SECTION 4 FOOTBALL: TWO-TIME DEFENDING SECTIONAL CHAMPION ELMIRA GETS TO WORK PREPARING FOR NEW SEASON (24 PHOTOS) (2025-08-24)
By Brian FeesSouthern Tier Sports ReportELMIRA — After winning sectional titles the past two years, the Elmira football team is back to work, prepping for another season.
“First two days (of practices) we were ecstatic,” Elmira coach Jimmy McCauley said during the first week of practices. “This group is a lot different from last year’s but it’s supposed to be that way. A little rain today (last Wednesday), and it’s actually awesome. Evening practice, a little rain during the evening, awesome atmosphere.”
While last year was special, the Express know that each year is separate from what happened in the past.
“Last year was awesome, but here it’s always about the next year,” McCauley said. “WE don’t think about defending, each year there is a new championship and we are on the hunt to get it.”
Going into states the past two years has been good experience for the kids.
“It’s awesome, playing more games, especially more games that count at the end of the season, playoff atmosphere,” McCauley said. “That’s what these kids hope for. That’s what these kids start working out in January for.”
The Express have some new guys this year, but they also have a number of key returning players, including at quarterback with Zack Conklin back under center.
“Returning key guys that have the experience as him is crucial,” McCauley said. “I’ll say this, we have got a lot of guys in key spots that are returning this year. We are going to depend on some new guys, some new faces, but that’s what we have been doing all summer.”
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PHOTOS BY BRIAN FEES
PHOTO GALLERY FROM PRACTICE:
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