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Thursday, September 14, 2017 | BataviasBest.org
Prove it.
That’s what six local HS Football teams must do this week, as Oakfield/Elba, Attica, Notre Dame, Pembroke, Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen, and Batavia currently sit at 1-1 – with Week 3 serving as the proverbial breaking point for each squad. For, the teams who advance to 2-1 after this week will have proved themselves as contenders for the time being, while those who fall to 1-2 will be forced to sit with the taste of a below .500 record nearing the midpoint of the 2017 campaign.
STORY: Batavia’s Best HS Football Rushing Leaders through Week 2
“(Being 1-1) means we experienced both success and failure in the first two weeks of the season,” remarked OAE head coach Mike Cintorino earlier today. “Now, (in Week 3), we need to find out what type of team we are.”
Oakfield/Elba and Notre Dame both moved to 1-1 last week.
Cintorino’s group will face-off with Attica this week, who will present a difficult test for the growing OAE program.
“Facing a team like Attica is always a challenge, and with a new head coach, new offense, and new system, that should present an added challenge – but one we are willing to accept,” concluded Cintorino.
As mentioned previously, Attica also sits at 1-1 heading into the season’s third week, making Friday’s game against OAE one of increased importance for the Blue Devils – who have League Title aspirations this season.
Elsewhere in the GR, a Notre Dame-Pembroke matchup will feature another clash of 1-1 teams, as both rebuilding programs try to avoid dropping to 1-2 on the year.
Pembroke has a lot to prove this week vs Notre Dame.
The Dragons put their best foot forward in Week 1, but came away from Week 2 with a sour feeling in the pit of their stomach, as they were shutout by Alexander.
“At times we have been on the same page, but at other times we still appear lost,” said Pembroke head coach Justin Loeber earlier. “We’ve had a good week of preparation, working on things we needed to address. I’m looking forward to seeing us come out and execute, while playing whistle to whistle.”
For the Irish, its been much of the same.
STORY: Batavia’s Best 2017 High School Football Power Rankings – Who’s #1?
“This early in the season we are trying to get better each rep and eliminate the inconsistencies which we have displayed throughout the first two games,” commented ND head coach Rick Mancuso as he prepares his Irish for this week. “We started the season with 4-5 players with Varsity experience, so as the season progresses, we should have more confidence in what we’re trying to execute.”
Batavia is eyeing another trip to the Class B Finals this season.
Across the street from ND at Batavia, the Blue Devils aren’t used to looking at a blemish to their overall record, especially after defeating every Section V opponent put in front of them throughout the past three seasons.
This year, however, after scheduling one of the top Class AA teams in the state (Aquinas) in Week 2, Batavia will look to get back on the winning side of things this week vs Cardinal O’Hara. Although, if you asked their head coach, he would tell you that the team is not concerned with its overall record, but rather has their sights set on securing another Championship.
“We aren’t overly-concerned with our record,” said BHS head coach Brennan Briggs. “The goal is to improve every week, and if we do, we will be playing great football in mid-October.”
The focus for Batavia is clear and their journey towards accomplishing their goals will continue on Saturday afternoon.
Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen RB Bryce Yockel led the team in their defeat vs Bath in Week 1. (Submitted photo)
Finally, for Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen, their record of 1-1 is a bit misleading, as they could easily be 2-0 if a few things bounced their way during the Raiders’ Week 1 loss to Bath-Haverling. That being said, as a wise man once said, “You are what your record says you are,” and CMBB is staring 1-2 dead in the face.
This weekend, going up against longtime rival Le Roy in a rematch of last year’s instant classic, things once again will not be easy for the Raiders.
Tomorrow night is sure to feature high-drama football across the region. Stay tuned right here, and on Twitter for LIVE updates from the field.
Other articles you may like:
Batavia’s Best 2017 High School Football Power Rankings – Who’s #1?
Batavia’s Best 2017 HS Football Players of the Week: Top-performances from Week 2
