(Photo credit: | Batavia’s Best)

 |  Wednesday, October 17, 2018 | BataviasBest.org

The 2018 Section V Football Postseason begins on Friday, as five local teams across Class B, Class C, and Class D will make their way toward claiming the title in their respective classification. Here is an in-depth preview of what each team will face in the coming weeks:

Class B

Batavia is a run away favorite in Class B. (Bracket courtesy of Section V Football website)

It will be up to Batavia to take care of business in Class B, where they will be a major favorite to take home the title. Livonia, Wayne, Honeoye Falls-Lima, and University Prep are the only teams that I believe stand a chance against the Blue Devils, though I’m not sure that any of these teams have enough to keep pace with the top-seed.

Although Batavia’s offense has been talked about as one of the most-potent in Section V, their defense has also been a strong point for the Blue Devils this season. (Photo credit: | Batavia’s Best)

The Blue Devils are led by RB Ray Leach, who has amassed over 1,000 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns in just six games played this season. Batavia QB Ethan Biscaro has also been a catalyst for this team at points throughout the season, as his dual-threat ability provides the Devils’ offense with something they were missing last season.

Their ability to both run and pass the football behind a surprisingly effective offensive line will be what carries them over the next few weeks. The Batavia defense is solid as well, and has allowed just over 10 points per game in 2018.

Aside from Batavia, the Livonia offense is one of the most-potent in Class B and is led by QB Ryan Lambert, RB Marcus Lewis, WR Jalen Marshall, WR Nathan Genthner, as well as RB Joel Smith. All five have taken turns propelling the Bulldogs’ efforts this season out of the spread, and the double-wing style that they’re known for – which makes it difficult for teams to get in their groove against them defensively. They also have a stingy defense which has allowed just over 15 points per game this year.

I believe Batavia will see Livonia in the finals this year. (Photo credit: | Batavia’s Best)

What has been the most-potent offense in Class B, outside of Batavia, Wayne’s train is fueled by QB Grayson Zenelovic. On the second-highest scoring offense in the classification, Zenelovic has recorded 21 passing touchdowns to only 4 interceptions this season all while completing 76% of his passes.

Zenelovic’s favorite target has been Eagles’ WR Logan Blankenberg, as the duo has connected for 10 touchdowns this season. RB Billy Thomson is Wayne’s primary threat out of the backfield, and has scored 7 rushing touchdowns in 2018. With all that being said, Wayne struggles defensively against good teams and that could be their downfall during the postseason.

University Prep last met Batavia two years ago in what was a great game. (Photo credit: | Batavia’s Best)

Different from Wayne, Honeoye Falls-Lima is a defensively sound team that plays a ball-control style which allows them to dominate time of possession and wear away at their opposition. WR Derek Childs, QB Turner Wilson, and WR Mitch Slymon led the Cougars’ offense – a unit which averages only 19 points per game – to their dramatic victory over University Prep in Week 7 of the regular season.

University Prep is the last team which I see having a shot to unseat the top-seeded Batavia Blue Devils. The Griffins were limited in their 14-8 loss to HF-L last week, but do possess the ability to put up a lot of points. WR Jamir Miller is a dangerous weapon for the UP offense, and also makes plays on defense as well. Speaking of defense, U Prep’s has allowed just 14 points per game and is one of the most-underrated units in Class B.

Here is a closer look at each team:

1. Batavia Blue Devils (7-0|W7)

Average Points For: 43.7

Average Points Against: 10.4

Against the Field: 2-0 (W 48-14 Hornell; W 26-14 Livonia)

Last year’s finish: 26-7 loss in Class B Semifinals to eventual champion Hornell

2. Livonia Bulldogs (6-1|W5)

Average Points For: 28.7

Average Points Against: 15.9

Against the Field: 1-1 (L 26-14 Batavia; W 39-0 Hornell)

Last year’s finish: 22-20 loss in Class B Finals to champion Hornell

3. Wayne Eagles (6-1|W1)

Average Points For: 40.3

Average Points Against: 22.4

Against the Field: 1-0 (W 34-14 Newark)

Last year’s finish: 26-28 loss in Class B Quarterfinals to Batavia

4. Honeoye Falls-Lima Cougars (6-1|W6)

Average Points For: 19.1

Average Points Against: 15.4

Against the Field: 1-0 (W 14-8 University Prep)

Last year’s finish: 40-14 loss in Class B Semifinals to eventual runner-up Livonia

5. University Prep Griffins (5-2|L1)

Average Points For: 25.4

Average Points Against: 14.0

Against the Field: 0-1 (L 14-8 Honeoye Falls-Lima)

Last year’s finish: Failed to qualify for sectionals

6. Hornell Red Raiders (3-4|L2)

Average Points For: 18.0

Average Points Against: 22.9

Against the Field: 0-2 (L 48-14 Batavia; L 39-0 Livonia)

