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Sunday, August 13, 2017 | BataviasBest.org
Football is finally in the air, with teams throughout Section V opening up 2017 Training Camp tomorrow morning. Prior to the start of camp, I’ve sorted through each local team and made my determinations on what I expect from them in camp – and as we head into Week 1, which is just 19 days away.
Previously posted:
^ = Teams which I believe are trending upward in 2017
– = Teams which I believe are either trending downward, or set to maintain their success from a year ago
– Alexander: The Trojans lost 15 seniors to graduation after their first-ever Sectional Championship season in 2016. Despite their losses, though, they do have talent returning in the backfield and should be able to once again compete for a Divisional Title. However, they won’t be as much of a favorite in 2017 as they were last year.
– Attica: Entering 2017 with a new coach, new quarterback, new running back, as well as several other moving pieces, the Blue Devils were done zero favors in terms of scheduling – and have been dealt one bear of a schedule. Look for this team to go through a bit of growing pains this year.
^ Batavia: Tough to imagine it can get better than 3-straight Sectional Titles for the Blue Devils, but after failing to advance past the Far West Regional game in all three of those Championship seasons, there is still plenty left to accomplish for this program. And although it may seem like a long shot that a team who lost their quarterback a year ago can actually be better, but that’s exactly what I expect from Batavia in 2017.
^ Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen: The Raiders lost 10 seniors to graduation a year ago, but had 14 underclassmen on their roster in 2016 which should help them fill the void. Look for an improved year from this program.
– Holley: It’s tough to tell what one should expect from the Hawks this year, as 2016 was another difficult season. However, if they are to restore this program’s greatness, it will start with the 10 players which they hope to return this season.
– Le Roy: The Knights lost plenty of starters from their 2016 squad, but a fair amount of their depth returns in 2017 – including 13 underclassmen from a season ago. I can’t say for sure whether I expect improvement or a decline for this program, but time will tell.
– Notre Dame: The Irish will look to a few new faces to step-up into new roles this season, but they do return their quarterback, among a few other players – which should make it easier for them to compete within their division. They struggled mightily in 2016, and it would be disappointing if they didn’t achieve further success this season.
– Oakfield/Elba: OA/E can look forward to the return of their starting quarterback in 2017, but did lose a bit up front as well as in the backfield. It will be interesting to see where this relationship between the two schools goes this season.
^ Pembroke: Returning the GR’s leading-rusher, along with a few other key seniors, the Dragons will be expected to compete for a Division Title in 2017. Anything less than a run at the championship will be disappointing.
^ York/Pavilion: The Golden Knights’ sophomore quarterback was injured a season ago, but returns this year – along with their leading-rusher and a second-year head coach. Progression is expected of this program.
Other articles you may like:
Countdown to Kickoff: 19 Days until Week 1 of the High School Football season
Batavia Football program eyeing fourth-straight Sectional Title
