Jamir Jones, who will be a senior at Aquinas this fall, has given a verbal commitment to play football at Notre Dame.

Jamir Jones’ mother hoped Notre Dame would offer another one of her sons a scholarship to play football – and he was open to the idea, too.

They now know that Notre Dame football coaches agree that the Aquinas senior can play for the Fighting Irish. Jones accepted an offer of an athletic scholarship Tuesday while at a camp on the Notre Dame campus in South Bend, Indiana.

Jarron Jones, one of Jamir’s older brothers and an Aquinas graduate, is a senior defensive tackle at Notre Dame. Jamir Jones will begin his senior year at Aquinas this fall.

“They were always one of the choices but there’s no better place,” Jamir Jones said. “There’s nothing better than being a student and a Notre Dame football player.”

Jamir Jones said that Notre Dame coaches plan to play him as an outside linebacker. He worked out with other high school defensive ends and linebackers during a session at camp, before the offer was extended later in the afternoon.

“It fit me as a player, what my abilities are,” Jones said. “What they want me to do, it feels like I can do very well.”

"No where better. You get a world-class education and you get the best #football out there. Every game is on national TV."

—
James A. Johnson (@jjDandC) June 23, 2015

Jamir Jones, according to Irish Illustrated, is the No. 2 college football prospect in the state by Rivals.com and at No. 41 among high school outside linebackers in the nation. He is considered a three-star recruit on a scale of five.

Jones, listed at 6-foot-4 inches tall and 215 pounds, has played at defensive end, linebacker and receiver at Aquinas. He stepped in at quarterback at Aquinas last fall, after right-handed starter Jake Zembiec suffered a broken left wrist early in the regular season.

Jones threw for 715 yards and six touchdowns in his stint at quarterback. On defense, he made 17 tackles, six for loss, had three sacks and forced a fumble.

Zembiec gave a verbal commitment last fall to play at Penn State. Jamir Jones is on-track to become the fourth member of his family to play college football. Matt, a former Division I prospect, and Jonathan Jones played at Division II Gannon in Pennsylvania.

Lakiescha Titus-Jones, the mother of all three brothers, said Jamir’s verbal to Notre Dame “doesn’t get any better.”

Jamir told his mother he had no plans to make a commitment Tuesday. There were plans for Jamir Jones to attend camps at Penn State and Duke in the coming weeks.

“I was surprised,” Titus-Jones said. “Jamir was different than Jarron, he was letting us know how he wanted his recruitment to go.

“With his grades and what he does on the field, we allowed him to make the decision. We talked about things, but he was guiding the decision. I’m happy.”

Jamir Jones said in May that Boston College, Old Dominion (Va.), Rutgers (N.J.), Connecticut, Pittsburgh, Buffalo and Syracuse also offered him scholarships. Some recruiters projected him as an offensive player, others at linebacker or defensive end.

Aquinas junior Jamir Jones weighing scenarios

“I just felt I could play numerous positions,” Jamir Jones said. “Even in high school, it doesn’t matter what position I play. I love the game so much, I’m going to do my best and have fun.”

Aquinas coach Chris Battaglia expressed confidence during the spring that Jamir Jones would find the school and team the 2014 Democrat and Chronicle All-Greater Rochester selection found to be the best fit. Jamir Jones’ willingness to play quarterback during his junior season, viewed as an important period in college football recruiting, was one reason.

“I was pretty sure that (Notre Dame) coaches liked him,” Battaglia said. “I thought he had a chance to (impress at the camp on the school’s campus).

“The Jamir they saw before is not the same Jamir. He’s probably grown an inch and a half and is close to 230 pounds. He’s getting a lot bigger.”

His mother already believes he will look sharp in blue and gold.

“He threw me off, I was completely surprised, but I’m happy,” Titus-Jones said. “This is what we wanted. Why not? Look at what they’ve done with Jarron.

“This will be very interesting. Neither (husband Matt or I) want to miss the opening senior year games. After that, we can figure out how we’re going to do it.”

JAMESJ@DemocratandChronicle.com

Aquinas QB Jake Zembiec and DE/LB Jamir Jones lead their teammates through the footwork agility drills on the opening day of high school football practices around Section V on Monday. Aquinas Institute is the first stop on the Democrat & Chronicle’s high school football camp tour.

This is the first high school football season in years the Aquinas Little Irish are not a reigning Section V champion.

The team’s string of championships ended at eight, off the field, after it was ruled quarterback Jake Zembiec was ineligible to play in the sectional tournament. New York State Supreme Court Justice J. Scott Odorisi heard the argument between Section V and the New York State Public High School Athletic Association.

Zembiec, a senior, is back and the right-handed 2013 Class AA state player of the year is long over the broken left wrist he suffered last season. His teammates and coach Chris Battaglia said they are long over what was for them, a disappointing end to their season in 2014.

“I just want to make it the best year possible in all phases and to go out with a bang,” Zembiec said. “Just have a great year with all of us.”

Zembiec, who has a verbal commitment to play at Penn State, is one of four Aquinas players headed to NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision or Division I teams: Linebacker/defensive end Jamir Jones to Notre Dame University and linebacker/defensive end Taylor Riggins to Syracuse on scholarships.

Long-snapper/offensive lineman Conrad Brake will arrive at Pittsburgh as a walk-on with the promise of a scholarship in 2016. Senior receiver/defensive back Earnest Edwards has an offer of a scholarship from State University of New York at Buffalo, and said he will make a decision after the upcoming season.

The Little Irish, with that type and amount of talent — plus a coaching staff experienced at shaping teams through the fall — are again contenders for the Class AA state title, let alone the sectional trophy.

“Our team is really wrapped around the other kids,” Battaglia said. “How well our other kids play is going to determine how good we are. Obviously, those kids have to play to their potential.

“If they don’t, we’re in trouble anyways, but the linemen, defensive linebackers, all of the other kids, have to play really well for us to reach where we want to reach.”

The team’s season-opener is Sept. 5 at Syracuse University, home of the state tournament finals.

Elite 11 diary: Aquinas QB Jake Zembiec

Aquinas Little Irish

2014 record: 5-3 forfeit during Class AA sectional quarterfinals.

Coach: Chris Battaglia (14th year at Aquinas, 19th overall, 125-54-2).

League: None.

First game: Saturday, Sept. 5, Syracuse Christian Brothers Academy, at Carrier Dome, Syracuse University.

Returning starters (two-ways included): 7 offense, 6 defense.

Players to watch: Jake Zembiec (senior, QB, 6 foot-31/2 inches, 210 pounds); Jamir Jones (sr., LB/DE/WR/QB, 6-3, 220); Earnest Edwards (sr., WR/DB, 5-10, 175); Taylor Riggins (sr., DE/RB/WR, 6-2, 213); Bishop Simmons (sr., OT/DT, 6-11/2, 300); Sam Yodisi (sr., C/DL, 6-21/2, 240).

Outlook: Aquinas may have gone without a sectional trophy in 2014, but find someone who disagrees the independent team is the one to beat among the largest local schools in 2015. A healthy Zembiec keeps talented players like Jones at other positions, where they remain a problem for opponents. There are six third-year starters, including Simmons and Yodisi, who play on the offensive line that Battaglia said also needs to play to its potential for postseason success. Defense usually is less of a concern. The unit has excelled against the run with undersized and massive defensive tackles in recent years. This year, offenses may need to figure out how to block Jones and Riggins in passing situations.

JAMESJ@DemocratandChronicle.com

Aquinas’ Jalen Pickett falls with the ball after a tackle by Christian Brothers Academy’s Sir Dennis II who rolls over him in the second quarter at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse.

Aquinas’ Jalen Pickett runs away with the ball from Christian Brothers Academy’s Gavin Collins in the second quarter at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse.

Aquinas’ Jason Hawkes avoids a tackle from Christian Brothers Academy’s DeAndre Dowdell in the first quarter at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse.

Aquinas’ Jake Zembiec runs the ball as Christian Brothers Academy’s Collin Recore tackles him in the second quarter at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse.

Aquinas’ Earnest Edwards celebrates his second touchdown and second of the game next to Christian Brothers Academy’s Sir Dennis II in the first quarter at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse.

Aquinas’ Earnest Edwards scores for a 19-0 lead (20-0 after the kick) against Christian Brothers Academy’s in the second quarter at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse.

