By PHIL DUSENBURY

CHESTER - To say Pat D’Aliso has had a successful coaching career would be an understatement. He’s won 10 Section Nine titles, taken his team to four state championship games and come away with a state title. In his 27 years of head coaching, he’s won 199 games and a bushel of “Coach of the Year” awards. Now he’s willing to share his and others’ football expertise with all of Section Nine.

“People ask me why I want to give away my ‘secrets,’” he said after Monday night’s open house at Frozen Ropes. “This isn’t about giving away secrets. This is about building Section Nine football from the bottom up.”

In order to do so, D’Aliso has teamed up with Frozen Ropes director Tony Abbatine to implement the Top Gun Instructional Football Academy (TGIFA). Frozen Ropes is a sports complex and athletic training center on Elkay Drive in Chester. D’Aliso is now the Director of Football Operations there. He’ll work with his assistant director, Bernie Connolly, and a hand-picked group of successful local coaches to teach developmental football skills to players from youth football through the high school varsity levels. The first sessions are scheduled to begin on January 2^nd and 3^rd .

“People around the state are realizing that New York football is about 10 years behind everybody else, and Section Nine is behind most of the other sections in New York,” D’Aliso told an interested group of primarily youth football officials and some booster club representatives. “We’re not just interested in working with the younger kids but with all ages.”

TGIFA will start off with sessions in the Quarterback Training Camp (age groups 8-10, 11-13 and 14 & up) and in Wide Receiver Training Camp (age groups 8-13 and high school). Each session consists of six hour-long classes that run on consecutive weekend days. Eventually there will be additional sessions to introduce kids aged 5-7 to football.

Warwick head coach James Sciarra, the architect of this past season’s record-breaking Wildcat passing attack, will run the Quarterback Training Class while Mike Connolly, the M-W varsity receivers coach, will direct the Wide Receiver Training Camp. The cost for each six-week session is $95, quite a bargain for first-rate, hands-on expert instruction.

“(Frozen Ropes) gives us a great opportunity to go year-round,” Bernie Connolly, M-W’s well-known defensive coordinator, told the group. “It solves the old problems of how do we go year-round, where do we get facilities and how do we find spots in any facilities that are around.”

“Fifteen years ago when Frozen Ropes first opened, I came here as a high school student,” said Coach Sciarra. “Now it’s come full circle. Now we have the chance to work on football year-round. In our quarterback camp we’ll be able to deal with all the proper mechanics of the position in addition to passing and handing off.”

Coach D’Aliso asked for suggestions from the open house attendees and smiled when he heard requests for youth football coaching clinics and for sessions in offensive line and defensive secondary skills.

“Everybody loves to tackle but not too many kids are interested in blocking,” said one youth football coach.

Nods of agreement came from every level of coach in the room. So D’Aliso was happy to introduce his veteran line and special teams coach at M-W, Jim Hintze, who will be working with linemen in future sessions.

“We’re here in part to create good competition (among Section Nine Football),” said Hintze who was an all-star lineman for the Crusaders in the late 70’s. “The level of teaching has improved so much over the last 30 years.”

Also on hand was another very familiar face and impressive physique. M-W grad and excellent football coach Devon Hoover, now down in Scarsdale, is a certified strength and conditioning coach who will also be on the TGIFA staff. The other staffer announced was Minisink Valley head coach Kevin Gallagher who was unable to make the open house because his Warrior wrestling team had a match.

“We’re trying to develop athletes here. We’re interested in developing our kids on the psychological and social levels as well as on the physical. Character development is very important,” D’Aliso said. “In addition to football skills we’ll integrate all the athletic skills like balance, agility, flexibility, running, strength and hand-eye coordination. It’s not just about playing any more.”

Abbatine was also proud to help D’Aliso show off some of the video equipment and software that will be available for player video analysis. Additionally, D’Aliso announced that TGIFA plans to have the NFL Player Development Program make a visit, perhaps as early as June. And that program won’t cost mom and dad a penny.

Asked about having sessions in kicking, Abbatine was happy to tell the group how he had met Eric Schubert, the former Giant kicker and a resident of the Valley Central district. He also related that Schubert said he would be happy to instruct kickers at Frozen Ropes if the occasion ever arose. Well, it looks like that moment is approaching.

“I believe in this program and am sending my players to it. Our goal is to develop Section Nine Football from the bottom up. Most coaches are aware of our situation and know what has to be done to become more competitive,” D’Aliso said. “And it all begins with local youth football. It starts down with you (youth coaches). Youth football is our foundation, and we (high school coaches) need to give back to you.”

The 21^st Century has seen Section Nine Football slowly but surely follow the path that other sectional sports (wrestling being a good example) have taken. The rivalries are all still there but so is a new camaraderie amongst coaches and players and their willingness to share ideas and even to help local opponents improve. Being the best you can be entails more than just sitting atop a tiny pumpkin in a small, un-nurtured patch.

For more Top Gun Instructional Football Academy details you can go to: http://www.therocksportspark.com/home/programs/top-gun.aspx  or click on the headline of this story.

Welcome to our 7^th annual Section Nine Football Website All-Star Football Team! Please note that this compilation (following the pattern of our league all-star teams) is the only all-encompassing SNF all-star team. The Times-Herald Record and Kingston Freeman’s all stars are excellently done but are limited to their papers’ readership areas. Also note that the Section Nine Football Coaches Association (SNFCA) also votes for and publishes its prestigious annual All-Star Selections which name the participating coaches’ choices of the section’s best players. Consequently, their teams name several more skill-position players to their teams than linemen.

Our all-stars, however, are chosen by position and divided into offensive teams and defensive teams. Our selections are also based primarily on the direct contributions of individual coaches in our section. Only five did not offer nominees this year, but we did our best at including any of their players we thought worthy of recognition. We also utilized the SNFCA all-star teams and considered our own observations after a long season of covering local high school football.

