Connolly Cup finalists announced

The Riverside Athletic Club's Connolly Cup committee has announced its 10 finalists for the award given to the most outstanding football player in Western New York:

David Fluellen, Lockport
Justin Juda, Lancaster
Andy LaLonde, Grand Island
Joe Licata, Williamsville South
Patrick McMahon, Sweet Home
B.J. Monacelli, Cassadaga Valley
Matt Rosenhahn, St. Joe’s
Chris Secky, Maple Grove
Calvin Sluberski, Iroquois
Zack Sopak, Southwestern

The winner will be announced, as always, on the first Saturday of December (the fifth) in a ceremony at Ilio DiPaolo's Restauraunt in Blasdell.

A reminder to all that any discussions about who should win the award, or about players who should have made the the top 10, should be respectful. Thanks.

---Keith McShea

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Comments

[coachfan]

Great choices all for the CC.Blogs on individual players are interesting and informative and will not be critized here.. My vote is cast for Rosenhahn....why?.....look at the opposition he faced during the year, he played both sides of the ball, he gained over a 1000 yards both rushing and passing, everyone praised his competiveness and leadership, he is talked about as a class act both on and off the field, and he is supposedly a great team player as exemplified by the fact he was one of the team's captains. In MMA big games he consistently stood out, example..the championship game against Canisus....four rushing touchdowns, 188 yards rushing and one passing touchdown, 130 passing, a kickoff return of 40 yards or so, a blocked extra point and solid DB play.... sounds like a solid finalist.

[stierfan]

When were you on a B team that scrimmaged Randolph? They have scrimmaged Southwestern for about ten years now. They were B for many years but now are C. So then you were on Southwestern when they kicked Randolph in an August scrimmage-wow what a surprise. I am gonna guess it wasn't in 2005 because it was the other way around. This year they beat the heck out of Randolph. But its a scrimmage and Pat improves his team by the end of the year as well as anyone. I think Randolph would be around .500 in the B league.

[So tier FB 02]

Can anyone get the stats for all of the the CC finalists. That would be awesome, not the only way but a good way to compare. I see this as a real toss up, id like to see Secky or Sopak but not necessarily who i think should win it.

[Chaut_Co]

JPburch
The play in C is now where near MMA? OK thats why the MMA champ lost to the 5th best C team in Section V bishop Kearney. Then there C champ lost by two TDs to our champ.

Wilson i never looked at like that. That point would make him my front runner. WHo wouldn't pull for a QB who always excells at DT. And they still have a shot at a title.

[Wilson]

Whether Pat Mcmahon gets it or not he is a great football player. How many times have you seen a quarterback come in and be unstopable as a d-tackle!Not to mention he had to replace all western new york qb Casey Kacz and has lead the panthers to 24 straight!

[Mr-info]

As far as I've known in each year the NCAA's Heisman is choosen the best player based on their week after week performances for that year only, not career performance.
The Connolly Cup is also decided each year also based on the performances the year. People should check the www.connollycup.com web site. It is very informative showing how many schools and players have been represented by the committee dating back to it's orgin in 1972. There has been more support, praises and compliments from the all coaches, players, parents and news stations over the last 37 years. Unfortunatley (it is expected) there will always be the negative people. Go Bills!!!!!!

[Milt Latimer]

Connolly Cup should be representative of just the current season...but its sometimes hard to differentiate when a kid has had a great career and was key to his program's success. If you think of the Connolly Cup like the Heisman, sometimes a player is awarded based on their career body of work.

[Vern]

The CC should honor offensive and Defensive players of the year. Can someone explain why they do not have a CC Defensive player of the year?

[jtxZ_C]

What are we talking careers now milt? i thought CC was for best player.

[Milt Latimer]

Its possible that Mistretta overtook Bursch for team rushing, I glanced at my last copy of Upstate Football Weekly. Bursch was ahead in both categories. Mistretta might have overtaken him in the Eden game. They had almost the same yardage vs Letchworth (112-111). Still, after looking at the numbers Bursch put up last year and being an offensive leader for SW this year, it tough to not have him in the conversation. Bursch has the most TDs in WNY over the past 2 seasons.

[theresnoplacelikehome]

Milt,

I believe that Mistretta is the leading rusher for SW not Bursch. At least he has been up until the FWR.

[Milt Latimer]

While the News POY and Connolly Cup have sometimes chosen different recipients, is it possible that the News might even select someone this year that isn't even on the Finalists list for Connolly? Since I'm sure the News might keep an eye on the rest of the playoff games, players such as Joe Montesanti, Steve Kijowski, DJ Nettles, Levi Bursch (leads SW in both rushing and receiving), or Matt Hettenbaugh might make a late season charge.