Aquinas’ Jalen Pickett runs away with the ball from Christian Brothers Academy’s Gavin Collins in the second quarter at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse.

Aquinas’ Jalen Pickett falls with the ball after a tackle by Christian Brothers Academy’s Sir Dennis II who rolls over him in the second quarter at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse.

Aquinas’ Graycen Carter reaches for a ball intended for Christian Brothers Academy’s Sir Dennis II in the second quarter at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse.

Aquinas’ Jason Hawkes avoids a tackle from Christian Brothers Academy’s DeAndre Dowdell in the first quarter at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse.

Aquinas’ Jake Zembiec runs the ball as Christian Brothers Academy’s Collin Recore tackles him in the second quarter at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse.

Aquinas’ Earnest Edwards scores for a 19-0 lead (20-0 after the kick) against Christian Brothers Academy’s in the second quarter at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse.

Aquinas’ Earnest Edwards celebrates his second touchdown and second of the game next to Christian Brothers Academy’s Sir Dennis II in the first quarter at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse.

SYRACUSE Jamir Jones can do a few things on a football field, and that may include spotting talent.

During the days of double practices last month, Jones predicted big production by Earnest Edwards, his senior classmate at Aquinas. Jones, who has a verbal commitment to play on defense at University of Notre Dame, used the word “explode.”

Edwards finished with a season’s worth of touchdowns for some Saturday night, a total of four during the season-opener for Aquinas, a 33-20 victory over Syracuse Christian Brothers Academy inside a warm Carrier Dome.

“The hunger for him is just unbelievable,” Jones said. “When we were young, all we ever talked about was getting scholarship offers and playing Division I. When teams were kind of hesitant, it just fueled his fire even more. He was working hard every single day, lifting, getting in the weight room, especially.

“What can I say? He’s just a freak of nature.”

Aquinas football moves ahead after tough ’14

Maybe Edwards, a receiver and cornerback at Aquinas, will pick up more scholarship offers, in addition to the one extended by State University of New York at Buffalo.

“Obviously, we feel like he’s a little underrated,” Aquinas senior quarterback Jake Zembiec said.

There were certainly people at Syracuse University who wanted to see Zembiec, who gave a verbal commitment to play at Penn State last November. There was rumors taken to Twitter that Zembiec might not play because of a shoulder injury. Zembiec played all right, as he threw two touchdown passes to Edwards during a night in which he completed 14 of 18 attempts for 194 yards.

“They were blitzing a lot of guys so that lets us throw the ball easy, we can throw it quick,” Zembiec said. “We’re all on the same page because we’ve been practicing this for a while, and we took advantage of it.

“I’m good (health-wise). I played good tonight, I don’t feel any pain right now. I just had a busy summer.”

Aquinas, Batavia No. 1 in first high school football polls

Edwards opened the Aquinas season with fireworks. He caught the opening kickoff, made a move, sprinted through an opening and beat the kicker, who had an angle to catch Edwards, for a 90-yard touchdown.

“I knew I had one man to beat and I went around the corner,” Edwards said. “I couldn’t have done it without the blocking. I just did one move and I went full speed.”

Aquinas’ Graycen Carter reaches for a ball intended for Christian Brothers Academy’s Sir Dennis II in the second quarter at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse.

Edwards also grabbed a 28-yard pass from Zembiec during the first quarter that seemed to drop into the 5 foot-10 inch receiver’s hands in the end zone. He beat a defender one-on-one to catch a 9-yard pass in the end zone during the second quarter.

It was Edwards who provided the end, when it came to outcome of this non-league Kick Off Classic game, when he intercepted a pass by Jack Brotzki and cruised 41 yards with the ball for a touchdown.

“I never scored that many touchdowns in a game,” Edwards said. “Only on JV.”

The Aquinas defense shutout the Brothers from Section III through the first 3 minutes, 27 seconds of the fourth quarter.

Aquinas defensive backs Greyson Carter and Shemar Hayes, both taller than six feet, each intercepted a pass. Jones recovered a fumble, one of four turnovers by CBA. The Brothers offense twice was denied points despite advancement to the Aquinas 13- and 15-yard lines in the first half, and finished with 186 yards against the Aquinas first-string defense.

JAMESJ@DemocratandChronicle.com

Things to watch in area high school football in 2015

Aquinas 33, Syracuse Christian Brothers Academy 20

Aquinas 13-13-7-0-33

Christian Brothers Academy 0-0-0-20-20

A – Earnest Edwards 90 kickoff return (Collin Cup kick)

A – Edwards 28 pass Jake Zembiec (kick failed)

A – Edwards 9 pass Zembiec (Cup kick)

A – Edwards 41 interception return (kick failed)

A – Taylor Riggins 1 run (Cup kick)

CBA – Tyler Leonard 4 pass Jack Brotzki (Leonard pass Brotzki)

CBA – Stevie Scott 13 run (pass failed)

CBA – Charles Pride 22 pass from Brotzki (pass failed)

Section V selects the top performances on offense and defense each week in the greater Rochester area, based on nominations of area high school coaches. Ontario Honda sponsors the awards passed out during the season and the player of the year awards presented during the postseason.

OFFENSE

Class AA – Earnest Edwards (Aquinas): Senior wide receiver Earnest Edwards scored four touchdowns, including two on pass receptions, as Aquinas defeated Syracuse Christian Brothers, 33-20. Edwards also returned a kickoff 90 yards and an interception 45 yards.

Aquinas senior receiver Earnest Edwards put his high school sprinter speed to good use in Week 1 for the Little Irish.

Class A – Tavon Granison (Greece Athena): Granison, a junior quarterback, ran for 187 yards, including two touchdowns, on eight carries. He also was 3 of 4 passing for 127 yards and two touchdowns, during a 40-13 win over Honeoye Falls-Lima.

Class B – Tanner Irwin (Penn Yan): Senior quarterback completed 8 of 14 passes for 141 yards, including two touchdowns, and ran for two touchdowns during a 42-14 win over Wayne.

Class C – Cameron Cleveland (East Rochester/Gananda): Junior running back ran for 316 yards on 26 carries and scored two touchdowns during a 34-24 win over Watertown inside the Carrier Dome.

Class D – Cody Dubiel (York): The 5-foot-11, 170–pound completed 20 of 37 passes for 317 yards for three touchdowns. Dubiel also ran for a touchdown, as the Golden Knights defeated Canisteo-Greenwood 32-24.

DEFENSE

Class AA – Ted Hilton (Hilton): Senior linebacker had 15 tackles, three for a loss, during Hilton’s 40-28 win over Fairport.

Class A – Earl English (Wilson): The Wildcats shutout another team in the Rochester School District, as English made 11 tackles, four for a loss, during a 32-0 win over Edison.

Class B – Dominick Mogavero (Batavia): The 2014 Democrat and Chronicle All-Greater Rochester linebacker helped the Blue Devils to a win over University Prep with 12 tackles.

Class C – Richard Flores (Elba/Byron-Bergen): Senior linebacker made nine tackles, forced a fumble, had a sack and blocked a punt during a 28-6 win over Pembroke.

Class D – Josh Lutz (Avon): Avon shutout Bolivar-RIchburg, 42-0, and Lutz was busy. The senior linebacker made four solo tackles, assisted on 12 others and recovered two fumbles, including one he returned 22 yards for a touchdown.

This week’s top 10 high school rankings, determined by a poll of area coaches:

LARGE-SCHOOL FOOTBALL POLL

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  Also received votes: Spencerport (1-0), Irohdequoit (1-0), Canandaigua (1-0), Websterr Schroeder (1-0). Note: First-place votes in parentheses.

SMALL-SCHOOL FOOTBALL POLL

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 Also received votes: Cuba-Rushford (1-0), Dansville (1-0), Caledonia-Mumford (1-0), Batavia Notre Dame (1-0), Alexander (1-0), Attica (1-0). Note: First-place votes in parentheses.

Stock photo.

For an idea of how young, deep and talented Fairport’s girls soccer team is, consider forward Claire Myers.

Myers led Fairport with 11 goals last season as a freshman. She is among a group of freshmen and sophomores who can be a nice fit for a team that includes seniors Megan Konieczny and Caroline DeLong, 2014 Monroe County league all-stars.

