Genesee County Spartans selected as Northeastern Football Alliance all-stars this season are, from left, Jordan Chambers, Jzhon Henderson, Jalen White, Kaden Marucci, Marley English, Deyonci Farley and Steve Kowalczyk. Other Spartans named as all-stars wee Anthony Natrigo and Gunner Rapone. (Photos by Mike Pettinella/Genesee County Spartans).
By Mike Pettinella
Genesee County Spartans
The Genesee County Spartans celebrated a successful semipro football season on Saturday night by honoring league all-stars and team offense and defense leaders at a banquet at TF Brown’s Restaurant in Batavia.
“We set several goals prior to this season, and I’m pleased to say we achieved them all,” said Head Coach Harry Rascoe, noting that the Northeastern Football Alliance squad remained focused and disciplined on its way to a 7-3 overall record (6-3 in the league). “In just our second year, we were highly competitive, losing only to the champion Lockport Wildcats.”
Rascoe recognized the efforts of Tammy Hathaway, board chairwoman, and Lauren Donovan, social media coordinator, for “making my life easier by handling all of the responsibilities off the field.”
Special award winners this season are, from left, Tom Richmond and Nick Santos, Iron Man Award, and Keith Neureuter, Sportsmanship Award.
Receiving plaques for being named NFA all-stars were:
Offense — Wide receiver Deyonci Farley, tackle Jordan Chambers and guard Anthony Natrigo.
Defense — Linebackers Kaden Marucci and Marley English, linemen Gunner Rapone, Steve Kowalczyk and Jalen White, and defensive back/returner Jzhon Henderson.
Team award recipients are as follows:
Offense – Julio Gambino, rookie of the year; Tim King, most improved; Anthony Natrigo, lineman of the year; Deyonci Farley, wide receiver of the year; Jed Reese, offensive MVP.
Defense – Jzhon Henderson, rookie of the year; Marley English, most improved; Gunner Rapone, lineman of the year; Tre Woods, defensive back of the year; Kaden Marucci, defensive MVP.
Special Teams – Julia Petry, kicker.
Sportsmanship Award — Defensive back Keith Neureuter.
Iron Man Awards (for versatility) — Lineman Tom Richmond and defensive back Nick Santos.
Recipients of the RT1 Award, Jordan Chambers, left, and Cody Wenner pose with Robert Thurston, center, who the award is named after.
RT1 Awards (named after Robert Thurston, former Batavia High standout) – Offensive lineman Jordan Chambers and defensive back Cory Wenner.
Rascoe named four players as offseason captains – Bailey Vercruysse, Deyonci Farley, Rob Thurston Jr. and Gunner Rapone.
He also said that 2020 Notre Dame graduate Mason Randall will be serving as offensive line coach in 2025, joining Offensive Coordinator Jermaine Henderson and Defensive Coordinator Craig Tiberio. The team is looking for another defensive coach.
The Spartans also recognized 2024 sponsors – Iron Reps Gym, TF Brown’s, Kozy Kab, House of Bounce, Ken Mistler, Wescott Auto Care and the Town of Pembroke.
Tryouts will be taking place from December through March, Rascoe said, with the 2025 roster to be finalized in April.
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