Many of our all-stars played both offense and defense this year, and you saw many of them named as two-way honorees in our league all-star teams. With this year’s All-SNF Team we decided to limit players to either an offensive or defensive position so that we could include additional worthy performers. The only exception was a couple of the kickers who also starred on either offense, defense (or both). So you’ll see a couple of names twice.

We don’t take these all-star teams lightly since college recruiters have referred to them in the past. Hours and hours went into formulating them. We’re not perfect, that’s for sure; but we think we’ve done a heck of a job, all limitations considered. So let’s kick this thing off with a cop-out: No, we’re not going to choose one of our truly high school super stars over the other. Rick Stone says it’s like comparing high school versions of Tim Tebow v. Fran Tarkenton. If you haven’t done so already, you can check out their football résumés with the Class AA-l and AA-ll all-star teams.

SNF WEBSITE CO-PLAYERS OF THE YEAR -- DAN SCALO (Monroe-Woodbury Senior) and RIAN WHITE (Warwick Senior)

ALL-SECTION NINE FIRST OFFENSE

C -- Josh Skowronski (MW Senior) … G -- A.J. Borriello (Ellenville Senior), Tim Grupp (MW Senior) … T -- Cody Villman (MW Senior), Ross Vucetaj (MV Senior) … REC -- John Babin (Warwick Senior), Patrick Laird (MW Senior) … QB -- Dan Scalo (MW Senior) and Rian White (Warwick Senior) … RB -- Barry Surrett (NFA Senior), Tyree Smallwood (Cornwall Junior) … PLK -- Patrick Laird (MW Senior).

ALL-SECTION NINE FIRST DEFENSE

DE -- Ryan Staudle (Cornwall Junior), Gordie Pine (New Paltz Senior) … INT -- Pierre Salomon (MW Junior), Mikal Myers (NFA Soph) … LB -- Marcus Spearman (NFA Senior), Joe Terribile (Cornwall Senior), Joe Cappucilli (Wallkill Senior), Brandon Tompkins (Liberty Senior) … DB -- Ryan Morgan (MW Senior), Jesse Valenti (MV Senior), Dan Marggraff (Warwick Senior) … P -- Bobby Warden (Eldred Senior).

SECOND OFFENSE

C - Rocky Perry (Highland Senior) … G - Peter Behnke (Highland Senior), Nelson Saravia (Liberty Senior) … T - Shawn Stevenson (NFA Junior), Corey Tenhagen (Cornwall Senior) … REC - Zach Adler (VC Junior), Jake DeCicco (Kingston Junior) … QB - Tyler Lawlor (Cornwall Junior) … RB - Andrew Haelen (MV Senior), James Schoonmaker (Wallkill Senior), Trevor Officer (MW Junior) … PLK - Ken Kirshner (Cornwall Senior).

SECOND DEFENSE

DE - Jeff Scheels (MW Senior), Sam Brown (Warwick Senior) … INT - Marquis Camper (O’Neill Senior), Rick Carlson (Kingston Senior) … LB - Dylan Babcock (Cornwall Senior), Andrew Treschitta (Warwick Junior), John Behler (MV Senior), Mark Tesseyman (Sullivan West Senior) … DB - Scott Bolstad (Highland Senior), Bryan Henry (Eldred Senior), A.J. Latta (Pine Bush Senior), Joe Ortiz (Wallkill Junior) … P - Pat Toole (Wallkill Junior).

THIRD OFFENSE

C - Austin Haarman (NFA Senior) … G - Logan Steyer (Saugerties Senior), Joe Skrobola (Pine Bush Senior) … T - Scott Hallock (Eldred Senior), Pat Griffin (VC Junior) … REC - Patrick Doty (O’Neill Senior), Maxx Faircloth (Marlboro Senior) … QB - Aaron Kilner (O’Neill Senior) … RB - Doug Lewis (Ellenville Senior), Errol Evans (FDR Junior), Tim Crown (Port Jervis Senior) … PLK - Kyle Cazzetta (MV Junior).

THIRD DEFENSE

DL - Carmelo Perez (Middletown Junior), Brandon Colon (MV Senior), Kit Weiner (VC Junior), Nate Davis (NFA Junior) … LB - Mike McGrath (Kingston Senior), Matt Hefter (MW Junior), Andrew Platt (Ellenville Senior), Mitch McKearn (O’Neill Senior) … DB - Joe Maillet (Port Jervis Senior), Austin Erlwein (Sullivan West Senior), Jeff Matcham (Highland Senior) … P - John Stephens (Goshen Senior).

FOURTH OFFENSE

OL - Max Bauer (Cornwall Junior), Zak Tyler (Eldred Senior), Nick Clark (Warwick Senior), Ryan Nicholas (Minisink Valley Senior), Connor Bubigkeit (Port Jervis Senior), Mike Schmidt (Sullivan West Senior) … REC - Mark Letus (Spackenkill Senior), Sam Careccia (Warwick Senior), Chad Hecht (Wallkill Senior), John Boccio (Goshen Senior) … QB - Shane McNamara (VC Senior) … APB - Fred Locklary (NFA Senior) … RB - Church Pfeil (O’Neill Senior), Ian Halloran (Eldred Senior), Travis Mann (Chester Junior) … PLK - Bobby Warden (Eldred Senior).

FOURTH DEFENSE

DL - Chris Vealey (Warwick Senior), Andrew Smith (Port Jervis Junior), Stephen Willis (Burke Junior), Adam Howard (Wallkill Junior), Joe Zymiarch (Saugerties Senior) … LB - John Stephens (Goshen Senior), Peter DiMilia (Tri-Valley Junior), Mike Ross (Red Hook Senior), Mark Scott (FDR Junior) … DB - Colin Kelly (Cornwall Senior), Michael McLean (Liberty Senior), Rashard Wroten (Cornwall Soph) ... P - Chris Van Dunk (Port Jervis Senior).

