SCORING SUMMARY Grand Island 13 14 6 0 33 Albion 12 15 0 0 27 GI – Alex Webb 4 run (Greg Feathers kick) A – Morris Taylor 56 pass from Justin Ward (kick failed) GI – Alex Webb 14 run (kick failed) A – Colby Ellis 51 run (run failed) A – Mike Warren 7 pass from Justin Ward (Colby Ellis run) GI – Eddie Weiser 15 run (kick failed) A – Morris Taylor 24 run (Monacelli kick) GI – Alex Neutz 11 pass from Joe Oliverio (Greg Feathers kick) GI – Alex Neutz 16 pass from Joe Oliverio (kick failed)VIKING GAME NOTES: For a regular season contest in this area, the game had a lot of pre-game build-up and it certainly lived up to the hype. There was a sense from the Albion side that the game was little more than a coronation for coach Dick Diminuco in joining Canisius’ Johnny Barnes and Grand Island’s own Gene Masters in the exclusive 200-win club…Dick Gallagher, the respected editor of Western New York High School Sports made the trip out to Orleans County for the game, bypassing some key match-ups in Class AA…Grand Island offensive line coach Mike Stauffer got off the best line of the night when he told Gallagher he wouldn’t be needing his camera that night to take a picture of Diminuco following his 200th career victory…In the midst of the chaos on the Grand Island sideline following Podlucky’s big tackle, someone was overheard asking if there was a freezer big enough in the Village of Albion to keep the oversized cake purchased for the expected celebration from going stale…The performance Neutz put on was an “all-timer” in the storied history of Grand Island football. Nine receptions for 182 yards, a 66-yard interception return, 70 yards worth of returns in the kicking game, and a complete shutdown of the sprinter Taylor in the second half including two passes defended – not bad for a volleyball player… The play of the offensive line can be summed up with more than 400 yards of total offense and 33 points on the scoreboard. The line that had some protection problems against Lew-Port held up well against Albion. Only once was Oliverio flushed from the pocket and forced to take a loss. In addition to Nestark and Boorady on the left side Shawn Vanderbrook moved from right guard to center to replace his brother, Justin, who was injured prior to the Lew-Port game. Ryan Harnden and DJ Perri split time at right guard and right tackle Greg Feathers appeared fully recovered from the ankle he injured against Sweet Home while keeping the throwing lanes clear for Oliverio. …The Vikings got a great effort in the second half from their three interior defensive linemen, Harnden, Nick Tomkins, and Sam Clarke, limiting the Purple Eagles to 41 yards of offense…Great to see longtime Grand Island assistant coach Duke Ratel on hand Friday night…. The win was a testament to the Grand Island players and coaches. Toughness and preparation overcame decided size and speed advantages for Albion (not to mention the huge homecoming crowd) proving once again that football is a game of desire and passion…1-4 Williamsville South visits Masters Field at 2 p.m. Saturday…While their record doesn’t reflect it, the Billies are much improved under veteran coach Kraig Kurzanski who is in his first year as head coach at South…Playoff scenarios will become much clearer after this weekend. If the Vikings win their remaining three games, they will be playoff participants for the sixth time in eight years, a mark only outdone by a seven for nine stretch from 1986 to 1994.
Additionally, the law grants the right to: * To get unbiased advice about loans and lenders from schools' financial aid officers. * To get the criteria a school uses to select preferred lenders. * To know whether preferred lenders are paying the school or financial aid officers. * To know what benefits or rate discounts lenders offer, and whether those benefits or discounts will be made immediately available, or only after a certain number of consecutive timely payments. * To know if a lender has agreed to sell its loans to another lender. * To know whether borrower benefits and discounts will continue if the loan is sold. * To know the interest rate for the loan before borrowing. * To exhaust federal borrowing options before turning to higher cost private loans.Mr. Rosenberg went on to highlight some of the worst practices discovered during the investigation, including the illegal steering of students to preferred lenders by specific schools, revenue sharing between schools and lenders, gifts and trips from lenders to financial aid directors and stock options given to financial aid officers by lenders. To download a copy of the Student Bill of Rights and for more information visit www.oag.state.ny.us.
