Former La Salle Institute football players Nolan Flike (left) and Lou DiNovo (right) pose with the Sabre prior to the 2009 meeting against Chrisitan Brothers Academy. La Salle won that game, to retain the Sabre, but CBA is poised to reclaim it after this week's crossover game. (Photo by J.S. Carras - The Record).

When Christian Brothers Academy lost at Troy High Saturday afternoon in a Section II Class AA quarterfinal football game, it opened the door for the resumption of one of the Capital Region's premier rivalry games: the battle for the Sabre between CBA and its bitter rival, La Salle Institute.

Sunday, La Salle head coach Al Rapp said that he would refuse to have his team play in the game, but by Monday, his stance had softened.

"I guess we're playing," said Rapp on Monday. "But I'm not exactly pleased with the whole idea."

La Salle heads to Christian Brothers Academy for a Week Nine crossover game Friday night at 7 p.m. It will be one of the most talked-about crossover games in Section II history.

CBA head coach Joe Burke, who sits on Section II's scheduling committee, declined to comment Sunday, stating that the official Section II crossover schedule had yet to be announced.

The issue for Rapp is not that he fears losing the Sabre. He fears that Section II is breaking traditional crossover scheduling procedure.

The criteria for scheduling crossover games is generally based on finding equally matched opponents for a competitive game. In Rapp's mind, CBA, which was a No. 4 seed knocked out in the opening round of the Class AA quarterfinals, should play Schenectady, the opposite No. 4 that lost in the opening round.

La Salle would then match up against Bethlehem, a team that like La Salle, did not qualify for the postseason.

“We've never been one to back down from anybody,” Rapp said.

The Cadets, which finished with a 1-6 record in the regular season and were outscored 240 to 75. La Salle defeated winless Albany in a crossover game Friday night, 33-13.

Prior to 2010, La Salle was a perennial Section II title contender under Rapp's guidance, having appeared in a local Super Bowl game five times since 2000.

CBA went 4-3 in the regular season under first-year head coach Joe Burke, clinching the No. 4 playoff berth in the Empire Division. The Brothers were tied in the second quarter with Liberty Division No. 1 Troy, the No. 7 ranked Class AA team in the state, before losing 43-21 in Saturday's Section II quarterfinal.

As Rapp said, La Salle has not been one to back down from a challenge in the past. The Cadets have regularly scheduled the top teams from Sections I and IX when Section II teams played regular season games against teams from out-of-section.

La Salle, which has an enrollment of 420 students this year according to the 2010 BEDS report released by the New York State Sportswriters Association, is dwarfed by every other school in Class AA, all of which have enrollments of at least 1,000 students, save for CBA, which has 440 students.

The CBA vs. La Salle rivalry dates back to 1932, but has been suspended on occasion. La Salle dropped down to play in Class B in 1984 and the series was scrapped until 2001 when the Cadets returned to Class AA. Although the Brothers hold the series advantage, 32-21-6, La Salle has dominated since the resumption of the game, winning all eight contests and maintaing control of the Sabre, the sword that is presented to the winning side.

Friday's game will mark the 60th time the teams have met on the gridiron.

Adding intrigue to the rivalry were the rumors in late 2009 that the two schools were considering plans for a merger, as enrollment is down at both schools. CBA’ s 2009 enrollment fell 10 percent from 2008 to 352 students and La Salle’ s has steadily decreased in recent years, from 650 in 1997 to 402 in 2008.

The boards from both schools met on Oct. 20, 2009 and decided to remain separate.

"I don't think it's the right thing to do, but we're going to go over there and we're going to play the game," said Rapp.

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Catholic Central's Brett Fenton leaps over La Salle goalkeeper Alex Pakatar during Tuesday's Big 10 Conference soccer game at Sutton Field. (Photos by Mike McMahon - The Record).

TROY — Catholic Central High School goalkeeper Charlie Farrell and his counterpart from La Salle Institute, Alex Pakatar, tried their best to make Tuesday’s Big 10 Conference boys soccer game a scoreless draw. But with 3:20 to play in the second half, Justin O’Brien figured that a little bit of offense couldn’t hurt.

O’Brien, a freshman on the Catholic Central team, rushed the net with teammate Zac Ethier and O’Brien headed the ball between Pakatar and the post for the game’s first goal with 200 seconds to spare. Farrell made 14 saves – including a penalty kick shot by La Salle’s Andrew Worgan with 30:25 remaining in the second half – to preserve the 1-0 victory on Sutton Field.

“It was all luck,” O’Brien shrugged after the game. “I just turned it up there and hit it and it went in.”

“Giacomo Giglio set a great ball up at the top and I think I missed it, but thank God he (O’Brien) was there,” Ethier said. “He put it right in.”

Catholic Central junior midfielder Zac Ethier looks to move the ball upfield during Tuesday's game at La Salle.

Catholic Central (2-1-0, 2-3-0) certainly leaned on Farrell in the first half, as the Crusaders’ offense did not really warm up until the final few minutes before halftime.

The Cadets put a flurry of shots on net in the game’s 13th minute, but Farrell stood his ground. Later in the half, La Salle’s Matt Baker swooped in, made a steal when a Crusader defender whiffed on a clearing pass, but Baker’s shot sailed high of the net.

La Salle senior captain and forward Andrew Worgan chases the ball during Tuesday's game against Catholic High.

La Salle (1-3-0, 2-4-0) received 13 saves from their junior keeper, Pakatar.

Aside from O’Brien’s late heroics, Farrell was the biggest star of the night for Catholic High, standing on his head to keep the Crusaders in the game. Even with a lead in the waning seconds, Farrell wasn’t ready to chalk it up as a win just yet.

Catholic Central's Dom Iachetta (11) and La Salle's Matt Baker leap to head a loose ball during Tuesday's Big 10 soccer game.

“The biggest thing is, you don’t want to be like 20 seconds left on the clock and see one go in,” said Farrell, a junior. “That’s the worst. You just have to keep helping your team and keep playing as hard as you can.”

Catholic Central had a number of solid scoring chances in the second half, but few were on net. The Crusaders sent a pair of shots toward Pakatar in the first few minutes of the half, but both shots sailed high and wide of the right of the net. Giglio narrowly missed punching a goal in the top right corner of the net on a free kick from 40 yards out with 16 minutes remaining.

La Salle's Matt Connolly looks to move around Catholic Central defender Tyler Hickey during Tuesday's game on Sutton Field.

“La Salle is the biggest game of the year and it’s their homecoming. We just try to come in and play hard,” Farrell said.

