SECTION IV FOOTBALL: NEWARK VALLEY COMPETES WITH U-E, BUT THERE’S WORK TO DO (2024-08-31)

By TIM TAYLOR
Tioga County Sports Report
ENDICOTT — Newark Valley stepped up in class when it visited Class A Union-Endicott for a scrimmage Friday night and the Cardinals were competitive, although coach Ted Hardenstine did see areas where the team needs work.

“I'm happy with the way our kids competed tonight,” he said. “We got off the ball well and we were able to make some plays vs. a talented U-E team. We got a lot of good things on film and we were able to get a little work on our special teams.”

NV will have less than a week to work on improvements on both sides of the ball before opening the season Friday evening against Section III Class D runner-up Mount Markham at SUNY Morrisville.

“On offense, we have to continue to work on our communication and knowing our assignments,” Hardenstine said. “We left a few plays on the field, and we put the ball on the ground, which can't happen.

“Defensively, we have to play more consistently and be disciplined in our run fits. We also want to continue to finish plays by tackling physically with proper technique.

“Big picture, I'm really happy with where we are,” Hardenstine added. “This team has shown a lot of improvement in a short amount of time. We are far from where we want to be, but I'm excited to keep watching them grow and come together as a team.”

The Cardinals were 4-5 overall last season, but could have won a couple close games had the breaks gone their way. Still, NV made it to the Section IV playoffs before bowing out to eventual three-time state champ Tioga.

Mount Markham graduated nine players, and have eight seniors and 15 juniors on this season’s 34-man roster.

NV graduated 10 players, but is also dealing with a few injuries.

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PHOTOS BY TIM TAYLOR.

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