Coaches in Section V seem to think so, and awarded the Red Raiders the top spot in the season’s first Democrat and Chronicle large-school poll. Well, at least for now in a season where three or four schools could end up in the No. 1 spot within the month.

“If you look, you have a ton of parity across (Class) AA,” Webster Schroeder coach Kent Brown said. “A lot of teams have players who play club soccer.

“It’s just a year where there’s no overpowering team.”

The Fairport Red Raiders, sectional semifinalists in Class AA last season, are short of a polished product. Fairport coach Tom Natalie will tell you that, as the Red Raiders have lost back-to-back games after a strong start.

“We’re not playing great,” Natalie said before the team’s recent losses. “We’re still trying to figure out formations and other things, but to be 3-1 and still figuring that out we’re happy about that.”

The Red Raiders are 3-3 now after losses to Victor and Spencerport, the No. 6 and No. 2 teams in the large-school rankings, respectively. Fairport’s other loss was to No. 3 Schroeder, after the Warriors scored a goal off a corner kick and another on a direct kick.

“They moved and played as a group,” Natalie said.

That could come for the Red Raiders with time, starting with the defense.

Myers was a first-team league all-star last year along with Konieczny and DeLong. Konieczny, a forward, was second on the 2014 Fairport team with eight goals. DeLong does her best work as a back, in front of freshman goalie Claire Mulholland, who played 1,208 minutes last season as an eighth-grader.

Sophomore midfielder Zoe Janes scored twice during Fairport’s season-opening win over Churchville-Chili. Dori Rizzo, a freshman forward with a goal this year, was the leading scorer on the undefeated 2014 Fairport JV team. Fairport’s freshman team lost one game.

“We’ve changed over a lot from last year,” Natalie said about seven underclassmen who play for the Red Raiders. “There are probably two more on JV who could be good players and may contribute in the near future.”

Here are five other things to watch in Section V girls soccer this fall:

Webster Schroeder’s Rachel Wengender, right, during last season’s sectionals, is one of the Warriors sure to provide a boost to the team after recovering from an injury.

The goal is more goals: The good news for the Webster Schroeder Warriors is they are off to a 2-1-2 start.

Class AA semifinalists last season, the Warriors can stay with Fairport (win), Victor (2-1 win, Sept. 8) and No. 4 Penfield (0-0, Sept. 10). Those results are without junior Maddy Lowe, a 2014 Democrat and Chronicle All-Greater Rochester forward. Lowe is in the United States Soccer’s under-17 national team pool.

“We’re strong defensively,” Brown said. “We’re just having trouble scoring in the flow of the game. We’re going to get better.”

One hope at Schroeder is that sophomore midfielder/defender Rachel Wengender (hamstring), plus senior defenders Lauren Collins (broken wrist) and Becky Greenway (sprained knee) are able to return from injuries during the next two weeks. There are also a pool of players who can help the Warriors off the bench, when they see action.

Monroe County all-star Sarah Lefrois and defensive midfielder Lily Stowell are two reasons why the Warriors have allowed two goals in five games. Schroeder’s midfield also includes Francesca Lee, who has committed to play at Stony Brook University.

Linked “rivals” I: Pittsford Mendon and Pittsford Sutherland have identical records.

No. 9 Mendon is the reigning Class A sectional champion. The Vikings lost two AGR players to graduation, defender Emily Sullivan and midfielder/forward Shannon Miller, but have another back, senior midfielder/forward Abbey Leon, who is described as the team’s playmaker.

Hannah Sertl with two, is the leader among six goal scorers during a 4-1-1 start for Mendon. The Vikings’ recent victories include a 3-1 win over Sutherland.

The Sutherland Knights, led by Grace Allen (four goals), Grace Dunnigan (three) and Annie Hanna (three), have established they can put balls into the net at a good rate. The rematch with Mendon is Oct. 8.

Linked “rivals” II: Greece Arcadia played at No. 10 Greece Athena on Sept. 14.

Will that game be a signal the Arcadia Titans are poised to take a step or two forward from a 7-10-1 season last fall? Arcadia has a 1-0 win over Mendon in the bank.

Senior defender Makayla Binter was a first-team Monroe County league all-star, while senior forward Colby Kutzer, who had three goals and three assists through Sunday, and junior midfielder Alexis Couture could be future honorees.

Athena can count a 1-0 result over Webster Schroeder among its good wins, and maybe its matchup against Arcadia. Senior co-captain midfielder/defender Noelle Colilli has scored half of Athena’s eight goals during a 3-2 start for the Trojans.

It’s difficult to overlook Greece Odyssey, as the Leopards were 1-0 winners over Arcadia on their way to winning the Hilton tournament. The 2014 Section V Class B co-champions have seven starters back.

Linked “rivals” III: Mercy is one of those teams clearly reshaped by graduations, including AGR midfielder Amanda Mietus, a five-year varsity player.

Mary LoCiero and Anna Doerr, two more reliable 2014 starters, also are now in college.

“Everyone on the team is really adjusting to new positions,” Mercy coach Donna Trost said.

The Monarchs may be a lot stronger next month, if everyone settles in and are productive. Senior forward Kristen Smith has done well going from substitute to starter and that could be a big help for 2014 leading scorer Emily Wade, who scored 15 goals with seven assists last season as a junior.

“Aquinas has fast and physical players,” Trost said. “I think no one pays attention to Aquinas, but they are going to be right there in there with everyone else in (Class A).”

Aquinas, co-champions in Class B with Odyssey, and Mercy played to a 1-1 tie Sept. 8.

Home of power Rangers?: A move from Class AA into Class A guaranteed nothing for the Spencerport Rangers, but the coaches in our poll put the Monroe County league team very near to the top.

The Rangers (5-0) are No. 2 in the large-school rankings, one point behind Fairport, after Spencerport received the most first-place votes.

Seven players at Spencerport have scored, led by freshmen Leah Wengender (five goals) and Erin Coykendall, (four). Luca Fahmer, a sophomore, has stood out with Wengender in the midfield.

Spencerport’s wins include a 4-1 result over Athena and 2-0 over Fairport, but the schedule ramps up in difficulty during the next 10 days. The Rangers play at Webster Schroeder on Sept. 19 and host No. 6 Victor Sept.24.

“We’ve been on the weaker side, I don’t think we’ve been in a (sectional) final since 2009,” Spencerport coach Jamie Schneider said. “We take it one game at a time, but we are excited.”

Large-School poll

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Also received votes: Pittsford Sutherland (4-1-1), Hilton (3-1-1), Wayne (5-0-0), Churchville-Chili (1-3-0), Brighton (2-3-0).

Small-School poll

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Also received votes: Marion(4-0-1), Naples (3-0-0), Wheatland-Chili (3-3), Fillmore (4-0-0), Bath (3-3-0), Alexander (4-0-0), Newark (3-3-0).

Note: First-place votes in parentheses

Pittsford’s Michael Gigantelli, right at Rush-Henrietta on Sept. 19, made 13 tackles against Fairport a week later..

Section V selects the top performances on offense and defense each week in the greater Rochester area, based on nominations of area high school coaches.

Ontario Honda sponsors the awards during the regular season and the player of the year awards presented during the postseason.

This week’s recipients:

OFFENSE

Aquinas senior Jake Zembiec, shown here throwing a pass In Week 1 inside the Carrier Dome, threw four touchdown passes against Buffalo Saint Francis Sept. 26.

Class AA:Jake Zembiec (Aquinas) – Senior quarterback with a verbal commitment to play at Penn State threw four touchdown passes during a 48-7 win over Buffalo Saint Francis. He completed 13 of 14 passes for 317 yards and also ran for a touchdown.

Class A: Kory Wyatt (University Prep) – A 6-foot-3, 205-pound quarterback, Wyatt ran for three touchdowns and 227 yards on 12 carries during a 40-24 win over Attica. He also had a 35-yard touchdown reception.

Class B: Tanner Irwin (Penn Yan) – Senior quarterback helped the Mustangs go to 4-0 when he threw three touchdown passes among 8 of 12 pass attempts for 135 yards. He also ran for 117 yards with a touchdown on 12 carries during a win over Waterloo.

Class C: Alex Piechocki (Attica) – Piechocki, a 6-5 and 240-pound senior, scored four touchdowns, including one on a pass reception, versus University Prep. He ran for 110 yards on 25 carries and caught three passes for 50 yards.