Troy High is currently tied atop the Big 10 standings with Albany High, but this game meant a great deal to the Collar City’s private schools in the conference, both of which were looking to state their case for postseason legitimacy.

For video highlights from Tuesday's game, visit www.troyrecord.com/video/sports

“We’ll definitely be playing harder the rest of the season,” Ethier said after the emotional victory.

“The season starts now,” added Farrell.

La Salle was also looking to make a statement Tuesday evening, but head coach Art Pakatar is hopeful his young team, which starts three freshmen and features just four seniors, can recharge emotionally for the rest of the regular season.

La Salle's Ryan Tremblay heads the ball as a pair of players look on during Tuesday's Big 10 soccer game at La Salle.

“We just tell them it’s part of the process,” he said. “That’s a game that could have gone either way. It’s one more step toward where we need to be. We’re a very young team.

“This was important for us for momentum to start building our case,” Pakatar continued. “And it was very important for Catholic High to push them up in the pack.”

CATHOLIC CENTRAL 1, LA SALLE 0

CCHS (2-1-0, 2-3-0) 0 1 — 1
La Salle (1-3-0, 2-4-0) 0 0 — 0
Scoring: CCHS: O’Brien 1-0.
Goalkeepers: CCHS: Farrell, 14. LSI: Pakatar, 13.
Corner kicks: CCHS, 3. LSI, 2.

Catholic Central senior Sydne Rebne stops to change directions as La Salle's Kyle Reilly defends.

Tuesday's local roundup:

ALBANY — C.J. Sousis turned in a record-setting performance on Tuesday afternoon.
The Lansingburgh High senior finished the 2.66-mile course in 16:15 to set the new mark on the Albany Academy cross country course at Holy Names.
The Knights defeated Schalmont, 21-34, but came up short against the host Cadets, 23-36.
Albany Academy placed five runners in the Top 10 to earn both victories in the Colonial Council tri-meet.
Lansingburgh’s Albert Scardera placed fourth in 17:12.
Cobleskill 25, Cohoes 33: Johnny SotoMaya won the race for the Tigers in 14:16 and Mike Muzio was third in 14:47 for Cohoes (0-1). Cobleskill’s Johnny Decesare came in second in a time of 14:47.
Ravena 15, Watervliet inc.: Mike Morrow took home the title in 14:33 at the 2.55-mile course at Ravena.
Ichabod Crane 19, Voorheesville 43: The Riders bested the Blackbirds in a Colonial Council meeting.
La Salle sweeps in Big 10: Eamonn Coughlin finished first in 16:42, Evan Little came in second in 16:14 and Alex Isabelle was third in 18:08 to lead the Cadets to Big 10 victories over CBA and host Troy High over a three-mile course.
La Salle defeated CBA, 18-40 and both the Cadets and CBA bested an incomplete Troy squad.
Shenendehowa sweeps in Suburban: Ian Dorsett captured first place in 14:56.80 to pace the Plainsmen to Suburban Council victories over Niskayuna and host Averill Park over a 2.75-mile course.
Shen defeated Niskayuna, 21-40, and Averill Park, 15-39. Marshall Pagano (15:00.93) finished second overall as Nisky downed Averill Park, 17-42.
Amsterdam wins Big 10 meet: Jon Nelson finished first in 14:38 to pace the host Rams to Big 10 triumphs over Catholic Central and Schenectady over a 2.6-mile course.
Chris Herbs (14:41) took second place to lead the Crusaders past Schenectady, 26-30. Amsterdam topped Catholic Central, 20-37 and Schenectady, 17-38.
Bishop Gibbons wins pair: Matt Lange (15:40), Jason Lange (15:40) and Jordan Pantalone (15:41) finished 1-2-3 as the Knights recorded Big 10 wins over Albany High and Bishop Maginn over Washington Park’s 2.84-mile course.
Gibbons defeated Albany, 21-38, and Bishop Maginn, 17-44; while Albany topped Maginn, 20-41.
Berlin 26, Schuylerville 29; Berlin 16, Stillwater 46; Schuylerville 15, Hoosic Valley 50; Stillwater 14, Hoosic Valley 50: Tucker Hampson from Schuylerville finished the 2.8-mile course in 16:08 to take home top honors, while the Berlin boys’ team took home two wins.
Girls Cross Country
Shenendehowa sweeps Suburban meet: Lizzie Predmore won comfortably in 16:48 as the Plainsmen took the top four spots en route to recording Suburban Council victories over Niskayuna and host Averill Park over a 2.75-mile layout.
Shen out distanced Averill Park, 17-40 and Niskayuna, 15-44. Emily Tucci (17:48) finished in fifth for Averill Park, which downed Nisky, 22-35.
Amsterdam takes two: Rebekah Johnson took first place in 16:52 to pace the host Rams to Big 10 victories over Catholic Central and Schenectady over a 2.6-mile course.
Caroline Couser (17:54) and Megan Jenney (18:38) finished second and fourth respectively to lead the Crusaders to a 19-36 decision over Schenectady.
Amsterdam bested Catholic Central, 26-31 and Schenectady, 20-39.
Bishop Gibbons sweeps: Talya Williams (19:25.9) and Angelique Cain (19:53.7) finished 1-2 to pace the Knights to Big 10 victories Albany High and Bishop Maginn in a 2.84-mile layout in Washington Park.
Gibbons defeated Albany, 20-35 and an incomplete Bishop Maginn team.
Alexa Pettit finished third overall for the Falcons, who defeated Maginn.
Cobleskill 19, Cohoes 39: Cobleskill (1-0) captured the top three spots led by Larissa Melendez won the 2.55 mile race at Cohoes (0-1) in a time of 16:32. Marissa Hitchcock was second in 16:53 and Michelle Eckler was third in 17:09. Jessica Ayotte, 17:15 and Lydia Dawes, 17:43 rounded out the top five for Cohoes.
Ravena 15, Watervliet inc.: Alaina Krueger finished the 2.55-mile course in 18:36 to pace the Indians in a Colonial dual meet.
Voorheesville 16, Ichabod Crane 45: The Blackbirds swept the top four spots led by Michelyn Little (20:17), Sawyer Cresap (20:49), Jolie Siegel (20:53) and Casey Morrison (21:53).
Berlin 15, Schuylerville 50; Hoosic Valley 15, Schuylerville 50; Stillwater 22, Berlin 33; Stillwater 24, Hoosic Valley 32: Samantha Watson of Schuylerville took home the victory in 16:43 on the 2.8 mile course at Stillwater. The Stillwater girls’ team was tops on this day.
Girls Soccer
Hoosic Valley 3, Stillwater 2: Molly Gilchrist tallied a hat trick to lead the Indians (3-1, 5-0). Brooke Ferrell and Rebecca Wichelns paced Stillwater (1-2-1, 1-2-2) with one goal apiece.
Troy 6, Amsterdam 0: Morgan Avery scored twice and Lissi Vink-Lainis, Helen Dufel, Bianca Jordan and Ashley Bellerose added single goals to lead the Flying Horses (1-2, 4-3) to a Big 10 win.
Saratoga 2, Bethlehem 0: Julia Sirianni and Cassidy Driscoll each scored a second half goal to give the Blue Streaks the Suburban Council victory and handed the Lady Eagles their first home loss since September of 2005. Liz Rogan made eight saves to preserve the shutout.
Shenendehowa 3, Averill Park 0: Kristen Connors netted two goals and Ali Lewis had the other to lead the Plainsmen to a victory at Averill Park. Heather Vale had 19 saves in net for the Warriors.
Maple Hill 7, Greenville 3: Meeghan Arno tallied five goals and Taylor Czajkowski added two to lead the Wildcats (4-0-0, 4-0-0) to a Patroon Conference win.
Emma Willard 4, Germantown 0: Hannah Wilcox tallied two scores and Olivia Gundrum and Claire Karle added a goal each to pace Emma Willard (3-0, 3-1) to victory.
Chatham 3, Taconic Hills 0: Caitlin Nieto registered two goals for Chatham in a Patroon victory.
Boys Soccer
Mechanicville 5, Lansingburgh 0: Sam DeCelle scored three goals and Mark Gaetano and Chris McNall added a goal each for the Red Raiders in a Colonial Council win over the Knights (2-3, 2-4).
Ichabod Crane 3, Cohoes 1: The Riders got two goals from Mitchell Niemeyer and one from Bernie Watt in a Colonial Council victory. Brandon Laforest had the Tigers lone goal.
Waterford 5, Loudonville Christian 0: The Fordians (4-0-0, 5-1-0) were led by Connor Noel’s goal and two assists. David Fletcher, Dylan Gardner and DJ Lee, Zac Lennon added goals for Waterford in a Colonial win.
Burnt Hills 4, Columbia 1: Tim Hughes scored three goals and dished out an assist to lead the Spartans to victory in the Colonial Council.
Matt Koneczny scored on an assist from Tanner Leonard for the lone Blue Devils goal.
Niskayuna 1, Colonie 0 (2 OT): Andrew Downey scored four minutes into the second overtime on a goal assisted by Tanner MacIvor to give the Silver Warriors a Suburban Council win. Yaw Agyie, Mossimo Smiroldo and Tommy Ossipitan spearheaded the Garnet Raiders defense.
Glens Falls 3, Queensbury 0: Aaron Kanofsky put the Indians (1-2-1, 3-2-0) on the board early en route to a league victory.
Golf
Bishop Gibbons 168, Troy 169: Alex DeMarco shot a 39 to pace Gibbons (4-5) in a Big 10 win at Stadium Golf Course in Schenectady. Blaise Kearns and Adam Murray both shot a 41 for Troy (3-6).
Hoosic Valley 3.5, Cambridge 2.5: The Indians improved to 9-3 behind Kevin White, who shot a 38 in a Wasaren match at Windy Hills Country Club. Chris Crucette paced Cambridge (2-10) with a 39.
Shenendehowa 234, Averill Park 271: Ryan Simpson fired a 31 and Louis Walsh shot a 35 to pace the Plainsmen to a Suburban victory. Jimmy Sullivan medaled with a 35 for the Warriors.
Girls Tennis
Maple Hill 6, Chatham 0: Erin Duffy defeated Haley Knight in three sets at first singles (2-6, 6-4, 6-2) to lead the Wildcats (6-0, 7-1) to a Patroon Conference win.
Ichabod Crane 7, Schalmont 0: Emily Qua won 6-1, 6-3 at No. 1 singles for the Riders and Sarah Murphy won a second set tiebreaker and then the third set at No. 3 singles in the sweep of the Colonial Council match.
Averill Park 7, Amsterdam 2: The Warriors (2-4) lost only one singles match and one doubles match in the victory. Morgan McEvilly survived at first singles in three sets (6-7, 6-1, 6-3) in a non-league meeting.
Hudson Falls 4, Greenwich 3: The Witches won singles 3-2 with match wins by Valentine Collet, Tina Boyce and Michelle Pellington. The Tigers swept doubles 2-0 for the game win.
Shaker 7, Guilderland 2: Cat Crummey out lasted Gabby Peda at first singles (6-4, 6-4) to pace the Blue Bison to victory in a Suburban Council match on Tuesday.
Girls Volleyball
Maple Hill 3, Cairo Durham 0: The Wildcats won the Patroon Conference match with scores of 25-12, 25-18 and 25-11.
Chatham 3, Rensselaer 0: Chatham won a Patroon Conference match with scores of 25-14, 25-22 and 25-22.
Holy Names 3, Ichabod Crane 1: Alex Walton led Holy Names (3-1) to a Colonial Council win with eight service points, four aces and two kills. Cristin Neff added 15 service points, 10 aces and three blocks. Monica Hall chipped in with seven service points and 17 kills for the Riders (3-2).
Fonda 3, Schalmont 0: Bri Derby totaled six aces, 16 service points and 11 assists to spark the Braves to victory in the Colonial Council, 25-21, 25-21 and 25-14. Emily Matuszak registered five aces and 15 service points for the Sabres.
Loudonville Christian 3, Lake George 1: Hattie Burgher contributed 17 kills and 36 digs and Chelsea Brown totaled eight kills and 25 digs as the Eagles won a non-league match, 25-14, 23-25, 25-12 and 25-15.
Boys Volleyball
Burnt Hills 3, Colonie 0: Jordan Armstrong totaled 20 assists and five blocks to spark the Spartans to a Suburban Council victory, 25-19, 25-21 and 25-17. Kyle Mcpadden paced the Garnet Raiders with 13 assists.
From Monday
Girls Soccer
Emma Willard 7, Rensselaer 1: Lindsay Pattison scored three goals and Sarah Bower added two for Emma Willard. Emily Kopaskie netted the Rams lone goal and Marissa Mendetta registered 17 saves in net.

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TROY — Troy High School senior running back and linebacker Shatiek Lewis has a simple approach to running with the football.

“You have to drive to the end zone. End zone every play, that’s all you think about,” Lewis said. “You have to give credit to the boys up front.”

Troy High senior Shatiek Lewis follows lineman Jay Yaskanich during Friday's game at La Salle. Lewis ran for 179 yards and four touchdowns in the 55-0 victory. (Photos by J.S. Carras - The Record).