SCORING SUMMARY
SCORING SUMMARY Grand Island (0-1, 0-2) 7 3 0 0 10 Sweet Home (1-0, 2-0) 0 7 0 7 14 GI – Alex Neutz 16-yard pass from Matt Klock (Greg Feathers kick) GI – Greg Feathers 25-yard FG SH – Deshanaro Morris 1-yard run (Michael Lewandus kick) SH – Deshanaro Morris 16-yard run (Michael Lewandus kick)
If you are a member of this organization, we need your help. GIECOM.Net has partnered with the Connections program to help Grand Island as a community "Get it Together." Please visit our website G-I-Together.ORG and fill out our SURVEY. Every group on Grand Island will have its own FREE web page showing: meeting times and location, contact persons, your Mission Statement and a listing of events. We will also be linking your news events that appear in the local media and on IsledeGrande.Com, Grand Island's E-News Source, to your page, maintaining an archived journal of pictures and news. This is the perfect opportunity for your group to connect with potential new members and the community.
GIHS Student Body Hears Special Guests - 2007
(left) Anthony Brindisi, Andres Arroyo, JOanne Kud, Chris Swiatek, Mrs. Sandra Anzalone, and Michael Hilliker
Mark Gorton photo - Click for larger view.
Administrators and special guests spoke to the Grand Island High School student body on opening day Wednesday, September 5th in the main auditorium. On hand to talk about how students can get involved in various activities throughout the school year were Mr. Anthony Brindisi, founding member of GISBA (Grand Island School and Business Alliance), Mrs. Joanne Kud, President of the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, and Deputy Michael Hilliker from the Erie County Sheriff's Department, a former GICSD employee.
Grand Island High School Principal Mrs. Sandra Anzalone introduced all three special guests as well as Assistant Principal for Grades 11-12, Mr. Chris Swiatek, and the new assistant principal for Grades 9-10, Mr. Andres Arroyo.
Mr. Brindisi spoke first about all the programs that GISBA sponsors including Corporate Bowl, where every year $7,000 in scholarship money is awarded to GIHS students. Job Search and Shadow Day are two more events throughout the school year that prepare and enrich a student's choice in careers and life after high school.
Mrs. Kud detailed how eligible sophomores, juniors, and seniors can become part of the Youth Ambassador Program with the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce. These students get a glimpse of the inner workings of the political and social structure within the Town of Grand Island. The Youth Ambassadors hold a very important role representing the school and the Chamber at various town events.
Mr. Hilliker addressed the students about the Dollars for Scholars walk on October 20th in Veterans Park on Grand Island. This gives each class the opportunity to raise money for various school functions throughout their time at GIHS. Registration is at 11 a.m., with the event beginning at noon.
GIHS JV Football - 2007
JV football team waiting to be announced.
Clarence JV Offense, GI Sideline and Cheerleaders.
Jodi Robinson photos - click photos for larger view
Click "JV Football Roster 2007"
The Grand Island JV Vikings Football Team never quit in their opening game, a loss to Clarence Saturday, September 1st. The score ended up 34-14 in favor of the Red Devils, but Coach Brian Willats said he was proud of his team's efforts. Next game is Saturday, September 8th and will be at home at 10 a.m., when the JV Vikings face Sweet Home.
GIHS Sports Briefs - Week Ending Sept. 6, 2007
Click "Sports Briefs 9/6/07" for this week's Grand Island High School sports scores.
GIHS sports results may be emailed to "teddy@giecom.net"
Varsity Vikings Lose To Clarence In Non-League Opener - 2007
By Kris Christensen
Click "Varsity Football Roster 2007"
Saturday, September 1, 2007 . . .CLARENCE – Name a transgression that angers the football gods and the Grand Island Vikings probably committed it the first half of their season opening 28-14 loss at Clarence on Saturday.
On the second play from scrimmage quarterback Matt Klock’s pass over the middle was intercepted by Clarence linebacker Matt Krumm who returned it to the Vikings’ 18-yard-line. Four plays later Ryan Connolly scored from three yards to put the Red Devils up 7-0. On the ensuing possession, Vikings punter D.J. Perri bobbled the snap from center and was taken down at the Grand Island 23. This time the Red Devils needed only three plays to score as Joshua Rawdin ran in from six yards out. Clarence’s third possession again started on Grand Island’s side of midfield and finished five plays when Connolly scored from 25 yards out putting the Red Devils up 21-0.
Grand Island finally got their offense in gear when Klock hooked up with Alex Neutz on a 45-yard pass late in the first quarter. The drive stalled out when Klock was sacked for a five-yard loss on second down and then back-up quarterback Joe Oliverio misfired on fourth down.
