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| "Train like you play on Sundays and one day you just might." -- Anonymous |
Red Dragons Named #1 Small School in NY State
December 13, 2008
The coveted Buffalo News All WNY Team selections and polls are now out
and the Maple Grove Red Dragons, for the first time ever in school history,
have found themselves at the #1 spot for WNY Small Schools. The
Dragons' dominating performances against every opponent this season,
including Walton, considered the best team in any class in Section IV,
propelled them to the number one rank, ahead of neighboring State
Champ Southwestern in Class C and Class B powerhouse Lackawanna --
home to WNY Player of the Year Capone Smith.
If you're a fan of high school football blogs, you know the debate over
who should be named the #1 Small School has been a hot topic all season
long, with MG trailing Southwestern and many begging for a gridiron
match-up between the two schools to decide it once and for all. The
dream game never happened in '08 -- so you can bet this debate will go on
for years to come. Both teams won state championship trophies, and in
the end, that's all that really matters....but moving Class D Maple Grove
into the #1 Small School spot over bigger classes C and B surely adds a
sparkle to the hardware in our trophy case.
Also recognized for outstanding season performances are senior wide
receiver Joe Caporale and junior quarterback/kicker Chris Secky. These
two Red Dragons were named to the TOP 25 BEST players in all of '08
WNY high school football. Caporale was named to the First Team All-WNY
as wide-receiver. Secky was named First Team All-WNY as kicker. He was
also named one of the Top 10 Players in WNY, putting him in the running
for Player of the Year honors, which went to Lackawanna's do-it-all-senior
Capone Smith. Also named as an All-WNY selection on the Third Team was
Matt Fox, offensive line and Corey Gens, defensive line. Jake Larson was
named Honorable Mention as running back. Congratulations are also
extended to Clymer's Nick Lombardozzi, an Honorable Mention selection
and the only other Class D player honored.
Congratulations Red Dragons for your much-deserved recognitions as part
of WNY's BEST. And in 2008, when Section 6 monopolized New York's
State Championships, it puts you in a class that is arguably one of WNY's
BEST EVER.
WE ARE STATE CHAMPS!
November 29, 2008
Everybody's talking about the Maple Grove Red Dragons and our State
Championship 55 - 7 win over the Moriah Vikings.
See news coverage from around the state:
SYRACUSE BOUND!
November 28, 2008
Read this great article in Friday's Post-Journal highlighting the special trip
to a High School Football State Championship game for both Maple Grove
Red Dragons and neighboring Southwestern Trojans.
VIEW ARTICLE
GOOD LUCK TO BOTH TEAMS!!
(And thank you to the Post-Journal, Time Warner Cable 8 Sports, and
WJTN 1240 Radio for their great coverage of the Maple Grove Red
Dragons this season!! You've made our team feel like stars.)
Hover and Secky in Headlines
November 25, 2008
Adam Hover was named Post-Journal Player of the Week for his
outstanding performance in the semifinal game against the Walton
Warriors on Friday night.
Hover rushed for 80 yards on 14 carries, scoring 4 touchdowns for the
Red Dragons. He was named the game Offensive MVP for his efforts.
Overall on the season, he's had 682 yards on 79 carries with 10 TDs. His
longest run was 80 yards.
Chris Secky has been recognized as one of the elite athletes in WNY
football by the Connolly Cup. Secky is one of just 10 young men to be
named a finalist for the award that recognizes the top player in all of
Section 6 football.
Other finalists for the award include Canisius sr. QB Sean Brady; Grand
Island sr. WR Alex Neutz; Iroquois senior RB Brandon Murie; Lackawanna
sr. QB/RB/DB Capone Smith; Orchard Park sr. QB Kyle Hoppy; Orchard
Park sr. RB Jeff Tundo; St. Francis sr. WR/DB/P Luke Tasker, Sweet Home
sr. QB Casey Kacz; Sweet Home jr. RB/LB Deshanaro Morris.
Secky is the only athlete from Chautauqua or Cattaraugus County to make
the top 10 -- and the only junior. All other candidates are in their senior
season. The Connolly Cup winner will be named at a luncheon held on
December 6th.
In addition, the Section 6 Class DD has announced the All-Star Team
selections for the 2008 Season. Congratulations to Jake Larson and Chris
Secky, who share Offensive Player of the Year honors, Matt Fox and Josh
Micek, who share Defensive Player of the Year honors, Corey Gens, named
Lineman of the Year, and Coach Fischer, named Coach of the Year.
Also recognized were Joe Caporale and Travis Leburg, honored as First
Team selections, Antoine Aronson, Adam Hover and Andrew Wascher
honored as Second Team Selections and Randy Aponte, Logan Liddell, and
Jordan Saxton, Honorable Mention.
Great job to all our outstanding team members!
MGFootball.com Website Gets Local Publicity
November 24, 2008
The website dedicated to one of the best football programs in New York
State has garnered a little publicity of its own.
Scott Kindberg, sports reporter for the Post-Journal, graciously ran a front
page story about MGFootball.com in the Monday, November 24th sports
page. Read his story.
During the interview for the article, website creator Cindy Aronson, mom
of senior center and linebacker Antoine Aronson, discovered that the site is
appreciated by sports reporters like Kindberg. "We can easily access your
site and get a wealth of information that otherwise we would have to call
coaches for. It really helps us do our job faster and with much more
ease," Kindberg says.
It turns out he's not the only one who enjoys it. As his article highlighted,
in 2007 and early in the 2008 season, the website had an average high of
50 visitors per day. Following the semifinal game against Walton, that
number spiked to 725. Players, parents, students, faculty, relatives,
community fans -- even opponents -- regularly check in and give feedback
through our Guestbook. Well known sports anchor Ed Kilgore, from
Channel 2 in Buffalo, sent an email praising the site. Don Hines, sports
anchor at Time Warner Cable 8 Sports is a fan too.