Behind an offensive line that featured 80% first-year starters, Lewis reached the end zone five times Friday night in the first Collar City Cup game against La Salle Institute since the 2007 season. He ran the ball nine times in total for 179 yards, leading the Flying Horses to a 55-0 Liberty Division victory over their crosstown rivals on Sutton Field.

Scoring on runs of 3, 25, 30 and 51 yards, respectively, the La Salle defense had no answer for the 5-foot-8, 180-pound Lewis. In fact, the Cadets did not do much to stop any of the Troy High runners, who combined for 581 rushing yards on 45 attempts.

Troy (1-0, 1-0) returned just one offensive lineman in 2010 – senior Jay Yaskanich – but the Flying Horses’ new front five passed with flying colors in Week One.

Troy High senior running back Jordan Canzeri looks for running room during Friday's game against La Salle. He gained 148 yards and scored twice on 11 attempts.

“Those guys on the line, they work hard,” Lewis said. “Honestly, I had no worries. I had no problems with none of the guys. Everybody worked hard sine day one. Everybody was committed and dedicated, so there was no question in my mind.”

“It still is a work in progress up front,” said Troy High head coach Jack Burger. “But when you have the two-headed monster of Sha and Jordan (Canzeri), and with Stephan (Grinage) and (Kyle) Geraci leading for them - and Brian (Marsh) is no slouch with the ball in his hands - we can continue to keep getting better up front. That’s the goal. Get better each week up front.”

Canzeri added 148 yards and two touchdowns on 11 rushing attempts and Marsh, the team’s senior quarterback, picked up 94 yards on three attempts. Marsh’s 45-yard touchdown run late in the second quarter came after he had fumbled the snap at the line of scrimmage, but picked it up and finished the play down the left sideline.

La Salle's Gabriel Smith returns an interception as Troy High's Josh Blaauboer tries to make the tackle Friday night in The Record's Collar City Cup clash.

“I said to coach Burger, obviously I didn’t have us as prepared as well as I should have,” La Salle head coach Al Rapp said. “We didn’t play well and I’m sorry we didn’t give them a better game. They ran all over us. They just handled us and slapped us around.”

La Salle (0-1, 0-1) returned just one starter on either side of the ball this year – senior lineman Frank Seitz – and the Cadets started 10 underclassmen on offense around him.

Garrett Delory, La Salle’s junior quarterback, completed 11 of 29 passes for 98 yards. The Cadets ran the ball just 13 times and were held to negative five yards.

Troy High senior quarterback Brian Marsh runs for a 45-yard touchdown - he had fumbled the snap to start the play - in the second quarter against La Salle Friday night.

“When you’re going to spread the field and run no-back you’re going to bend a little bit, but we didn’t break,” Burger said. “They never got in the end zone. Coach (Bob) Burns did a great job with the defensive planning.”

La Salle won the last clash for The Record’s Collar City Cup, 19-14, on Oct. 12, 2007. Troy High played in Class A each of the past two seasons, forcing a postponement of the series. The Collar City Cup series is now tied, 4-4.

For video highlights from the game, visit www.troyrecord.com/video/sports

Following the game, the Flying Horses hoisted the trophy and took celebratory photographs with parents and supporters. Still, the players are already looking forward to their next game.

Friday night, La Salle hosts Guilderland (1-0, 1-0) in a non-division game. The Dutchmen knocked an undefeated La Salle team out of the first round of the postseason in 2009.

Troy hosts Colonie (0-1, 0-1) a week from today in a Liberty Division contest at 1:30 p.m. on Edward C. Picken Field.

“This was a huge game for us,” Lewis said. “We were looking forward to this and we were training for this for a long time.

“Actually, this does matter to us,” continued Lewis. “We’re happy to bring the cup home where it belongs. We’re really proud of that and we take pride in that. We’ll celebrate the victory while it lasts, but next week we’ll get right back to work.”

Troy High players hoist the Collar City Cup after defeating La Salle, 55-0, Friday night. (Will Montgomery photo - The Record).

TROY 55, LA SALLE 0

Troy (1-0, 1-0) 22 20 13 0 — 55
La Salle (0-1, 0-1) 0 0 0 0 — 0
First Quarter
T — Shatiek Lewis 3 run (Michael Pastore kick failed) 9:15
T— Jordan Canzeri 52 run (Lewis run) 8:04
T — Lewis 25 run (Noah Thomas pass from Brian Marsh) 3:14
Second Quarter
T — Lewis 30 run (Pastore kick) 5:38
T — Canzeri 19 run (Pastore kick) 2:38
T — Marsh 45 run (Pastore kick blocked) 1:03
Third Quarter
T — Lewis 51 run (Pastore kick) 7:15
T — Raheem Felder 17 run (Pastore kick failed) 0:00.5
Fourth Quarter
No scoring
Individual Statistics
Rushing: Troy (45-581) Lewis 9-179, Canzeri 11-148, Marsh 3-94, Valenti 7-60, Felder 4-40, Pastore 7-30, Geraci 1-17, Pirela 3-15. La Salle (13-(-5)): Koberger 4-7, Carroll 4-1, Landy 2-(-3), Delory 3-(-10).
Passing: Troy: Marsh 2-5-37-0-1. La Salle: Delory 11-29-98-0-1.
Receiving: Troy (2-37): Grinage 1-19, Blair 1-18. La Salle (11-98): Smith 3-31, Daversa-Russo 2-26, Carroll 1-19, Koberger 2-14, Landy 2-5, Ward 1-3.

The Record’s Collar City Cup History

2010, Troy 55, La Salle 0 
2007, La Salle 19, Troy 14
2006, Troy 29, La Salle 21
2005, La Salle 26, Troy 12
2004, La Salle 12, Troy 7
2003, Troy 27, La Salle 25
2002, Troy 14, La Salle 7
2001, La Salle 14, Troy 0

Note: In 2008, Troy defeated Lansingburgh in the inaugural Uncle Sam Cup game, 28-3. There were no intra-city matchups in 2009.

Section II scoreboard

Lansingburgh's Anthony Fogarty runs the ball against Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Friday night on the north side of town. BH-BL won the game, its 21st straight against Section II opponents, 25-15.