ASSORTED STATISTICS:

1,000-yard Rushers: (1) Dan Scalo: 194 x 1,564 (8.1) x 20 TD; (2) Tyree Smallwood: 174 x 1,549 (8.9) x 21; (3) Ian Halloran: 160 x 1,323 (8.3) x 20; (4) Travis Mann: 148 x 1,211 (8.2) x 10; (5) Doug Lewis: 176 x 1,179 (6.7) x 13; (6) James Schoonmaker: 167 x 1,121 (6.7) x 12; (7) Barry Surrett: 123 x 1,103 (9.0) x 18.

1,000-yard Passers: (1) Rian White: 160 x 255 x 2,382 x 31 TD x 6 int; (2) Aaron Kilner: 101 x 224 x 1,853 x 13 x 13; (3) Shane McNamara: 78 x 156 x 1,284 x 12 x 3; (4) Tyler Lawlor: 86 x 159 x 1,238 x 11 x 12; (5) Dan Scalo: 52 x 102 x 1,143 x 13 x 2; (6) Vinny Porcelli: 89 x 185 x 1,048 x 9 x 12.

Top 5 Quarterback Ratings (QBR): (1) Rian White - 123.1; (2) Dan Scalo - 118.6; (3) Bryan Henry - 114.1; (4) Matt Relyea - 109.0; (5) Shane McNamara - 95.7.

1,000-yard Receiver: John Babin (Warwick): 1,211.

Most Pass Receptions: (1) John Babin - 80; (2) Zach Adler - 39; (3) John Boccio - 38; (4) Sam Careccia - 36; (4) Maxx Faircloth - 36; (6) Patrick Doty - 33; (7) Patrick Laird - 31; (7) Mitch McClearn - 31; (9) Mark Letus - 28; (9) Jake DeCicco - 28.

Most Average Yards per Reception: (1) Patrick Doty - 26.3; (2) Patrick Laird - 25.4; (3) Jake DeCicco - 20.5; (4) Zach Adler - 20.2; (5) Mark Letus - 17.9.

Most TD Pass Receptions: (1) John Babin - 19; (2) Patrick Laird - 10; (2) Jake DeCicco -10.

Most Points Scored: (1) Tyree Smallwood - 164; (2) Patrick Laird - 127; (3) Dan Scalo; (3) Ian Halloran - 120; (5) John Babin - 118; (6) Barry Surrett - 114; (7) Trevor Officer - 108; (8) Rian White - 92; (8) Doug Lewis - 92; (10) Ryan Alsdorf - 86; (11) Bryan Henry - 84; (12) James Schoonmaker - 74. 

Most Total Touchdowns Scored: Tyree Smallwood - 27.

Most PAT Kicks Made: (1) Patrick Laird - 64; (2) Ken Kirshner - 40; (2) Bobby Warden - 40; (4) Michael Grace - 28; (5) Pat Toole - 23; (6) Kyle Cazzetta - 19; (6) Art Norden - 19.

Most Field Goals Kicked: (1) Ken Kirshner - 5; (2) Kyle Cazzetta - 4; (2) John Stephens - 4; Seven tied with 2.

Most Tackles Per Game (Average): (1) Brandon Tompkins - 13.4; (2) Mark Scott - 12.44; (3) Tom Terribile - 12.36.

Most Sacks: Kit Weiner and Carmelo Perez - 9.

Most Interceptions: Bryan Henry - 10.

CLASS AA-l FIRST OFFENSE

C -- Josh Skowronski (Monroe-Woodbury Jr) … G -- Tim Grupp (Monroe-Woodbury Sr), Joe Skrobola (Pine Bush Sr) … T -- Cody Villman (Monroe-Woodbury Sr), Shawn Stevenson (NFA Jr) … WR-- Patrick Laird (Monroe-Woodbury Sr), Jake DeCicco (Kingston Soph) … QB -- Dan Scalo (Monroe-Woodbury Sr) … RB -- Barry Surrett (NFA Sr), Trevor Officer (Monroe-Woodbury Jr) … APB - Fred Locklary (NFA Sr) … K -- Patrick Laird (Monroe-Woodbury Sr).

CLASS AA-l FIRST DEFENSE

DE -- Jeff Scheels (M-W Sr), Carmelo Perez (Mid Jr) … INT -- Pierre Salomon (MW Jr), Mikal Myers (NFA Soph), Ricky Carlson (King Sr) … LB -- Marcus Spearman (NFA Sr), Mike McGrath (King Sr), Tyrell George (NFA Sr) … DB -- Ryan Morgan (MW Sr), A.J. Latta (PB Sr), Jared McFarlin (MW Sr).

CLASS AA-l SECOND OFFENSE

C -- Austin Haarmann (NFA Sr) … G -- Andrew Dollbaum (MW Sr), Dave Baloy (King Sr) … T -- Mikal Myers (NFA Soph), Carmelo Perez (Mid Jr) … TE -- Kareem Edwards (MW Sr), Eric Bryant (Mid Sr) … WR-- Nashwan Hoffman (King Sr) … QB -- Jimmy DeCicco (King Jr) … RB -- A.J. Latta (PB Sr), Darin Brown (Mid Jr) … K -- Mike Demschick (NFA Soph).

CLASS AA-l SECOND DEFENSE

DE -- Ben Mahaffey (NFA Sr), Khalid Myles (NFA Sr) … INT -- Nate Davis (NFA Jr), Ken Maryan (King Sr), Jordan Bari (MW Sr) … LB -- Matt Hefter (M-W Jr), Will Buk (NFA Sr), Johnny Gorton (King Sr), Joe Skrobola (PB Sr) … DB -- Carlos Guzman (PB Sr), Oscar Spooner (NFA Sr).