One of the most popular pages of the website is the Photo page. Senior
Josh Micek's grandma Wanda Cady is the site's official photographer -- and
her photos of the games have had over 35,000 views. Wow. A lot of
people are checking out our Red Dragons.
Team statistician Kim Rambacher's Game Stats page is also popular.
Kindberg remarked that he's impressed with how quickly the stats are put
onto the site. All thanks for that is due to Rambacher, whose dedication to
tracking game, season, career, and historical statistics is outstanding. In
addition to the game stats, Rambacher keeps us updated on player and
team records -- and with the talented players on the '08 team, that alone
has been a job to keep up with.
Luke Proctor is the newest member of the team. This 12-year old brother
of freshman player Zach Proctor developed the MG Newspaper all on his
own and a printable copy is now available through the website.
The MGFootball.com Team agrees -- if our love for doing what we do
enhances the joy and memories created by the 2008 Red Dragons'
performance on the field, then our website is truly a success. So many
people from all over the world love this team -- and we're thrilled that
MGFootball.com can bring them all together.
GO DRAGONS!
Dragons Advance to State Title Game With 49-14 Win
Over Walton
November 22, 2008
Cold temps, iced seats, snowflakes galore -- and one hot team.
That's what Friday night had in store for Dragon fans who travelled to
Paetec Park in Rochester, NY to watch Maple Grove take on the reigning
NY Class D Champions, the Walton Warriors.
All week long, Warrior fans lit up the MGFootball.com guestbook with bold
predictions of a lopsided outcome. Only problem was, it was Walton they
expected to be on top.
You can't blame them. The Walton Warriors claimed the Class D State Title
last year with an all-powerful 64-6 victory. In 2008, their dominance
continued, as they brought their consecutive win streak to 24 with a
quarterfinal win over a very good section 3 powerhouse, Dolgeville.
But unbeaten, powerful teams are just the kind of opponent the Dragons
thrive on. Clymer, Dundee and Walton were each mighty victors against
every opponent this season -- until they faced Maple Grove.
The Dragon's 49-14 win over Walton will put Maple Grove to one final test
in their quest for an undefeated season and a State Championship Title.
Their opponent? The unbeaten Moriah Vikings of Section 7.
Sweeeeeeeet.
Read Post-Journal game coverage
Read other sportswriters coverage of the MG vs. Walton game:
The Daily Star
Greater Binghamton area
New York Sportwriters Association
Buffalo News
MG Dominates Walton 49-14
November 21, 2008
It was BEAUTIFUL! Stay tuned for the fairy-tale ending to be posted
tomorrow morning -- right now, wherever you're reading this from --
CELEBRATE!!! (That's what we're doing!!)
GO DRAGONS!!!
Bring On Walton!
November 15, 2008
Our beloved Maple Grove Red Dragons will take on the reigning NY Class D
State Champs, the Walton Warriors, in the State Semifinals following a
dominant 57-12 victory in the Far West Regionals on Friday night over the
Dundee Scotsmen.
It took MG a mere 12 seconds to set the tone of the night when Joe
Caporale returned an 80-yard kickoff to put 6 points on the scoreboard
and put Maple Grove football into the WNY record books for most points in
a season.
The Fighting Scotsmen fumbled the ensuing kickoff, Adam Hover
recovered and, three plays later, Jake Larson bulled into the end zone from
the 2. Caporale's two-point conversion run gave Maple Grove a 14-0 lead,
with under 2 minutes into the game.
It was about to be a very long night for Dundee.
As they have all season, Maple Grove played stunning team football --
Caporale, Larson, Secky, Hover, and Fain would all share in the scoring;
Larson, Jordan Saxton and Secky had interceptions.... Larson also forced a
fumble, and Antoine Aronson, Secky and Hover broke up a pass. ... Matt
Fox, Travis Leburg, Aronson, Wascher and Corey Gens anchored an
offensive line that paved the way for 331 yards rushing.
The dominant Dragon defense shut down Dundee's Steven Webb, Section
5's Class D offensive player of the year -- limiting him to just 30 yards on
12 carries. Overall the Fighting Scots -- known for their running game --
would have just 59 yards rushing.
The win puts MG into the State Semifinal game to be played at Paetec Park
in Rochester, NY next Friday, 11/21 at 5 pm.
The MG vs. Walton game pits the top two teams in the State against one
another in a highly anticipated match-up. Both teams have dominated
their opponents all season long -- with Walton coming off a 2007 State
Championship victory in which they overwhelmed their opponent 64-6.
(Learn more about Walton football.)
It is THE game of the season to watch in New York State Class D Football.
Join us to cheer our team on.
GO DRAGONS!
See Jamestown Post-Journal Game Coverage
See Buffalo News Game Coverage
Maple Grove vs. Dundee: How They Matchup
November 13, 2008
Tonight the 10-0 Red Dragons, the state's second-ranked Class D school,
face No. 5 Dundee (10-0) to claim the Far West Regional title. The game is
scheduled for 6 p.m. at the University at Buffalo.
''We feel this is where we wanted to be for a long time,'' Maple Grove
coach Curt Fischer said. ''Right now, we're just going to give it our best
shot. If it's good enough, you never know, we might move on to the next
round, and that's where we want to be.''
The Scots advanced to the state quarterfinals by virtue of a 20-14 victory
over Avon last weekend. Steven Webb (6-0, 185), Dundee's breakaway
threat and Section 5's Class D Offensive Player of the Year, scored all three
touchdowns - a 47-yard pass from quarterback Justin Schenck, a 48-yard
run; and a 10-yard burst with 33 seconds left in the game. For the season,
Webb has rushed for 938 yards on 72 carries and scored 17 touchdowns.
Webb is just one Dundee weapon, however.
