HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: CORNING AND ELMIRA MEET IN KEY SECTION 4 MATCHUP (2023-10-20)

Southern Tier Sports Report
Few teams know each other as well as Elmira and Corning football.

The two rivals play a very similar style of offense and there will be few surprises between the two teams as they take the field tonight in a key matchup.

The winner of the game will have the top seed for sectionals, meaning a bye into the final and a home game for the final.

“Familiarity is always the toughest component to compete against,” Corning coach Mike Johnston Jr. said. “We each have our little nuances that define us, but essentially it comes down to Jimmy’s and Joe’s making plays on the biggest stage Friday night.”

While the two teams are familiar with each other, they know they have to be ready for anything, and they have to execute.

“We never look at it like we ’know’ a certain opponent,” Elmira coach Jimmy McCauley said. “We watch film — a lot of film — and get our players ready as best as possible. We will have to execute what we do all game and be able to make big plays in crucial situations.”

Last week was a tough one for Corning as they fell on the road at Vestal. The Hawks know they have to get back to doing the little things well.

“Get healthy and back to the basics,” Johnston Jr. said. “The fundamentals of blocking and tackling, win games.”

Elmira is coming off a big win over Binghamton. The Express, who have dealt with injuries all season, got one key player back with one of their top backs Kayon Flint returning to the lineup.

“We were able to do some good things last week,” McCauley said.

Both teams know how big this game is.

“Both teams know what’s at stake,” Johnston Jr. said. “The Section 4, Division I, Class AA regular season title, the number one seed in sectionals and a bye in the first round of sectional play.”

Johnston Jr. knows the Hawks face a tough test against Elmira.

“I believe that Elmira is getting healthy at the right time and has found their identity and know who they are,” Johnston Jr. said. “They have several really good players that could start and excel on anybody’s roster in New York State. “The other players know their roles and are really coming on as they gain experience. Their coaching staff has a ton of experience and know how to prepare and win big games.”

McCauley knows the Hawks are a strong opponent.

“Corning has played top competition all year,” McCauley said. “They area. Tough team. They have good athletes that can run well.”

The keys for the Hawks are to do the basics well.

“The keys are getting back to the basics,” Johnston Jr. said. “Blocking, tackling, taking care of the football. Alignment, assignment, execution.”
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STSR FILE PHOTO.


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