[Therestofthestory]

BurchJP,
Don't condemn kids for living in small towns and playing class D and C sports. No doubt that a Class AA kid could play in Class D or C, but most of the good Class D and C players could play in Classes above. In fact, if you put one of these guys on a bigger, stronger team, they may excel above their D & C levels.
I see many comparisons and stats, but we are really talking about the best football player, not the best QB, RB, etc. From what I have read, the list could have been 25, 30 or 50 to make sure you cover every good player in WNY.
Since that is not possible, then the committee does what they can to recognize talent.
what schools are recruiting, and where did our WNY commit to play in college?

[BurchJP]

There is no way that a Class C player should win the (Tim) Connolly Cup, the level of play is no where close to that of "A", "AA", or MMA. I played in B and we scrimmaged Randolph and it was really pathetic how bad they were. We werent that great at the beginning of the season either and we still scored 3 touchdowns to there 0. If Fluellen or Juda or Licata was in Class C they would be man playing a boys game. Just my opinion.

[2ndteam]

While "God" may have over simplified his comments, it is tough to argue with the numbers Rosenhahn put up this year. He may have been the only quarterback in the area that threw and ran for over 1000 yards in each category while having at least 10 TD's in both also.
He also led his team in interceptions and fumble recoveries this year while providing great team leadership.
I'm not saying he should win the Connelly Cup but his numbers and leadership qualities give him a chance.

[Chaut_Co]

I think its gota go to Licata, the records he broke has to put him over the edge.

1. Licata
2. Fluellen
3. Secky
4. McMahon
5. Sopak

[God]

Rosenhahn any day over secky. Matt is a harder runner. Has a better arm and has great hands. All around phenominal football player

[Bri]

"I would totally agree with you. I might take Juda off the list and add David Drayton from Riverside. He also has 10 passing TD's with one game left to play."

Rich,

no way you can take Juda off of the list because a Riverside player also has 10 passing td's. Juda has running numbers as well that make him head and shoulders above that particular player.

[Eric]

Def McMahon. What he does on and off the field for his team, should propel him above the rest.

[alleganygator]

I dont know why such heated debate over this "award" it really means nothing to these kids. Just a group of bored old guys who think they know what is the best p;ayer in WNY which is really impossible to tell due to all of these kids lplay different schedules and divisions.

As some one posted this is just a media favorites popularity contest. Personally I think it should be done away with, all it does is cause people to get ugly, ruin the spirit of sportsmanship and it does nothing to help these kids other then make these judges actually feel like they know football or the athletes that play this game.

Need more discussion about this weeks upcoming games, not a piece of hardware that means nothing outside of WNY.

[Milt Latimer]

Might have to double check, but NYSPHSAA website does have NT's BEDS for 2010 at 1004, which would put them at A. Tough to believe they would drop almost 100 students in 1 year. If so, with NT, Sweet Home, GI, Will South (Licata), and Iroquois...Class A will be brutal. Imagine some of the 1st round playoff matchups!

[as it shud]

Y wud hoppy have got it last yr bc of one really good run cmonop's running game is wut lead them and their defense. I dnt even think he was in the top 5. deshanaro maybe just bc of his raw talent but there were many othe qbs that showed better throwing abilities. and secky is very good so is fluellen and in thed fluellen shud come out with it. MOst tds most yrds i say so.

[fball fan]

Positive it is North Tonawanda. Their beds numbers are 1004 and Will North's numbers are 1062 which would keep them up. Was suprised myself. Like I said, you thought Class A was fun this year.

[The OBC]

Fball fan:

Are you sure it's North Tonawanda and not Williamsville North?

North was two above the cutoff while NT was more than 50. Not saying that couldn't happen just thought Will North was a sure thing along with Wheatfield and WSW.

If it is NT, A North is an absolute meat grinder at the top with NT, Sweet Home, Grand Island and possibly Will South with Licata back for his senior year.

[fball fan]

congrats to all the finalists. The "beds" numbers are out. Next year should be even more interesting with the fact that North Tonawanda will be moving down to "A" with Niagara Wheatfield, and West Seneca West. I guess the Sweet Home-NT choice will be decided in season for who is better.
Only way this doesn't happen is if the state reajusts their numbers and makes AA over 1000 instead of 1050. This could be a possibility though. And you thought class A was tough this year.