Thurs., Sept. 2
Class AA
Liberty Division
Shaker 34, Colonie 0

Fri., Sept. 3
Class AA
Empire Division
Ballston Spa 50, Albany 7
Saratoga Springs 28, Guilderland 12
Liberty Division
Niskayuna 32, Schenectady 28
Troy 55, La Salle Institute 0
Non-division
Christian Brothers Academy 37, Columbia 14
Class A
Non-division
Bishop Maginn 41, South Glens Falls 13
Queensbury 23, Scotia-Glenville 0
Amsterdam 35, Mohonasen 12
Averill Park 38, Gloversville 33
Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake 25, Lansingburgh 15
Class B
Non-division
Albany Academy 67, Broadalbin-Perth 12
Canajoharie 42, Ichabod Crane 18
Ravena 21, Cobleskill-Richmondville 20
Schalmont 47, Cohoes 6
Hudson 35, Johnstown 2
Class C
South Division
Chatham 42, Catholic Central 20
North Division
Greenwich 54, Hoosic Valley 0
Tamarac 28, Lake George 18
Hoosick Falls 48, Corinth 20

Sat., Sept. 4
Class AA
Empire Division
Shenendehowa at Bethlehem, 1:30 p.m.
Class A
Non-division
Hudson Falls at Glens Falls, 1:30 p.m.
Class B
Non-division
Schuylerville at Cairo-Durham, 1:30 p.m.
Class C
South Division
Taconic Hills at Watervliet, 1 p.m.
Fonda-Fultonville at Coxsackie-Athens, 1 p.m.
North Division
Stillwater at Granville, 1 p.m.
Non-division
Mechanicville at Voorheesville, 1 p.m.
Class D
Bishop Gibbons at Cambridge, 1 p.m.
Fort Edward at Warrensburg, 1 p.m.
Salem at Whitehall, 1 p.m.

The next Off The Record live chat is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 9 at 7 p.m., right here on the blog.

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Troy High head coach Jack Burger (left) and La Salle Institute head coach Al Rapp (right) will square off Friday night in The Record's Collar City Cup game at La Salle. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. (All photos by John Whipple - The Record).

TROY -- The Collar City is going to be rocking this Friday night with a pair of interesting high school football Week One matchups on opposite sides of town.

On the south side, Troy High travels to La Salle Institute's Sutton Field for The Record's Collar City Cup clash against the Cadets.

In Lansingburgh, the Knights play host to Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake. Burnt Hills has played in the New York State Class A title game each of the past two season and Lansingburgh played in that game in 2007.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. for both games.


Those games, of course, are not all that is on the schedule this weekend, so scroll down for game capsules in this post. I'll also have extended stories on the big games in Friday's paper.


Also, look for Record staff picks in Friday's edition of the paper.


Our 48-page high school football preview section, Kickoff 2010, is inserted in every copy of today's paper (Thurs., Sept., 2).

Troy High captains, from left to right, at Section II media day: Brian Marsh (5), Kyle Geraci (44), Jay Yaskanich (63), Jordan Canzeri (34) and Ian Blair (8). 

Troy High at La Salle Institute

Friday, Sept. 3, 7 p.m.

at Sutton Field, La Salle Institute, Troy

About Troy: The Flying Horses are coming off a campaign in which they won nine straight games and appeared in the Section II Class A Super Bowl, losing to eventual state finalist Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake, 33-18. Senior running backs Jordan Canzeri and Shatiek Lewis return, both of whom ran for over 1,200 yards as juniors. Keep in mind that Troy also played a number of blowout games during the regular season, meaning those players did not see very much action in the second half at all in 2009. Senior quarterback Brian Marsh also returns and could be a dangerous weapon through the air and on the ground with another year of experience under his belt. Senior lineman Jay Yankaich is the only returning starter on the line for the Flying Horses, who will have to grow up quick up front if they want to create any space at all for their talented skill players. Troy returns to Class AA in 2010 after spending two years as a Class A school. (This is not a decision the school makes. The New York State Public High School Athletic Association takes a list of all the schools in the state that play football and divide that number into five equal groups based on student populations in grades 9-11. Depending on fluctuating student populations from year-to-year, some schools bounce up and others bounce down. Public schools do not get to pick where they play. This seems like a common misconception among fans).

About La Salle: The Cadets will answer many questions Friday night as the team returns just one of its 22 starters from the 2009 season, senior lineman Frank Seitz. Garrett Delory, who started a few games at quarterback last year when Mike Murray went down with an injury, will likely be taking the snaps under center on opening night, giving La Salle a bit of experience there. Junior Kevin Koberger also saw a bit of time in the backfield for the Cadets a season ago, and will be expected to carry a heavier load in 2010. Still, if there is any coach in Section II that can figure out a way to get his players to get the job done, it's La Salle's Al Rapp. His teams have appeared in five Section II Super Bowls since 2000, which was his first year at the school. La Salle went 7-0 in the regular season in 2009 before dropping a heartbreaking overtime decision to Guilderland in the first round of the playoffs.

Notable: See below for a history of The Record's Collar City Cup series. The game will be broadcast on Time Warner Cable Channel 3.

The Record’s Collar City Cup History
2007, La Salle 19, Troy 14
2006, Troy 29, La Salle 21
2005, La Salle 26, Troy 12
2004, La Salle 12, Troy 7
2003, Troy 27, La Salle 25
2002, Troy 14, La Salle 7
2001, La Salle 14, Troy 0

Note: In 2008, Troy defeated Lansingburgh in the inaugural Uncle Sam Cup game, 28-3. There were no intra-city matchups in 2009.

La Salle Institute leaders, from left to right: Garrett Delory, Frank Seitz and Kevin Koberger at Section II media day Sunday at UAlbany.

Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake captains, from left to right: Evan Nusbaum (4), Keaton Flint (2), Jake Batty (50) and Brandon Beatty (22).

Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake at Lansingburgh

Friday, Sept. 3, 7 p.m.

Lansingburgh High School, Troy

About BH-BL: The Spartans are coming off a pair of New York State Class A championship game appearances and will shift returning fourth team all-state wide receiver Keaton Flint to quarterback. BH-BL also returns a big group of players that have played in big games the last two years, including Evan Nusbaum, Brandon Beatty, Willie Fisher and Jake Batty. BH-BL head coach Matt Shell and his son, Jacob, are both cancer survivors. Jacob was declared cancer-free in mid-July.

About 'Burgh: The Knights move back up to Class A after spending 2009 in Class B and making a run to the Section II Class B Super Bowl. Lansingburgh has handed the starting quarterback job to Carlos Grillo following the graduation of T.J. McLaughlin and the decision of heir apparent Ryan McGrath to focus on baseball year-round. Grillo, a lanky lefty, has done nothing but impress the coaching staff this summer, but he still lacks any varsity experience. The Knights are also replacing their entire backfield, but transfer player Anthony Fogarty gained a great deal of experience the past few years across the Hudson River at Cohoes. Still, the Knights are pretty well stacked on the lines both ways, led by Chad Laustrup, Mark Tracey and Jake Luce. Defense is going to have to carry the Knights in the early goings until the offense can put it all together.

