monroe-Woodbury 20-16.

However, the Bushmen were hit hard by graduation, losing running back/defensive back Matt Geisler, defensive back C.J. Weston, kicker/tight end John Thorn, linemen Delano King, Matt McCaffrey, Ryan Goode, Nate Langlitz, running back Brian Guzman and linebacker/future Academy Award winner Brendan Brown.

But, no, Pine Bush isn’t going to be a one-hit wonder. Pine Bush still has plenty of talent returning. Let’s start with, say, the best returning backfield in Section 9. That would be senior Mike Martin and junior Dylan Eller. Eller could combine to be the best backfield in Section 9 this fall. Martin rushed for 874 yards and 12 touchdowns last year and Eller put up 620 yards and five scores.

Returning quarterback Dan McNamara does a nice job running the Wing-T offense efficiently and should be even better this season. Pine Bush does have some holes to fill on the offensive line, which will be big.

Danny Mac and defensive lineman Scott Flanick talked about the 2013 edition of the Bushmen at practice on Wednesday:

Meanwhile, the Bushmen return seven starters from a defense that allowed only 8.5 points per game last season against Section 9 opponents. There could be some impressive reinfocements on defense for Pine Bush. Lacrosse player Joey Schof, who is 6-foot-5, is a defensive lineman candidate. Sophomore Anthony Pratt, who is 6-foot-2, 215 pounds, could also be in the mix.

Translation: Pine Bush will be for real again this fall.

Warwick returns some top shelf talent this season, from quarterback Brad Garcia, to linebacker A.J. Sakac, to tackles James Grennan and Capen Burbank.

Now come the reinforcements.

When Greg Sirico took over as Warwick’s coach, returning for a second term leading the Wildcats, he recruited the hallways for more players. Ever meet Sirico? He’s enthusiastic, positive and passionate.

It wasn’t hard for him to drum up interest in the successful program. This summer, Warwick’s varsity has 50 players. The Wildcats suited up about 35 last year.

As for the reinforcements? Some of the “new” players have played for the program previously and, in part, the Sirico factor made them want to return. Warwick, of course, is part of the pack of Section 9 Class AA contenders this fall.

Three of these return players are projected to start – senior running back Harley Rogers, wide receiver/defensive back Marshall Garcia and offensive lineman Nate Sander, a junior. We have a special Varsity845 guest star to introduce the threesome. Check it out:

Varsity845 and the Times Herald-Record present the Section 9 Class D football preview video for the 2013 season.

We first take a look at Chester, which features a pair of dynamic duos. Linemen Chris Wittekind and Nick Seabrook give us their expectations for the season. We also catch up with head coach Ron Stover and his son, Ryan, who serves as the team’s defensive coordinator.

We then talk to Nik Dilles and Julian Gottlieb at Eldred and get a glimpse at the Yellow Jackets’ one-of-a-kind “redneck circuit.”

Host Justin Rodriguez wraps things up with his preseason predictions.

For Section 9 football coverage all season long, check out www.varsity845.com and @JustinRod845 on Twitter.

Varsity845 and the Times Herald-Record present the Section 9 Class C football preview video for the 2013 season.

We first take a look at James I. O’Neill, the two-time defending Section 9 champs. We talk with senior quarterback Keegan West, senior running back and linebacker/safety Malik Chambers and linemen Taylor Hughes and Robert Scandell.

Then, we hit up camps at Liberty, Ellenville, Tri-Valley and John S. Burke Catholic.

Host Justin Rodriguez wraps things up with his preseason predictions.

For Section 9 football coverage all season long, check out www.varsity845.com and @JustinRod845 on Twitter.

Three days and counting…..

Pine Bush at Cornwall is set for 7 p.m. on Friday in a non-league showdown. Of course, adding to the excitement is the fact that Friday opens the high school season. Football. Friday. Under the lights.

I don’t need to tell you: It doesn’t get any better than that. Pine Bush is the defending Section 9 Class AA champion and Cornwall won Class A – once again – last season.