Class D: Zack Loomis (Avon) – Big day for senior running back versus Geneseo. He scored four touchdowns on 21 carries for 293 yards. He also returned a kickoff 91 yards for a touchdown, to go along with 6-, 60-, 50- and 5-yard touchdown runs.

DEFENSE

Class AA: Michael Gigantelli (Pittsford) – A strong safety in the Panthers defense, the senior made 13 solo tackles and had four stops for losses during a 31-14 win over Fairport.

Class A: Jason Williams (Greece Olympia) – Junior linebacker finished with 13 tackles, seven for a loss, three sacks and forced a fumble against Greece Arcadia.

Class B: Austin Fingar (Penn Yan) – The Mustangs defeated Waterloo 42-12, as the senior defensive back made six tackles, intercepted two passes, and broke up another throw.

Class C: Carter Hoffman (Wellsville) – Junior safety made 12 tackles, eight solo, forced two fumbles and recovered a fumble, as Wellsville edged Dansville 14-13.

Class D: Jacob Smith (Bolivar-Richburg) – A defensive back in his junior season, Smith made 12 tackles, including seven solo and had two sacks, one for a safety, as Bolivar-Richburg defeated Canisteo-Greenwood 29-20.

Greece Athena’s skill players last week helped the Trojans bounce back from a lopsided loss to Canandaigua.

The Brockport Blue Devils, a Class A team in Section V, are 4-0.

Brockport hoped to remain undefeated Friday night at Brighton.

A video about the Brockport football team can be found below the rankings.

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Also received votes: East Irondequoit Eastridge – A (3-1), Spencerport – A (2-2).

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Also received votes: LeRoy – C (3-1), Hornell – B (3-1).

This weekend is the final one of the Section V high school football regular season.

It appears that Irondequoit, the Section V Class A champion that reached the state semifinals, has recovered from an 0-2 start to get into this year’s playoffs. The Eagles play at Canandaigua, 2 p.m. Sat. Oct. 17.

Fairport at Webster Schroeder, 7 p.m. on Fri. Oct. 16. also is significant. A win for Fairport puts the Red Raiders in, otherwise the door opens for McQuaid.

Below are the final high school football coaches rankings. The Section V Tournaments begin next week.

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Also received votes: East High – AA (4-2), Greece Arcadia – A (4-2).

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Also received votes: Bishop Kearney – D (4-2), Batavia Notre Dame – D (4-2), Hornell – B (4-2).

Victor QB Jamie Trimboli steps up in the pocket to deliver a pass against Rush-Henrietta earlier this season.

Aquinas quarterback Jake Zembiec has 20 touchdown passes in six games this season.

McQuaid’s Noah Williams, right, breaks up a pass from Aquinas’ Jamir Jones during a regular season game played at McQuaid Jesuit High School on Saturday, October 10, 2015.

Aquinas, to borrow from former National Football League coach Dennis Green, is what most people who follow area high school football believe the team would be at this point.

The Little Irish are 6-0 and have won their games with ease. Is Aquinas one of the best Class AA teams in the state? There is an indicator Saturday, according to the New York State Sportswriters Association state rankings.

Aquinas, No. 3 in the rankings, plays its first game under the lights this season when it hosts No. 1 Buffalo Canisus (6-0) at 7 p.m. Saturday. Canisius is the reigning Catholic High School Athletic Association state champion.

Aquinas quarterback Jake Zembiec has 20 touchdown passes in six games this season.

Five things to know:

1. There is a sizable history sample: There are college football teams in the same conference that play each other less than Aquinas and Canisius. This is at least the 20th consecutive year the teams at private high schools have met during the regular season. Aquinas has won 17 of those matchups, but Canisius has come out on top in two of the last three. Canisius defeated Aquinas 34-0 last season, after right-handed Aquinas quarterback Jake Zembiec left the game with a broken left wrist.

Aquinas’ Jamir Jones, right, tries to break the tackle of McQuaid’s Atiba McLaren during a regular season game played at McQuaid Jesuit High School on Saturday, October 10, 2015.

2. The Little Irish and Crusaders know how to pile points: The Crusaders are scoring 34 points a game, with an offense that includes spread formations and power running. Cole Burniston, a junior listed at 6 feet 3 and 215 pounds, is the top ball carrier at Canisius with 711 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. Justin Jones, a 6-3 senior, has six of the nine Canisius touchdown receptions. He is one of two players with 300 or more receiving yards. Senior quarterback Tyler Stranahan has passed for 154 yards a game.

Zembiec is having a “great” season, according to Aquinas coach Chris Battaglia. The 6-3, 215-pound quarterback’s numbers are notable, especially the 20 touchdown passes and the 69 completion percentage. The Little Irish seem to throw the ball much more than Canisius, as Zembiec, who gave a verbal commitment to play at Penn State last November, has 1,417 passing yards. Earnest Edwards, a senior with 11, senior Jamir Jones (six), junior Jalen Pickett (two) and junior Jason Hawkes (one) have touchdown receptions.

3. No more worries about the Aquinas defense: “Obviously, at the beginning of the year we were a bit worried about how our defense would react to all of the losses (because of graduations),” Jones said. “I think everyone has stepped up. I think we’ve (the first-string defense players have) allowed only (20) points. That’s pretty good.”

“It’s fast. It’s smashmouth, aggressive, just suffocating. We like to make people run sideline to sideline and then when they try to do that, we are already there.’’

Jones, a linebacker with a verbal to play at Notre Dame, and junior Jack Owens each have 4.5 sacks. Senior end Taylor Riggins, who plans to play at Syracuse, has three.

Aquinas’ Taylor Riggins, right, breaks the tackle of McQuaid’s Noah Williams during a regular season game played at McQuaid Jesuit High School on Saturday, October 10, 2015.

4. Will the teams play with intensity? Canisius and Aquinas, beginning next week, are playoff-bound. Aquinas sits in the slot for the No. 1 seed in the Section V Class AA tournament, but the top four teams all host first-round games. The Little Irish are guaranteed to remain in the top four.

“Their style doesn’t change,” Battaglia said. “They are hard-nosed, tough kids and well-coached. I mean, the last four years every game has been a battle with them.”

5. Keep in mind that nothing is guaranteed. The last time Aquinas finished the regular season without a loss was Zembiec’s sophomore and first year with the varsity. Aquinas finished 13-0 and Zembiec was the state’s player of the year in Class AA. The Little Irish are already the team to beat in sectionals. A win over a state champion may underline that.

JAMESJ@DemocratandChronicle.com

Aquinas takes the field before its game against Buffalo Canisius.

The showdown Saturday night between high school football powers in New York state, turned into a knockdown.

Aquinas ran, passed and picked its way over Buffalo Canisius 42-14 in front of about 3,000 people at Wegmans Stadium.

It was senior night for the Aquinas football team, and it was players in that class who led the Little Irish, No. 3 in the New York State Sportswriters Association Class AA state rankings, past the No. 1 Crusaders (6-1).

Taylor Riggins, a senior running back, scored three touchdowns, as he ran for 144 yards on just 15 carries. Senior receiver Earnest Edwards finished with three touchdowns, including an interception return of 82 yards on the second Canisius possession of the second half. Two of Edwards touchdowns came on passes of nine and 51 yards from quarterback Jake Zembiec, a senior headed to Penn State after his verbal commitment almost a year ago.

Zembiec was 11 of 17 passing for 199 yards, including his touchdown throws to Edwards.

The offensive players were not the only seniors to shine for Aquinas. Defensive back Shemar Hayes intercepted three passes, one of five picks by the Little Irish. Edwards had the other two.

“We looked really good, we were patient,” Zembiec said. “This is probably the best game our offensive line has played, and that’s key for us. It let me get the ball into the hands of the playmakers.

“Taylor (Riggins) was back 100 percent tonight, so we did our thing on offense. The defense played phenomenal.”

There will be a new No. 1 team in the state rankings. Three guesses which team it will be, as the Little Irish clinched the No. 1 seed for the Section V Class AA Tournament that begins next weekend.

“We came in here and ran into a team that just wanted to win more than we did tonight,” Canisius coach Rich Robbins said.

Aquinas led from start to finish, as the Little Irish scored on its first possession, a drive aided at by a defensive pass interference penalty near the goal line. Riggins scored on a 15-yard run and was soon back on the field and in the Aquinas backfield after Edwards’ first interception.

