Leading off today: Although variations have existed since the 1960s, fantasy football as we know it really only started about three decades ago. The growth has been fueled almost entirely by the combination of the NFL and websites.
That's not to say that various media outlets haven't tried applying it to high school football. In fact, radio stations, podcasters, and others across the country have tried hosting scholastic fantasy leagues every so often. The backlash has typically always been swift and loud, and the attempts end almost as quickly as they start -- even before the critics point to inconsistency of stat keeping, etc.
But is there room for a bit of a fantasy football angle in high school football? Maybe.
Syracuse.com, which covers Section 3 action, now scours its available game stats each week and applies fantasy football scoring to determine which performers had the best night.
This week, running back Brady Garcia of Baldwinsville led the way with 70.40 points based upon 285 rushing yards, two receptions for another 39 yards, and six touchdowns. Geremiah Ademola-Sadipe (69.0) of Carthage and Trevor Shawcross (67.32) Indian River were close behind.
Though it's hardly as scientific, the website's innovation has its roots to some degree in track and field. That sport's fans have been known to measure performances by means of decathlon scoring tables to determine whether a blazing time in the 100-meter dash is more or less impressive than a stellar effort in the long jump or discus throw and so on. Given the sophistication of the tables, it's actually a credible measuring stick.
A big, round coaching number
Girls volleyball coach Don Pieczynski reached his 700th career win last Thursday when St. Mary's swept Sacred Heart in Monsignor Martin Association action.
Pieczynski has captured 10 CHSAA state championships with St. Mary's and owns an .880 winning percentage in 18 seasons.
"The milestone of victories and championships belongs to all my former players I have coached over the past 18 years," he told The Buffalo News. "Without the players, along with current and former assistant coaches, no record can tell the whole story of what it means to me."
My favorite tweet of the young school year
Not all of the Pittsford Mendon girls soccer team's best work takes place on the pitch. The Vikings, who are 8-1-1 and ranked eighth in the state in Class A, showed their social media chops hours ahead of Tuesday's showdown at Aquinas, ranked ninth in Class AA. You've got to appreciate the attention to detail, right down to the hash tags:
Lily Larimer scored twice off Ella VanPutte assists, including the gamer in overtime, to lead Mendon past the Little Irish, 2-1.
This week's state girls soccer rankings
Veteran Section 5 football assistant dies
Hilton is mourning the loss of longtime assistant football coach
Larry Minch, who died on Sept. 28 at the age of 65.
The Cadets, ranked 27th in Class AA by the New York State Sportswriters Association, will begin wearing Minch's initials on their helmets this weekend for their game against University Prep.
Minch, who recently retired from his district position as an alternative to suspension educator at the middle school, was part of the football program for 30 years. He also coached girls modified and JV lacrosse.
Extra points
The Buffalo News reports Bryce Hinsdale of Clymer/Sherman/Panama is 34 catches away from passing former Syracuse CBA star Bruce WIlliams' state record of 227 career receptions. He is six short of 200 and passing Jimmer Bennett (Albany Academy) and Jeremy Ruckert (Linderhurst) for the No. 2 spot all-time.
