East, West football see increase in numbers

Corning Leader, August 15, 2006

Johnston also credits a more active approach - upon the advice of a respected former coach - to the growth of the West program.

“I talked to (former Chenango Forks and Maine-Endwell coach Dick Russ) about why his numbers we're always so high and obviously success is a big reason, but I think another part of that is he actively went out in the hallways and went to look for athletes that were playing lacrosse and basketball and what not,” Johnston said. “And he looked for big kids that were a little unsure of themselves and got them to play. And I've done that the last three years and it's really increased our numbers. And it's worked in our favor and we're gonna continue to do it. I've gotten my staff to be actively involved. I have them call the kids during the summer and keep in touch with them, so there's communication.”

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Offseason conditioning pays off on opening day

Binghamton Press and Sun-Bulletin, August 15, 2006

Forks enters the latest in a prolonged string of seasons No. 1 among Section 4's Class B heap until proven otherwise. The Blue Devils, who've reached the last five 'B' state championship games, fired up preseason preparations on their practice-field plateau above the game field on which they've strung 27 consecutive victories.

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Perennial powers find themselves in new divisions as football preseason begins

Binghamton Press and Sun-Bulletin, August 14, 2006

Chenango Forks reloads aiming at sustaining a stretch of excellence unprecedented in Section 4 -- five consecutive seasons with no fewer than 12 victories per, all concluding with an appearance in the Class B state championship game.

Regardless of their significant losses to graduation from last season's 12-1 squad, the Blue Devils will begin another season as the team against which victory could make an opponent's entire season.

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