By DAN ENRIGHT
denright@messengerpostmedia.com
Somewhat of a gridiron rancor has been fashioned between the Spartans from Gates Chili, and the Cadets of Hilton. In the last two seasons, the two Monroe County heavy weights have clashed four times, each squad collecting a pair of victories. The only difference is, is that the Spartans have triumphed when it has mattered most — the postseason.
Last fall, Hilton achieved a 27-26 victory, but when sectionals rolled around, Gates Chili prevailed in the Class AA semifinals, handing the Cadets their first loss of the season, a 21-14 outcome. In 2008, two seasons ago, Hilton crafted a thrilling 47-32 victory, but again, the Spartans were victorious in the playoffs, again handing the Cadets their only loss of the season, a 41-21 final in the AA semifinals.
The Division II County rivals open this new decade of high school football against each other when the Cadets march into town as visitors to the Spartans at 7 p.m. Friday night. With a 2-2 series record and an average score of 30-27, Gates favor, in that span, the 2010 season opener is sure to be equally as thrilling.
Brockport vs. Churchville Chili
With running back Dylan Brown back in the Blue Devils’ roster, that alone should be enough to give Brockport the upper-hand against Monroe County D2 opponent Churchville-Chili on the Saints’ home turf Friday night, but never count them out.
Recent history has witnessed the Blue Devils winning both of the last two meetings by a combined 69-25, but the Saints own victory rights to three-straight meetings prior, giving them a 2-3 series lead dating back to the 2006 season. Last year, Brockport won, 28-6, and 41-19 the previous year in 2008.
The game begins at 7 p.m. on Churchville Chili turf.
Spencerport vs. Irondequoit
Since a 7-0 regular season campaign that ended with a first-round sectional loss in 2001, Spencerport has not produced a winning season since. Over the last eight seasons, the Rangers are 16-52, which includes a 4-21 record over the last three seasons.
That’s all about to change this weekend, as Spencerport will be led by first-year head coach John Dowd, who comes from Oakfield-Alabama with a 50-12 career record and a pair of sectional titles — the Rangers have zero to their credit.
Spencerport will take on Monroe County D2 foe Irondequoit, who last season finished 2-6 overall, with one of their victories a 33-7 rout over the Rangers.
Kickoff is at 7 p.m. in Spencerport, so be sure to come out and support your local high school football players.