[Fran]

wlsouth
I think Capone Smith's regular season accomplishments were weighed more heavily by the committee than Hoppy and Morris' post season accomplishments.
Capone Smith is a great player, and certainly was a deserving recipient of the CC. I just would have preferred to see Hoppy or Morris get it for leading their teams to state titles. That is why I think Sopak deserves it this year, but I won't be shocked if Licata wins based on his regular season numbers.

[sotierfan]

Fran, your criticism of MG players and fans is more annoying to have to read in every one of your posts than anything they may say -- we get it, you're not a fan -- give it a rest already

[sotierfan]

fran, your criticism of mg players and fans is more annoying to have to read about in every one of your posts than anything they may have ever said -- give it a rest already; we get it...you're not a fan

[wlsouth]

How did Capone win it last year Fran if his team got knocked off at far west regionals?

[Fran]

Secky will not win the Cup. And since this blog is not a voting booth, those couple of people from MG who keep writing under different names can quit trying to stuff the non-existent ballot box.
IMO the winner of the Cup will be one of two QBs with games left to play. A week ago I was firmly in the Sopak camp, but after seeing McMahon's superhuman effort against Aquinas I am wavering. I know from last year that playoff performance does NOT carry a lot of weight with the CC committee. If it did Hoppy or Morris would have won. This does not bode well for McMahon.
So my hopes will stay with Sopak, with the assumption that he will have led his team to two state titles.

[SH SUPER FAN]

The best players take the best teams the farthest. Like I said, its HARD to justify a class D player winning because they don't face competiton every week.
If Fluellen had the same stats as he does but in class D is he one of your front runners?

[Harris]

The award is for best player in WNY not best player on team that goes the furthest. Nobody on Sweet Home or Southwestern would be worthy of the award over Fluellen or Secky. I would vote for Secky, sounds like he does it all.I look forward to seeing him up north during basketball season.
Good luck to all candidates.

[bulldog]

Chris Secky would excel on any team in WNY. Why can't a kid from a D school be worthy? Anyone ever hear of Jehu Caulcrick and Shane Conlan? Both were from D schools.

[SH SUPER FAN]

It's hard to justify a class D winning Connolly Cup, the level of competition is just not that good. As far as Nettles not being mentioned, he did not have that good of year, once the playoffs hit it has been a different story, but his stats can't justify his case. As far as McMahon, good leader, utilizes weapons, deserves his spot.

If Deshanaro Morris were playing, this would be his, guarentteed. Fluellen was dynamic but would have been 2nd to Day-Day, the kid is one of the best two way players to ever come through SH let alone WNY.

Sopak and McMahon should be the front runners for this award for one reason...

THEY ARE STILL PLAYING!!!!

Go Section VI

See NT SH SW and Randolph in 72'F sunny weather, I'll bring the sunscreen.

Go Panthers!!!!

[Give the Harvard Cup Respect!]

Hey milt have u ever seen riverside play? Im just wondering because you have Mulhern as one of the people who could win the TT and I absolutely agree. I personally think he should win but won't because of the lack of competition(supposedly) in the Harvard Cup. He thoroughly dominates every game on O and D and his counterpart Adonte Williams does too, but he is only a junior so thats for another year lol. I'm just asking because you don't seem like the type to come to any Harvard Cup games

[Rich Kozak]

Milt,

I would totally agree with you. I might take Juda off the list and add David Drayton from Riverside. He also has 10 passing TD's with one game left to play.

John G., I don't "seem" to be outraged. I am. If anyone would venture into the City and the best high school facilty in WNY, All High Stadium, for more than just the Thanksgiving Day game, they might get an Extreme attitude Makeover and see just how good some of our City kids are.

Take more than a precursory look at the rosters of Sweet Home, Maryvale, Cheektowaga, Cleve Hill, etc. and you'll see that their rosters are dotted with players who were raised on inner city little league football.

Boy, would I love just one more game against the suburbs the first week of December. I think Burgard or Riverside could handle their own against anyone....that's my final answer, Regis!!!!!!!!

[FCS Pride]

Who do you think will win the Trench Trophy? Id have to put my money on Rogers

[Milt Latimer]

Trench Trophy should be very soon. Their Awards banquet is on December 5th, so they'll have their finalists well before that. Since they usually hold their meetings on Wednesdays, they just might finalize things in the next couple days. I am not on the committee and haven't attended their meetings, but have talked with Mr. Kuras and some committee members throughout the year. A list of players I speculate may be in high discussion are Kyle Schreve (NT), Tysean Rogers (SH), Matt Hornung (Cheektowaga), Barcykowski (Alden), Carlson (SW), Bigelow (Eden), Mulhern (Riverside), Ruiz (Canisius), Kennedy (Lancaster). Class D didn't have many nominations, so the rep will be between Zach roberts, Andrew Wascher, and Jeremy Keesler. Don't be surprised if players such as Dillon Gallagher, Jeff Sley, Andrew Pingatore are also discussed. My personal feelings are the top 4 with the best chance to win are Schreve, Carlson, Rogers, and Mulhern.

http://www.trenchtrophy.com/

[Tom]

Mike I do not know when the Trench trophy finalists are released. My guess is Milt will know.