Notable: Burnt Hills has won 20 consecutive games against Section II opponents. Lansingburgh was the last Section II team to defeat Burnt Hills, posting a 28-25 victory over the Spartans in the Class A Super Bowl on Nov. 3, 2007. Look below for a list of recent scores from the series.

BH-BL vs. ‘Burgh, recent history
Sept. 11, 2008, regular season, Burnt Hills 60, Lansingburgh 14
Nov. 3 2007, Class A Super Bowl, Lansingburgh 28, Burnt Hills 25
Sept. 28, 2007, regular season, Burnt Hills 35, Lansingburgh 22
Nov. 4 2006, Class A Super Bowl, Burnt Hills 37, Lansingburgh 7

Lansingburgh High School players from left to right: Marcus Little, Chad Laustrup, Mark Tracey, Jake Luce and Quincy Michael.

For video clips with interviews with Troy High, La Salle Institute and Lansingburgh players, visit www.troyrecord.com/video/sports

Columbia High School captains from left to right: Andrew Cleveland (72), Jake Wronoski (10) and Chad DeJohn (68) at Section II media day Sunday at UAlbany.

Columbia at Christian Bros. Academy

Friday, Sept. 3, 7 p.m.

Christian Bros. Academy, Colonie

About Columbia: The Blue Devils are looking to gain traction in 2010 under second-year head coach Drew Romanowski, who inspired an underclass uprising in the weight room during the offseason. Columbia will need to find multiple replacements on offense for Alex Tesoriero, who rushed for 1,445 yards in 2009 and handled the Blue Devils’ kicking duties for the past few years.

About CBA: Head coach Joe Burke will make his debut with the Brothers in this game. A long-time assistant at Bishop Maginn, Burke also had a five-year stint at Albany High in the 2000s. The Brothers return a solid group of players in 2010, led by seniors Casey Crotty, Trey Williams, Max Weaver, Carter Sherman, Ras-I Grady and Logan Frese. Expect the Brothers’ offense in 2010 to look a lot like what Burke saw with his mentor, Joe Grasso, at Bishop Maginn over the past 30 years.

Notable: These teams wrapped up the 2009 season with a crossover game in East Greenbush. CBA won, 14-6. They last met in regular season action on Sept. 9, 2005, a game CBA won, 36-3.

Corinth at Hoosick Falls, 

Friday, Sept. 3, 7 p.m.

Hoosick Falls High School, Hoosick Falls

About Corinth: The Tomahawks will be starting over in 2010 as do-it-all quarterback Jordan Charbonneau, who rushed for 1,791 yards and 19 touchdowns as a senior last year, has graduated. Corinth edged out Mechanicville for the fourth and final playoff berth out of the Class C North Division a season ago. Corinth lost to South Division Chatham in the opening round of the playoffs, 62-0.

About Hoosick Falls: The Panthers will get back to business after making a run to the New York State Class C semifinals and finishing with an 11-1 record overall in 2009. Quarterback Mike Brewster returns for his senior season in head coach Ron Jones’ spread option offense. Brewster passed for 1,651 yards and ran for 450 yards as a junior. To defend their Section II title in 2010, the Panthers will need to replace three players on the offensive line and running back Alex Hansen, who ran for 1,575 yards and 26 touchdowns in his senior season last year.

Notable: Corinth was the last Section II team to defeat Hoosick Falls, as the Tomahawks defeated the Panthers in a crossover game, 32-27, on Halloween, 2008. Hoosick Falls won a regular season game in Corinth last season, 21-7, on Oct. 16.

Lake George at Tamarac

Friday, Sept. 3, 7 p.m.

Tamarac High School, Clums Corners

About Lake George: The Warriors are coming off a season in Class D in which they finished 5-1 in the regular season, but were upset by Saratoga Central Catholic in the opening round of the playoffs. Lake George will also have to replace running back Caleb Meroski, who was a major threat in the backfield for the last two seasons. Playing a Class D schedule as a Class C school in 2008, Lake George finished with a 9-0 record but was ineligible for postseason play.

About Tamarac: The Bengals return all five offensive linemen from a season ago and for the first time in a long time, the Tamarac front five averages over 200 pounds. Junior Nick Casale starts his second season under center and will turn to offensive playmakers Nick Feldmaier, Tyler Larvie and Nick Newell. Tamarac finished 4-5 a season ago and missed the playoffs after having made qualified in 2008. The Bengals last won a Section II title in 1983.

Notable: These two teams last met on Oct. 27, 2006. Lake George won, 18-6.

Mechanicville at Voorheesville

Saturday, Sept. 4

Clayton A. Bouton High School, Voorheesville

About Mechanicville: The Red Raiders finished 4-2 in the Class C North Division a season ago (6-3 overall) but missed the playoffs on a quarterpoints tiebreaker to Corinth. The Red Raiders return 14 of 22 starters and will aim to balance the pass and the run on offense. After a season of technical delays, Mechanicville will play home games under the lights on Friday nights in 2010.

About Voorheesville: The Blackbirds are a consensus pick among local high school football coaches as one of the teams to beat in Class C this year. The Blackbirds finished 6-1 in the South Division a season ago but lost in the first round of the playoffs to Cambridge, 41-0. Quarterback Ryan Duncan figures to be one of Section II’s top passers in 2010. He threw for 995 yards and 12 touchdowns a season ago.

Notable: These traditional Colonial Council rivals last played on Sept. 22, 2007, with Voorheesville winning, 15-13.

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ALBANY — The 2010 high school football season begins this week and a pair of big-time rivalry games dominated the discussion at Sunday’s Media Day festivities at the University at Albany.

Thursday night, South Colonie travels across town to take on Shaker in the annual battle for the Town of Colonie Cup. Friday, La Salle Institute plays host to Troy High School in a resumption of The Record’s Collar City Cup series, which hasn’t been played since 2007.

Both games have been and always will be a once-in-a-lifetime highlight for the players.

“Every day after practice, it’s Bison, Bison, Bison,” said Colonie senior running back and linebacker Davion Brink. “It’s on everyone’s minds and it’s all I’m worried about right now.”

Colonie head coach Mike Ambrosio, however, had two issues with playing the game so early in the season. First, school does not start until next week, so excitement for this game will not be brewing in the hallways.

“For game one, I don’t think the towns and the schools will be excited because no one is in the building,”
Ambrosio said. “It’s kind of tough to get excited if no one is around. I’m sure Troy and La Salle are in the same boat. How do you have a rivalry game in week one?”

