Genesee County Spartans Head Coach Harry Rascoe, left, meets with Defensive Coordinator Craig Tiberio and Offensive/Defensive Line Coach Mason Randall prior to a practice session on Thursday at Farrall Park. Photo courtesy of Genesee County Spartans
Press release:
The Genesee County Spartans travel to Ithaca on Saturday, looking for their first win following a pair of tough losses to divisional foes in the Northeastern Football Alliance.
Head Coach Harry Rascoe’s squad, 0-2 in the semipro league’s AA Division, will take on the Ithaca Warriors, 0-1 in the AA Division, at Ithaca High School, Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
“We’re in a bit of an uphill battle now (for a playoff berth),” Rascoe said. “We’ve played two games – the first where we had the lead and lost it late and last week where we didn’t play our best football but came back and had the ball at the end with a chance to win. Now is the time to put it together.”
The Spartans dropped an 18-17 decision to the Buffalo Stampede in their opener before falling 31-26 to the Watertown Red & Black last Saturday at Van Detta Stadium in Batavia.
Several starters are banged up heading into this Saturday’s game. Defensive end Gunner Rapone (foot) and lineman Alex Schmidt (knee) were hurt in the Watertown game and are out while defensive back Takhi West’s status is undetermined.
Defensive lineman Nick Mitchell (ankle) and wide receiver Jzon Richardson (hand) also have been out of action and linebacker/DE Makhi Rivera is dealing with a shoulder injury.
Rascoe said he will be moving people to new positions.
“They’ll be doing things they haven’t done, but we’ve got to compete,” he said. “Ithaca is big on the lines and they’ve picked up some new guys from Lockport. It’s definitely not the easiest game on our schedule.”
On offense, Jzhon Henderson is moving from defensive back to running back, sharing the ball carrying duties with Will Lamar.
Craig Tiberio, the team’s defensive coordinator, said his unit needs to communicate better when it comes to defending the middle of the field.
“We didn’t live up to our standard (last week). Gave up too many big plays,” he said. “But we found a way to come together and the way we finished showed me that this team has what it takes to make a playoff push.”
The Spartans’ next home game is scheduled for 5 p.m. June 21 against Upstate Predators at Pembroke Town Park.