Genesee County Spartans to play opening game at Van Detta Stadium

The Genesee Spartans will be returning to compete in the Northeastern Football Alliance this season. Taking part in the team’s “signing day” last week at the City Centre are, from left, Rob Thurston Jr., Deyonci Farley, Head Coach Harry Rascoe, Gunner Rapone and Alex Rood. Photo courtesy of Genesee County Spartans.

By Mike Pettinella
Genesee County Spartans

The Genesee County Spartans, coming off a successful 2024 campaign in the Northeastern Football Alliance, are back on the practice field in preparation for an eight-game regular season schedule that includes a June 7^th game at Van Detta Stadium in Batavia.

“We’re so grateful to the Batavia City School District for allowing us to play a game on the new field at Van Detta Stadium,” said Tammy Hathaway, organization president. “I met with (Superintendent) Jason Smith and his facilities crew and they were very accommodating.

“The guys are excited about playing in the city and are committed to meeting the school’s expectations.”

The Spartans will be hosting the Watertown Red & Black in their semipro league home opener at June 7 at Van Detta Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

About half of Head Coach Harry Rascoe’s squad will be returning this season, which means that he and his staff will be working with around 20 new players. The team’s “minicamp” will be taking place at Farrall Park later this month.

Rascoe said he expects the team to continue to progress after posting a 7-3 record last season, with all three losses to league champion Lockport.

“We put in a lot of hard work to change the culture of the team and the organization,” he said. “We’re ready to show that to the (Batavia) school district and the city, and hopefully we’ll be able to make Van Detta our home field in the near future.”

Until then, the Spartans will continue to play their home games at the Pembroke Town Park field.

Two key players set to return are defensive end Gunner Rapone and wide receiver Deyonci Farley, 2024 league leaders in sacks and touchdown receptions, respectively.

Rapone, a 2015 Batavia High graduate, said he looks for the team to come together quickly.

“We’re going into this year with a lot of new guys, a lot of new faces,” the 6-4, 260-pounder said. “We’re excited and motivated – all working toward the same goal which, hopefully this year, is a championship.

“Once we get onto the practice field, you bond more and really get to know one another. At the end of the day, we’re brothers; we’re all out here trying to accomplish the same thing.”

Asked about playing at Van Detta Stadium, Rapone said, “I’m looking forward to that. I never had the opportunity to play on the new turf field so this will be my first time. My brothers had the opportunity to play on it.”

Albion High graduate Farley is entering his second year with the team.

“I think we have a strong team,” he said. “It’s all about working hard and staying focused.”

Rascoe said four players will compete for the starting quarterback position – returning QBs Alex Rood and Corey Turpin and newcomers Aiden Pitts (Buffalo State College) and Takhi West (Hilbert University).  Standout running back Jed Reese will not be back as he is playing Division II college football in North Carolina.

Rascoe’s coaching staff includes Patsy Rapone, offensive assistant; Mason Randall, offensive and defensive line coach; Jermaine Henderson, offensive assistant; Craig Tiberio, defensive coordinator, and Powell Stephens, defensive assistant and special teams’ coordinator. Rascoe also serves as offensive coordinator.

Lauren Donovan is the team’s marketing director. A golf tournament fundraiser is scheduled for 8 a.m. May 25 at Davis Countryside Meadows in Pavilion.

The Spartans will compete in the NFA’s AA Division this season. The team’s schedule is as follows (game times to be determined):

May 17 – at Tri-State (Ohio) Longhorns (preseason).
May 31 – at Buffalo Stampede.
June 7 – Watertown Red & Black (Van Detta Stadium, Batavia).
June 14 – at Ithaca Warriors.
June 21 – Mohawk Valley Nighthawks (Pembroke Town Park).
June 28 – at Charlotte Colonials.
July 12 – Rochester Chargers (Pembroke Town Park).
July 19 – Lake Erie Power Pines (Pembroke Town Park).
July 26 – at Upstate Predators.