North Tonawanda football has a long and storied past reaching back 100-years. This program has seen many successes on the individual and team level but none as great as the accomplishments of this year’s team. Over the years North Tonawanda football has helped launch careers that have spanned those of the early NFL. The one thing lacking was a New York State Championship trophy. This trophy would seek to cement this team with the title of the “Greatest team in North Tonawanda” history.
North Tonawanda sits on the confluence of the Erie Canal and the mighty Niagara River. In it’s beginning it was a major lumber port and earned the nickname the “Lumber City.” When the city’s only high school decided to start an athletic program and add football as a sport, the name “Lumberjacks” was an obvious choice.
I recall sitting at the first contest of the 2009 football season and watch this group of talented young men easily handle their opponent and come out victorious. I recall saying, “If these boys can remain their health, keep their attitudes in check and continue to play their brand of football; there is no reason why they cannot make it through the playoffs and claim the “New York State Class AA State Championship” title. The win against the Baldwinville Bees on Saturday night finds this team poised on the doorstep of greatness with one game remaining in this championship quest.
The following photos are courtesy of Bob “Schooch” Pascucci. Thanks Schooch.
Casey Shreve, Kujo and Kyle Shreve. The Tonawanda News named these three players, among others from NTHS to the WNY All-Star first Team. Congratulations boys! You deserve the honor.
Notice the coach from Lancaster. He’s holding his heart because he can’t believe Kujo just broke that tackle and now has a clear shot at the goal line. A 41-yard TD run.
Kujo just wasn’t going to let that cast stop him. The announcer from Time-Warner kept referring to the cast as “The Club.”
What an intimidating defense. This is one awesome group of kids. I’m thinking blitz here.
When Kujo plays fullback he just keeps running. It’s all that work in the weight room during the off-season. Coach Jantzi keeps telling these kids about the importance of keeping fit and staying in the weight room. The kids get it and it shows throughout the season.
Kujo met with a reporter after the game and accepted the award on behalf of the team. Go Jacks!
This contest was supposed to be a viscious contest. B’ville has an unbelieveable record and a running back to match. He has run for over 250-yards each game. This was due in part to having a line in size that rivaled the Empire State building.
Both teams were evenly matched, more on paper than in size. North Tonawanda has a multi-dimensional approach while B’ville has a bruising offense that aims to run over you at every opportunity. Keep the offense off the field, keep the defense on the field, wear them down and score points.
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I appreciate you reading,
Chris
Norm Shreve is the father of Casey and Kyle Shreve. Today he was also known as the “Grill Master.” Nice job on the hamburgers and hot dogs Norm. The food we had was tremendous. I heard something about chowder and gumbo for next week. No wonder I enjoy football games so much or maybe it’s just the tailgating part. No, the football was excellent too.
The Lumberjacks have dominated every team they faced this year. This lead the team to an 11-0 record. The depth of this team at many positions is quite remarkable. Thankfully the team has not known many injuries during their campaign for the 2009 State Championship.
The team fought a difficult battle against a very worthy foe. North Tonawanda fought through many penalties and miscues to be victorious. This victory ensured the team would move on to the next level and continue to advance toward the coveted State Championship title. Winning this contest also gave the ‘Jacks title as the “Section V/VI Regional Champions.” There has not been a previous Lumberjacks team that has ever advanced to this level. Congratulations boys! You, your coaching staff have done a fantastic job. The unbelieveable NT fans will continue to make the trip down the I-90 to support you!
Kujo playing both sides of the ball very effectively.
Kujo was thankful his “O” line did such a fantastic job blocking and opening up running lanes. Seriously, this is a good team!
Kujo broke away from tacklers to secure some of his 174-rushing yards.
On defense, linebacker Steve (Kujo) Kijowski had 11 tackles, including three for loss.
The game through the screen of an iPhone.
Kujo goes airborne after being tackled from behind as he was a standout at the fullback position.
Coach Jantzi accepting the trophy from the Marine Corp as the winner of the 100th Annual T-NT game. The game was chosen by the Marines as one of the 100 greatest rivalries in the country.
The North Tonawanda Lumberjack coaching staff celebrating a perfect 7-0 season.
Kujo was interviewed at the end of the game by a Time Warner cable reporter.