A classic running team, the Scots, who are averaging nearly 43 points per
game, also feature Blaine Moore (6-0, 185), their second-leading rusher
(49-667, 12 TDs), and Ryan Ballard (5-11, 165), who will also get some
carries. Schenck (6-0, 185) is 24-of-53 passing for 534 yards and seven
touchdowns. His top receivers are Moore (five receptions, 133 yards, two
TDs) and Mike Raplee (6-1, 245) with five catches for 86 yards and a
touchdown. Raplee played for Geneva, the three-time sectional champs
and the Class B state champion in 2006, before transferring to Dundee this
year.
Defensively, Raplee is the Scots' leading tackler (71 tackles, seven sacks).
Moore is next with 66 tackles and two interceptions. As a unit, Dundee is
yielding only 7.3 points per game.
''They're a scrappy team,'' Fischer said. ''They've got great size, good
speed and, obviously, they're 10-0, so they're a good football team.''
The Red Dragons will present just as daunting a lineup.
Offensively, Maple Grove is on the verge of setting a Western New York
record for points in a season. Only Pine Valley (503 in 1995) has piled up
more. But, unlike Dundee, the Red Dragons don't rely primarily on the run
to beat teams.
Although senior Jake Larson (1,194 yards, 25 rushing touchdowns, one
receiving) has had arguably the finest season of any running back in school
history, he is just one of a host of weapons that Fischer has at his disposal.
Junior quarterback Chris Secky has been brilliant (62-of-94, 1,400 yards,
20 touchdowns) all season. And on Section 6's biggest stage last Friday,
he completed all 10 of his passes for 266 yards and three TDs in a 48-13
victory over Clymer in the Class D title game.
Secky's favorite targets are seniors Joe Caporale (34 catches, 819 yards,
10 TDs) and Josh Micek (14-330-8). Caporale is just as dangerous as a
runner (94 yards, three TDs) and a returner (three punts returned for TDs
and one kickoff).
Defensively, the Red Dragons don't get as much publicity, but they have
been nearly as dominant, yielding only 8.1 points per game. Matt Fox is
Maple Grove's top tackler with 96 stops. Micek is next with 77.
In a close game, Secky gives the Red Dragons a true weapon. All told, he
has connected on 54-of-63 point-after touchdowns and 2-of-5 field goals,
including a long of 37 yards.
On the sidelines, both teams are led by successful coaches.
Fischer has a career record of 135-33 since 1992. That success includes 11
division championships, four Section 6 titles, one Far West Regional crown
and a Class D state championship in 1998.
Meanwhile, Dundee has won three sectional championships (1991, 1995,
2008) under Coach Ed Allen and is making its first Far West Regional
appearance since 1991.
See a great article written by the New York State Sportswriters Association
Wascher Honored as Trench Trophy Nominee
November 9, 2008
Congratulations to junior Andrew Wascher who was a Trench Trophy
Nominee for his outstanding play as an offensive and defensive lineman
during the Dragons' victory over Clymer at Ralph Wilson Stadium.
Wascher moved from back-up quarterback to full-time lineman this season
and has excelled in the position. He anchors a line that has resulted in
numerous offensive records being broken and has been a key player in
outscoring opponents a whopping 500-81 -- a season point total that set
a new school record mark and is just 4 yards shy of breaking a WNY
record for most points scored in a season.
In the Maple Grove victory at the Ralph, Wascher led an offensive line that
provided perfect pass protection for quarterback Chris Secky, allowing him
plenty of time to go 10 for 10 in pass completions for 266 yards, which
broke a Section 6 Ralph Wilson Stadium record for most passing yards.
The Trench Trophy began in 2003 and recognizes WNY players who
predominantly play the lineman position. Wascher follows Corey Gens
('08) and Andrew Apperson ('06) as the only other Dragons to be
recognized as a Trench Trophy nominee.
Connolly Cup Honors Caporale and Secky
November 9, 2008
Every high school football fan in Western New York has to be talking
about the Dragon-combo of Chris Secky and Joe Caporale. And Connolly
Cup, WNY's high school version of the Heisman Trophy, is talking too.
Both Dragons were named to the Connolly Cup Honor Roll in Week 10,
following their spectacular performances in the Section 6 Finals game
against Clymer.
Junior quarterback Chris Secky set a new Section 6 Ralph Wilson Stadium
record for passing yards with a perfect 100 % pass completion, going 10
for 10 for 266 yards. He surpassed the former record of 259 yards set in
1997 by Chris Jimerson of Gowanda.
Caporale stunned the Clymer crowd and brought the MG fans to their feet
with a 90-yard touchdown reception and a 77-yard "nope-I'm-not-
stoppin' " punt return. He finished his 3 touchdown night with 5
receptions for 163 yards -- a mere 5 yards, gulp, yes just 5 -- from setting
his own Section 6 Ralph Wilson record that stands at 167 yards, set in
1981 and matched in '83.
Senior running back Jake Larson had a brilliant night too -- breaking an MG
school record for most rushing touchdowns in a season. The former
record of 22, set by Devin Raynor ('04) is now set at 25 by Larson. He also
broke a 37-year record for most points scored in a season, set in 1971 by
Kim Wefing at 155 points, tallied in 8 games. Larson now has 160 points in
10 games.
Collectively, the '08 Red Dragons game total of 48 points was just one
touchdown shy of breaking the record for most points scored in a Section
6 Finals Game at Ralph Wilson. The record stands at 53, set by Iroquois in
2006.
Wow! What a game Dragons!!
Dragons Will Meet Dundee Scotsmen in Far-West
Regionals
November 8, 2008
It will be another Battle of Unbeatens as the Dragons take on the Section
5 Dundee Scotsmen. The Scotsmen won the Section 5 Championship with
a 20-14 win over Avon (6-4) in a game that was tied 14-14 with 33
seconds remaining. Steven Webb of Dundee scored all three of the
Scotsmen's TDs.
The Far West Class D game is scheduled for 6 pm at the University of
Buffalo Stadium.