The Crusaders stopped Aquinas on downs at the Canisius 13, however. but the second Canisius drive was not any better. Hayes intercepted a pass near the Aquinas sideline and into a touchdown two plays later, a five-yard run by Riggins late in the first quarter. The Little Irish celebrated, until Canisius senior Desmond Nicholas returned the ensuing kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown.

Aquinas extended it’s 14-7 lead with 4:11 remaining in the first half. Riggins’ strong first half continued with a seven-yard touchdown during yet another physical run by the 6-foot-2, 215-pound senior. The Crusaders continued to tumble because of turnovers.

“We played the way we are capable of playing, tonight,” Aquinas coach Chris Battaglia said. “We played really good offensively, really good defensively, and even in the special teams we made some plays.

“I’ve said this, as long as we keep No. 12 (Zembiec) on his feet, we will be pretty tough to beat. This was our night.”

JAMESJ@DemocratandChronicle.com

Hilton senior Dillon Philmon, left, scored five touchdowns and set a single-game school-record for rushing yards against Rush-Henrietta.

The Section V high school football players of the week are selected by a committee, based on nominations from coaches. Ontario Honda sponsors these awards and the Player of the Year awards are presented during the sectional finals.

The players of the week:

OFFENSE

Class AA: Dillon Philmon (Hilton) – Set a school-record when he ran for 349 yards on 27 carries during a 34-24 win over Rush-Henrietta. The senior scored five touchdowns, as the Cadets improved to 6-1.

Class A: Kevin Ladd (Brighton) – Senior running back produced 188 rushing yards with three touchdowns on 21 carries. Brighton defeated Honeoye Falls-Lima, 42-7.

Class B: Jazavier Garcia (Newark) – Sophomore tied a school-record when he scored four touchdowns in Newark’s win over Waterloo. He finished with 185 rushing yards on six carries.

Class C: Richard Flores (Elba/Byron-Bergen) – Finished with 306 yards on 54 carries with four touchdowns. Elba/Byron-Bergen defeated Alexander, 35-32.

Class D: Jake Jones (Cuba-Rushford) – Senior running back scored six touchdowns – runs of 95, 78, 17, 2, 16 and 9 yards – during a 47-22 win over York. Jones had 303 rushing yards on 30 carries.

DEFENSE

Class AA: Damon Burton (Aquinas) – Junior linebacker helped Aquinas defeat Buffalo Canisius with 16 tackles, 3 for losses, and 2 quarterback hurries.

Class A: Chuck Finocchario (Greece Arcadia) – Sophomore defensive end had 10 tackles and recovered two fumbles, as the Titans defeated Spencerport, 21-14.

Class B: Ethan Perham (Livonia) – Senior linebacker made 11 solo tackles during a 28-22 win over LeRoy that included two defensive stands inside the Livonia 5-yard line.

Class C: Kyle Zawadski (Attica) – Junior linebacker forced a fumble, recovered a fumble, returned an interception 42 yards and made nine solo tackles, as Attica defeated Oakfield-Alabama, 34-21.

Class D: Cameron Geiger (Caledonia-Mumford) – He was busy during a 24-0 win over Bolivar-Richburg. The junior linebacker made 19 tackles, five solo.

Aquinas quarterback Jake Zembiec throws a pass rolling out of the pocket during a regular season game played at McQuaid Jesuit High School on Saturday, October 10, 2015.

Week 1 – Syracuse Christian Brothers Academy

14 for 20, 197 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT

 * Played through one series in the third quarter.

Week 2 – Delaware Valley Charter

16 for 24, 228 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT

 * Played through one series in the third quarter. 

Week 3 – Buffalo Saint Joseph

9 for 18, 158 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INT

* Played three quarters.

Week 4 – Buffalo Saint Francis

13 for 14, 317 yards, 4 TDs, 0 INTs.

* Played through one series in the third quarter.

Week 5 – Buffalo Bishop Timon

12 for 18, 168 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs

* Played three quarters. 

Week 6 – McQuaid Jesuit

15 for 19, 313 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT

* Played the first half.

Week 7 – Buffalo Canisius

12 for 18, 199 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT

* Played midway through the third quarter. 

Sectionals

AA quarterfinals – Fairport

13 for 20, 201 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs

***

Totals– 104 for 151, 1,781 yards, 25 TDs, 4 INTs

68.9 completion percentage, 17.1 yards per completion

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Rush-Henrietta QB Jared Gerbino scores on a touchdown run in the first quarter against Victor at Sahlen’s Stadium on Nov. 1, 2015.

When the Section V Class AA playoffs began, the Rush-Henrietta Royal Comets had three losses, not exactly the record of a title contender.

The three losses are not going away, but neither are the Royal Comets, who are in the tournament final after knocking off two undefeated teams.

Rush-Henrietta stopped Victor this time, 20-19, during the Class AA semifinals Sunday at Sahlen’s Stadium in Rochester.

The Royal Comets (6-3), a No. 6 seed who topped No. 3 Pittsford in the first round, face a third undefeated team in the final, No. 1 Aquinas (9-0), 4 p.m. next Sunday back at Sahlen’s. Aquinas, ranked No. 2 in the state, trailed No. 4 tournament seed Hilton (7-2) late in the third quarter, but came back to win 21-14.

The score was tied 13-13 when Rush-Henrietta senior quarterback Jared Gerbino smoothed out a play-call that could have been confusing during the fourth quarter. Gerbino took the snap, dodged some pressure by the Victor defense and threw the ball in the middle of the field to a spot he expected Robinson to occupy. Robinson made the catch and sped to the end zone to give Rush-Henrietta the lead with 4:06 remaining.

Victor was in a tough spot, a team that uses a power-running game that chews up a lot of time. The Blue Devils made it to the end zone quickly, however, on a 17-yard run by Patrick Barrow with 53 seconds remaining. Rush-Henrietta’s lead was 20-19.

Geoff Mandile, the Victor coach, decided to go for two points. Barrow carried again, this time to his left but as he cut upfield, fell to the turf short of the end zone. The Blue Devils then attempted an onside kick and had the ball again when Victor junior Zack Estabrooks made the recovery. Victor’s offense made it to the 32, but Rush-Henrietta defensive back Joseph Ortiz snatched a pass by Jamie Trimboli for an interception with no time remaining.

JAMESJ@GANNETT.COM

Touchdown R-H on 4th and 10 at Victor 37 https://t.co/vkulnMWzod

—
James A. Johnson (@jjDandC) November 01, 2015

Batavia quarterback Greg Mruczek, right, was selected all-state in Class B last fall.

High school football coaches in Section V nominated players of the week during the season and members of the area’s high school football committee chose those winners and the Players of the Year recipients below. The awards, sponsored by Ontario Honda, will be presented during the sectional finals this weekend at Sahlen’s Stadium in Rochester.

Offense

Class AA: Aquinas quarterback Jake Zembiec, senior.

Class A: Greece Athena quarterback Tavon Granison, junior

Class B: Batavia quarterback Greg Mruczek, senior

Class C: East Rochester/Gananda running back Cameron Cleveland, junior

Class D: Red Jacket running back Sean Sheets, senior

Defense

Class AA: Penfield linebacker Jack Hartnett, senior

Class A: Greece Arcadia linebacker Noah Barnard, senior

Class B: Hornell linebacker Tyler Crouch, senior

Class C: Bath defensive back Michael Rice, senior

Class D: Clyde-Savannah linebacker Jarrod Faniel, senior

Aquinas quarterback Jake Zembiec throws a pass rolling out of the pocket during a regular season game played at McQuaid Jesuit.

Hilton varsity football coach Rich Lipani reminded fans of local high school football that Aquinas senior quarterback Jake Zembiec is more advanced than most quarterbacks his age.

There were people who were impressed with Rush-Henrietta senior quarterback Jared Gerbino, too last week during the Section V Class AA semifinals.

Zembiec, who committed to play at Penn State University last November, probably is the most accurate passer in Section V. In a twist, the 2013 Class AA state player of the year helped Aquinas defeat Hilton in the Class AA sectional semifinals with 61 rushing yards on 10 carries, including the go-ahead touchdown, a two-yard run, in a 21-14 win for Aquinas.

