| BataviasBest.org
Monday, September 15, 2014
Over the past few weeks, I have had several opportunities to communicate with Elba head coach Mike Cintorino. During that time I have come to learn plenty about him, as well as his football team, however, one thing stands out above all others: he loves this time of year.
In the midst of his sixth year at the helm of the Lancers program, Cintorino is experiencing what is likely to be his most successful season to date. With a fantastic running game that has carried this team throughout the first two games on their schedule, and plenty of experienced players on both sides of the ball, Elba has as good of a chance as ever to take home a Genesee Region League Title.
This past week Cintorino mentioned his running game and the impact it has had thus far, specifically Mike Shanley and Steele Truax; Elba’s two-headed monster.
“Steele has got it all; size, speed, and loves contact. And what Michael does on the field for us is only the tip of the iceberg…This is his third year with us and he’s sat behind some very good running backs, so it was nice to see him finally get to have that moment and help his team on the field as well as off.”
In front of the beast that is the Truax-Shanley combination, Elba’s offensive line has been coming together steadily as the season has progressed into Week 3. Their head coach will be the first to tell you.
“They are a young line still but are beginning to grasp the scheme. As they further learn the nuances of the scheme they will continue to get better, and with the help of veteran backs, hopefully we can keep the ball rolling.”
On the other side of the ball, D-coordinator Charlie O’Geen has the Elba defense clicking on all cylinders after a near-shutout victory over Holley. Said Cintorino:
“Well I think we have a long way to go on both sides of the ball, but coach O’Geen always has his defense ready to play and in the right position. Again, we have some guys stepping in that have never started before this year, and others who are in new positions. Once they become more comfortable in their new roles they will continue to get better.”
All in all the 2014 Lancers are on their way to big things within the league, and perhaps beyond. Head coach Mike Cintorino has been excited since the beginning, and for good reason, as his squad sits at 2-0 with a chance to improve to 3-0 this week against an 0-2 Notre Dame team. About the upcoming matchup, Cintorino said:
“Always a good rivalry game with ND.”
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Week 2 Results: Batavia and Elba walk away with one-sided victories
Here are my Week 1 HS Football Players of the Week
A Lancer and two Blue Devils highlight my Week 1 HS Football Players of the Week