First, let’s hear from Pine Bush running backs Dylan Eller and Mike Martin:

Next up? Cornwall quarterback Mike White and wide receiver Chris Bauer offer their take on the game:

It should be a good one. Check back on Varsity845.com for all kinds of coverage on the game. I will also provide live updates on Twitter at justinrod845.

Varsity845 and the Times Herald-Record present the Section 9 Class B football preview video for the 2013 season.

We first take a look at Marlboro, the two-time defending Section 9 champs. We talk with senior quarterback Ryan Cary and head coach Rich Ward about the Dukes’ chances this season.

Then, we hit up camps at New Paltz, Highland and Rondout Valley. New Paltz running back Khariff LaBoy introduces us to the Huguenots’ starting lineup on offense.

Host Justin Rodriguez wraps things up with his preseason predictions.

For Section 9 football coverage all season long, check out www.varsity845.com and @JustinRod845 on Twitter.

Varsity845 and the Times Herald-Record present the Section 9 Class A football preview video for the 2013 season.

We first take a look at Cornwall and chat with wide receiver Chris Bauer about the Dragons’ chances of making it a 3-peat with another Section 9 Class A title at the end of this season.

Then, we talk to Wallkill linebacker David Baker about the Panthers’ defense. Wallkill head coach Brian Vegliando also chimes in with his thoughts about training camp and the season to come.

Finally, Justin Rodriguez sits down with Cornwall QB Mike White for 5 questions.

Rodriguez wraps things up with his preseason predictions.

For Section 9 football coverage all season long, check out www.varsity845.com and @JustinRod845 on Twitter.

Varsity845 and the Times Herald-Record present the Section 9 Class AA football preview video for the 2013 season.

We first take a look at Pine Bush, the defending Section 9 Class AA champions. Running backs Mike Martin and Dylan Eller talk to us about what it will take to repeat in 2013.

Then, we talk to Monroe-Woodbury center Nick Dillon, Minisink Valley head coach Kevin Gallagher and a group of four Warwick players: Capen Burbank, Davis Brief, A.J. Sakac and Brendan Thomas.

Finally, we catch up with Pittsburgh recruit Jalen Williams of Newburgh Free Academy. NFA head coach tell us what makes Williams such a special player.

Host Justin Rodriguez Rodriguez wraps things up with his preseason predictions.

For Section 9 football coverage all season long, check out www.varsity845.com and @JustinRod845 on Twitter.

Yep, that sure lived up to the hype, the advanced billing, the build up.

The Section 9 football season began on Friday with plenty of highlights on a brisk night that felt more like late-October than early-September. Where do we start? In Cornwall, where the Green Dragons hosted Pine Bush in a must-see match-up between defending champions.

The game was closer than the final score indicates: Pine Bush 49, Cornwall 20. The Bushmen put away the perennial Class A power by scoring the last 21 points of the game. It was an impressive performance by the Bushmen.

Dynamic duo Mike Martin and Dylan Eller led the charge for the defending Section 9 Class AA champions. Martin rushed for 172 yards and four touchdowns. Meanwhile, Dyler put up 214 yards and two scores.

Here is a short clip from the game:

Here is what Eller had to say about the big win:

Pine Bush quarterback Dan McNamara also chimed in:

In the loss, Cornwall quarterback Mike White set the Section 9 career touchdowns record. He finished 13-of-31 for 252 yards and two touchdowns. His 55-yard touchdown pass to Chris Bauer broke the record of 52 TDs set by Kingston’s Scott Ricketson from 1996-98.

“I would have much rather done it in a win,’’ White said. “But I’ll take it. Pine Bush is a great team and it’s good to do it against a team like them. I still think it is pretty cool.’’

