Published: August 29, 2008 12:40 pm            

CRUNCH: 1st & 10

Crunch 1st & 10



Editor’s Note: Crunch’s First & 10 rankings include all schools from the circulation area of the Niagara Gazette, Lockport Union-Sun & Journal, Tonawanda News and Medina Journal-Register. This is the final rankings from last fall. This season’s preseason rankings will be published in next week’s edition. It will include votes from the Greater Niagara Newspapers sports staff of Tim Schmitt, John D’Onofrio, Jay Skurski, Nate Beutel and Jonah Bronstein, Western New York High School Sports Magazine editor Dick Gallagher, Channel 7 sportscaster Shawn Stepner, WLVL 1340 AM sports director Norm Palmer and WGR 550 AM Inside High School Sports contributor Sean Bruso.



1. Cardinal O’Hara (10-1 overall, 50 points, all five first-place votes)

The Hawks have finished atop our rankings the past two seasons. It’ll be tough to replace players like Reggie Garner and Jackie Feggans, but all indications are that O’Hara is ready for another strong season.

2. North Tonawanda (6-3, 45 points)

It’s tough to measure a Class C school against a AA-power like the Lumberjacks, but NT’s dominance has been questioned by some the past few years. With a strong JV and some good returnees, though, look out.

3. Grand Island (5-4, 35 points)

The Vikings are, year in and year out, one of the best teams not only in Class A but all of Western New York. The key is the coaching staff and its unique ability to mold a group of teenagers into a team.

4. Lockport (6-4, 34 points)

The Lions finished last year on a high note, advancing to the Class AA Consolation Bowl finals. With a great deal of skill back this fall, LHS is expected to be in the thick of things come playoff time.

5. Kenmore East (6-4, 33 points)

Another squad that finished last fall strong. The Bulldogs won the Class A Consolation Bowl finals. They’re as talented as almost any team in Western New York, but it’s all about discipline and focus.

Tie-6. Kenmore West (5-4, 20 points)

The Blue Devils surprised many last year by making the playoffs and they’re out this fall to prove it was no fluke. A good core of skill players with speed and strength could help West make that happen.

T-6. Wilson (6-3, 20 points)

The Lakemen were one of the most surprising teams in all of Western New York a year ago, finishing 4-1 in an always-tough Class C. That said, sustaining success separates the good from the great programs.

8. Albion (6-3, 16 points)

Coach Dick Diminuco is entering his 30th and final season at the helm and he’s doing so with almost a completely different lineup from a year ago. Maybe fresh blood can turn around the Purple Eagles’ recent playoff woes.

9. Medina (6-3, 14 points)

The Mustangs have a new coach in Eric Valley, but expect them to continue to play like they did for current Wilson coach Nick Benedetti. Success is the Class B playoffs, though, has been very difficult recently.

10. Lewiston-Porter (6-4, six points)

The Lancers may have gotten to six wins more quietly than anyone else in Section VI a year ago. A move down to Class B North could provide an opportunity for the Lancers to shine come November.

11. Niagara-Wheatfield (4-5, one point)

The Falcons were ravaged by injuries last fall and still won four games and made the postseason. One of the model programs of the 1990s hopes that health, speed and intensity will lead to success.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.