UPDATE:
CHAMPIONS! MG Wins Section 6 Crown Decisively
November 8, 2008
"Everybody played amazing," remarked junior quarterback Chris Secky.
"Coach says big time players make big plays in big games, but it wasn't
even just one player. We came out in the first half and just played
awesome."
Indeed they did.
The passing, the catching, the running, the blocking, the tackling, the
coaching..........even the ball boys brought their A-game.
With a 48-13 victory over the Clymer Pirates, the Red Dragons silenced the
ghosts of Ralph Wilson that have haunted many excellent MG teams during
the last decade. On Friday night, the ever elusive 'monkey on their back'
was officially thrown off.
Together, the '08 Dragon team left a performance on the field that set a
new standard of excellence for MG at the Ralph. Secky set a Section 6
Ralph record, completing 10 for 10 passes for 266 yards and three
touchdowns. Senior wideout Joe Caporale's 164 receiving yards was a
mere four shy of tying a record set in 1981 and '83.
As the Red Dragons left the field on Friday night, a faint sound could be
heard throughout the stadium. Now maybe it was just the wind blowing
through the tunnel, but to us it sounded like those ghosts were
howling J-whooooooooooooooo?
Read full game coverage from the Post-Journal
Read Buffalo News game coverage
Fox Named Class DD Player of the Week
November 6, 2008
To stop a Randolph offense that overpowered their last six opponents
247-16, the Dragons needed a powerful defense. Junior Matt Fox stepped
up to the challenge and led the Dragon defensive charge, garnering 14
tackles in the semifinal game against Randolph, including 3 unassisted.
His aggressive play earned him recognition by Section 6 as the Top Player
of the Week in Class DD. It was his second time being recognized as Player
of the Week -- the first coming in Week 6. Fox was also named a Top
Defensive Player of the Week for his outstanding play action.
In 9 games, Fox leads the Dragon defense in tackles with 83, including 22
solo. He's had 1.5 sacks, 1 interception, 2 forced fumbles, 3 fumble
recoveries, and 2 pass deflections.
Also being recognized for outstanding play in Section 6 Week 9, was senior
wide receiver Joe Caporale -- recognized as a Connolly Cup Top Player and
one of just four Top Receivers . He was also named Post-Journal Player of
the Week. Jake Larson was recognized as a Top Scorer, with 24 points
and he was one of seven named Top Running Backs.
As a team, the Dragons remain the #1 Top Team Offense in WNY with 452
points, an amazing 50.2 point average per game. They rank #4 in Top
Team Defense yielding just 6.7 points per game.
Congratulations Dragons!
Footnote: While browsing photos of the Randolph game....... sure saw a lot
of ball carriers following the back of #53, team captain Andrew Wascher.
An unsung hero on both offense and defense, he sure had a lot of great
offensive blocks that were picked up on film. Good job Wascher!
Maple Grove vs. Clymer Game Buzz on Blogs
November 4, 2008
The Buffalo News 'Prep Talk' Blog has everybody talking about Maple
Grove. Hear what some had to say:
There's even a challenge..........
Read more 2008 season news
December 13, 2008
The coveted Buffalo News All WNY Team selections and polls are now out
and the Maple Grove Red Dragons, for the first time ever in school history,
have found themselves at the #1 spot for WNY Small Schools. The
Dragons' dominating performances against every opponent this season,
including Walton, considered the best team in any class in Section IV,
propelled them to the number one rank, ahead of neighboring State
Champ Southwestern in Class C and Class B powerhouse Lackawanna --
home to WNY Player of the Year Capone Smith.
If you're a fan of high school football blogs, you know the debate over
who should be named the #1 Small School has been a hot topic all season
long, with MG trailing Southwestern and many begging for a gridiron
match-up between the two schools to decide it once and for all. The
dream game never happened in '08 -- so you can bet this debate will go on
for years to come. Both teams won state championship trophies, and in
the end, that's all that really matters....but moving Class D Maple Grove
into the #1 Small School spot over bigger classes C and B surely adds a
sparkle to the hardware in our trophy case.
Also recognized for outstanding season performances are senior wide
receiver Joe Caporale and junior quarterback/kicker Chris Secky. These
two Red Dragons were named to the TOP 25 BEST players in all of '08
WNY high school football. Caporale was named to the First Team All-WNY
as wide-receiver. Secky was named First Team All-WNY as kicker. He was
also named one of the Top 10 Players in WNY, putting him in the running
for Player of the Year honors, which went to Lackawanna's do-it-all-senior
Capone Smith. Also named as an All-WNY selection on the Third Team was
Matt Fox, offensive line and Corey Gens, defensive line. Jake Larson was
named Honorable Mention as running back. Congratulations are also
extended to Clymer's Nick Lombardozzi, an Honorable Mention selection
and the only other Class D player honored.
Congratulations Red Dragons for your much-deserved recognitions as part
of WNY's BEST. And in 2008, when Section 6 monopolized New York's
State Championships, it puts you in a class that is arguably one of WNY's
BEST EVER.
WE ARE STATE CHAMPS!
November 29, 2008
Everybody's talking about the Maple Grove Red Dragons and our State
Championship 55 - 7 win over the Moriah Vikings.
See news coverage from around the state:
SYRACUSE BOUND!
November 28, 2008
Read this great article in Friday's Post-Journal highlighting the special trip
to a High School Football State Championship game for both Maple Grove
Red Dragons and neighboring Southwestern Trojans.
VIEW ARTICLE
GOOD LUCK TO BOTH TEAMS!!
(And thank you to the Post-Journal, Time Warner Cable 8 Sports, and
WJTN 1240 Radio for their great coverage of the Maple Grove Red
Dragons this season!! You've made our team feel like stars.)
Hover and Secky in Headlines
November 25, 2008
Adam Hover was named Post-Journal Player of the Week for his
outstanding performance in the semifinal game against the Walton
Warriors on Friday night.