Jake Zembiec’s 2015 statistics

Gerbino, who sprained both ankles this season and played on despite the injuries, was 9 of 12 passing for 127 yards against defending champion Victor. He ran 55 yards to score Rush-Hernietta’s first touchdown and threw a 36-yard scoring pass to Reggie Robinson in the fourth quarter of R-H’s 20-19 win.

Rush-Henrietta quarterback Jared Gerbino has helped the Royal Comets beat two undefeated teams during the Section V Class AA tournament. .

Aquinas (9-0) and Rush-Henrietta (6-3) meet in the Section V Class AA Championship, 4 p.m. Nov. 8 at Sahlen’s Stadium in Rochester. Below, just for fun, are statistics for Gerbino and Zembiec this season.

Jake Zembiec’s 2015 statistics

Jake Zembiec – Aquinas 

Completions: 113

Attempts: 167

Yards: 1,882

Touchdowns: 26 TDs

Interceptions: 5

Completion percentage: 67.7.

Yards per completion:, 16.6

Jared Gerbino – Rush-Henrietta

Completions: 58

Attempts: 130

Yards: 1,237

Touchdowns: 17

Interceptions: 2

Completion percentage: 44.6.

Yards per completion: 22.3

*Note: Second among the Royal Comets with 643 rushing yards with seven touchdowns.

Rush-Henrietta quarterback Jared Gerbino has helped the Royal Comets beat two undefeated teams during the Section V Class AA tournament. .

Aquinas quarterback Jake Zembiec throws a pass rolling out of the pocket during a regular season game played at McQuaid Jesuit.

Aquinas quarterback Jake Zembiec throws a touchdown to Jalen Pickett.

Hilton varsity football coach Rich Lipani reminded fans of local high school football that Aquinas quarterback Jake Zembiec is more advanced than most quarterbacks his age.

There were people who were impressed with Rush-Henrietta senior quarterback Jared Gerbino, too, last week during the Section V Class AA semifinals.

Zembiec, who committed to play at Penn State University last November, probably is the most accurate passer in Section V. In a twist, the 2013 Class AA state player of the year helped Aquinas defeat Hilton in the Class AA sectional semifinals with 61 rushing yards on 10 carries, including the go-ahead touchdown, a 2-yard run, in a 21-14 win for Aquinas.

Aquinas rallies to overtake Hilton

Gerbino, who sprained both ankles this season and played on despite the injuries, was 9 of 12 passing for 127 yards against defending champion Victor. He ran 55 yards to score Rush-Henrietta’s first touchdown and threw a 36-yard scoring pass to Reggie Robinson in the fourth quarter of R-H’s 20-19 win. 

Aquinas (9-0) and Rush-Henrietta (6-3) meet in the Section V Class AA Championship at 4 p.m. Sunday at Sahlen’s Stadium in Rochester.

Zembiec has completed 67.7 percent of his 167 passes, including 26 for touchdowns, versus five interceptions. Gerbino makes good use of his 6-foot-4 inches and 215 pounds as a runner, as he is Rush-Henrietta’s second-leading rusher (643 yards, seven touchdowns). He has 17 touchdown passes and two interceptions among 130 attempts.

Rush-Henrietta holds off Victor to reach AA final

Here are four more things to watch during the sectional finals, Nov. 7 and 8 at Sahlen’s:

2. Injuries at Aquinas: The Aquinas offense has to play on without a starting running back versus Rush-Henrietta, and the playing status of the team’s leading scorer is uncertain.

“We’re not going to use this as an excuse,” Aquinas coach Chris Battaglia said. “We have to play.”

Leadng rusher Taylor Riggins (521 yards and seven touchdowns) is sidelined with an torn knee ligament. Riggins was injured last Sunday during the semifinal round while being tackled. It’s a loss for the Aquinas defense also, as Riggins is a senior with a verbal commitment to play linebacker at Syracuse University.

Earnest Edwards, a senior with 22 touchdowns, is dealing with a hip injury after a hard landing at the end of a punt return Sunday. Battaglia said whether Edwards, a cornerback on defense, will try to play in the final probably won’t be decided until game day.

Rush-Henrietta QB Jared Gerbino on the run against Victor.

Jake Zembiec’s 2015 statistics

3. Ready to ‘Rocc‘: Let’s talk about another quarterback.

Bishop Kearney senior Todd LaRocca, who threw for 1,936 yards and 24 touchdowns for last season’s sectional finalist, has a chance to make history at his school. The Kings face Clyde-Savannah in the Class D final, noon Saturday.

There are plenty of Bishop Kearney basketball champions, but the last football team to win a title at the school was in 1989.

LaRocca’s passing numbers are similiar this season, 1,858 yards and 19 touchdowns with seven interceptions.

“He’s doing exactly what I want to do, be a good leader and take what teams are giving him,” Bishop Kearney coach Eddie Long said. “He is that captain and leader we need him to be.

“These guys know how important the game is to the school. They are excited to try and change that.”

4. Gain more ground: East Rochester/Gananda has a running back near the 2,000-yard mark this season.

Cameron Cleveland must pick his way through what has traditionally been a rugged Bath defense in the Class C final at 3 p.m. Saturday. Cleveland is 54 yards from 2,000, with 1,946 and 25 touchdowns.

Both the Bombers and Rams are 9-0 this season.

Canandaigua to face first-time finalist Brockport

5. Class A rematch: The name of the game is to win, and that’s what the Brockport Blue Devils (8-1) have done, with or without a wow-style.

The Blue Devils, finalists for the first time in team history, will try to top Canandaigua for the second time this season, in the Class A title game at 6 p.m. Saturday.

The Blue Devils defeated Canandaigua, 33-28 at Brockport in Week 2.

Aquinas head coach Chris Battaglia brings the championship trophy to his players.

Aquinas’ Trent Collins, right, jumps for a loose ball after Rush-Henrietta’s Joseph Ortiz dropped a punt return.

Rush-Henrietta’s Gavin McDonald, bottom, tackles Aquinas’ Jake Zembiec.

Rush-Henrietta’s Jared Gerbino releases a pass toward the end zone.

Aquinas’ Jason Hawkes, left, catches a pass in front of Rush-Henrietta’s Wendell Felder.

Aquinas’ Shemar Hayes, left, breaks up a pass intended for Rush-Henrietta’s Joseph Ortiz.

Rush-Henrietta’s Eric Black, left, catches a touchdown pass while being defended by Aquinas’ Shemar Hayes, center, and Damon Burton.

Aquinas’ Shemar Hayes, left, breaks up a pass intended for Rush-Henrietta’s Wendell Felder.

Rush-Henrietta’s Joseph Ortiz, top, loses his helmet as he is brought down by Aquinas’ David Vito.

Aquinas’ Trey Brown, top, takes a hit from Rush-Henrietta’s Peyton Watts.

Rush-Henrietta’s Jared Gerbino, center, tries to break the grasp of Aquinas’ Griffin Virgil as he runs through the defense.

Aquinas’ Jason Hawkes, right, dives for a pass thrown over the middle while being defended by Rush-Henrietta’s Steven Clark.

Aquinas’ Earnest Edwards, right, tries to break the grasp of Rush-Henrietta’s Steven Clark during the Section V Class AA Football Championship.

Aquinas quarterback Jake Zembiec throws from the pocket early in the Section V Class AA Football Championship.

Aquinas’ Jamir Jones, left, and Jack Owens, back, break up a pass attempt by Rush-Henrietta quarterback Jared Gerbino on the final play of the game to win the Section V Class AA Football Championship on Nov. 8, 2015.

Aquinas players celebrate following their win in the Section V Class AA Football Championship, played at Sahlen’s Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2015. Aquinas won, 17-14.

If you read the list of Section V football champions, the string of titles for Aquinas ended last season.

Ask the right player at Aquinas, and they will tell you the team’s streak is alive when it comes to game action.

The chance for Aquinas to win a sectional title last year ended in a courtroom, where quarterback Jake Zembiec was ruled ineligible for postseason play and Aquinas forfeited its sectional victory.

Aquinas won another Section V championship on a field Sunday, the team’s ninth title in the last 10 years, after it held off a clearly determined Rush-Henrietta squad at Sahlen’s Stadium, 17-14, in the Class AA final.

“It’s awesome because we won this year for us and the 2015 seniors who didn’t get to win last year,” Zembiec said. “Really, in my mind, and I think in a lot of our minds, this is 10 in a row for us.