Secondly, moving the Colonie-Shaker game ahead a day for a television slot will cause certain players to be ineligible, according to the New York State Public High School Athletic Association’s rule that a player must participate in 15 practices prior to competing in the team’s first game.

South Colonie head coach Mike Ambrosio displays the swim move to players during a recent practice. (Photo by Mike McMahon - The Record).

 “The fact that they moved the game up to Thursday night, if a kid missed one practice, they can’t play in the game,” Ambrosio said. “I have a couple of seniors, the kids got sick and couldn’t make a practice. And their senior year, they can’t play in the rivalry game. That’s wrong.

“I totally disagree with moving it up and playing a rivalry game that early, but it’s not my decision,” Ambrosio continued. “I play where they tell me to go.”

Ambrosio knows the Colonie-Shaker rivalry well. He took a leave of absence at Colonie during the 2008 season to watch his son, Mark, play his senior season at Shaker.

For video highlights from media day, visit www.troyrecord.com/video/sports

The fact that they will not be in school doesn’t seem to damper the excitement that’s building for the Troy-La Salle game, at least on the internet.

“It is fun to be with a lot of your friends talking about the game and stuff, but on Facebook, we have a lot of stuff on that,” said Troy High senior running back Jordan Canzeri. “We sent a couple of invites and we have a good amount of people that are saying they’re going to attend the game, so it’s not a real big issue.”

Quarterback questions open and answered
With the first game of the season to be played later this week, both Cohoes and Watervliet still have question marks at the quarterback positions.

Cohoes head coach James Ducharme said he plans to use junior Danny DeChiaro and senior Darnell Rafalko interchangeably at quarterback throughout the season, as each has their own strengths and weakness under center.

Watervliet head coach Erick Bernard said that Brandon Legault and Sean Daley are still entrenched in a battle for the No. 1 quarterback job. The Cannoneers would like to use one of those players exclusively on offense and the backup quarterback exclusively on defense during games.

Lansingburgh head coach Al McNall announced that the team has full faith in junior Carlos Grillo, who has made a great impression on his coaching staff in about one and a half months of experience at the position in practices and camps.

“Carlos is our guy,” McNall said. “He’s progressing. He’s come a long way in a month and a half. He showed real well in the 7-on-7 at Cohoes and he made some throws that he has to be able to make.”

According to Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake head coach Matt Shell, the Spartans have converted senior Keaton Flint into their starting quarterback. Flint was a fourth team All-State wide receiver in Class A last season, leading the Spartans to the New York State championship game for the second consecutive year.

Burnt Hills plays at Lansingburgh this Friday at 7 p.m. in a non-division Class A game.

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TROY --Things can change in a hurry, just ask Al Rapp and the members of the La Salle Institute football team.

A season ago, the Cadets, who figured to be in a bit of a rebuilding year following the loss of Marquis Terrell to graduation in June 2009, won their first seven games, finishing the regular season 7-0. In the first round of the playoffs, La Salle lost in soul-crushing fashion to Guilderland, 34-33, in overtime.

Just like that, the Cadets went from undefeated to out of the playoff chase in Class AA.

When practice started in 2010, change was evident en masse. La Salle returns just one starter on either side of the ball from a season ago, meaning the Cadets have a ton of work to do before their Week One game against arch-rival Troy High.

La Salle Institute head coach Al Rapp points out instructions to players on the first day of practice. (Photos by Mike McMahon - The Record).

Frank Seitz, at 6-foot-1, 225 pounds, is not only La Salle’s most experienced player. He’s also the biggest on what is shaping up to be an under-sized group, at least compared to La Salle teams of the past.

"We’re going to be quite small, so we’re going to have to grow up in a hurry," said Rapp. "We’ve got a tough start with Troy, Guilderland and Niskayuna. We have our work cut out for us."

Frank Seitz pulls a weighted sled across La Salle Institute's practice field. Seitz is the only returning starter the Cadets will dress this season.

The memory of the Guilderland game certainly inspired Seitz to hit the weight room in the offseason, knowing that not only would be have to bulk up for his senior season, he has to be ready for those extra overtime drives should they come up again in 2010.

"I think it motivated a lot of us to get in the weight room," he said. "I know it motivated me. I don’t know about everybody else, but that motivated me to work out and want to get better."

Gabriel Smith runs with the football during the first day of practice.

Lansingburgh native Garrett Delory, who played a few games under center last season when starting quarterback Mike Murray went down with an injury. He figures to have an inside track on the job this season, but Rapp said on the first day of practice that it was going to be a wide-open competition for everybody.

"Every spot is open if you hustle," Rapp said. "If we have to play 11 sophomores, we’ll play 11 sophomores."

For video highlights from La Salle Institute practice, check out www.troyrecord.com/video/sports

I'll be heading to Section II football media day this Sunday to chat with the Cadets about their progress in training camp and will be reporting back later this weekend on what the team will look like in 2010.

Iquan Ward pushes a sled around La Salle's football field during practice last week.

La Salle Institute playbook
COACH: Al Rapp
STARTERS RETURNING: 1 offense, 0 defense
2009 RECORD: 8-1
NICKNAME: Cadets
OFFENSE: Power I and Wing-T
DEFENSE: 50
LAST PLAYOFF GAME: 2009
LAST SECTION II TITLE: 2008 (Class AA)
DIVISION: Class AA, Liberty

La Salle Institute, 2009 game-by-game results
Saratoga Springs, W 21-16
CBA, W 34-7
Colonie, W 21-0
SHAKER, W 40-7
Columbia, W 28-0
Bethlehem, W 42-10
SCHENECTADY, W 12-0
GUILDERLAND, L 34-33 (OT)*
Shenendehowa, W 21-15!
*Section II Class AA quarterfinals
!Crossover game
Home games in CAPS

La Salle Institute, 2009 stats review
Rushing, Att, Yds., Avg., TDs
Tyler Washington, 101, 589, 5.8, 9
Passing, Comp., Att., Yds., Avg., TDs
Mike Murray, 54, 110, 846, 15.7, 10
Garrett DeLory, 22, 38, 288, 13.1, 5
Receiving, No., Yds., Avg., TDs
Lou DiNovo, 27, 454, 16.8, 8
Tyler Washington, 18, 292, 16.2, 2
Scoring, TD, 2-pt, PAT, FG, Tot.
Tyler Washington, 11, 0, 0, 0, 66

La Salle’s three keys to the season
1, Stay healthy. "We have to stay healthy because we aren’t deep," said head coach Al Rapp. "Our numbers are down, like they are at a lot of places."
2, Mature quickly. With just one starter returning, the Cadets will get a major test in Week One against Troy High.
3, Come together as a team. Unlike the public schools, whose players develop chemistry with one another through a decade or more of classes and games together, the Cadets come from all corners of the Capital Region. Howe quickly can this group gel?

