Fairport Football is dead

[BigRed6]

Coming in to the season, their was a lot of hype around the Fairport football program as they were considered the "favorites" in the East by many, including myself. Well, thats exactly what it was, hype.

After losing Saturday in the finals of the Connor and Ferris bowl by a score of 26-0 to Churchville-Chili, there is a lot of talk regarding the head coaching position, currently held by Mike Ierlan, who just completed his 8th season as head coach of the Red Raiders.

In 8 years, Ierlans career record is 31-40, which is far below Fairports standards from the 1990s, when Fairport was considered one of the premier powerhouses in the state, with a state championship in 1997, as well as a loss in the state title game in 1998.

From 1993-2000, Fairport was 66-22 under coach Dave Lanning. This is far from the 31-40 mark held by Ierlan.

I played Fairport Football from 7th grade up through JV. I am good friends with a lot of guys on the varsity team as those are kids I am not only friends with, but played with for years. I am very familiar with the program and it doesn't take me to tell you that a change needs to be made in the program.

Now I'm not here to bash anyone, but a change needs to be made. With the largest body of students in Section V with around 1800 kids, there is no way that Fairport should ever be a joke at any sport, especially a sport where you carry 50+ kids.

We have a huge talent pool to draw from, and the team has a lot of talent. Wide receiver Chris Benza is one of the most talented receivers in Monroe County. Linebacker Robbie Williamson is a ball hawk and is the heart and soul of the Fairport defense, and is one of the best players in Monroe County. Safety/WR Steve Pulver could start for any team in Monroe County, including Hilton, Gates, Rush-Henrietta etc. He is an instinctive player who makes plays and uses his head and his pads to help his team. Linebacker Devon Delaughter is one of the hardest hitters in Monroe County as well.

You may not believe any of this, and I don't necessarily blame you. But don't think I am just a biased fan who doesn't know what he is talking about. If you read a lot of my posts on here, you will realize I have a very good sense of not only sports in general, but sports in section V, more so Monroe County, and that I am unbiased when I post. I played with those guys for years and know what they do well, what their weaknesses are, and what they could accomplish if they were put in a position to succeed.

Fairport on paper with their talent should have easily made sectionals this year. I say a #5 seed behind Schroeder would be a fair ranking. However, they did much worse, finishing 3-6 and looking completely out of sync and unenthusiastic in the last game of the season, thus the 26-0 drubbing from the Saints.

There is a lot of talk from not only parents and players, but alumni as well about the head coaching position. Everyone is wondering if a change will be made. Now again I have my own opinion but am not trying to sway anyone elses opinion one way or another. I would like some feedback about what people think about this whole situation and the downward sprial of the program over the last few years.

[exlaxer78]

SU but, on the HS level. Coaching is the key, obviously. I'll bet the right guy could turn that program around in 2 years, tops. Good luck.

[gcspartans]

SU but, on the HS level. Coaching is the key, obviously. I'll bet the right guy could turn that program around in 2 years, tops. Good luck.

the Lannings know their stuff. Dan is at our school and he is a fantastic baseball and freshman coach and for some point in time the freshman football team had not lost in 5 years.

[rje5270]

freshman by a score of 40-0 just last week.

[gcspartans]

freshman by a score of 40-0 just last week.

Yeah ik I'm talking about 3 or 4 years back when the streak was broken.

[SectionVrb22]

Its becomes more obvious to me every year how important coaching is at the high school level. You look at teams like Fairport and Pittsford who have plenty of talent on the roster and even several D1 prospects in Pittsford's case, and they still can't get the job done. I think the decision to use the triple option at Fairport was a horrible idea with the type of players they had. In Pittsford's case the last two years there was word of a spread offense to be put in place to use their talent, then one of the coaches decides to run the ball every play.....interesting. On the other hand you look at teams like Hilton who may have a lack of talent, but the coaches put the players in the best possible position. Gates-Chili lost their entire team last season and came back this year to the sectional championship. This has to be attributed to the coaching on these teams and guys like Benham and Lipani deserve a lot more credit then they get.

[Mr.Tuna10]

Great post

[FptPride]

I agree the Triple Option offense was not a good choice for this squad. I just don't think we had the personnel for it. I didn't go to the last couple of games as I was very frustrated over this season myself. Something's got to change...there needs to be an excitement over the football program by kids and the parents in the community and right now that is not the case for the most part.

[crazyformcq]

Coming in to the season, their was a lot of hype around the Fairport football program as they were considered the "favorites" in the East by many, including myself. Well, thats exactly what it was, hype.