LINEMAN OF THE YEAR: JOSH SKOWRONSKI (Monroe-Woodbury Junior) -- It seems like Skowronski has been terrorizing opponents forever; yet he’s only a junior. As a freshman playing varsity in 2007, he made a major impact when he recovered a New Rochelle fumble that set up the winning touchdown drive in MW’s state semi final win. Last year as a sophomore he started on both sides of the ball and earned SNF All-Star recognition as both an offensive guard and a linebacker. This year as a 5-11, 260-pound junior he was moved to center to anchor a line that opened the holes for Dan Scalo and Trevor Officer. He’s already played in two state championship games. Next year he will get a shot at his third.

BACK OF THE YEAR: DAN SCALO (Monroe-Woodbury Senior) -- Scalo has been an SNF Class AA Back of the Year three times now; he’s twice (and counting) been the SNF Player of the Year. As a sophomore he was the third team Class AA All-State Quarterback; last year he was the second team All-State QB. This year’s he should be a shoo-in for a trifecta, especially after having just been named the Gatorade New York Football Player of the Year. This season he led the section in rushing with 1,569 yards on 194 carries (8.1 ypc). He also threw for 1,143 passing yards. In rushing he crossed the goal line 20 times and in passing he chalked up 13 more TD. Pressed into defensive duty when DB Jared McFarlin left the sectional title game via an injury, Scalo (6’3, 208) even won the game’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player Award.

A look at the SNF Record Book will show him as #5 in all-time career rushing yardage (5,267), #9 in most rushing yards in a season (1,811), #4 in the most career passing yards (3,467) and #5 in the most career rushing touchdowns (69). A four-year varsity performer, the kid can play - and win! With him at QB for three seasons, his team had a 33-3 record. His great career was launched in his first start when he ran through and passed over Section One power North Rockland down in Thiells to open the 2007 season. He went to the Dome twice and was the marquee player of three championship teams.

CLASS AA DIVISION l SEASONAL LEADERS: Scoring: 1. Patrick Laird (MW) 127 points; 2. Dan Scalo (MW) 120; 3. Barry Surrett (NFA) 114 … Rushing Yardage: 1. Dan Scalo (MW) 1,569; 2. Barry Surrett (NFA) 1,103; 3. Darin Brown (Mid) 758 … Rushing TD: 1. Dan Scalo (MW) 20; 2. Barry Surrett (NFA) 18; 3. Trevor Officer (MW) 17… Passing Yardage: 1. Dan Scalo (MW) 1,143; 2. Jimmy DeCicco (King) 855; 3. Vince Mortellaro (Mid) 807… QBR: 1. Dan Scalo (MW) 118.6; 2. Jimmy DeCicco (King) 67.6; 3. Vince Mortellaro (Mid) 66.3 … Most TD Passes: 1. Dan Scalo (MW) 13; 2. Jimmy DeCicco (King) 8; 3. Vince Mortellaro (Mid) 6 … Receiving Yardage: 1. Patrick Laird (MW) 786; 2. Jake DeCicco (King) 575; 3. Eric Bryant (Mid) 332 … Most Receptions: 1. Patrick Laird (MW) 32 (24.6 ypc); 2. Jake DeCicco (King) 28 (20.5); 3. Nashwan Hoffman (King) 24 (13.7) … Most TD receptions: 1. (tie) Patrick Laird (MW) and Jake DeCicco (King) 10; 3. Eric Bryant (Mid) 4.

CLASS AA -ll FIRST OFFENSE

OL -- Ross Vucetaj (Minisink Valley Sr), Kyle Barrett (Warwick Jr), Pat Griffin (Valley Central Jr), Ryan Nicholas (Minisink Valley Sr), Nick Clark (Warwick Sr) … REC -- John Babin (Warwick Sr), Zach Adler (Valley Central Jr) … QB -- Rian White (Warwick Sr) … RB -- John Halelen (Minisink Valley Sr), Errol Evans (FDR Jr), Nick Osenni (Valley Central Sr) … K/P -- Kyle Cazzetta (Minisink Valley Jr).

CLASS AA-ll FIRST DEFENSE

DL -- Sam Brown (Warwick Sr), Kit Weiner (Valley Central Jr), Brandon Colon (Minisink Valley Sr), Chris Vealey (Warwick Sr) … LB -- Andrew Treschitta (Warwick Jr), John Behler (Minisink Valley Sr), Mark Scott (FDR Jr), Ryan Eich (Washingtonville Jr) … DB -- Jesse Valenti (Minisink Valley Sr), Dan Marggraff (Warwick Sr), Errol Evans (FDR Jr).

CLASS AA-ll SECOND OFFENSE

OL -- Joe Dean (VC Sr), Brody Moller (FDR Sr), Taylor Lake (MV Jr) … REC -- Jesse Valenti (MV Sr), Sam Careccia (War Sr), Nick Race (War Jr) … QB -- Shane McNamara (VC Sr), Kevin Freeman (MV Sr) … RB -- Jesse Testa (War Sr), Nick Barillaro (Wash Jr), Ryan Toledo (VC Jr) … K/P -- Michael Grace (War Sr).

CLASS AA-ll SECOND DEFENSE

DE -- Eric Holden (FDR Jr), Jake Scheafe (Wash Jr) … INT -- Noah Lake (MV Soph) … LB -- John Brain (MV Soph), Dairus Simpson (VC Sr), John Haelen (MV Sr), Steve Hayes (MV Sr), Jared Komorowski (War Sr) … DB -- Vinny Mauro (MV Sr), Shane Marchini (War Sr), Bryan Geter (FDR Jr).

LINEMAN OF THE YEAR: JOHN BABIN (Warwick Senior) -- Babin, a 6-2, 210 wide receiver, didn’t play in the trenches.  Since he was usually up on the line of scrimmage for the Wildcats, however, we’ll consider him a lineman because this guy deserves all the recognition he can get. His quarterback and buddy, Rian White, is the obvious Back of the Year; so we’ll stretch our lineman parameters. In case you’ve been away from SNF for, say, four months or more, Babin just trashed the pass receiving portion of our SNF Record Book. You can check that out for yourself. So let’s look at the state record book. In career passes caught he is #5 with 138 grabs in just two seasons. In career receiving yards he is #6 with 2,040. In season receptions he is tied at #3 with the 80 catches he made this year. In season TD receptions he is #3 with the 19 he caught this year. Finally, in season yards gained receiving, he is #4 with this year’s 1,211.  Babin can go get 'em.

