SECTION 4 FOOTBALL: CORNING HOSTS ELMIRA IN KEY DIVISION MATCHUP (2024-10-18)

Southern Tier Sports Report
CORNING — The games start to truly matter this week as the Corning Hawks play host to Elmira in a key division matchup.

Corning fell to Horseheads last week. Elmira beat Union-Endicott last week, after falling to Horseheads the previous week.

Both teams are ready for this matchup.

“We look forward to every opportunity we get to play football,” Elmira coach Jimmy McCauley said.

The Express know they face a tough test in the Hawks.

“We know Corning is a tough opponent,” McCauley said.

For Elmira the key is focusing on themselves and not who they are playing.

“We need to point the focus on us as much as possible,” McCauley said. “We need to execute the gameplan and trust one another.”

The Hawks hope to bounce back from last week.

“This is a big bounce back game,” Corning coach Mike Johnston Jr. said. “It’s a league game and the winner earns home field advantage in the sectional playoffs, a first round bye and the regular season Division I title.”

For Corning to have the game at home is special.

“It’s always good to play in the comfort of your own stadium, with your fans, band, supporters and community,” Johnston Jr. said. “With this being the Homecoming game and league rivalry, there will be a great crowd and a big turnout by alumni.”

The Hawks know this game will be a tough test.

“I think that Elmira has and will play a very challenging schedule this season,” Johnston Jr. said. “They have lost some key players to injuries, but have really found themselves in the last week, defeating U-E 47-0 at home. They have sured up their personnel and will be well prepared.”

Games like this are always fun for teams.

“With playoff, and regular season league implications, both teams will be well prepared and up for the challenge,” Johnston Jr. said.

Disciplined football is key for the Hawks.

“As always, execution, alignment, and assignment are keys to success,” Johnston Jr. said. “Fundamentals win games. The devil’s in the detail. Paying attention to the little things on all three sides of the ball.”
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STSR FILE PHOTOS.


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