Girls soccer players to watch in 2022. Plus, Aquinas star transfers
Welcome to the latest Varsity Voices high school sports newsletter.
Democrat and Chronicle writers Marquel Slaughter and James Johnson, and Bob Chavez, The Daily Messenger sports editor, share what's being talked about and what or who to keep an eye on in Section V.
Girls soccer players to watch in 2022
The success of girls soccer in Section V last fall saw four teams advance to the state semifinals. So now what?
That's a tough act to follow but new seasons bring new hopes and Penfield, Spencerport, Byron-Bergen and Fillmore no doubt would love return trips for a shot at redemption. But in that optimism, those four teams have plenty of company because at this point, every team believes.
As we progress through the regular season, we'll get better ideas of the teams that will challenge for the ultimate glory. But to get us started, here's a list of 44 players to watch.
Aquinas star transfers
Former Aquinas basketball player Mason Blackwood has found a new home.
Blackwood announced Sunday that he will attend New Hampton School this school year.
During the 2021-22 Section V season, Blackwood earned All-Greater Rochester first team honors after helping Aquinas capture the Section V Class AA title.
New Hampton School is a private school in New Hampshire.
New Hampton Huskies 2025! 💚🤍 #newchapter pic.twitter.com/bAyEFFQjdU
— Mason Blackwood (@Blackwood_Mase) August 21, 2022
Hornell football preview
The Hornell Red Raiders try to advance into the postseason, after they fell just short of a spot in last season's eight-team Class C tournament.
Only three starters return to Hornell's offense, but senior lineman Bobby Dragon, junior running back Xavier Patrick and 6 foot-2 inch sophomore receiver Izaiah Adams may be the best players on the team.
Ranger, listed at 5-11 and 275 pounds, seems certain to play in college after playing 2 1/2 varsity seasons. He will move around on Hornell's offensive and defensive lines. Kenny Graham, a 205-pound senior linebacker, Ranger, relentless senior defensive end Quinn Stillman and a stronger Patrick give Hornell a strong foundation for the team's defense.
Hornell football at a glance
Head coach: Erik Werner
Classification playoff race: C
2021 record, season ended: 3-4, failed to qualify for Class C sectionals
Last Section V Championship: 2017
Hornell football schedule for 2022
Scrimmage: Saturday, Sept. 3 road Penn Yan/Dundee, time to be announced at Dundee
Week 1: Friday, Sept. 9 vs. Vertus Charter, 7 p.m.
Week 2: Saturday, Sept. 17 at Midlakes, 4:30 p.m.
Week 3: Saturday, Sept. 24 road Letchworth/Warsaw/Perry, 4 p.m. at Warsaw
Week 4: Friday, Sept. 30 vs. Bath Haverling, 7 p.m.
Week 5: Friday, October 7 at Attica, 7 p.m.
Week 6: Friday, October 14 vs. LeRoy, 7 p.m.
Week 7: Saturday, Oct. 22 road Scotia-Glenville (Section II/Albany region), 1 p.m. at Binghamton High in Section IV
Top matchups for Hornell
The Red Raiders open their season a week after most teams in Section V, a Friday night game at home against Vertus, a newcomer to varsity football. Hornell's homecoming game is at the end of September against rival Bath Haverling, a sectional finalist last season. Hornell's sports hall of fame weekend is mid-October, when the Red Raiders host LeRoy.
"They arguably are one of the teams to beat," Werner said. "They bring a lot back."
Hornell's top returning players
WR/DB Izaiah Adams, LB Kenny Graham, RB/DB Xavier Patrick, OC/OG/DL Bobby Ranger, DE Quinn Stillman
JAMESJ@Gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Girls soccer players to watch in 2022. Plus, Aquinas star transfers
