The Batavia Football team has been working hard this offseason in hopes of repeating as Section V Champions. (Photo credit: Batavia head coach Brennan Briggs (@Coach_Briggs1 on Twitter)

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Tuesday, August 1, 2017 | BataviasBest.org

It’s been an incredible ride for Batavia football head coach Brennan Briggs and his Blue Devils the past few years, as what was once a dormant Monroe County League program has transformed itself into an Independent powerhouse which has dominated Section V Class B for three-straight seasons. Looking for their fourth-straight Title in 2017, the Blue Devils have been putting in work this offseason in hopes of keeping the Class B trophy in B-Town.

New-starting quarterback Chandler Baker said about the time which he and his teammates have put in during the offseason, “Our coaches give us great opportunities in the offseason to get better, and the guys do a great job taking advantage of the extra work whenever we get the chance.”

Baker and teammate Ray Leach, who will help the new Devils’ QB lead the team out of the backfield this season, have each been driving forces behind the team’s commitment to offseason work during 2017.

Batavia RB Ray Leach has been one of the most-electrifying players in the area the past couple of seasons.

“Coach has us working hard with a relentless attitude,” commented Leach when asked what he believes has been the most-important takeaway from the offseason – as his team gears up for Training Camp in a couple of weeks.

When it came to discussing the team’s 2017 Sectional Title aspirations, however, Leach was quick to downplay any talk of the end-goal this early in the season. “We’re just taking it step-by-step right now,” he said.

But no matter how Leach and his teammates choose to react to the high expectations which will surely be heaped upon this team early-on in the season, there is no denying that a Sectional Title is what the Devils’ will have their sights set on.

“We have the potential to make this another championship season,” said Devils’ head coach Brennan Briggs, who believes although another Title is attainable – it won’t be handed to his team. “(That being said), we need to become ‘One Heartbeat’ and we need to be ‘Batavia Football Tough’. Because, in the end, tough people win.”

Much like Baker and Leach, Briggs also has seen a strong commitment from his team this offseason and believes that his player’s hard work and dedication will play a major role in whether or not this group meets their 2017 goals.

A wide receiver last year, this year’s starting QB Chandler Baker will play a major role in the team’s success in 2017.

“I’m pleased with most of the offseason commitment,” continued Briggs. “We could always use more commitment, but our core guys are committed and invested.”

Time will tell how this season plays out for the Blue and White, but they seem to have gotten themselves off on the right foot with their diligence during the offseason. Although a Sectional Title will not be easy to capture in 2017, I wouldn’t bet against this team, this season.

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