There were so many more highlights from around Section 9 on Friday night. Here are some:

– Trailing 24-8 in the first quarter, Valley Central came back to defeat Wallkill 42-24 in the annual Battle of the Valley. Nick Pacheco had the game of his life for the Vikings, scoring five touchdowns in his varsity debut. It’s a well-deserved and big win for Valley Central. The Vikings won just one game in each of the last two seasons.

– James I. O’Neill’s Malik Chambers, who may soon be called Jerry Nasi, Part II, rushed for 188 yards and three touchdowns in a wild 33-28 non-league win over Chester.

– Looking for another breakout performance a la Pacheco. OK, check it out. Newburgh running back Natore Dennis ran for 171 yards and two touchdowns in the Goldbacks’ 46-21 win over Iona Prep. Running back Anthony Dubose, who is scheduled to visit Rutgers on Saturday, added 91 yards and three touchdowns.

– Like we all probably expected, new Marlboro quarterback Ryan Cary got the job done under center. In his first game as a signal caller, Cary threw for 190 yards and two touchdowns, and ran for 102 yards and two touchdowns in a 25-0 win over Rondout Valley. The game pitted Rondout Valley quarterback Keith Malak vs. his dad, Jim Malak, a Marlboro assistant.

– Highland, needing to make something happen this year, needing to make a statement, opened the year with a 33-0 win over Dover.

– As it turns out, Martin wasn’t the only player from Pine to rush for four touchdowns on Friday. Burke Catholic’s Matt Przybocki, put up 160 yards and four touchdowns in a 46-6 over Sullivan West. Przybocki lives in the Pine Bush school district.

Check back later this weekend for my Varsity845.com video wrap-up show with more highlights and interviews. Also, pick up the Times Herald-Record on Saturday to read stories about Cornwall-Pine Bush, Wallkill-Valley Central and much more. You can also read the stories on Varsity845.com.

Last season, Brad Garcia was thrown into the role of quarterback, thriving in the Wildcat formation.

His play helped Warwick turn its year around and make the Section 9 Class AA playoffs. A former wide receiver, who can run the ball, it was a natural fit for Garcia. However, this season, could be an even bigger year for Garcia – already a two-time Varsity845 first-team all-star.

He got off to a pretty big start on Saturday, leading Warwick to a 41-7 win over host Goshen in the Spirit Trophy game. Garcia rushed for 216 yards on 17 carries and four touchdowns.

Garcia’s lights out performance led Warwick (1-0) to its ninth straight win over Goshen in the second oldest continuing rivalry in the state behind Rome Free Academy and Utica Proctor, which began playing in 1891. Warwick has taken 15 of 16 from Goshen since 1996. The Wildcats hold a 50-46-4 edge in the series that began in 1896. Goshen is a Class A school and Warwick competes in Class AA.

Next up for Warwick? The Wildcats play at Monroe-Woodbury in a non-league game at 4 p.m. Friday in Central Valley. There are plenty of storylines here:

– Warwick hasn’t beaten Monroe-Woodbury since 1979.

– Former Warwick coach James Sciarra, who was let go by superintendent Dr. Raymond Bryant after last season, is now a volunteer assistant at Monroe-Woodbury.

– Monroe-Woodbury dealt Warwick a crushing 14-13 defeat in last year’s Class AA playoff semifinals. The Crusaders put away Warwick 37-6 during the regular-season.

– Stay tuned for much more on Warwick vs. Monroe-Woodbury on Varsity845.com during the week.

Justin Rodriguez (@JustinRod845) breaks down the first week of action in Section 9 football.

First, we take a look at Friday’s game between Pine Bush and Cornwall. Pine Bush running back Mike Martin takes us through the big win for the Bushmen.

Next, Valley Central’s Nick Pacheco talks about scoring five touchdowns in a rivalry win over Wallkill.

After that, we take a look at Warwick’s win over Goshen in their annual Spirit Trophy game. Next week, Warwick has a big game against Monroe-Woodbury. A.J. Sakac and James Grennan tell us what to expect when they take on the Crusaders.

Finally, New Paltz’s Khariff LaBoy talks about beating Monticello in a non-league game.