Clarence’s final score came on a 64-yard pass from Josh James to Ed Haroff. On the next possession the Vikings were on the move just before the half when Klock hit Neutz for a 29-yard gain followed by another five-yard pass to Neutz. An apparent 19-yard hookup between Klock and wide receiver Lance Robinson down to the Clarence 19 was wiped out by a holding penalty. On the next play Klock scrambled for 24 yards before throwing incomplete on the last play of the half under heavy duress.
Despite trailing the Vikings defense did not fold, limiting the Red Devils to 68 yards in total offense in the second half.
On their second possession of the second half the Vikings moved the ball deep into Clarence territory thanks in large part to a 54-yard run by Paul Chiaravalle. Alex Webb got the Vikings to the Red Devils’ six before coughing the ball up on the next play. The Vikings were stopped on downs at the Clarence one on their next possession.
Grand Island finally broke through on the scoreboard midway through the fourth quarter when Mike Martinic took Joe Oliverio’s option pitch in from 10 yards out to cap a four-play, 54-yard drive that was set up by consecutive completions from Oliverio to Neutz of 19 and 31 yards.
On Grand Island’s last possession of the afternoon, Oliverio again connected with Neutz on a 54-yard pass down the right sideline.
SCORING SUMMARY
Grand Island (0-0, 0-1) 0 0 0 14 14
Clarence (0-0, 1-0) 21 7 0 0 28
C – Ryan Connolly 3 run (Kyle Ippolito kick)
C – Josh Rawdin 6 run (Kyle Ippolito kick)
C – Ryan Connolly 25 run (Kyle Ippolito kick)
C – Ed Haroff 64 pass from Josh James (Kyle Ippolito kick)
GI – Mike Martinic 10 run (Greg Feathers kick)
GI – Alex Neutz 54 pass from Joe Oliverio (Greg Feathers kick)
VIKING GAME NOTES: Junior wide receiver Alex Neutz proved why he is an All-Western New York candidate with seven receptions for 195 yards…For the first time in school history the Vikings are now carrying a dubious mark having lost five games in a row dating back to last season…Grand Island coach Dean Santorio had nothing negative to say about Clarence coach Tom Goddard’s curious decision to attempt nine passes in the fourth quarter despite holding a 28 – 0 lead entering the period. The Red Devils had thrown eight passes in the game’s first three quarters and attempted to catch GI off-guard by running a deep hitch-and-go route down the left sideline with a 28 – 7 lead and two minutes remaining in the game…Grand Island defensive tackle Ryan Harnden was battered but not broken after suffering a hand injury and a leg contusion in the second half. Santorio said that Harnden will be ready to go this week…Offensive guard Shawn Vanderbrook did a nice job coming over to the defensive side of the ball to fill in for Harnden in the second half…The Vikings will have their hands full at league rival Sweet Home on Saturday. The Panthers scored an impressive 34-21 win at Lancaster on Friday night with a combination of speed and power…Since their series renewed in 1996 following a near 30-year layoff the Vikings are 1-4 against Sweet Home in September but are 5-3 in October and November…Grand Island leads the overall series 8-7…Grand Island’s last two wins against the Panthers are among the most memorable in the history of the program. In 2004, the Vikings rallied from a 27-7 deficit to win 35-27. In 2005, GI pulled off one of the biggest upsets in Section VI playoff history with a 20-14 win at Ralph Wilson Stadium…The Vikings and Panthers have had a stranglehold on the Class A North Division since 2000. Grand Island won the league in 2000, 2001, 2003, and were co-champs with Sweet Home in 2005. Sweet Home won the league in 2002, 2004, and 2006…The Vikings have Kickoff Saturday at Robert Barczak Stadium is 2 p.m.
GIHS Viking Football Preview - 2007
(left) Water Break - Coach Santorio & Offense - Running Back
Jodi Robinson photos - click photos for larger view
By Kris Christensen
Click "Varsity Football Roster 2007"
October 2006 is a month a lot of Western New Yorkers would like to forget. Count Grand Island football coach Dean Santorio among those people. Much like the October Storm that swept through the area, the Grand Island Vikings suffered through some once-in-a-generation experiences.
The Vikings entered October with an outside playoff chance before suffering a blowout, home loss to rival Sweet Home before closing out the season with bitter losses to Lewiston-Porter (a team they defeated earlier in the season) and Hamburg. At 3-5, the Vikings were out of the playoffs with their first losing record during Santorio’s tenure and only the fourth losing season in the school’s 44-year history.
“We got banged up pretty well in the middle of the season,” Santorio said, “and we just didn’t want to play when we were outmanned.”