After losing Saturday in the finals of the Connor and Ferris bowl by a score of 26-0 to Churchville-Chili, there is a lot of talk regarding the head coaching position, currently held by Mike Ierlan, who just completed his 8th season as head coach of the Red Raiders.

In 8 years, Ierlans career record is 31-40, which is far below Fairports standards from the 1990s, when Fairport was considered one of the premier powerhouses in the state, with a state championship in 1997, as well as a loss in the state title game in 1998.

From 1993-2000, Fairport was 66-22 under coach Dave Lanning. This is far from the 31-40 mark held by Ierlan.

I played Fairport Football from 7th grade up through JV. I am good friends with a lot of guys on the varsity team as those are kids I am not only friends with, but played with for years. I am very familiar with the program and it doesn't take me to tell you that a change needs to be made in the program.

Now I'm not here to bash anyone, but a change needs to be made. With the largest body of students in Section V with around 1800 kids, there is no way that Fairport should ever be a joke at any sport, especially a sport where you carry 50+ kids.

We have a huge talent pool to draw from, and the team has a lot of talent. Wide receiver Chris Benza is one of the most talented receivers in Monroe County. Linebacker Robbie Williamson is a ball hawk and is the heart and soul of the Fairport defense, and is one of the best players in Monroe County. Safety/WR Steve Pulver could start for any team in Monroe County, including Hilton, Gates, Rush-Henrietta etc. He is an instinctive player who makes plays and uses his head and his pads to help his team. Linebacker Devon Delaughter is one of the hardest hitters in Monroe County as well.

You may not believe any of this, and I don't necessarily blame you. But don't think I am just a biased fan who doesn't know what he is talking about. If you read a lot of my posts on here, you will realize I have a very good sense of not only sports in general, but sports in section V, more so Monroe County, and that I am unbiased when I post. I played with those guys for years and know what they do well, what their weaknesses are, and what they could accomplish if they were put in a position to succeed.

Fairport on paper with their talent should have easily made sectionals this year. I say a #5 seed behind Schroeder would be a fair ranking. However, they did much worse, finishing 3-6 and looking completely out of sync and unenthusiastic in the last game of the season, thus the 26-0 drubbing from the Saints.

There is a lot of talk from not only parents and players, but alumni as well about the head coaching position. Everyone is wondering if a change will be made. Now again I have my own opinion but am not trying to sway anyone elses opinion one way or another. I would like some feedback about what people think about this whole situation and the downward sprial of the program over the last few years.

It is time for a coaching change. the fact that yuor coach would not even consider any one other than Soja as the QB ( regardless of how good Geoff is and this is not a shot at Geoff because he is a very gifted athlete) says it all. Thansk to your coach we have Kent Kozar at McQuaid.

[BigRed6]

It is time for a coaching change. the fact that yuor coach would not even consider any one other than Soja as the QB ( regardless of how good Geoff is and this is not a shot at Geoff because he is a very gifted athlete) says it all. Thansk to your coach we have Kent Kozar at McQuaid.

Yeah unfortunately thats the way it turned out. Ierlan told Kent he wouldn't play QB so Kent went to MCQ and he is one game away from leading MCQ to their first sectional title since 1978.

I also heard from numerous sources that Ashton originally planned on coming to Fairport before he transferred to Rush Henrietta. Ierlan told Ashton that he also would not play QB, but could have a shot at safety. Ashton just led his team to an undefeated regular season and is considered one of the top players in all of Section V.

This is not a knock on Soja. He could have produced much more had he been put in the right position to succeed under the right coach and the right offense. He has a lot of solid tools.

However, your right. To not even consider another QB is just stupid.

[FptPride]

Yeah unfortunately thats the way it turned out. Ierlan told Kent he wouldn't play QB so Kent went to MCQ and he is one game away from leading MCQ to their first sectional title since 1978.

I also heard from numerous sources that Ashton originally planned on coming to Fairport before he transferred to Rush Henrietta. Ierlan told Ashton that he also would not play QB, but could have a shot at safety. Ashton just led his team to an undefeated regular season and is considered one of the top players in all of Section V.

This is not a knock on Soja. He could have produced much more had he been put in the right position to succeed under the right coach and the right offense. He has a lot of solid tools.

However, your right. To not even consider another QB is just stupid.

I had heard the rumor about Ashton as well and asked someone who would definitely know if that was true. They told me there was no truth to that at all so maybe it's just a rumor?

I just don't think you keep an athlete like that away from your school. Anyways, there should always be competition. Everyone understands loyalty, but nobody's job should ever be guaranteed.