BACK OF THE YEAR: RIAN WHITE (Warwick Senior) -- The 5-10, 170-pound White also left his mark in the SNF Record Book. Since we’ve spent plenty of space documenting his records there, you can review them for yourself. So let’s instead look at the state record book. In season yards passing, White threw for 2,382 this year which places him at #12 in that category. It’s not a record but his 800 rushing yards this season gave him a total offense of 3,182 for 2009. His coach, James Sciarra, gets right to the point:

“Rian should be the player of the year. He is without a doubt the most valuable player in the section.”

The Section Nine Football Coaches Association took the smart approach and named White and Monroe-Woodbury's Dan Scalo as Class AA Co-Backs of the year. But when it comes to “valuable,” just where would Warwick have been without White? Sure, he had a tremendous receiving corps with Super-Babin, Sam Careccia and Nick Race; but White’s great mobility, elusiveness and rushing threat (he scored 15 TD) usually gave those receivers a little extra time to get open. And White’s 63% completion record proved that he could get the ball to them. His 31 TD passes this past season set a new sectional record and placed him at #7 in the state record book in that category. His astronomical Quarterback Rating of 123.1 is tops in the section. Being intercepted only six times in 255 attempts helps.

CLASS A DIVISION ll SEASONAL LEADERS: Scoring: 1. John Babin (War) 118 points; 2. Rian White (War) 92; 3. Andrew Haelen (MV) 60 … Rushing Yardage: 1. Errol Evans (FDR) 810 (4.7 ypc); 2. Rian White (War) 800 (7.6); 3. Andrew Haelen (MV) 762 (6.9) … Rushing TD: 1. Rian White (War) 15; 2. . Andrew Haelen (MV) 11; 3. Errol Evans (FDR) … Passing Yardage: 1. Rian White (War) 2,382; 2. Shane McNamara (VC) 1,284; 3. Kevin Freeman (MV) 743 … QBR: 1. Rian White (War) 123.1; 2. Shane McNamara (VC) 95.7; 3. Kevin Freeman (MV) 92.4 … Most TD Passes: 1. Rian White (War) 31; Shane McNamara (VC) 12; 3. Kevin Freeman (MV) 6 … Receiving Yardage: 1. John Babin (War) 1,211; 2. Zach Adler (VC) 788; 3. Sam Careccia (War) 477 … Most Receptions: 1. John Babin (War) 80 (15.1 ypc); 2. Zach Adler (VC) 39 (20.2); 3. Sam Careccia (War) 36 ((13.3) … Most TD receptions: 1. John Babin (War) 19; 2. Zach Adler (VC) 8; 3. Sam Careccia (War) 6.

CLASS A FIRST TEAM OFFENSE

OL -- Max Bauer (Cornwall Jr), Jeff Snyder (Wallkill Sr), Ryan Staudle (Cornwall Jr), Corey Tenhagen (Cornwall Sr), Connor Bubigkeit (Port Jervis Sr) … WR -- Chad Hecht (Wallkill Sr), Colin Kelly (Cornwall Sr) … QB -- Tyler Lawlor (Cornwall Jr) … RB -- Tyree Smallwood (Cornwall Jr), James Schoonmaker (Wallkill Sr), Tim Crown (Port Jervis Sr) … P/K --- Kenny Kirshner (Cornwall Sr).

CLASS A FIRST TEAM DEFENSE

DE -- Ryan Staudle (Cornwall Jr), Andrew Smith (Port Jervis Jr) … DL -- Adam Howard (Wallkill Jr), Joe Zymiarch (Saugerties Sr) … LB -- Joe Cappuccilli (Wallkill Sr), Joe Terribile (Cornwall Sr), Logan Steyer (Saugerties Sr), Dylan Babcock (Cornwall Sr) … DB -- Joe Ortiz (Wallkill Jr), Joe Maillet (Port Jervis Sr), Colin Kelly (Cornwall Sr).

CLASS A SECOND TEAM OFFENSE

OL -- Logan Steyer (Saugerties Sr), Rob Adams (Cornwall Jr), Zach Horton (Saugerties Sr), Joe Sullivan (Goshen Sr) … TE -- Andrew Smith (Port Jervis Jr) … WR -- Joe White (Cornwall Jr), Jon Hindes (Saugerties Jr), QB -- Andrew Harcher (Wallkill Sr) … RB -- John Stephens (Goshen Sr), Willie Valk (Saugerties Sr), Dom Calvanico (Wallkill Jr) … K/P -- Pat Toole (Wallkill Jr).

CLASS A SECOND TEAM DEFENSE

DL -- Frank DeNome (Cornwall Soph), Ken Conklin (Port Jervis Sr), Nick Logerfo (Cornwall Jr) ... LB -- Bryan Devos (Wallkill Jr), Chris Van Dunk (Port Jervis Sr), John Stephens (Goshen Sr), Mike Riozzi (Saugerties Sr) … DB -- Justin Van Wygerden (Cornwall Sr), Rashard Wroten (Cornwall Soph), Steven Moyer (Wallkill Soph), James Gragnano (Cornwall Jr).

OFFENSE HONORABLE MENTION: TE -- John Boccio (Goshen Sr); WR -- Joe Maillet (Port Jervis Sr); QB -- Chris Stawski (Port Jervis Sr); Tim Poll (Saugerties Sr); RB -- Mike Riozzi (Saugerties Sr); APB -- Steven Moyer (Wallkill Soph); K/P -- John Stephens (Goshen Sr).

