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.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this post. Please don’t forget to leave questions, comments and ideas for future posts by clicking on the “Leave comment” button below.
I appreciate you reading,
Chris
Rian Lindell of the Buffalo Bills.
DJ Jixster
Michael is another “Wish” kid who overcame great obstacles with the help of Make-A-Wish.
Larry with Michael and his parents.
Larry Norton just twelve more hours before the end of the radiothon.
Every game begins with the players entering the field by running out onto the field and running through the “Go Jacks” banner
My son, pumped for the game after a difficult week of practice crashed through the banner first.
Kujo’s trying to get through the defenders to get to the quarterback.
Like I said in the previous post; you just can’t have at least one post featuring Aaron Davis running in for a touchdown.
Michael had a great command of the offense as evidenced by the final score of 63-0.
Dick Grapes is celebrating his 50th year of calling the NTHS Lumberjack games. Way to go Mr. Grapes you have a great voice. Thank you for your 50-years of service and dedication to the NTHS Lumberjacks.
This said it all! A number of people have asked me why the coach ran the score up. Well, he didn’t. From much of the second quarter through the end of the game he played the “rest of the team” which consisted of second and third stringers. Williamsville North just could not muster any offense.
Aaron Davis running in for one of his touchdowns. This is a common sight during NT games.
In addition to his duties as linebacker, Kujo gets in on the offense and plays fullback. Here’s a carry he had early in the game.
The series of photos leading up to this photo tells the full story. Mike did his best to escape this defender but when he came in on his blind side there wasn’t much he could have done. He did a great job of holding on to the ball.
Michael does a fantastic job of commanding his offense.