It's too bad that we didn't get more out of Geoff this year. Our passing game was a shell of what I was hoping for going into the year. We seemed reluctant to throw and only did so in certain situations. Overall, I think it breaks down to the offense not being the right fit. It looked good at times against lesser opponents but when playing better teams, it was too conservative and predictable. Also, the option pitch never looked fluid for Geoff, he was a very good and hard runner but breaking down and delivering the pitch always looked a little difficult.

[crazyformcq]

Its becomes more obvious to me every year how important coaching is at the high school level. You look at teams like Fairport and Pittsford who have plenty of talent on the roster and even several D1 prospects in Pittsford's case, and they still can't get the job done. I think the decision to use the triple option at Fairport was a horrible idea with the type of players they had. In Pittsford's case the last two years there was word of a spread offense to be put in place to use their talent, then one of the coaches decides to run the ball every play.....interesting. On the other hand you look at teams like Hilton who may have a lack of talent, but the coaches put the players in the best possible position. Gates-Chili lost their entire team last season and came back this year to the sectional championship. This has to be attributed to the coaching on these teams and guys like Benham and Lipani deserve a lot more credit then they get.

Danny Howard (Pittsford Resident)- Starting LB at McQ
Conor Boillat (Pittsford Resident)- Starting Guard at McQ
Pat Jenkins ( Pittsford Resident)- Starting RB/LB/K/KR at McQ
John Jenkins (Pittsford Resident)- Starting RB/LB/2nd team K/KR
Tony Odirisi ( Pittsford Resident)- Starting Center/2nd team NG
Kevin Kelly (Pittsford Resident)- Special Teamer and WR
Mike Geen ( Pittsford Resident)- Special Teamer/2nd team Wr/2nd Team LB
Connor Davenport ( Pittsford Resident)- Starting DB/Punt Returner and Kick Returner ( 3 special teams TD's)

My guess is that these guys might have made a bit of a difference at Pittsford. That's 8 impact players.... WOW

[585football]

Danny Howard (Pittsford Resident)- Starting LB at McQ
Conor Boillat (Pittsford Resident)- Starting Guard at McQ
Pat Jenkins ( Pittsford Resident)- Starting RB/LB/K/KR at McQ
John Jenkins (Pittsford Resident)- Starting RB/LB/2nd team K/KR
Tony Odirisi ( Pittsford Resident)- Starting Center/2nd team NG
Kevin Kelly (Pittsford Resident)- Special Teamer and WR
Mike Geen ( Pittsford Resident)- Special Teamer/2nd team Wr/2nd Team LB
Connor Davenport ( Pittsford Resident)- Starting DB/Punt Returner and Kick Returner ( 3 special teams TD's)

My guess is that these guys might have made a bit of a difference at Pittsford. That's 8 impact players.... WOW

What does that say about the state of Pittsford's program? I wonder if more and more kids from the youth teams will discover the virtues of a solid Catholic education...and a real chance to win championships.

Back to Fairport, are there any viable in-house candidates if the head coach resigns/is fired? McQuaid did a great job identifying the perfect candidate that was sitting right in their lap. Not sure if there are really any "outside" people that could make much of a difference in Raider Land.

[FptPride]

What does that say about the state of Pittsford's program? I wonder if more and more kids from the youth teams will discover the virtues of a solid Catholic education...and a real chance to win championships.

Back to Fairport, are there any viable in-house candidates if the head coach resigns/is fired? McQuaid did a great job identifying the perfect candidate that was sitting right in their lap. Not sure if there are really any "outside" people that could make much of a difference in Raider Land.

I'd say the top in-house candidate is Monte. If the position becomes open it will be interesting to see what happens. I think it would probably be a good idea to go out and get someone from outside the program or to try to bring back Dave Lanning.

[knightdad]

My guess is that these guys might have made a bit of a difference at Pittsford. That's 8 impact players.... WOW

crazyformcq, I wouldn't put it quite that way. Now this thread will explode into a referendum on recruiting and/or private schools. And, You and I both know that most if not ALL of the boys you mentioned, fine players indeed, have not spent a single day in a public school. My point being that the large majority of boys at McQuaid Jesuit come there from the Catholic elementary and middle schools.

The most notable exception being the McQuaid QB.

[knightdad]

I also heard from numerous sources that Ashton originally planned on coming to Fairport before he transferred to Rush Henrietta. Ierlan told Ashton that he also would not play QB, but could have a shot at safety. Ashton just led his team to an undefeated regular season and is considered one of the top players in all of Section V.

The truth about Ashton's transfer is that someone contacted Aquinas, McQuaid Jesuit and R-H, Fairport was never a possibility.