DEFENSE HONORABLE MENTION: DL -- Cesar Palma (Goshen Sr); LB-- Jeff Snyder (Wallkill Sr); DB -- Nick Malcuit (Wallkill Sr), Chris Doss (Port Jervis Jr).

LINEMAN OF THE YEAR: RYAN STAUDLE (Cornwall Jr) - Staudle got promoted to the varsity last year as a sophomore. This season he really hit his stride. As an offensive tackle he opened the holes for the section’s second leading rusher (Tyree Smallwood) and for his quarterback, Tyler Lawlor, who also had a banner year. On defense he played end where he was in on 59 tackles and registered three sacks.

BACK OF THE YEAR: TYREE SMALLWOOD (Cornwall Jr) - The fact that so many of Marcus Hughes’ sectional champion Green Dragons were juniors this year does not give comfort to the rest of Class A. Smallwood, a 6-foot, 190-pound flyer, burst onto the scene in week four when he rushed for 226 yards and scored 5 touchdowns at Newburgh. From there Cornwall ran off six straight wins, including a big victory over favored Yonkers Roosevelt in the state regional. Smallwood rushed for 205 yards and 3 touchdowns in that one. As a receiver this season, he also caught 14 passes for 233 yards and three touchdowns. The rest of his key stats are below.

CLASS A SEASONAL LEADERS: Scoring: 1. Tyree Smallwood (Cornwall) 164 points; 2. James Schoonmaker (Wallkill) 74; 3. Tim Crown (Port Jervis) 66 … Rushing Yardage: 1. Tyree Smallwood (Cornwall) 1,549 (8.9 ypc); 2. James Schoonmaker (Wallkill) 1,121 (6.7); 3. Tyler Lawlor (Cornwall) 811 (6.0) … Rushing TD: 1. Tyree Smallwood (Cornwall) 21; 2. James Schoonmaker (Wallkill) 12; 3. Tyler Lawlor (Cornwall) 10 … Passing Yardage: 1. Tyler Lawlor (Cornwall) 1,238; 2. Andrew Harcher (Wallkill) 938; 3. Tim Poll (Saugerties) 688 … QBR: Tyler Lawlor (Cornwall) 71.2; 2. Andrew Harcher (Wallkill) 77.5; 3. Tim Poll (Saugerties) 66.6 … Most TD Passes: 1. Tyler Lawlor (Cornwall) 11; 2. Andrew Harcher (Wallkill) 10; 3. Chris Stawski (Port Jervis) 8 … Receiving Yardage: 1. Chad Hecht (Wallkill) 363; 2. Joe White (Cornwall) 324; 3. (tie) Colin Kelly (Cornwall) & Jon Hindes (Saugerties) 293 … Most Receptions: 1. Chad Hecht (Wallkill) 22 (16.5 ypc); 2. Joe White (Cornwall) 19 (17.1); 3. Jon Hindes (Saugerties) 17 (17.2) … Most TD Receptions: 1. Chad Hecht (Wallkill) 6; 2. Tyree Smallwood (Cornwall) 4; 3. (tie) Joe White (Cornwall) & Colin Kelly (Cornwall) 3.

CLASS B FIRST OFFENSE

C -- Rocky Perry (Highland Sr) … G -- Peter Behnke (Highland Sr), Marquis Camper (O’Neill Sr) … T -- Ryan Birchall (Highland Sr), Gordie Pine (New Paltz Sr) … WR -- Patrick Doty (O’Neill Sr), Maxx Faircloth (Marlboro Sr) … QB -- Aaron Kilner (O’Neill Sr) … RB -- Church Pfeil (O’Neill Sr), Kairi Alston (Highland Sr) … FB -- Logan Peterson (New Paltz Sr) … K/P -- Scott Bolstad (Highland Sr)

CLASS B FIRST DEFENSE

DE -- Rocky Perry (Highland Sr), Gordie Pine (New Paltz Sr) … DT -- Marquis Camper (O’Neill Sr), Stephen Willis (Burke Jr) … LB -- Mitch McKearn (O’Neill Sr), Josh Duggan (Highland Sr), Mike Ross (Red Hook Sr), Tom Covino (New Platz Jr) ... DB -- Jeff Matcham (Highland Sr), Scott Bolstad (Highland Sr), Patrick Doty (O’Neill Sr).

CLASS B SECOND OFFENSE

C -- Max Ross (Red Hook Sr) … G-- Kyle Roberts (New Paltz Jr), Ethan Pcolar (Highland Sr) … T -- R.J. Shrieve (O’Neill Sr), Chris Pflaum (Highland Sr) … TE -- Mitch McKearn (O’Neill Sr), Chris Gemmel (Highland Sr) … WR -- Pat Meyer (Red Hook Sr) … QB -- Matt Relyea (Highland Sr) … RB -- Darryle Griffin (O’Neill Sr), Tim Pezzullo (Burke Sr).

CLASS B SECOND DEFENSE

DL -- Peter Behnke (Highland Sr), Chris Outing (O’Neill Sr), Chris Gemmel (Highland Sr) … LB -- Church Pfeil (O’Neill), Cody Weaver (Highland Sr), Alex Garcia (O’Neill Sr), Dylan Ose (Highland Jr), Ben Cary (Marlboro Jr) … DB -- Greg Search (Red Hook Sr), Wiggy Torres (O’Neill Jr), Mike Forte (Highland Jr).

OFFENSE HONORABLE MENTION: OL -- Kevin Postiglione (Burke Jr), Brian Conaty (Burke Sr); WR -- Frank Wedding (Marlboro Sr); QB -- Vinnie Porcelli (Marlboro Jr); RB -- Josh Duggan (Highland Sr), Mike Ross (Red Hook Sr), QB/RB -- Dan Shannon (Burke Jr) … APB -- Mike Forte (Highland Jr).

