NEW YORK STATE FOOTBALL: TIOGA'S SENIORS DRIVING FORCE BEHIND QUEST FOR STATE THREE-PEAT (2023-11-30)

By TIM BIRNEY
Valley Sports Report
TIOGA CENTER — Tioga is on the cusp of its third straight Class D state title, and head coach Nick Aiello says the seniors have been the driving force behind each of the first two championships.

The senior group of Caden Bellis, Ousmane Duncanson, Drew Macumber, Evan Sickler, Valentino Rossi, Gianni Silvestri, Karson Sindoni, Gavin Fisher, Levi Bellis, Cam Rought, Hunter Fethers, Josh Benjamin-Doyle, and Ben Leary have led the Tigers to 39 straight wins, three Section IV titles, and two state titles.

"This group of seniors, they’ve been the norm for three years," said Aiello.

"The effort they’ve given, and not just to me, but to the team, and the football program has changed us in so many ways. They should be commended for that.

"They’ve been unbelievable to coach, and their attitudes are outstanding," noted Aiello. "They carry themselves as champions, they play with sportsmanship, they’re humble … they are everything in a team that you would want, and there not a single kids who causes problems — they are all just great kids.

"They are all leaders. They lead the way, that’s why I like carrying the JV team in the state playoffs, especially with this group — they are great examples of what we want out of a Tioga football player.

"I’m an effort guy. If you give me you’re whole effort, you’ll have my respect forever. These guys have given me their complete effort, and possibly even more," added Aiello. "Yeah, this group is talented, but in terms of human beings, I feel very comfortable sending this group of seniors out into the real world. I think they’re all going to do great things."

The Tigers have posted some gaudy offensive numbers this season, scoring nearly 55 points per game, and averaging almost 400 yards in total offense per game. Yet only Drew Macumber has more than 1,150 rushing yards, and Bellis’ QB numbers are down dramatically from last year — both passing and rushing.

Tioga’s success has been achieved by Aiello spreading the ball around. Nine different players have rushing TDs, and six different players have at least 243 rushing yards. And, eight different players have TD catches.

Aiello said one of the biggest traits this team shares is being unselfish, and it’s the seniors who model the team-first concept.

"They’ve been told since the first day of camp this year that there was only one football," said Aiello.

"They’ve been told since Day 1 of preseason camp this year that they need to be unselfish," he noted. "We told them ‘if you want to accomplish what you want as a team, then you’re going to have to forget about yourself.

"It was explained to them that there’s one football, and if the football is in your hands, you better take advantage of it because I don’t know how many touches you’re going to get, " he said. "There are a lot of kids who deserve more touches.

They’ve been outstanding about it. If they’re talking about that stuff, we haven’t heard it," continued Aiello. "I don’t they are, especially when it came playoff time. I think the guys were locked in on their ultimate goal, and here they are just a couple days away from a chance to accomplish that goal.

"I’m proud of them because it’s not easy. It’s never easy for a young kid to be unselfish, and be a team player, especially if they know they are good," added Aiello. "For me, it’s never been a problem."

Aiello will certainly miss this group, and not just because of their talent.

"I can’t say enough about how good the team chemistry is, and the example these seniors have set for the teams behind them.

"It’s going to be interesting on Saturday … on Sunday, I’m going to be thinking, ‘wow, I’m not going to be coaching these guys anymore,’" said Aiello.

——————

IN PHOTO: Tioga prior to the opening kickoff at Haggerty Field. … VSR STOCK PHOTO.

Print Friendly Version