La Salle Institute, 2010 schedule
Friday Sept. 3, vs. Troy, 7:30 p.m.
Friday Sept. 10, vs. Guilderland, 7 p.m.
Friday Sept. 17, at Niskayuna, 7 p.m.
Friday Sept. 24, vs. Colonie, 7 p.m.
Friday Oct. 1, at Shaker, 7 p.m.
Friday Oct. 8, at Schenectady, 7 p.m.
Friday Oct. 15, vs. Columbia, 7 p.m.
Oct. 22/29, Playoffs/Crossovers, TBA

La Salle Institute football players run sprints during a recent practice.

--
Keep checking back on the blog for a training camp report posted every day between now and opening day of the high school football season on Thurs., Sept. 2. The schools will be posted in no particular order, so please be patient if you don't see your school right away.

Also keep your eyes open for our 48-page preview section - Kickoff 2010 - which hits the newsstands inside The Record on Thurs., Sept. 2. It will feature 21 team previews, columns, feature stories, statistics and pictures to preview the upcoming 2010 high school football season.

Previous training camp reports:
No. 1, Lansingburgh High School
No. 2, Cohoes High School
No. 3, Watervliet High School
No. 4, Columbia High School
No. 5, Catholic Central High School; head coach Ray Gaston update
No. 6, Christian Brothers Academy
No. 7, Rensselaer High School
No. 8, Hoosick Falls High School
No. 9, Averill Park High School 
No. 10, Tamarac High School
No. 11, Troy High School
No. 12, Bishop Maginn High School

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TROY -- Like many high school football players in New York State, Jake Luce (pictured above) didn’t get much sleep after he tucked himself in Sunday night, since Monday marked the first day of practice for football teams.

Rested or not, Luce and the rest of his Lansingburgh teammates had an exceptionally sharp session.

"Last night I couldn’t even sleep. I fell asleep at four in the morning," said Luce, a senior offensive lineman and linebacker. "I was so excited to come. My adrenaline was going crazy. Football season is back. That’s what I like."

Mark Tracey is ready to get back to action on the football field for Lansingburgh High School after having missed the final three weeks of the 2009 season with a torn ACL. (All photos by Will Montgomery - The Record).

Lansingburgh head coach Al McNall called Monday’s practice "probably one of the best first days we’ve had here in a long time."

The weather certainly aided that, as cloudy skies kept players out of the sun. Lansingburgh, which practices from 9 a.m. to 11, takes a 30-minute break and resumes for a 90-minute session, offers its players water breaks two or three times in each practice portion.

"Today was a great day, but by Wednesday, it’s going to be 85 and extremely humid," said McNall. "Section II has stressed about the hydration and the water breaks."

For video highlights from Monday's practices, check out www.troyrecord.com/video/sports

The Knights, who have moved up to Class A this season after spending 2009 in Class B, open the season at home Friday, September 3 against two-time defending Section II champion Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake.

Burnt Hills last lost to a Section II team when Lansingburgh defeated the Spartans in the 2007 Section II Class A Super Bowl, 28-25.

"This is the first step to the first week, so if you’re not taking a step here, you’re that much further back when you put pads on," said Lansingburgh senior two-way lineman Mark Tracey. "The first game is going to be that much harder if you’re not taking a step here."

A few blocks north on Seventh Avenue, the Catholic Central High School team was optimistic even though the program will likely have fewer than 40 players combined on its teams.

"We have small numbers and lot of inexperience, but we have some really, really athletic kids," said senior linebacker Anthony Marchese. "We’re fast and we can move."

Mike Sunkes, left, and Anthony Marchese, right, were optimistic prior to the start of Catholic Central High School's first practice Monday in Lansingburgh.

Catholic Central opens the season on September 3, when it hosts defending Section II Class C finalist Chatham at 7 p.m.

Collar City Cup resumes after two-year hiatus

On the south side of town, excitement is already brewing for a Week One showdown between Troy High and La Salle Institute.

Troy, which competes in Class AA this year after spending two years in Class A, will play La Salle for the first time since 2007 in a battle for The Record’s Collar City Cup. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, September 3 at Sutton Field on the La Salle campus.

Despite all of the recent success for Troy and La Salle, the two programs were facing a number of challenges on the first day of practice.

Garrett Delory, pictured above, started two games at quarterback in 2009 when senior Mike Murray went down with an injury. He has the inside track on the job in his junior year.

La Salle lost 21 of its 22 starters to graduation. Frank Seitz, who started on the right side of the offensive line last year, figures to be a two-way starter for the Cadets in 2010. Quarterback Garrett Delory, who played in a handful of games in the middle of the 2009 season when senior Mike Murray went down with a knee injury, has the inside track on the signal caller’s job.

Troy High's Brian Marsh served as a team captain and quarterback as a junior. He could be a secret weapon with his arm and his legs if opposing defenses focus their energies on Jordan Canzeri and Shatiek Lewis.

Al Rapp, La Salle’s head coach, insists that every position is open for competition, which should make for an intense three weeks of preparation leading up to the game against Troy.

Troy brings back senior running backs Jordan Canzeri and Shatiek Lewis, who rushed for over 1,000 yards apiece in 2009. The Flying Horses, however, have some work to do on the lines, as only one offensive lineman – Jay Yaskanich – returns.

"Troy and La Salle is always a big game. Always," said Seitz.

Frank Seitz, who played on the right side of the offensive line last year, is the only returning starter on either side of the ball for La Salle Institute in 2010.

The Record’s Collar City Cup series history

2007, La Salle 19, Troy 14
2006, Troy 29, La Salle 21
2005, La Salle 26, Troy 12
2004, La Salle 12, Troy 7
2003, Troy 27, La Salle 25
2002, Troy 14, La Salle 7
2001, La Salle 14, Troy 0

Note: In 2008, Troy defeated Lansingburgh in the inaugural Uncle Sam Cup game, 28-3. There were no intra-city matchups in 2009.

---
Each day from now until opening day, I will post a team preview with a short story, notes, pictures, video and information boxes. As team rosters start pouring in, I will post them as well. The teams will be posted in no particular order, so please be patient if you don't see your team right away.

Also, keep your eyes open for our 48-page preview section - Kickoff 2010 - which will hit the newsstands inside The Record on Thursday, September 2.

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