DEFENSE HONORABLE MENTION: DL -- R.J. Shrieve (O’Neill Sr), Brian Conaty (Burke Sr); LB -- Mark McNeilly (Burke Jr), Ivan Carlson (Red Hook Sr), Brian Hollway (Highland, Sr), Tyler Barringer (Onteora, Soph); DB -- Pat Meyer (Red Hook Sr), Jamaal Clark (New Paltz Sr).

CO-LINEMEN OF THE YEAR: ROCKY PERRY (Highland Sr) & GORDIE PINE (New Paltz Sr) -- Rocky Perry was a two-way terror for the Huskies. A center on offense, he was the hub of a solid line that kept opening holes while the Highland backfield suffered injury after injury. As an end on defense, the 5-10, 240-pound hitman was as tough as his moniker suggests. Perry was one of the pillars of a defense that allowed only 73 points in its nine regular season games and had gone 22 consecutive quarters without allowing a score. He registered 55 tackles, five sacks and recovered a fumble for coach Carl Relyea‘s team. … Gordie Pine (6-1, 210) was a three-year starter for New Paltz who will be sorely missed by coach Tom Tegeler. Pine’s experience made him one of the smartest ballplayers in the section. Also a defensive end, he always had to be accounted for by opponents whether the play was headed at his flank or away from him. As a tackle on offense, he opened the holes for his running backs and served as an excellent shield for his quarterbacks. In addition, he was a fine punter, an occasional placekicker and a good kickoff guy. Pine was always on the field.

BACK OF THE YEAR: AARON KILNER (O’Neill Sr) -- Class B champ O’Neill took a few weeks to get itself going en route to its championship game upset victory over Highland. During his team’s slow 1-3 start, Kilner remained the calming on-field force for coach Tim Hendershot. Under Kilner’s leadership, the Raiders went on a 6-0 tear that saw them eventually defeat New Paltz and Highland, two teams that had beaten them earlier in the regular season, in the playoffs. The 6-1, 185-pound, four-year starter finished his tenure as the number two all-time sectional leader in career passing yards with 4,491. This year his passing accuracy occasionally showed the effects from a season-ending injury he suffered last year. His ‘09 passing stat line reads 101 x 224 x 1,853 yards with 13 TD and 13 int. His experience, leadership and character won’t easily be replaced.

CLASS B SEASONAL LEADERS: Scoring: 1. Kairi Alston (Highland) 42 points; 2. (tie) Church Pfeil (O’Neill) & Brian Bolstad (Highland) 36 … Rushing Yardage: 1. Church Pfeil (O’Neill) 782 (5.4 ypc); 2. Kairi Alston (Highland) 597 (6.8); 3. Darryle Griffin (O’Neill) 576 (6.8) … Rushing TD: 1. (tie) Church Pfeil (O'Neill) & Josh Duggan (Highland) 7; 3. Kairi Alston (Highland) 6 ... Passing Yardage: 1. Aaron Kilner (O’Neill) 1,853; 2. Vinnie Porcelli (Marlboro) 1,048; 3. Matt Relyea (Highland) 706 … QBR: 1. Matt Relyea (Highland) 109.0; 2. Dan Shannon (Burke) 71.4; 3. Aaron Kilner (O’Neill) 69.3 … Most TD Passes: 1. Aaron Kilner (O’Neill) 13; 2. Matt Relyea (Highland) 10; 3. Vinnie Porcelli (Marlboro) 9 … Receiving Yardage: 1. Pat Doty (O’Neill) 868 yards; 2. Maxx Faircloth (Marlboro) 460; 3. Mitch McKearn (O’Neill) 375 … Most Receptions: 1. Maxx Faircloth (Marlboro) 36 (12.8 ypc); 2. Pat Doty (O’Neill) 33 (26.3); 3. Mitch McKearn (O’Neill) 31 (12.1) … Most TD Receptions: 1. Pat Doty (O’Neill) 8; 2. Maxx Faircloth (Marlboro) 5; 3. Jeff Matcham (Highland) 4.

Here is the first of our 2009 all-star teams. We have once again combined classes C and D because there are only three teams in Class D. The input for all of our all-star teams comes primarily from the coaches of Section Nine, and we thank them for it. Of course we’ve seen a lot of football ourselves. The SNF Website compiled the nominations and data to place the players onto the various teams. We’ve had to alter a few positions to accommodate deserving players, but we did it in accordance to their skill flexibility (for example, the ability to play both linebacker and defensive back).

First Team Offense

Center -- Zak Tyler (Eldred Sr) … Guards -- A.J. Borriello (Ellenville Sr) and Nelson Saravia (Liberty Sr) … Tackles -- Scott Hallock (Eldred Sr) and Mike Schmidt (SW Sr) … TE -- Matt Balcohm (Eldred Jr) … WR -- Mark Letus (Spackenkill Sr) and Michael McLean (Liberty Sr) … QB -- Bryan Henry (Eldred Sr) … RB -- Ian Halloran (Eldred Sr) and Travis Mann (Chester Jr) … APB -- Austin Erlwein (SW Sr) … K/P -- Bobby Warden (Eldred Sr).

First Team Defense

DL -- A.J. Borriello (Ellenville Sr), Victor Cruz (Chester Jr), Nelson Saravia (Liberty Sr) and Scott Hallock (Eldred Sr) … LB -- Brandon Tompkins (Liberty Sr), Mark Tesseyman (SW Sr), Andrew Platt (Ellenville Sr), Amiel Maerling (Ellenville Sr) … DB -- Bryan Henry (Eldred Sr), Michael McLean (Liberty Sr), Doug Lewis (Ellenville Sr).