Aquinas wouldn't play him at QB, McQuaid didn't like his grades, that left R-H and as long as he lives in the district they must take him. He left Marshall to get some exposure as a D1 prospect and get into a better learning environment. I think he has accomplished those goals.

This information comes from someone that would have been intimate with the details of his transfer. And that's as much as I can say about that, so you can believe me or not.

[crazyformcq]

crazyformcq, I wouldn't put it quite that way. Now this thread will explode into a referendum on recruiting and/or private schools. And, You and I both know that most if not ALL of the boys you mentioned, fine players indeed, have not spent a single day in a public school. My point being that the large majority of boys at McQuaid Jesuit come there from the Catholic elementary and middle schools.

The most notable exception being the McQuaid QB.

The intent was not to get into the recruiting argument but to point out the absolutely amazing number of spoiled rich kids playing for one of this years Sectional Finalists. Only kidding.... Really just thought for a moment how good Pittsford might have been withthese kids.

[BigRed6]

I'd say the top in-house candidate is Monte. If the position becomes open it will be interesting to see what happens. I think it would probably be a good idea to go out and get someone from outside the program or to try to bring back Dave Lanning.

For those that don't know, Monte is the defensive coordinator at Fairport. He would be the best in house candidate right now, as talking to some of the players, he is a coach they respect. Demay has been around for a while and knows what he is talking about but I do not see him as the head coach, he is only the special teams coach right now.

Outside the program, options are scarce. Dave Lanning is the assistant baseball coach at St. John Fisher right now and I don't see him coming back.

Fairport is in a real pickle. If I am not mistaken, the varsity team has a meeting with Ierlan as we speak. No one on the team was quite sure what the meeting was about, but they believe it has something to do with his future in the program.

[BigRed6]

The intent was not to get into the recruiting argument but to point out the absolutely amazing number of spoiled rich kids playing for one of this years Sectional Finalists. Only kidding.... Really just thought for a moment how good Pittsford might have been withthese kids.

FYI, The Jenkins Brothers used to go to Fairport. Imagine if Fairport had Pat, John and Kent this year.

[crazyformcq]

FYI, The Jenkins Brothers used to go to Fairport. Imagine if Fairport had Pat, John and Kent this year.

All three have played for 8 or 9 years together at Fairport and McQ. They don't come much nicer than these three either. When they played for the Packers they lost as B Teamers to a Pete Noto led Webster Warrior team in the Championships and as A Teamers they lost the Championship to a Connor Davenport led Pittsford Golden Lions team. Here's hoping they finally win the big one.

[knightdad]

FYI, The Jenkins Brothers used to go to Fairport

Pat and John's father lived in Fairport but attended McQuaid. Pat, John and Kent played youth football with the Fairport Packers.

But, Pat and John are products of St. John's of Rochester or St. Louis in Pittsford (I forgot which) then McQuaid Jesuit middle school.

[BigRed6]

Pat and John's father lived in Fairport but attended McQuaid. Pat, John and Kent played youth football with the Fairport Packers.

But, Pat and John are products of St. John's of Rochester or St. Louis in Pittsford (I forgot which) then McQuaid Jesuit middle school.

that's what I meant they played football here for a bit

[knightdad]

... to point out the absolutely amazing number of spoiled rich kids playing for one of this years Sectional Finalists. Only kidding...

I wish my son was a spoiled rich kid. Then that would explain the teenage behavior :confused:.

I didn't mean to sound like I was calling you out or anything.

I was just pointing out, and it is what many people fail to understand about McQuaid Jesuit in particular is that these kids don't typically attend the public schools before going to McQuaid. Of course that isn't true for all the boys, just the large majority of them.

[knightdad]

that's what I meant they played football here for a bit

I understand now.

Actually my son played for the Packers A team the year after. Of the 20 or so kid's on that team 1 transferred to Aquinas, 4 are playing for McQuaid and 2 are playing for Fairport.

[SectionVrb22]

Danny Howard (Pittsford Resident)- Starting LB at McQ
Conor Boillat (Pittsford Resident)- Starting Guard at McQ
Pat Jenkins ( Pittsford Resident)- Starting RB/LB/K/KR at McQ
John Jenkins (Pittsford Resident)- Starting RB/LB/2nd team K/KR
Tony Odirisi ( Pittsford Resident)- Starting Center/2nd team NG
Kevin Kelly (Pittsford Resident)- Special Teamer and WR
Mike Geen ( Pittsford Resident)- Special Teamer/2nd team Wr/2nd Team LB
Connor Davenport ( Pittsford Resident)- Starting DB/Punt Returner and Kick Returner ( 3 special teams TD's)

My guess is that these guys might have made a bit of a difference at Pittsford. That's 8 impact players.... WOW

Wow that's impressive, I never realized the amount of talent coming from that area. Coach Bates has done a hell of a job this year.

