SECTION IV FOOTBALL: TIOGA COUNTY SHINES IN ERNIE DAVIS VICTORY (2021-11-24)
JOHNSON CITY — The West snapped a 12-year drought in the Ernie Davis Exceptional Senior Classic, defeating the East, 41-7, here Tuesday evening and Tioga County athletes played a key role in the victory.
The West hadn't won the event, which showcases some of Section IV's top senior football players, since 2009.
Tioga County had 14 players on the West roster, although a trio of Tioga athletes did not play due to their current involvement in the state playoffs.
"Overall a more than solid performance from all Tioga County kids!" Owego coach Steve Virkler said.
Newark Valley's Mike Wandell threw two touchdown passes and had several big runs, Spencer-Van Etten / Candor's Nick Thomas ran for one TD and had another "electric TD run" called back. He also threw for a score.
"NV's Logan Mann played every snap at center for an offense that put up 41 points and Devin Beach had several key runs and lead blocks for both of the QBs," Virkler said.
"Mason Wills had several catches (I think it was 5 for approximately 100 yards), two for TDs from Wandell and he was selected the Offensive Player of the Game for the West team.
"Defensively, Teagan Signs had a solid game with multiple tackles and 1.5 sacks and he handled all kickoffs."
SVEC coach Mike Chaffee noted that Beach contributed an interception at linebacker and Elliot Walter played every snap at left tackle.
Tioga County players on the West roster included:
Devin Beach, SVEC, 6'0", 215, RB/LB
Gavin Godfrey, Tioga, 5'8", 170, DB
Thomas Hand, Waverly, 5'7", 140, SB/CB
Logan Mann, Newark Valley, 5'1", 225, C
Luke Rinkavage, Newark Valley, 6'1", 185, LB
DJ Shaw, Waverly, 5'10", 150, LB/G
Teagan Signs, Owego, 6'0", 190, LB
Tyler Talada, Waverly, 6'2", 180, WR/DE
Nick Thomas, SVEC, 6'0", 200, QB
Elliott Walter, SVEC, 6'4", 260, OL/DL
Mike Wandell, Newark Valley, 6'0", 185, QB
Matt Watson, Tioga, 6'2", 190, DE
Mason Wills, Owego, 5'11", 150, WR
Emmett Wood, Tioga, 5'9", 175, RB
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IN PHOTO: Owego's Mason Wills was named the Offensive Player of the Game. ... TCSR STOCK PHOTO.