Second Team Offense

OL -- Mark Tesseyman (SW Sr), Kyle Stiscia (Millbrook Jr), Paul Heister (Liberty Sr), Josh Rose (Millbrook Jr) and Luis Quiles (Chester Sr) … TE -- Victor Cruz (Chester) … WR -- Art Norden (SW Sr) … QB -- Matt Balzano (Chester Sr) … RB -- Doug Lewis (Ellenville Sr), Peter Keenan (Millbrook Jr) … APB - Troy Correa (LMR, soph) … K -- Aiden Little (Millbrook Jr).

Second Team Defense

DL -- Corey Bileu (Millbrook Sr), Kris Merklin (Liberty Sr), Mike Schmidt (SW Sr) and Zak Tyler (Eldred Sr) … LB -- Peter DiMilia (Tr-Valley Jr), Geno Jones (Eldred Jr), Dylan Kulik (Eldred Jr), Nick Kustas (Spackenkill Sr) … DB -- Matt Balzano (Chester Sr), Jose Aldarondo (Ellenville Jr), Austin Erlwein (SW Sr).

Offense Honorable Mention: OL - Niko Wong (Chester Sr), Travis Hay (Eldred Sr); WR - Charlie Wolff (Eldred Jr), Adam Hendrix (LMR Jr); TE -- Brandon Smith (LMR soph); APB - Manolatii Rabii (SW Sr), Jose Aldarondo (Ellenville Jr), Jovaughen Clark (Liberty Jr); QB - Robert Borriello (Ellenville Soph), Ryan Alsdorf (SW Jr), Peter Dimilia (Tri-Valley Jr), Nick Contelmo (Spackenkill Sr), Marshon Williams (Liberty Soph); RB - Andrew Platt (Ellenville Sr), Chris Murphy (SW Sr), David Hollingsworth (Millbrook, Sr), Matt Bogorad (Tri-Valley Sr), Chris Van Buskirk (Pine Plains, Sr); K - Art Norden (SW, Sr), Jose Ignacio Rios (Tri-Valley Sr).

Defense Honorable Mention: DL - C.J. Pinnock (Millbrook Sr), Eric Leewe (SW Jr), Luis Quiles (Chester Jr), Ross Bonnell (Tri-Valley Sr), Don Corso (Ellenville Sr); LB - Steven Vitale (Millbrook, Jr), Matt Bogorad (Tri-Valley Sr), Sean Benison (Chester Jr), Will Parker (LMR Jr); DB - Ryan Alsdorf (SW, junior), Brennin Haugen (Ellenville Jr), Michael McGriff (Ellenville Jr).

LINEMAN OF THE YEAR: A.J. BORRIELLO (ELLENVILLE SENIOR)

A NYSSWA Class C all-state lineman last year, Borriello (6-2, 280) was double & triple teamed all season long as opponents generally attempted to avoid his getting ahold of the guy with the ball. Still he chalked up 61 tackles, 10 solo, and 8 sacks for the Blue Devils who won their second straight Section Nine Class C title. With Borriello engaging so many players on each play, the guys behind him (Andrew Platt, Amiel Maerling, Doug Lewis and Jose Aldarondo) had a field day in chalking up big tackle totals. Meanwhile Borriello also anchored the offensive line. His backs loved running behind him. When it came to sweeps, he proved to be an excellent pulling guard. Borriello is the son of Blue Devil head coach Tony Borriello.

BACK OF THE YEAR: BRYAN HENRY (ELDRED SENIOR)

While choosing the lineman of the year was relatively easy despite some heavy competition, selecting a back of the year took a little more study. In the small schools we needed to see the total picture, and Henry’s excellent two-way performance gave him the edge over excellent candidates like teammate Ian Halloran, Ellenville’s Lewis and Chester’s Matt Balzano, etc. In passing the ball, Henry did a great job of keeping the ball out of the defenders’ hands. His tossing stat line reads: 48 completions in 87 attempts for 1,019 yards, 7 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions. That‘s a Quarterback Rating of 114.1! On the ground he rushed 101 times for 601 yards and 13 TD. Then as a defensive back, he was credited with being in on 72 tackles while making a section-leading 10 interceptions. With Eldred having won the Hudson Valley Regional title and going to the state semi’s, coach Frank Kean retired in style.

CLASS C-D SEASONAL LEADERS, courtesy of the hard work done by Varsity 845‘s Kevin Witt. Scoring Leaders: 1. Ian Halloran (Eldred) - 120 points, 2. Doug Lewis (Ellenville) - 92, 3. Ryan Alsdorf (Sullivan West) - 86 ... Leading Rushers (Yardage): 1. Ian Halloran (Eldred) 1,323 yards (8.3 ypc), 2. Travis Mann (Chester) 1,211 (8.2 ypc), 3. Doug Lewis (Ellenville) 1,179 (6.7 ypc) ... Rushing TD: 1. Ian Halloran (Eldred) 20; 2. Doug Lewis (Ellenville) 13; 3. Ryan Alsdorf (Sullivan West) 12 ... Passing Yardage: 1. Bryan Henry (Eldred) 1,019, 2. Matt Balzano (Chester) 854, 3. Nick Contelmo (Spackenkill) 731 … QBR: 1. Bryan Henry (Eldred) 114.1, 2. Matt Balzano (Chester) 99.2, 3. Robert Borriello (Ellenville Soph) 83.8 … Most TD Passes: Matt Balzano (Chester) 16; 2. (tie) Bryan Henry (Eldred) & Nick Contelmo (Spackenkill) 7 ... Receiving Yardage: 1. Mark Letus (Spackenkill) 502 yards, 2. Charlie Wolff (Eldred) 352, 3. Jose Aldorando (Ellenville) 322 ... Most Receptions: 1. Mark Letus (Spackenkill) 28 (17.9 ypc), 2. Victor Cruz (Chester) 20 (15.6 ypc), 3. Austin Erlwein (SW) 19 (11.8 ypc) ... Most TD Receptions: 1. Mark Letus (Spackenkill) 7; 2. Ryan Crowe (Chester) 6; 3. (tie) Victor Cruz (Chester) & Joe Gleeson (Chester) 5.