Hover rushed for 80 yards on 14 carries, scoring 4 touchdowns for the
Red Dragons. He was named the game Offensive MVP for his efforts.
Overall on the season, he's had 682 yards on 79 carries with 10 TDs. His
longest run was 80 yards.
Chris Secky has been recognized as one of the elite athletes in WNY
football by the Connolly Cup. Secky is one of just 10 young men to be
named a finalist for the award that recognizes the top player in all of
Section 6 football.
Other finalists for the award include Canisius sr. QB Sean Brady; Grand
Island sr. WR Alex Neutz; Iroquois senior RB Brandon Murie; Lackawanna
sr. QB/RB/DB Capone Smith; Orchard Park sr. QB Kyle Hoppy; Orchard
Park sr. RB Jeff Tundo; St. Francis sr. WR/DB/P Luke Tasker, Sweet Home
sr. QB Casey Kacz; Sweet Home jr. RB/LB Deshanaro Morris.
Secky is the only athlete from Chautauqua or Cattaraugus County to make
the top 10 -- and the only junior. All other candidates are in their senior
season. The Connolly Cup winner will be named at a luncheon held on
December 6th.
In addition, the Section 6 Class DD has announced the All-Star Team
selections for the 2008 Season. Congratulations to Jake Larson and Chris
Secky, who share Offensive Player of the Year honors, Matt Fox and Josh
Micek, who share Defensive Player of the Year honors, Corey Gens, named
Lineman of the Year, and Coach Fischer, named Coach of the Year.
Also recognized were Joe Caporale and Travis Leburg, honored as First
Team selections, Antoine Aronson, Adam Hover and Andrew Wascher
honored as Second Team Selections and Randy Aponte, Logan Liddell, and
Jordan Saxton, Honorable Mention.
Great job to all our outstanding team members!
MGFootball.com Website Gets Local Publicity
November 24, 2008
The website dedicated to one of the best football programs in New York
State has garnered a little publicity of its own.
Scott Kindberg, sports reporter for the Post-Journal, graciously ran a front
page story about MGFootball.com in the Monday, November 24th sports
page. Read his story.
During the interview for the article, website creator Cindy Aronson, mom
of senior center and linebacker Antoine Aronson, discovered that the site is
appreciated by sports reporters like Kindberg. "We can easily access your
site and get a wealth of information that otherwise we would have to call
coaches for. It really helps us do our job faster and with much more
ease," Kindberg says.
It turns out he's not the only one who enjoys it. As his article highlighted,
in 2007 and early in the 2008 season, the website had an average high of
50 visitors per day. Following the semifinal game against Walton, that
number spiked to 725. Players, parents, students, faculty, relatives,
community fans -- even opponents -- regularly check in and give feedback
through our Guestbook. Well known sports anchor Ed Kilgore, from
Channel 2 in Buffalo, sent an email praising the site. Don Hines, sports
anchor at Time Warner Cable 8 Sports is a fan too.
One of the most popular pages of the website is the Photo page. Senior
Josh Micek's grandma Wanda Cady is the site's official photographer -- and
her photos of the games have had over 35,000 views. Wow. A lot of
people are checking out our Red Dragons.
Team statistician Kim Rambacher's Game Stats page is also popular.
Kindberg remarked that he's impressed with how quickly the stats are put
onto the site. All thanks for that is due to Rambacher, whose dedication to
tracking game, season, career, and historical statistics is outstanding. In
addition to the game stats, Rambacher keeps us updated on player and
team records -- and with the talented players on the '08 team, that alone
has been a job to keep up with.
Luke Proctor is the newest member of the team. This 12-year old brother
of freshman player Zach Proctor developed the MG Newspaper all on his
own and a printable copy is now available through the website.
The MGFootball.com Team agrees -- if our love for doing what we do
enhances the joy and memories created by the 2008 Red Dragons'
performance on the field, then our website is truly a success. So many
people from all over the world love this team -- and we're thrilled that
MGFootball.com can bring them all together.
GO DRAGONS!
Dragons Advance to State Title Game With 49-14 Win
Over Walton
November 22, 2008
Cold temps, iced seats, snowflakes galore -- and one hot team.
That's what Friday night had in store for Dragon fans who travelled to
Paetec Park in Rochester, NY to watch Maple Grove take on the reigning
NY Class D Champions, the Walton Warriors.
All week long, Warrior fans lit up the MGFootball.com guestbook with bold
predictions of a lopsided outcome. Only problem was, it was Walton they
expected to be on top.
You can't blame them. The Walton Warriors claimed the Class D State Title
last year with an all-powerful 64-6 victory. In 2008, their dominance
continued, as they brought their consecutive win streak to 24 with a
quarterfinal win over a very good section 3 powerhouse, Dolgeville.
But unbeaten, powerful teams are just the kind of opponent the Dragons
thrive on. Clymer, Dundee and Walton were each mighty victors against
every opponent this season -- until they faced Maple Grove.
The Dragon's 49-14 win over Walton will put Maple Grove to one final test
in their quest for an undefeated season and a State Championship Title.
Their opponent? The unbeaten Moriah Vikings of Section 7.
Sweeeeeeeet.
Read Post-Journal game coverage
Read other sportswriters coverage of the MG vs. Walton game:
The Daily Star
Greater Binghamton area
New York Sportwriters Association
Buffalo News
MG Dominates Walton 49-14
November 21, 2008
It was BEAUTIFUL! Stay tuned for the fairy-tale ending to be posted
tomorrow morning -- right now, wherever you're reading this from --
CELEBRATE!!! (That's what we're doing!!)
GO DRAGONS!!!
Bring On Walton!
November 15, 2008
Our beloved Maple Grove Red Dragons will take on the reigning NY Class D
State Champs, the Walton Warriors, in the State Semifinals following a
dominant 57-12 victory in the Far West Regionals on Friday night over the
Dundee Scotsmen.