“Last year is obviously a sore subject, but it feels great to be on top again. We feel like we deserve it.”

The winning points were delivered by senior kicker/punter Collin Cup, who made a 26-yard field goal with 11:05 remaining. After that moment, it was up to the Aquinas defense to once again clinch a playoff win.

Rush-Henrietta failed to score in the fourth quarter after senior Jared Gerbino threw two touchdown passes earlier.

Zembiec, the former Class AA state player of the year headed to Penn State University on scholarship, was named most valuable player of the game. He finished 18 of 29 passing for 166 yards with a 13-yard touchdown throw to junior Jason Hawkes in the first quarter, after it was time to deal with a swollen knee last week.

Aquinas also played without running back Taylor Riggins, a senior headed to Syracuse as a defensive player. The playing status of senior receiver/defensive back Earnest Edwards was iffy in the days before the game because of a hip injury.

“It hurt all week. I’ve been going to chiropractor getting it massaged out, trying to get it better,” Edwards said. “But I just figured, this was my last Section V championship game. I’ll go out hurt or not.”

“I was still hurting a little bit, but I just tried to fight through it and give it my all. It was very worth it. Nine out of 10 with a sectional championship, I’m pretty proud.”

Aquinas (10-0), tied atop the New York State Sportswriters Association state rankings, faces Orchard Park in a state regional at 4 p.m. next Sunday. The Orchard Park Quakers, who will come to Rochester to play Aquinas, are the Section VI or Buffalo-region champions.

The Rush-Henrietta Royal Comets believed they could play in that game, after they knocked off previously undefeated teams in the first two rounds of sectionals. Imagine the credit and praise if Aquinas became a third victim, after the Royal Comets finished the regular season with a 6-3 record.

“Obviously, (Aquinas) is very good with its front seven,” Rush-Henrietta coach Joe Montesano said. “So we felt coming in that we had to get the ball to the flats; they give you the flats.

“I think we did a pretty good job of that. You know there were times where I think we got a decent push, our backs did a nice job and Jared made some good plays in the run game, but they are very hard to move the ball on. I think we did just enough. We needed the ball to kick our way a couple of times and unfortunately it didn’t.”

The Royal Comets moved into the lead after Gerbino threw a pass over a defender and to Eric Black for a 6-yard touchdown with 38 seconds to play in the first half. Gavin McDonald’s conversion kick made the score 7-6.

Aquinas moved 66 yards on its first drive of the second half and scored on a 11-yard run by reserve running back T.J. Scanlon with 6:31 remaining in the third quarter. Zembiec and Edwards connected on a pass during Aquinas’ conversion attempt to give their team a 14-7 lead.

The Royal Comets came right back. They moved 90 yards to even the score, as Reggie Robinson grabbed a 20-yard pass in the back of the end zone by Gerbino and McDonald made another kick.

When the Aquinas offense took the field again, it had a drive start at the team’s 35. Aquinas made it to the Rush-Henrietta 9, where Cup, who missed an extra-point attempt in the first quarter, was sent on to the field.

Aquinas coach Chris Battaglia said it was the first kick Cup made all year. Cup said it was just his second attempt all season.

“I’d like to thank my coaches and my teammates for having confidence in me,” Cup said. “I knew I needed to get it done.”

The Royal Comets attempted a 30-yard field goal to even the score on their next possession, but the kick was blocked. They had the ball again with 1:08 to play, and because Gerbino delivered under pressure, made it to the Aquinas 28 before being stopped.

JAMESJ@Gannett.com

Aquinas 17, Rush-Henrietta 14

A – Jason Hawkes 13 pass Jake Zembiec (Collin Cup kick)

R-H – Eric Black 6 pass Jared Gerbino (Gavin McDonald kick)

A – T.J. Scanlon 11 run (Earnest Edwards pass Zembiec)

R-H – Reggie Robinson 20 pass Gerbino (McDonald kick)

A – Cup 26 FG

Aquinas head coach Chris Battaglia hoists the Section V Class AA football trophy on Sunday. The Little Irish have won a sectional title in football nine of the past 10 years and superintendents in Monroe County schools want the state to consider whether private schools should be allowed to play in public school tournaments.

Superintendents of 18 school districts in the Rochester suburbs have signed a letter to ask the state governing body for high school sports to discuss the removal of private schools from future Section V postseason competition.

The Monroe County Council of School Superintendents represent schools which are members of the Monroe County Public School Athletic Conference; it includes Pittsford, Fairport, Gates Chili, Rush-Henrietta, Brockport and others.

The group has asked the New York State Public High School Athletic Association if Section V can change the structure of its postseason competition, which includes sports teams at Aquinas, Batavia Notre Dame, Bishop Kearney, Our Lady of Mercy, McQuaid Jesuit and other non-public schools in the region.

Take our poll: What do you think?

“Is it fair, is it equal for non-public schools to participate in sectionals and states?” Pittsford school district superintendent Michael Pero said.

Pero explained that athletes who are on teams or participate in NYSPHSAA-sanctioned sports at public schools must live in that school district’s boundaries.

“Private and parochial schools don’t have that limitation,” Pero said.

Complete results: Section V football playoffs

The NYSPHSAA sanctions high school sports in 11 sections around the state. NYSPHSAA executive director Robert Zayas has received the letter from the superintendents.

“There is no pre-determined timetable, but if not (discussed) now, then when?” Brockport Superintendent Lesli Myers said.

Myers also emphasized that the proposal is not “a pre-conceived notion, it’s not adversarial.”

Section V executive director Ed Stores said he received a copy of the letter Nov. 4.

Whether sports teams from private schools should be included in sectional play has been a topic for decades, complicated by the fact that private schools are members of NYSPHSAA, Section V and other section sanctioning bodies. Zayas said that of the 783 members of the NYSPHSAA, about 10 percent are non-public schools.

“The conversation has really been limited to Section V,” Zayas said.

Section V, the Rochester region; Section III, the Syracuse region; and Section II, the Albany region, include the most non-public schools. Participation of private schools in sectional play varies around the state.

Private schools in Buffalo are not a part of Section VI postseason play, and have a separate postseason structure, but charter schools do participate. The other 10 sections do allow teams from non-public schools into the organization’s tournaments and championship events.

“It’s always going to be an issue if they are together,” Gates Chili physical education teacher and football coach Jason Benham said. “Make them separate. It’s a simple solution.

“We have to rely on the dynamics of our towns and communities.”

Benham said “it’s nothing against those schools” but it’s “a different ballgame” between public and non-public schools.

“I don’t see the drawback to having a private school championship,” Benham said. “They do recruit, it’s a business, they have to recruit students, I don’t look at it as a negative. If I worked at (a private school) I would do the same thing. It’s a realistic part of their business.”

Lakiescha Titus-Jones and Matthew Jones Sr. have five children who did or still attend Aquinas. Jarron Jones is a defensive lineman at the University of Notre Dame and Aquinas senior Jamir Jones will follow one of his older brothers to South Bend, Indiana.

“My husband and I have worked 60 to 70 hours a week since 2004,” Titus-Jones said. “If anyone were to receive anything for sports, don’t you think Jarron would have?

“Our kids are not on scholarship. There is aid, but it’s based on financial need, just like with everyone else. If Aquinas wasn’t winning games, this would be a moot point. I think the real issue are these superintendents. Why is it OK to sit in judgement of and generalize about our program?”

The discussion seems to heat up during high school postseasons, in football and basketball in particular.

Aquinas won a Section V football title for the ninth time in 10 years on Sunday. Chris Battaglia, the Aquinas football coach, said he heard someone say that players should play for teams in their school districts.

“Our school and students have an equal right to participate in sectionals and states,” Aquinas President Mike Daley said. “Our parents pay a school tax in the communities they live in and have chosen to send their children here and pay a tuition.

“They are paying double.”

Zayas said he was an associate director of a high school athletics sanctioning body in New Mexico and that sports teams from public and non-public schools participate in the same playoff and postseason systems. He also said he worked as a teacher and coach at a public school in Texas.

“This is a topic of conversation in every state in the country,” Zayas said. “It depends on on where you are.”

Stores said he believes the issue is “going to come to a head” locally, one way or another.

“In my time in this position and my years as a league chair, I’ve done this for almost 30 years,” Stores said. “I’ve never seen us closer to making a move than we are right now.

