SECTION 4 FOOTBALL: CORNING SET TO KICK OFF SEASON A YEAR AFTER MAKING STATE SEMIS (2025-09-12)

Southern Tier Sports Report
CORNING — The Corning Hawks football team hits the field today to open the season against Liverpool.

The Hawks have some new faces on the roster this year as they prepare for the year, a season after making the state quarterfinals.

“We lost 18 kids defensively, so we are finding spots for kids right now,” Corning coach Mike Johnston Jr. said.

There are plenty of younger players on the team looking to make an impact this season.

“We as coaches pride ourselves at getting into the weight room and installation over the summer and try and talk to some of the younger kids,” Johnston Jr said. “This is an opportunity to play varsity football. I think sometimes they are a little leery. Am I good enough, am I big enough, am I strong enough, but they really have jumped at that chance ( to play varsity). They are working hard right now.”

And, the Hawks have some key returners back, like honorable mention all-state pick Clayton Smith.

The Hawks open at 6:30 p.m. today against a Liverpool team that features a couple high level college football prospects.

Oakley Keegan is a 6-7 tight end, who has numerous D1 offers, including an offer from Alabama. Braylon Otis is an edge rusher, with offers from Boston College and Virginia, among other schools.

Liverpool opened the year with a 21-7 win over Cicero-North Syracuse last week.
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PHOTOS BY BRIAN FEES

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