McQuaid Invitational
Posted in News on October 18th, 2009 by admin
Went out to cover the 2009 McQuaid Invitational at Genesee Valley Park. There were thousands of runners participating in many races for both the boys and girls. I only had to cover a hand full of races, mostly at the end. The race has become so popular, that there were runners from California that were ranked in the top five in the nation. Was a long day and I shot almost 2,000 images as I had to have a fairly large photo gallery of local runners along with the winners.
To view a photo gallery of the race click here.
I was assigned to cover the cross town game between Avon and Cal Mum. It rained most of the day so I had all my gear in raincoats. Got to the game early to see my nephews in the color guard. They were surprised to see me there. The game started out pretty even. Cal-Mum did not have much of a passing game. They mostly relied on their ground game. Avon had a balanced attack that included running and passing. Number 4 from Avon made some great catches with a great one handed catch in the first a half. Avon ended up defeating Cal-Mum by double digits.
Covered the Brighton vs Pittsford modified soccer game on September 24th. The game was held at the Barker Rd park on Barker Rd. Pittsford defeated Brighton 3-1. Pittsford played real strong keeping the ball in the Brighton end for most of the game. Brighton’s goal keepers and defense played storng to keep the score 3-1. Their next game is September 30th at Canandaigua.
Covered the Penfield vs Fairport girls soccer game on September 23rd. The game was held on the turf field at Penfield HS. Penfield defeated Fairport 1-0 with a goal by Haley Marks at the 20 min mark in the second half. Both teams played a great game with many chances on both sides.
Went to the Fairport vs Rush Henrietta Football game Saturday. After a close half, Rush Henrietta ended up defeating Fairport 40-6. Fairport started out with the ball, but when three and out. RH started with the ball on their own 46. It took them a couple of minutes, but Clay Harris went to his left from one yard for the TD. This would be the first of three touchdowns for him. Fairport gets the ball on their own 20. They ran several plays but end up having to punt the ball. Clay Harris took the ball and started to his right. When there was no place to go he cut back to his left, he made a few people miss and eventually took the ball 85 yards for a touchdown. Fairport gets the ball back on its 34. 
They ran a couple of plays, then run a trick play where Keith Dapprich pulls up from the run and throws to wide open Steve Pulver for a 65 yard TD. After missing the extra point the score was 14-6. Both teams trade possessions in the second quarter, but neither team is able to score so the half ends 14-6 RH. The comets score four more touchdowns in the second half to give them a 40-6 victory over Fairport.
Went to watch the CG Finney School take on Nichols of Buffalo Friday. After coming back in the second half, CG Finney defeated Nichols 20-16. Finney had a hard time moving the ball in the first half. They had several good runs but were only able to put up six points. Nichols was only able to score in the first half. Finney had a fumble taken away from them when one of the Finney defenders stripped the ball away. The Refs called an inadvertent whistle and made them replay the down. The Finney coach was furious about the call. Finney was able to score 14 points in the second half to give them the win.
Saturday had me going to Penfield for their season opener vs Marshall. Penfield played their first game on their new turf field this past Saturday defeating Marshall 31-24 in overtime. The complex is not 100% finished with no press box and no scoreboard. They turned a smaller scoreboard so you could see the time and score. After the game started the time did not work and they were keeping track of the time on the field. You do not know how important that is until it is not there. Many fans were calling out to the ref’s for the time. The stadium is a huge improvement over the old one. The turf field is nice, bleachers are not wood and once they get in 100% finished it will be a great complex. Penfield scored a field goal in the first but scored three touchdowns in the second to take a 21 to 8 lead at half time. Marshall was able to score two more times to force overtime which Penfield won with a touchdown pass from Kyle Covley. Marshall looked very strong and if they did not have a couple of turnovers and bad snaps, they would have won the game.
My first football game of the season was Friday night as I watched Hilton defeat Irondequoit 62-34. When I read my email about the job, it said to watch for Hilton Quarterback Duell Smith. Well, Duell is a one man team. He had four touchdown passes and one interception before halftime. Irondequoit did take the early lead with a 85 yard pass from Joel Miller to Jordan Napierala (See photo at left). Hilton did not wait long to tie the score as on the ensuing kickoff, Michael Ingoglia took the ball 83 yards for the touchdown. From there is was all Hilton as they moved the ball at will through the air. It was a great first night for the 2009 football season.