It took MG a mere 12 seconds to set the tone of the night when Joe
Caporale returned an 80-yard kickoff to put 6 points on the scoreboard
and put Maple Grove football into the WNY record books for most points in
a season.
The Fighting Scotsmen fumbled the ensuing kickoff, Adam Hover
recovered and, three plays later, Jake Larson bulled into the end zone from
the 2. Caporale's two-point conversion run gave Maple Grove a 14-0 lead,
with under 2 minutes into the game.
It was about to be a very long night for Dundee.
As they have all season, Maple Grove played stunning team football --
Caporale, Larson, Secky, Hover, and Fain would all share in the scoring;
Larson, Jordan Saxton and Secky had interceptions.... Larson also forced a
fumble, and Antoine Aronson, Secky and Hover broke up a pass. ... Matt
Fox, Travis Leburg, Aronson, Wascher and Corey Gens anchored an
offensive line that paved the way for 331 yards rushing.
The dominant Dragon defense shut down Dundee's Steven Webb, Section
5's Class D offensive player of the year -- limiting him to just 30 yards on
12 carries. Overall the Fighting Scots -- known for their running game --
would have just 59 yards rushing.
The win puts MG into the State Semifinal game to be played at Paetec Park
in Rochester, NY next Friday, 11/21 at 5 pm.
The MG vs. Walton game pits the top two teams in the State against one
another in a highly anticipated match-up. Both teams have dominated
their opponents all season long -- with Walton coming off a 2007 State
Championship victory in which they overwhelmed their opponent 64-6.
(Learn more about Walton football.)
It is THE game of the season to watch in New York State Class D Football.
Join us to cheer our team on.
GO DRAGONS!
See Jamestown Post-Journal Game Coverage
See Buffalo News Game Coverage
Maple Grove vs. Dundee: How They Matchup
November 13, 2008
Tonight the 10-0 Red Dragons, the state's second-ranked Class D school,
face No. 5 Dundee (10-0) to claim the Far West Regional title. The game is
scheduled for 6 p.m. at the University at Buffalo.
''We feel this is where we wanted to be for a long time,'' Maple Grove
coach Curt Fischer said. ''Right now, we're just going to give it our best
shot. If it's good enough, you never know, we might move on to the next
round, and that's where we want to be.''
The Scots advanced to the state quarterfinals by virtue of a 20-14 victory
over Avon last weekend. Steven Webb (6-0, 185), Dundee's breakaway
threat and Section 5's Class D Offensive Player of the Year, scored all three
touchdowns - a 47-yard pass from quarterback Justin Schenck, a 48-yard
run; and a 10-yard burst with 33 seconds left in the game. For the season,
Webb has rushed for 938 yards on 72 carries and scored 17 touchdowns.
Webb is just one Dundee weapon, however.
A classic running team, the Scots, who are averaging nearly 43 points per
game, also feature Blaine Moore (6-0, 185), their second-leading rusher
(49-667, 12 TDs), and Ryan Ballard (5-11, 165), who will also get some
carries. Schenck (6-0, 185) is 24-of-53 passing for 534 yards and seven
touchdowns. His top receivers are Moore (five receptions, 133 yards, two
TDs) and Mike Raplee (6-1, 245) with five catches for 86 yards and a
touchdown. Raplee played for Geneva, the three-time sectional champs
and the Class B state champion in 2006, before transferring to Dundee this
year.
Defensively, Raplee is the Scots' leading tackler (71 tackles, seven sacks).
Moore is next with 66 tackles and two interceptions. As a unit, Dundee is
yielding only 7.3 points per game.
''They're a scrappy team,'' Fischer said. ''They've got great size, good
speed and, obviously, they're 10-0, so they're a good football team.''
The Red Dragons will present just as daunting a lineup.
Offensively, Maple Grove is on the verge of setting a Western New York
record for points in a season. Only Pine Valley (503 in 1995) has piled up
more. But, unlike Dundee, the Red Dragons don't rely primarily on the run
to beat teams.
Although senior Jake Larson (1,194 yards, 25 rushing touchdowns, one
receiving) has had arguably the finest season of any running back in school
history, he is just one of a host of weapons that Fischer has at his disposal.
Junior quarterback Chris Secky has been brilliant (62-of-94, 1,400 yards,
20 touchdowns) all season. And on Section 6's biggest stage last Friday,
he completed all 10 of his passes for 266 yards and three TDs in a 48-13
victory over Clymer in the Class D title game.
Secky's favorite targets are seniors Joe Caporale (34 catches, 819 yards,
10 TDs) and Josh Micek (14-330-8). Caporale is just as dangerous as a
runner (94 yards, three TDs) and a returner (three punts returned for TDs
and one kickoff).
Defensively, the Red Dragons don't get as much publicity, but they have
been nearly as dominant, yielding only 8.1 points per game. Matt Fox is
Maple Grove's top tackler with 96 stops. Micek is next with 77.
In a close game, Secky gives the Red Dragons a true weapon. All told, he
has connected on 54-of-63 point-after touchdowns and 2-of-5 field goals,
including a long of 37 yards.
On the sidelines, both teams are led by successful coaches.
Fischer has a career record of 135-33 since 1992. That success includes 11
division championships, four Section 6 titles, one Far West Regional crown
and a Class D state championship in 1998.
Meanwhile, Dundee has won three sectional championships (1991, 1995,
2008) under Coach Ed Allen and is making its first Far West Regional
appearance since 1991.
See a great article written by the New York State Sportswriters Association
Wascher Honored as Trench Trophy Nominee
November 9, 2008
Congratulations to junior Andrew Wascher who was a Trench Trophy
Nominee for his outstanding play as an offensive and defensive lineman
during the Dragons' victory over Clymer at Ralph Wilson Stadium.