Last year’s finish: Won Class B Title, 28-6 loss to Cheektowaga (VI) in Far West Regional

7. Monroe Red Jackets (3-4|L1)

Average Points For: 20.6

Average Points Against: 21.6

Against the Field: 0-1 (L 28-24 Honeoye Falls-Lima)

Last year’s finish: Failed to qualify for sectionals

8. Newark Reds (3-4|L1)

Average Points For: 23.6

Average Points Against: 20.9

Against the Field: 0-1 ( L 34-14 Wayne)

Last year’s finish: 44-0 loss in Class B Quarterfinals to eventual champion Hornell

Class C

Class C is wide open. (Bracket courtesy of Section V Football website)

One point away from a Section V Title last season, East Rochester/Gananda will certainly be chomping at the bit for another shot at the block beginning this weekend. However, this classification is wide open, as each of the top-five seeds have a chance of making a title run.

Attica has been handed a tough first round matchup, but I believe they can make a run for the title. (Photo credit: | Batavia’s Best)

East Rochester/Gananda’s strength lies in the ability of their star RB Jayden Castrechini, who is one of the top-backs in all of Section V this season. The Bombers haven’t accumulated the best defensive scoring average this season, but their offense is the second-highest scoring in Class C.

The top-scoring offense in Class C belongs to Penn Yan, who has one of the best quarterbacks in Section V in Will Rogers. The Mustangs’ QB spreads the ball around to a plethora of quality receivers who do a nice job finding the end zone for this team. Like ER/G, Penn Yan’s defense isn’t the strongest in their classification, but they seem to have enough offensively to simply outscore their opposition.

Letchworth/Warsaw is one of the toughest teams in Class C. (Photo credit: | Batavia’s Best)

Conversely, a team that will be tough to score on this postseason is Letchworth/Warsaw, who has allowed just over 10 points per game this year. Although defense is undoubtedly their strength, the LetSaw offense is also beyond capable. RB Adrian Figoura is a battering ram and, along with his efforts defensively, is one of the toughest backs to tackle throughout Section V.

Another team which features strength out of the backfield is Wayland-Cohocton – a squad who I view as primed for a deep sectional run.

RB Brandon DeGuarde has been a force for the Eagles’ offense throughout the season, but it’s Way-Coh’s passing game which makes them dangerous. QB Connor Englert, and WR DeAndre Green are a solid duo that will give teams fits throughout sectional play. This team isn’t only capable on offense, however, as their defense allows the third-least points per game in Class C.

Wayland-Cohocton is a team primed for a sectional run. (Photo credit: | Batavia’s Best)

Wayland-Cohocton’s first round opponent just so happens to be another team which I believe is capable of a deep sectional run.

Attica is similar to the Eagles – not in style of play, but statistically – and possesses the capability to outscore teams while also being able to control the ball behind their double-wing offense. RBs Mason Compton and Ed Strzelec have been the driving forces for the Blue Devils’ offense throughout the season, but their defense has been this team’s strong point and allows under 14 points per game.

Here is a closer look at each team:

1. East Rochester/Gananda Bombers (6-1|W6)

Average Points For: 38.0

Average Points Against: 23.7

Against the Field: 2-0 (W 46-32 Waterloo; W 49-36 Penn Yan)

Last year’s finish: 27-26 loss in Class C Finals to Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen

2. Penn Yan Mustangs (6-1|W4)

Average Points For: 40.1

Average Points Against: 26.9

Against the Field: 1-1 (W 34-28 Waterloo; L 49-36 East Rochester/Gananda)

Last year’s finish: 27-12 loss in Class C Quarterfinals to eventual champion Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen

3. Letchworth/Warsaw (6-1|W4)

Average Points For: 25.0

Average Points Against: 10.6

Against the Field: 1-0 (W 14-6 Wayland-Cohocton)

Last year’s finish: 7-0 loss to Le Roy in Class C Quarterfinals

4. Wayland-Cohocton Eagles (5-2|W3)

Average Points For: 35.0

Average Points Against: 14.6

Against the Field: 0-1 ( L 14-6 Letchworth/Warsaw)

Last year’s finish: Failed to qualify to sectionals

5. Attica Blue Devils (5-2|W2)

Average Points For: 25.6

Average Points Against: 13.9

Against the Field: 0-0

Last year’s finish: Failed to qualify for sectionals

6. Mynderse Blue Devils (4-2|W1)

Average Points For: 30.3

Average Points Against: 18.0

Against the Field: 0-0

Last year’s finish: 42-13 loss in Class C Quarterfinals to eventual runner-up East Rochester/Gananda