New Paltz, looking to avenge two straight losses to Spackenkill in the Section 9 Class B playoff semifinals, won’t have to deal with two of the Dutchess County school’s starters when the teams’ meet on Thursday.

Spackenkill (0-1) hosts New Paltz (1-0) at 4 p.m. in Poughkeepsie.

Spackenkill tackle Victor Twal and inside linebacker Ryan Mills were ejected during last week’s 38-0 loss to Millbrook, which means they must sit out a game. According to Spackenkill coach Clinton DeSouza, Twal was ejected for retaliating after being punched by a Millbrook players. DeSouza said Twal pushed the player that took a swing at him.

DeSouza said that Mills was ejected for being too aggressive.

“It just has to be something that we are smarter about,” DeSouza said. “I thought the guys in the white hats were a little quick with the ejections, but we have to take it. We have to just worry about New Paltz.”

New Paltz, which beat Monticello 27-7 last week behind three touchdowns by senior running back Khariff LaBoy, won the 2010 Section 9 Class B championship. Spackenkill defeated New Paltz 19-12 in the Class B playoff semifinals last season and 7-6 the year before.

Spackenkill lost to Marlboro in the Class B championship in 2011-12.

1. Newburgh (1-0): Tom Coughlin and the Giants might want to stop by NFA and try to recruit a running back. Then again, Anthony Dubose, Natore Dennis and Aaron Forbes aren’t going anywhere just yet.

2. Pine Bush (1-0): Pine Bush’s offensive line is rebuilt, but against Cornwall last Saturday it looked a lot like last year’s hard-charging, heavy-hitting edition.

3. Monroe-Woodbury (1-0): There are only so many guarantees in life, right? Death, taxes and, here in Section 9, QB Kevin Carr seemingly always good for 100-plus rushing yards and a few touchdowns.

4. Cornwall (0-1): After losing to Pine Bush, Cornwall likely won’t see that kind of competition until the state Class A playoffs.

5. Warwick (1-0): Jimmy Carter was president. The price of a gallon of gas went for about 90 cents. Stamps cost 15 cents. The year? 1979 – the last time Warwick beat Monroe-Woodbury. The Crusaders host Warwick on Friday.

6. Marlboro (1-0): Let’s get this out of the way right now. Unless the name of your school is New Paltz, you have no chance of touching Marlboro in Class B.

7. Kingston (0-1): The Tigers need to work out some kinks after last week’s loss to Holy Cross, but who doesn’t after the first week. Kingston will be an improved product against Washingtonville this week.

8. Valley Central (1-0): Nick Pacheco stole the show, scoring five touchdowns last week against Wallkill. But let’s also tip our cap to sophomore quarterback Ken Gray, who completed 16 of 23 passes for 271 yards and three scores.

9. Middletown (1-0): This one is for Middletown offensive line coach Chris Van De Weert, representing in his black Varsity845 T-shirt at the Warwick-Goshen game last Saturday. Keep sporting it.

10. Minisink Valley (0-1): The Warriors get a shot at No. 1 Newburgh on Thursday at Academy Field.

Small schools

1. James I. O’Neill (1-0): O’Neill will take the long bus ride up to Liberty on Thursday for a rematch of last year’s Class C title game – won by O’Neill 35-14.

2. Chester (0-1): A D school, Chester would be the second best team in Class C. Chester faces Tri-Valley this week and Class C heavy hitter Burke Catholic next.

3. Liberty (1-0): Two great quarterbacks and first-class kids to clash on Thursday – Liberty’s Quinn “Action” Jackson and Keegan West of O’Neill.

4. Burke Catholic (1-0): Talk about a player. Only a junior, running back Matt Przybocki rushed for 160 yards and four touchdowns in last week’s convincing win over Sullivan West.

5. Millbrook (1-0): Running back Henry Cardinal picked up where he left off last year, rushing for 135 yards and a touchdown in a 38-0 win over Spackenkill.