FOLLOWING FOOTBALL: COACHES WEIGH IN ON PLAYOFFS, INJURIES (2018-10-05)

We are now into Week 6 of the season and things are taking shape as well as postseason possibilities go.

Newark Valley is sitting pretty in Division IV, but the Cardinals' bragging rights are in serious danger. Susquehanna Valley has been touted by many an "expert" as the team to beat, not only in Section IV, but across the state as well. I tend to agree. Currently, Cambridge / Salem is ranked No. 1 (Cambridge won the last two Class D titles before merging this season).

Regardless of any rankings, this should be a great game to watch between two very tough teams. I'm not sure NV has the depth to pull off an upset, but you never know. Having seen Sus Valley perform last week, I would say they are a two-TD favorite.

Owego should win its next two to end up as one of the four playoff teams in Division II. Chenango Forks and Maine-Endwell have the top two spots locked up. The question is what will happen on the final week of the regular season against Norwich? Tonight's clash between M-E and Norwich could be a good indicator of what's to come in Week 8. However, the Indians still need to remain focused on the game at hand.

Then there's the Eagles over at Spencer-Van Etten / Candor, who, unfortunately, have had their wings clipped. They are hands down the hard-luck team of the entire section. Not only did SVEC drop three consecutive games by a cumulative 20 points against quality opponents, the team got bitten by the injury bug. Already down a couple starters, the Eagles suffered more injuries last week.

With its playoff hopes dashed, SVEC is now playing for pride. And in the true fashion of Tioga County athletes, the Eagles will fight to the bitter end.

Now, without further ado, let's hear from our coaches - Steve Virkler (Owego), Ted Hardenstine (NV), Mike Chaffee (SVEC).

Q: How do you see the Section IV playoff picture shaping up for your classification?

Virkler: The nice thing for us right now is we control our own destiny in terms of making the Class B playoffs. It looks like Chenango Forks and Maine-Endwell have locked up two spots so the other two will come down to Owego, Norwich, Windsor and Chenango Valley. Norwich also controls their own destiny at this point. We must win against Oneonta this weekend and beat Johnson City next week to secure a spot. Our last game against Norwich could also have playoff implications.

Hardenstine: We like where we are at for our playoff chances at 3-0 in the division. We are the only team in our division that has played three games so far, so there is a lot of football to be played yet to see how the playoff picture shapes up.

Chaffee: Our playoff hopes were washed away last week with a loss to Susquehanna Valley. Class C Division IV is shaping up to send the top two seeds Newark Valley and Susquehanna Valley the playoffs.

Q: We are at a point in the season where injuries are becoming a concern for some teams. How is the health of your players?

Virkler: We have had a few injuries that have been a concern to us. We were hoping to get them both back this week but at this point we're not sure that is going to happen. Hoping for the best. Injuries are always a key component to a team's success late in the year - naturally teams that are able to stay healthy usually have more success.

Chaffee: Injuries have been a major concern for us the past few weeks. Last week we were without starting linemen Thomas Casella and Ben VanGalder due to illness and injury. During the Susquehanna game we also lost a few players with concussions and one back injury. While we are thin at numerous positions we are asking guys to step up and fill a role that they may not have a lot of experience at but are eager to contribute. 

Q: What can the fans expect to see from your next opponent?

Virkler: After making it to the sectional finals in Class C last year Oneonta has struggled to a current 0-5 record in Class B this year. They have played a very competitive schedule and stayed competitive in most games. Their offense can create some concerns for a defense because of their ability to cover the entire field. They have some athletes that can run, throw and catch the ball from anywhere on the field - last week they had two kickoff returns for touchdowns, but unfortunately for them they were both called back due to penalties. They are a well-coached team that will come out and compete every single week regardless of their opponent - it is also their homecoming so that adds one more element of motivation for the Yellow Jackets.

Hardenstine: Our fans can expect a great football game. There aren't too many times you get to see two top-five teams in the state play a regular season football game.