Wascher moved from back-up quarterback to full-time lineman this season
and has excelled in the position. He anchors a line that has resulted in
numerous offensive records being broken and has been a key player in
outscoring opponents a whopping 500-81 -- a season point total that set
a new school record mark and is just 4 yards shy of breaking a WNY
record for most points scored in a season.
In the Maple Grove victory at the Ralph, Wascher led an offensive line that
provided perfect pass protection for quarterback Chris Secky, allowing him
plenty of time to go 10 for 10 in pass completions for 266 yards, which
broke a Section 6 Ralph Wilson Stadium record for most passing yards.
The Trench Trophy began in 2003 and recognizes WNY players who
predominantly play the lineman position. Wascher follows Corey Gens
('08) and Andrew Apperson ('06) as the only other Dragons to be
recognized as a Trench Trophy nominee.
Connolly Cup Honors Caporale and Secky
November 9, 2008
Every high school football fan in Western New York has to be talking
about the Dragon-combo of Chris Secky and Joe Caporale. And Connolly
Cup, WNY's high school version of the Heisman Trophy, is talking too.
Both Dragons were named to the Connolly Cup Honor Roll in Week 10,
following their spectacular performances in the Section 6 Finals game
against Clymer.
Junior quarterback Chris Secky set a new Section 6 Ralph Wilson Stadium
record for passing yards with a perfect 100 % pass completion, going 10
for 10 for 266 yards. He surpassed the former record of 259 yards set in
1997 by Chris Jimerson of Gowanda.
Caporale stunned the Clymer crowd and brought the MG fans to their feet
with a 90-yard touchdown reception and a 77-yard "nope-I'm-not-
stoppin' " punt return. He finished his 3 touchdown night with 5
receptions for 163 yards -- a mere 5 yards, gulp, yes just 5 -- from setting
his own Section 6 Ralph Wilson record that stands at 167 yards, set in
1981 and matched in '83.
Senior running back Jake Larson had a brilliant night too -- breaking an MG
school record for most rushing touchdowns in a season. The former
record of 22, set by Devin Raynor ('04) is now set at 25 by Larson. He also
broke a 37-year record for most points scored in a season, set in 1971 by
Kim Wefing at 155 points, tallied in 8 games. Larson now has 160 points in
10 games.
Collectively, the '08 Red Dragons game total of 48 points was just one
touchdown shy of breaking the record for most points scored in a Section
6 Finals Game at Ralph Wilson. The record stands at 53, set by Iroquois in
2006.
Wow! What a game Dragons!!
Dragons Will Meet Dundee Scotsmen in Far-West
Regionals
November 8, 2008
It will be another Battle of Unbeatens as the Dragons take on the Section
5 Dundee Scotsmen. The Scotsmen won the Section 5 Championship with
a 20-14 win over Avon (6-4) in a game that was tied 14-14 with 33
seconds remaining. Steven Webb of Dundee scored all three of the
Scotsmen's TDs.
The Far West Class D game is scheduled for 6 pm at the University of
Buffalo Stadium.
UPDATE:
- View stats from the Section 5 Class D Final game of Dundee vs. Avon.
- View scores from all New York Final match-ups in all classes.
- The other New York Class D West Regional Game pits Section 4's
Walton (the reigning NY State Champ) against Section 3's Dolgeville.
Both teams are unbeaten.
CHAMPIONS! MG Wins Section 6 Crown Decisively
November 8, 2008
"Everybody played amazing," remarked junior quarterback Chris Secky.
"Coach says big time players make big plays in big games, but it wasn't
even just one player. We came out in the first half and just played
awesome."
Indeed they did.
The passing, the catching, the running, the blocking, the tackling, the
coaching..........even the ball boys brought their A-game.
With a 48-13 victory over the Clymer Pirates, the Red Dragons silenced the
ghosts of Ralph Wilson that have haunted many excellent MG teams during
the last decade. On Friday night, the ever elusive 'monkey on their back'
was officially thrown off.
Together, the '08 Dragon team left a performance on the field that set a
new standard of excellence for MG at the Ralph. Secky set a Section 6
Ralph record, completing 10 for 10 passes for 266 yards and three
touchdowns. Senior wideout Joe Caporale's 164 receiving yards was a
mere four shy of tying a record set in 1981 and '83.
As the Red Dragons left the field on Friday night, a faint sound could be
heard throughout the stadium. Now maybe it was just the wind blowing
through the tunnel, but to us it sounded like those ghosts were
howling J-whooooooooooooooo?
Read full game coverage from the Post-Journal
Read Buffalo News game coverage
Fox Named Class DD Player of the Week
November 6, 2008
To stop a Randolph offense that overpowered their last six opponents
247-16, the Dragons needed a powerful defense. Junior Matt Fox stepped
up to the challenge and led the Dragon defensive charge, garnering 14
tackles in the semifinal game against Randolph, including 3 unassisted.
His aggressive play earned him recognition by Section 6 as the Top Player
of the Week in Class DD. It was his second time being recognized as Player
of the Week -- the first coming in Week 6. Fox was also named a Top
Defensive Player of the Week for his outstanding play action.
In 9 games, Fox leads the Dragon defense in tackles with 83, including 22
solo. He's had 1.5 sacks, 1 interception, 2 forced fumbles, 3 fumble
recoveries, and 2 pass deflections.
Also being recognized for outstanding play in Section 6 Week 9, was senior
wide receiver Joe Caporale -- recognized as a Connolly Cup Top Player and
one of just four Top Receivers . He was also named Post-Journal Player of
the Week. Jake Larson was recognized as a Top Scorer, with 24 points
and he was one of seven named Top Running Backs.
As a team, the Dragons remain the #1 Top Team Offense in WNY with 452
points, an amazing 50.2 point average per game. They rank #4 in Top
Team Defense yielding just 6.7 points per game.
Congratulations Dragons!