Santorio thinks things are different in 2007, pointing to offensive guard/linebacker Christian Nestark in particular as someone he thinks will play a major role in restoring the Vikings to their winning ways. Nestark was lost for the season early on in Week Five at Lewiston-Porter and the coach sites his loss as a “turning point” in the forgettable season. “He has a chance to be one of the best linebackers who have ever played here,” Santorio said, “and that’s saying an awful lot.”
“Christian has instincts for finding the football that you just don’t coach at the high school level.” according to Defensive Coordinator Steven Steck.
Steck likes what he sees not only in Nestark but thinks the back seven of his Tampa Two defense has a chance to be exceptional, starting with cornerbacks Alex Neutz and Lance Robinson and safeties Joe Tanbakuchi and Mike Martinic. “We should be able to play more pressure packages than we ever have because of our corners and get our safeties up more in run support,” Steck says of the defensive scheme he has employed for the last six seasons.
Joining Nestark at linebacker will be senior Alex Webb, a two-way starter in 2006, and junior Eddie Weiser. “I like our linebackers a lot,” Steck said, “they’re fast enough and they’re all really good tacklers.”
The Vikings will be stout along the defensive line with senior Nick Tomkins and junior Ryan Harnden giving the Vikings a pair of 280-pound run stuffers in the middle. “Nick had a great year last year,” Santorio said, “and we expect him to be an all-league player this year and more.”
Senior Greg Stephan will see time at defensive end along with juniors Greg Feathers, Chris Podlucky, and Adam Helman.
Offensively, the Vikings' success will depend largely on the play of the quarterback position. Senior Matt Klock and junior Joe Oliverio shared the duties for the first half of 2006 before an injury to Klock made Oliverio the starter for the rest of the year.
“Both of our quarterbacks need to be more consistent,” Santorio said, “we’ll play the guy who gives our team the best opportunity to win.”
One thing that should help the consistency of the Vikings quarterback is a wealth of talented receivers. Santorio raves about the two juniors Neutz and Robinson on the offensive side of the ball and has great depth in Tanbakuchi and senior Eddie Mallwitz.
“Alex runs great patterns and adjusts to the ball as well as any receiver we’ve had,” the coach says, “and Lance has really matured physically and with his mental understanding of the game.”
Santorio likes the potential of his offensive line but acknowledges they will need some time to gel.
“The mental part has to improve because it allows us to be more consistent,” he said, “because when they know what they need to do they are physical.”
Senior Tim Boorady returns at left tackle along with Nestark at left guard. Shawn Vanderbrook will start at center while his brother Justin will be at right guard along with Feathers at right tackle. Podlucky and Stephan will split time at tight end.
Santorio says that Webb and Weiser will see time at both fullback and halfback, while juniors Justin Raiser and Paul Chiaravalle will also take turns at fullback. Martinic is also expected to see time at halfback.
Adam Helman is expected to handle the punting duties for the Vikings while Feathers will be the place kicker.
As usual, the Vikings get no breaks with the schedule, opening at 2006 Class AA runner-up Clarence on Saturday (Sept. 1) coupled with key league contests at Class A runner-up Sweet Home in Week Two and preseason favorite Albion in Week Five. Despite the schedule, Santorio likes the direction of the team.
“I think we’re getting to where we need to be with the attitude and character of our team,” he said, “guys who aren’t captains are starting to take ownership for what happens with this team.”
Grand Island Takes 2nd At Lewison Chalk Walk - 2007
(left to right) Island artists are Jenna Hutzler, Ariel Brucato and Erin O'Connor
Click photos for larger view.
Three talented Grand Island art students ventured onto the extremely warm asphalt for the very first time on Saturday, August 11, 2007 to participate in the 23rd Annual WNY High School Chalk Walk Competition held in Lewiston. Ariel Brucato, Jenna Hutzler, and Erin O’Connor took the respectable Second Place trophy and prize money. Placing second is a major accomplishment for first time members who have never really experienced drawing in such an enormous scale with a medium reserved for sidewalks. The team’s composition, based on this year’s theme, On the Go with Van Gogh in Western New York, referenced to Van Gogh’s famous painting of his bedroom. With whimsical additions of Buffalo icons, locations and places along with other famous Van Gogh images, the artists used their individual skills to develop the fantastic drawing. The team was cheered on and supported during the four-hour contest by a large audience who witnessed the creation. Congratulations Ariel, Jenna and Erin on a fabulous achievement this summer!
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