“Some people would say that’s a good thing, some people would say it’s a bad thing.”

Pero said the letter does mention the creation of parallel tournaments or postseason play as an alteration to the current sectional and state formats.

“That does not mean that’s the end result,” Pero said. “It’s where we’d like to begin the discussion.”

It seems this region of the state is where the question is asked the most often.

“If any changes are going to take place, they are going to be initiated by the membership of the association, and that’s the entire membership of 11 sections,” Zayas said. “At this point, I’ve only received a request for any change of this type from Section V.”

JAMESJ@GANNETT.COM

Aquinas returns to top of Class AA
Bishop Kearney is football king again

Aquinas QB Jake Zembiec throws downfield.

Aquinas receiver Jamir Jones tries to break a tackle by Orcard Park’s Josh Dahl (28).

Jake Zembiec and Jamir Jones, two of the biggest names in Rochester-area high school football, shook hands Sunday night as they each held a plaque for another outstanding performance.

Their final game in Section V was a laugher, in part, because Jones, the defensive star headed to the University of Notre Dame, and Zembiec, the quarterback who has committed to Penn State, were dominant on an Aquinas team that looked strong again during the postseason.

Zembiec threw four touchdown passes, while Jones led Aquinas in tackles and intercepted a pass during a 42-7 win over Orchard Park that sent the Section V champions into the Class AA state tournament semifinals.

Jones was named the most valuable defensive player of the game, while the award for offense went to Zembiec, the 2013 Class AA state player of the year as a sophomore.

“Winning the sectional championship, that’s all we were worried about,” Jones said. “So when we come into this game, we’re just calm and relaxed.

“This is for us, not for bragging rights or anything. Everyone just plays relaxed and we play like we normally play.”

That would be well, as Aquinas improved to 11-0 before it takes on Liverpool (10-1) of Section III, or Syracuse region, during the state semifinals, 6 p.m. Saturday at Cicero-North Syracuse.

“It’s good that we left our last game (in Rochester) with a big win like this,” Zembiec said. “We left a good image.”

Aquinas quarterback Jake Zembiec (12) rolls away from pressure in a 42-7 win over Orchard Park. Zembiec threw for 230 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Zembiec connected with classmate Earnest Edwards for touchdown throws of 52 and 24 yards. He also sent a 4-yard scoring throw to Jones and threw a 33-yard touchdown pass to 6-foot-5 junior Jason Hawkes. Zembiec was 15 of 21 passing for 230 yards with no interceptions.

Jones finished with 78 receiving yards on five catches. He has moved around to a few positions on the field for Aquinas, including to quarterback while filling in for an injured Zembiec last season. The future of Jones is on defense, as at 6-4 and 235 pounds he will play linebacker or maybe grow into a defensive lineman’s body at Notre Dame. Jones finished with eight tackles and also broke up a pass.

“The biggest thing for us was getting guys healthy,” Zembiec said. “Earnest finally came back and he had a big catch, but when you get Earnest on the field it opens other things up, and Jamir is a great athlete.

“He knows how to make plays when he needs to.”

Aquinas had its first touchdown a minute into the game. Orchard Park actually had the ball first and punted, a kick Edwards returned 33 yards. Tyler Olbrich, a junior at running back in place of injured senior Tyler Riggins, scored the touchdown from the Orchard Park 4.

Aquinas RB Tyler Olbrich dives of a pile of players near the line of scrimmage.

Orchard Park evened the score late in the first quarter after a 4-yard run for a touchdown by Josh Dahl. The answer by Aquinas was swift and it came before the end of the opening quarter, the 52-yard connection between Edwards and Zembiec that was the end of a two-play possession.

Aquinas squeezed in another touchdown, the scoring reception by Jones, with 27 seconds remaining in the second quarter.

The Quakers seemed to be doomed after the Section VI, or Buffalo region, champions were turned away with no points after two drives that reached inside the Aquinas 15 during the first half.

“It’s a terrific way to go out,” Aquinas senior Bishop Simmons said. “It’s been a great honor to play here, with these teammates, my brothers. This means everything to us, it’s what we’ve been working for.”

State semifinals: Aquinas celebrates their 17-16 win over Liverpool at North Syracuse High School.

State semifinals: Aquinas’ Tyler Olbrich jumps with the ball over Liverpool’s Donovan Card in the fourth quarter at North Syracuse High School.

State semifinals: Aquinas celebrates their 17-16 win over Liverpool at North Syracuse High School.

State semifinals: Aquinas’ Tyler Olbrich celebrates with teammates his touchdown for a play that would end in a 14-10 lead against Liverpool in the second quarter at North Syracuse High School.

State semifinals: Aquinas’ Jamir Jones is tackled by Liverpool’s Daryl Nixon jr. as he tries to gain yards in the second quarter at North Syracuse High School.

State semifinals: Aquinas’ Tyler Olbrich jumps with the ball over Liverpool’s Donovan Card in the fourth quarter at North Syracuse High School.

CICERO – Maybe before the Aquinas football team practices on Thanksgiving, teammates should rub the belly of Earnest Edwards.

It is because of the foot speed of Edwards that the senior was able to sort of block a key kick with his stomach and preserve a lead that Aquinas held until the end of the Class AA West state semifinal Saturday.

So the Section V champions, No. 23 in USA Today’s national rankings, will have to practice on Thursday to prepare for the state final after they held off Liverpool 17-16 at Cicero-North Syracuse High School.

“Extremely excited, more happy for my teammates,” Aquinas senior Jamir Jones said. “We just battled the whole game, never gave up, played our best the whole game.

“I’m proud of all of them, every single one of them. Even the people on the sideline never gave up.”

State semifinals: Aquinas’ Shemar Hayes tackles Liverpool’s Jaydakis Scott in the first quarter at North Syracuse High School.

The Liverpool Warriors put a scare into Aquinas and their fans when senior quarterback Jordan Caviness scored on a 10-yard bootleg run with 3:53 remaining. Liverpool was in position to tie the score, perhaps move the state playoff into overtime depending on what the Warriors defense did against the Aquinas offense.

All that was needed was a point after touchdown kick, but Edwards said he sped past the line of scrimmage, dove and felt the ball go across his stomach. The contact was enough to keep the ball from going over the crossbar. Liverpool’s offense never possessed the ball again.

Aquinas (12-0), the 2013 Class AA state champion, plays Saratoga Springs of Section II in the final, 3 p.m. Nov. 29 inside Syracuse University’s’ Carrier Dome. Saratoga Springs defeated New Rochelle-I 32-29 in the East state semifinal Saturday night.

“This is our goal at the beginning of the year and it is every year,” Aquinas senior quarterback Jake Zembiec said. “So now we got the opportunity to do it.

“We get to practice on Thanksgiving, play in the Dome and get out of the cold, so we’re real happy.”

AQ’s Jake Zembiec ready for the big time

Zembiec, the 2013 Class AA state player of the year who is headed to Penn State,  completed his first five passes during the playoff, and was named the most valuable offensive player for Aquinas. No statistics were kept by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association, which sanctions the tournaments.

The Syracuse Post-Standard calculated that Zembiec was 19 of 28 for 266 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. A 10-yard pass to Jones during the first offensive series of the game was the first touchdown of the game.

Liverpool (10-1) drove to a 28-yard field goal by Patrick Delgobbo during its first series on offense. Matt Rioux of the Warriors intercepted a pass by Zembiec midway through the second quarter and returned the ball to the Aquinas 13. The turnover became points when Rashon Scott scored on a 10-yard run.

Aquinas took back the lead with a five-play, 85-yard drive that took 59 seconds. Completions on back-to-back plays by Jones moved the ball from the Aquinas 20 to the Liverpool 35 during the drive. Tyler Olbrich took a screen pass 32 yards to get the Little Irish in the end zone and in the lead, 14-10.

“I think I made one cut to the right at end of the play and there was no one in front of me,” Olbrich said.

A 24-yard field goal by Collin Cup on the first Aquinas drive of the second half made it a seven-point lead. Liverpool later moved 90 yards, with a handful of key, strong runs by Jaydakiss Scott to get in position to tie the game.

“He was a great running back, the first hit never brought him down,” Jones said. “He always kept his feet moving. We had to adjust, wrap up.

“We came out on top, that’s all I’m worried about.”

JAMESJ@DemocratandChronicle.com