Class B4 discussion begins at 4:07
Alden Bulldogs
Head Coach: Rob Currin
2018 record and finish: 1-9, missed playoffs
Number of returning starters: 6
Key Returnees: Lucas Bush, Justin Mason, Joe Hammer
Key Losses: Zac O’Shei, Colin Skowronski
The Alden Bulldogs finished off a rough 2018 the best they could with a big win over Springville. Alden will rely on seniors Joe Hammer and Lucas Bush. Justin Mason is set to be QB in 2019.
Burgard Bulldogs
Head Coach: Jason Kolb
2018 record and finish: 3-5, fell in the first round of the Chuck Funke Bowl
Number of returning starters: 6
Key Returnees: Brandon McNeil, Sincere Jefferson, Damon Virgil, Leon Donaldson, Noah Velez, Kayden Speakes
Key Losses: Antonio Norwood, Dexter Lee, Carols Lewis, Sonny Hollingsworth, Jacquez Jones
Burgard was a score away from the Chuck Funke Bowl last season and they hope to build on that in 2019. They’ll have a tough time replacing QB Dexter Lee, who threw for over 1,000 yards last year. Leon Donaldson takes over for Lee this season. The Bulldogs bring back junior two-way contributor Brandon McNeil. Sincere Jefferson and Damon Virgil are expected to anchor both lines.
Eden/North Collins Raiders
Head Coach: Rick Weber
2018 record and finish: 3-5, missed Class B playoffs
Number of returning starters: 6
Key Returnees: CJ Sroda, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Hallick, Hunter Stetz, Charlie Paszek, Josh Rice
Key Losses: Colton Stetz, Louie DeCarolis, Zak Decarolis, Colby Sroda
Eden should take a step forward as Rick Weber enters his second season as head coach. The Raiders battled in their division last year but couldn’t get into the playoffs. Eden plans to air it out this season with wide receivers Tyler Robinson, Brandon Hallick and Hunter Stetz. CJ Sroda is expected to take over under center for Colton Stetz who has since graduated.
Newfane Panthers
Head Coach: Chuck Nagel
2018 record and finish: 5-4, won the Chuck Funke Bowl
Number of returning starters: 7
Key Returnees: Jaden Heers, Josh Everett, Dylan Finch, Chance Caccamise, Garrett Srock, Nick LaRock, Nik Voelker
Key Losses: Shayne Harrington, Reese Casinelli, Tyre Casinelli, Jonah Wisniewski
The Newfane faithful should prepare for a second trip to the playoffs in three years. They bring back seven starters, including Jaden Heers who had the most rushing yards (1,238 yards, 12 TDs) of any underclassman in WNY in 2018. Junior Zach Snow will take over at QB. Senior Josh Everett was second in receiving for the Panthers with 14 catches for 236 yards and had 61 tackles. Newfane should be one of the favorites to win the division this year.
Tonawanda Warriors
Head Coach: Joe Kelly
2018 record and finish: 3-5, missed Class B playoffs
Number of returning starters: 9 Offense/8 Defense
Key Returnees: Jason Frazer, Mason Fritzke, Jaden Yannerelli, Mike Butsch, Justin Mangold, Dylan Cary, RJ Woolcott, Colin Gallo, Joey Singleton, Colin Zintera
Key Losses: Zach Bradell, Kaden Herman
The Warriors had one of their best seasons this century in 2018, coming close to a playoff appearance and coming even closer to beating rival North Tonawanda. There has been a sharp turn around at Tonawanda since Joe Kelly took over at head coach in 2016. They return a majority of their starting lineup on both sides of the ball, including junior QB Justin Mangold. Jason Frazer returns for his senior season. The line will be anchored by Mason Fritzke, Jaden Yannerelli, Mike Butsch and RJ Woolcott. The Warriors welcome in transfer Marty Latko from Cardinal O’Hara. Don’t be surprised to see Tonawanda in the postseason.
