WNY Athletics: 2019 Class D Football Preview

Cattaraugus/Little Valley Head Coach: Tim Miller 2018 record and finish: 1-8, fell in Class D semifinals Number of returning starters: 5 Offense/5 Defense Key Returnees: Vinnie Gascarella, Hunter Furl Key Losses: Sam Grey, Damion Ly CSP Wolfpack (Clymer/Sherman/Panama) Head Coach: Ty Harper 2018 record and finish: 13-0, NYSPHSAA Class D Champions Number of returning starters: 5 Key Returnees: Gerrit Hinsdale, Cameron Barmore, Zavon Overton, John Swabik, Lucas Rater Key Losses: Derek Ecklund, Robbie Overton, Michael Beatman, Steven Ryan, Chance Meeder, Jordan Smouse, Elliott Jackson, Mason Bestine, Mitch Hovey, Garrett McClelland, Jevan Newman The CSP Wolfpack did exactly what was expected last season as they captured the NYSPHSAA Class D Title. With a balanced offense and stout defense, the Wolfpack outscored their opponents 511-121. CSP only returns five starters from their state title-winning-team. They lose their entire starting offensive line but bring back QB Gerrit Hinsdale and 6’ 4” wide receiver Cameron Barmore. 2019 will be tougher for the Wolfpack, but they’re still the favorites to win Class D and once again one of the favorites to win another state title. The Wolfpack are now the hunted.

(Photo Courtesy: Sam Wilson, Salamanca Press)

FE Titans (Franklinville/Ellicottville) Head Coach: Jason Marsh 2018 record and finish: 5-5, won the Class C Chuck Funke Bowl Number of returning starters: 9 Offense/9 Defense Key Returnees: Logan Frank, Tyler Car, Nik Logel, Zack Wolfer, Clayton Rowland, Wyatt Chudy Key Losses: Ben Mooney, Steven Rowland, Jake Peters Jason Marsh moves over from Salamanca, where he spent nine years as head coach, and the Titans move back down to Class D. Franklinville/Ellicottville returns nine starters on each side of the ball. Junior QB Logan Frank returns with a year of starting experience under his belt. Senior Tyler Clear and junior Clayton Rowland will run the ball for the Titans this year. The line will be led by senior Zack Wolfer. The Titans have a really good shot of reaching New Era Field. Randolph Cardinals Head Coach: Brent Brown 2018 record and finish: 6-3, missed Class C playoffs Number of returning starters: 2 Offense/2 Defense Key Returnees: Tyler Hind, Josh Brown, Alex Finch Key Losses: Andrew Bernard, Mason Pagett The Cards lose a lot, especially on the line with the departure of Andrew Bernard. Tyler Hind is an athlete and can make plays but he'll need a lot of help if they are to orchestrate a winning season. Randolph is no longer merged with Frewsburg who elected to play 8-man this year. Skylar Wright and Deter Miinte were two valuable running backs lost to graduation. It looks like Zach Heberlrin and Alex Finch will share carries for the Cards while Josh Brown continues to be one of Hind's favorite targets. Salamanca Warriors Head Coach: Chad Bartoszek 2018 record and finish: 4-5, fell in Class D semifinals Number of returning starters: 5 Offense/5 Defense Key Returnees: Kody Shinners, Jerrett McKenna, Lucas McKenna Key Losses: Asa John, Nik Milks, Tyler Hedlund Salamanca brought in former Warrior alum Chad Bartoszek this past spring as the team's new head coach. Bartoszek is no stranger to winning, he did a lot of it at Franklinville/Ellicottville. Paul Furlong and Aaron Hill will be there to assist him as they try to steer Salamanca to the top of Class D. They'll start junior Lucas McKenna at QB and he'll have his brother Jarrett (WR), Austin Maybee (WR) and Ezra Stahlman (RB) in his arsenal. The first objective is for Bartoszek to build trust within the locker room and set the foundation for a winning program. He liked the participation numbers this past winter and spring in the weight room and he believes there is already some good chemistry. All signs that show the Warriors are headed in the right direction.