[Pete]

u don't have to be an MG fan to be a secky fan -- the kid is an exceptional talent any way you cut it; he's also a senior so time is on your side 'stop it already' --unfortunately it also brings to end a very talented young man's high school career on the football field.

despite what mr. way-too-uptight says, many of us thoroughly enjoyed watching secky's magic on the gridiron -- and it's too bad this disgruntled poster has to post bitter words under a much-deserved honor for not only secky, but the other nine honorees as well -- all of them have talent that has been a privilege to watch in the 2009 season

[John]

As all of these candidates are superb at what they do, one sticks out to me quite a bit. Justin Juda from Lancaster has completed 91 passes for 1,260 yards and 10 TDs. He also rushed for 843 yards on 116 carries giving him a 7.3 yard/carry avg. and 8 TDs. Also at times he played safety on the defense when their depth was a little thin due to injuries.

[Heathbar]

Milt - just because a team won doesn't mean the player on that team outplayed somebody on the losing team. Case in point: BJ Monacelli had a 97 yard touchdown return and had a decent day rushing against SW, Sopak went 4-11 and was sacked more than a couple times. I am not saying BJ should get the award over Sopak, but Bursch won that game for SW not Sopak - for the record, I think Sopak's a great kid, class act and as deserving as anybody and admire the heck out of him I am just not sure how he was listed as a "top performer" of the week for that game - though I am sure he deserved it for many other games.

[sotierfan]

Congratulations to all the finalists -- my pick is the do-it-all-man from Maple Grove. What a career Chris Secky's had -- the CC is a deserving reward for it.

[STOP IT ALREADY]

Can everyone please stop all of this "super hero" talk about Secky? Yes he is a great HIGH SCHOOL football player, one of, but NOT the best in WNY let alone the state... If anyone of these other athletes played in Class D they would be head and shoulders above the competition every week as well except maybe the kicking aspect. Just one mans opinion but I'm getting awfully tired of hearing the same thing over and over again... anddddd.......NOW you can start hammering me all you MG Fans!!

[Mike Harris]

When are the Trench Trophy Finalists announced?

[Milt Latimer]

If doing what is expected is the criteria, then managing NTs offense with handoffs and option reads would put Tuzzo on the list ahead of McMahon. IMO.

[Milt Latimer]

visor- Sluberski outplayed McMahon in week 5. Cal was 3-6 passing for 45 yards. How many completions did McMahon have that game? oh yeah, 1 to his team and 2 for the Chiefs, one of which was to Sluberski. Cal had 45 yards rushing (4.5/carry) and a TD rushing. Cal had 4 receptions for 87 yards and a TD. Did I forget to mention the 40 yard kickoff return or punt returns? And Cal had 7 tackles on defense to go along with his INT while covering Nettles. Sweet Home had trouble with Cal in that game, and might have been the best offensive performance against the Panthers this season.

Cal outplayed McMahon in that game, but Neasman was MVP of the game. McMahon won the rematch in the Quarters with his play. I think if Neasman's season wasn't derailed by off the field stuff, he might have been considered the likely candidate from Sweet Home this year.

[not sure]

Are any of the finalist Division I players?

[whiteshoes]

How is Nettles not on the list? I know Secky and others are fabulous athletes but isn't nettles a D-1 or D2 receiver?

[SEC6FOOTBALL]

1.Chris Secky, Maple Grove
2.David Fluellen, Lockport
3.Andy LaLonde, Grand Island
4.Justin Juda, Lancaster
5.Calvin Sluberski, Iroquois

THERE IS MY TOP 5. SECKY NEVER CAME OFF THE FIELD HE PLAYS OFFENSE,DEFENSE,KICKS,PUNTS,PUNTRETURNS,KICK RETURNS HE IS BEST NATURAL ATHLETE IN SOME TIME. FLUELLEN IS THE MOST DYNAMIC BACK IN YEARS.HE PLAYED GREAT THIS YEAR AFTER BEING MARKED AS DISAPPEARING IN BIG GAMES LAST YEAR. HE WILL BE A TERRIFIC COLLEGE PLAYER.