Churchville-Chili has been playing varsity football for 22 years and, about to enter their 23rd season, will compete with just the second head coach in their history.
Troy Jeffers is preparing to open his first training camp as a head coach replacing the only head coach the program has had in Paul Dick, who resigned along with several assistant coaches last fall.
He previously earned All-League honors as a receiver and as a defensive back in high school at Portville before playing four years and starting two seasons in the defensive backfield at The College at Brockport. He was the starting free safety on Brockport State’s first playoff team in 1993 when they won the ECAC Northeast Championship.
“I look at it as a great opportunity to coach varsity football at C-C,” Jeffers said via email. “I am very excited to coach in the community I live and the school district my three boys (Tyler 11, Jonathan 11, Andrew 7) attend.
“I had the privilege to work under two of the best head coaches around (at Gates Chili) in Jim Briggs and Jason Benham. I will take everything I have learned from those two men to assist me in running this program.”
Despite a winless season in 2014, the cupboard is hardly bare for the Saints with key players such as Myles McKinney (RB/DB), Jayson Wallace (QB/DB), wide receivers Will Gipson, Malek Williams and Vinny Cringoli plus tight end Andrew Kerwin and halfback Ryan Brock. Kyle Domkowski will anchor the offensive line and be a key on defense at linebacker. Tommy Carr will handle the kicking duties.
When the Saints had winning seasons in the past, they relied on a dominant offensive line and a strong running attack. Three Churchville-Chili players stand among the top-12 in Section V history in career rushing yards with Kevin Collier (second with 5402 in 2003-15), Tremayne Bendras (4075 in 1993-96) and Averin Collier (4068 in 2005-07).
Former placekicker Matt Szczupakowski still holds Sectional records for most field goals in a career (20) and points (141).
“Taking over for Coach Dick is not an easy task. He started this program and has developed it to a very solid and competitive program. I have the upmost respect for him as do his former players. We are doing some things a little different but I think the kids have adapted quite well. It just takes a lot of teaching and repetition. Our offense will be a ‘multiple no huddle pistol’ and our defense will be a 4-3.”
The Saints 2015 regular season will kick off at Pittsford with their home opener one week later versus Penfield. Jeffers makes his return to Gates Chili October 10.
“October 10 at GC will be very emotional for me. Being on the visitor’s sidelines after 21 seasons there will be an odd feeling. I have great relationships will those kids and the coaches are some of my best friends.
“We have decided to make it a rivalry game. We have a trophy that the winning team will keep for the year. We are calling it the ‘Battle of Chili’. It should be a lot of fun for the kids, fans and the coaches!”