Footnote: While browsing photos of the Randolph game....... sure saw a lot
of ball carriers following the back of #53, team captain Andrew Wascher.
An unsung hero on both offense and defense, he sure had a lot of great
offensive blocks that were picked up on film. Good job Wascher!
Maple Grove vs. Clymer Game Buzz on Blogs
November 4, 2008
The Buffalo News 'Prep Talk' Blog has everybody talking about Maple
Grove. Hear what some had to say:
- "OK, most of us have a team that we "follow", but if you choose just
one of the games at the Ralph this week that doesn't involve your
team, which would it be? .................I'm actually interested in seeing
Secky and the Maple Grove show" -- posted by Milt Latimer
"If you haven't seen little school Maple Grove make sure you get a
seat Friday. Secky is fun to watch..............I would give the edge to
MG for team play, very unselfish. Clymer is a surprise team. Big fast
and well coached. They are good. Outstanding defense."
-- posted by Coach
- "I've heard very good things about Chris Secky(QB) ...From kids
who play against him!!" -- posted by Matt
- "A little stroll down Memory Lane MG v. Clymer can MG finally beat
them?" -- posted by Chaut_Co
- "Maple Grove will beat them, badly. Portville is one-dimensional (run),
making them easier to stop...M.G. can do anything they want....."
-- posted by bbalfan1
There's even a challenge..........
- "nobody gives clymer a chance. maple grove is a very good team but
they do not have the horses clymer has. everyone talks about maple
groves offense, i bet we keep them under 21 points. my prediction is
clymer 28 maple grove 14. we are way too big and athletic to be
stopped.we stymied Portville and will do it again at the ralph."
-- posted by mwigg
Read more 2008 season news
| 2008 SEASON NEWS AND HEADLINES: |
Maple Grove Football in Bemus Point, New York Excellence Is Our Tradition MGFootball.com is a fan-developed website & is not an officially endorsed site of Maple Grove High School. Content is based from a fan perspective. It's sole purpose is to celebrate the spirit and pride of the entire MG Football Family, including players, parents, alumni, students, faculty, staff, & community. |
Junior Matt Fox #52 makes one of 14 tackles he had in
the semifinal game against Randolph that earned him
Player of the Week honors in Class DD.
Photo compliments of Tim Frank Images. Visit his website to see
more.
the semifinal game against Randolph that earned him
Player of the Week honors in Class DD.
Photo compliments of Tim Frank Images. Visit his website to see
more.
Note from your webmaster:
Back in 2002, the last time MG played Clymer at the Ralph,
the scoreboard showed a split-second error that I was
lucky enough to snap with my camera.
But then again, maybe it wasn't an error at all........merely
a prediction of things to come in 2008! GO DRAGONS!!
Back in 2002, the last time MG played Clymer at the Ralph,
the scoreboard showed a split-second error that I was
lucky enough to snap with my camera.
But then again, maybe it wasn't an error at all........merely
a prediction of things to come in 2008! GO DRAGONS!!
Coach Fischer throws the monkey off his
back with a dominant 48-13 win over the
Clymer Pirates -- a team that stalled 4 of 6
attempts in the past decade by the
Dragons to capture the Section 6 Crown
at Ralph Wilson Stadium.
back with a dominant 48-13 win over the
Clymer Pirates -- a team that stalled 4 of 6
attempts in the past decade by the
Dragons to capture the Section 6 Crown
at Ralph Wilson Stadium.
| Fans react to the spectacular pass and reception duo of junior quarterback Chris Secky and senior receiver Joe Caporale at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Both were named to the Connolly Cup Honor Roll for Week 10 Top Performances. |
| Junior Andrew Wascher's outstanding performance in the "Big House" of Ralph Wilson Stadium drew applause from the WNY Trench Trophy Committee who honored him in Week 10 of high school football. |
| Senior center Antoine Aronson hikes the ball to one of WNY's best -- junior quarterback Chris Secky. Secky will take advantage of the many offensive weapons at his disposal when the Dragons take on the unbeaten Dundee Scotsmen in the NY Class D Far West Regional game tonight at University of Buffalo. Kickoff is 6 pm. |
| A glimpse of the sideline jubilation that took place following Maple Grove's 49-14 victory over the Walton Warriors in the NY State West Semifinal game. Pictured are, left to right, Lee-Anthony Bolles, Randy Aponte, Antoine Aronson, Chuck Glenn, and Tom Frazier. |
| The Maple Grove Red Dragons pose for a shot -- after the game -- and celebrate their decisive 57-12 victory over the Dundee Scotsmen. |
| Senior Josh Micek does it all -- including catching a backwards pass from junior quarterback Chris Secky, which he then lofted perfectly to senior receiver Joe Caporale who took it in for the score. Fans may have had cold feet -- but their confident Red Dragons were hot all night! |
| The MGFootball.com Team |
| Cindy Aronson Developer/ Administrator |
| Wanda Cady Photographer |
| Kim Rambacher Team Stats & Records |
| Luke Proctor MG Newspaper Creator/Editor |
| Adam Hover and Chris Secky share headlines this week. Hover was named Post-Journal Player of the Week and Secky was named one of ten overall season finalists for the Connolly Cup. |
Brandon Fain's sign says it all!
The Post Journal (Jamestown)
Buffalo News
The Press Republican (Northeastern NY)
North Country Sports Net
WNY High School Sports
Max Preps; pre-game article
Max Preps; post-game article
New York State Sportswriters Association
| JOE CAPORALE was selected to the Buffalo News' All-WNY First Team as wide receiver. |
| CHRIS SECKY was selected to the Buffalo News' All-WNY First Team as kicker. He was also a Top 10 Finalist for Player of the Year. |
| Join us on |
| Hey Dragon Fans! Shop for all your Dragon Fan Gear in our very own online store -- we'll be adding 2009 products soon -- until then browse our already awesome selection! |