7. Dansville Mustangs (4-3|W1)

Average Points For: 16.3

Average Points Against: 21.1

Against the Field: 0-0

Last year’s finish: Failed to qualify for sectionals

8. Waterloo Indians (3-4|L1)

Average Points For: 25.1

Average Points Against: 27.9

Against the Field: 0-2 (L 34-28 Penn Yan; L 46-32 East Rochester/Gananda)

Last year’s finish: Failed to qualify for sectionals

Class D

Alexander is a big favorite to win it all in Class D. (Bracket courtesy of Section V Football website)

Much like Batavia in Class B, Alexander is a major favorite in Class D and will be expected to run away with the title in a few weeks. Canisteo-Greenwood, Notre Dame, and Perry/Mt. Morris are the other top-teams in this classification, but all have already been beaten soundly by Alexander this season which makes it seem even more likely that they walk away with the championship.

Alexander RB Chris McClinic is a major difference make for the Trojans’ offense. (Photo credit: | Batavia’s Best)

The Trojans have one of Section V’s elite RBs in Chris McClinic, who has been complimented the past two seasons by number two RB Terrez Smith – who would be a starter on most teams. QB Dylan Busch has also shown promise this season, and has given Alexander a much-needed secondary threat offensively. With everything being said about their offense, though, the Trojans’ defense is the best in Section V and allows just over 6 points per game.

Although I don’t believe they, nor any team for that matter, have a chance to unseat Alexander, Canisteo-Greenwood is led by RB Justin Becker who runs as tough as any back that I’ve seen this season.

In my mind, albeit a small one, Notre Dame has the best chance to upset Alexander. (Photo credit: | Batavia’s Best)

Speaking of tough running, Notre Dame RBs Gabe MacDonald and Jed Reese have carried the Irish offense to a resurgent season, and I expect they’ll have the best chance, albeit a small one, of any team to beat Alexander during the playoffs.

Prior to Week 7 I believed Perry/Mt. Morris might stand a chance against Alexander, but I was proven wrong after the Trojans beat the Yellowjackets 26-0. P/MM’s offense has been led by workhorse RB Blake Wolfanger this season.

Here is a closer look at each team:

1. Alexander Trojans (7-0|W7)

Average Points For: 44.0

Average Points Against: 6.7

Against the Field: 4-0 (W 50-12 York/Pavilion; W 28-0 Canisteo-Greenwood; W 26-6 Notre Dame; W 26-0 Perry/Mt. Morris)

Last year’s finish: 17-13 loss in Class D Finals to Clyde-Savannah

2. Canisteo-Greenwood Redskins (5-2|W5)

Average Points For: 25.0

Average Points Against: 14.0

Against the Field: 2-2 (L 31-25 Notre Dame; L 28-0 Alexander; W 23-8 York/Pavilion; W 33-0 Perry/Mt. Morris)

Last year’s finish: 54-28 loss in Class D Quarterfinals to Pembroke

3. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (4-2|W1)

Average Points For: 25.7

Average Points Against: 16.3

Against the Field: 1-1 (W 31-25 Canisteo-Greenwood; L 26-6 Alexander)

Last year’s finish: Failed to qualify to sectionals

4. Perry/Mt. Morris Yellowjackets (4-3|L1)

Average Points For: 22.0

Average Points Against: 19.0

Against the Field: 2-2 (W 28-0 Lyons; W 42-26 York/Pavilion; L 33-0 Canisteo-Greenwood; L 26-0 Alexander)

Last year’s finish: 63-21 loss in Class D Quarterfinals to eventual champion Clyde-Savannah

5. Lyons Lions (4-3|W3)

Average Points For: 27.7

Average Points Against: 24.9

Against the Field: 1-1 (L 28-0 Perry/Mt. Morris; L 42-26 Red Jacket)

Last year’s finish: Failed to qualify for sectionals

6. York/Pavilion Golden Knights (4-3|W3)

Average Points For: 29.7

Average Points Against: 21.4

Against the Field: 0-3 (L 50-12 Alexander; L 42-26 Perry/Mt. Morris; L Canisteo-Greenwood 23-8)

Last year’s finish: Failed to qualify for sectionals

7. Dundee Scots (3-4|L2)

Average Points For: 14.3

Average Points Against: 19.4

Against the Field: 2-0 (W 28-14 Lyons; W 28-20 Red Jacket)

Last year’s finish: Failed to qualify for sectionals

8. Red Jacket Indians (4-3|W1)

Average Points For: 27.4

Average Points Against: 26.0

Against the Field: 1-0 (W 42-26 Lyons)

Last year’s finish: 42-14 loss in Class D Semifinals to eventual champion Alexander

Be sure to tune in over the next few weeks as our coverage of the Section V Playoffs continues right here, as well as on Twitter. We will be providing game previews and predictions for each game which features one of the five local teams that are in line for a title, along with game updates and a nightly scoreboard on both Friday and Saturday.