[RHfan]

Wow that's impressive, I never realized the amount of talent coming from that area. Coach Bates has done a hell of a job this year.

when was the last year pittsford won a sectional title in football ?:confused:

[SVFAN]

Pittsford has never won a sectional title. so to say the coaching needs to change is obsurd. These kids are great just for some reason lack the Winning attitude. I saw the RH game and Pitt came to play and out played RH it just came down to stopping the Monster Transfer ASHTON. I mean it would be nice if Section V started a free agent period where schools could claim these kids.

[BigRed6]

Pittsford has never won a sectional title. so to say the coaching needs to change is obsurd. These kids are great just for some reason lack the Winning attitude. I saw the RH game and Pitt came to play and out played RH it just came down to stopping the Monster Transfer ASHTON. I mean it would be nice if Section V started a free agent period where schools could claim these kids.

The talk of a coaching change is concerning Fairport, not Pittsford

[Bcsballers58]

Pittsford has never won a sectional title. so to say the coaching needs to change is obsurd. These kids are great just for some reason lack the Winning attitude. I saw the RH game and Pitt came to play and out played RH it just came down to stopping the Monster Transfer ASHTON. I mean it would be nice if Section V started a free agent period where schools could claim these kids.

im not avsolutely positive what you meant but why wouldnt they change the coaches if they dont win?

[BigRed6]

The varsity football team met with Coach Ierlan today afterschool and a friend of mine on the team just told me that Ierlan is officially no longer the head football coach at Fairport High School.

Ierlan, who has been head coach of the Red Raiders since 2002, just completed his eighth year as head coach at Fairport. He posted a 31-40 record and looking at the feedback on this thread, it seemed the consensus from most people was that a change needed to be made.

Well, this is the change. Fairports AD said he wouldn't interview anyone until after Christmas and that right now "it could be anyone". However, Ierlan told the team that he wasn't being fired, and that he made the decision over the summer that this would be his last season so he could be with his family more.

Fairport AD Zumbo was present at the meeting, along with Fairports offensive coordinator and special teams coach.

Interesting news, and certainly big news. Reactions?

[flhoops]

The varsity football team met with Coach Ierlan today afterschool and a friend of mine on the team just told me that Ierlan is officially no longer the head football coach at Fairport High School.

Ierlan, who has been head coach of the Red Raiders since 2002, just completed his eighth year as head coach at Fairport. He posted a 31-40 record and looking at the feedback on this thread, it seemed the consensus from most people was that a change needed to be made.

Well, this is the change. Fairports AD said he wouldn't interview anyone until after Christmas and that right now "it could be anyone". However, Ierlan told the team that he wasn't being fired, and that he made the decision over the summer that this would be his last season so he could be with his family more.

Fairport AD Zumbo was present at the meeting, along with Fairports offensive coordinator and special teams coach.

Interesting news, and certainly big news. Reactions?


.... have faith fairport fans, I'm hearing that a coach is interested that would bring instant credability and excitement back to your program.

[gcspartans]

Fairport can take Lou Holtz as a coach but the fact of the matter is the westside is dominant in football now.

[FptPride]

I think we may get some Broyld-like transfers if Lou Holtz became the coach.

[FB4LIFE]

What's spinning in the rumor mill over there -

Any coaching names being thrown around as possibilities?

[BigRed6]

What's spinning in the rumor mill over there -

Any coaching names being thrown around as possibilities?

Zumbo told the varsity team he wouldn't interview anyone until after Christmas

Fairports defensive coordinator, Coach Monte, is a strong potential candidate for the job.

Special teams coordinator Mike Demay is also a strong candidate. He was a coach during the late 1990's when Fairport won the state championship and lost in the state finals.

Both are P.E. coaches at FHS, so they have a good connection with the players and are respected as knowledgeable coaches by the players as well

[vaderraider]

i am not sure westside football is dominant. I believe that an eastside team sent you home

[gcspartans]

i am not sure westside football is dominant. I believe that an eastside team sent you home

yes they did but up until that point the west had the easts number. what happened to thomas, fairport, penfield, and all these eastside teams?

[vaderraider]

i will say that for the next few years it wont matter because GC is part of the AA dvision no more west side or east side

[Bucky]

Word is from the inside that 3 people from the staff have applied and by the Fairport teachers union contract they must hire the people from within. I am sure this could be manipulated by the Superintendant if they want. Jon Hunter is a fromer football player from the University of Rochester and loves sports. He is very aware of the Fairport football tradition but also has a responsibility to his constituents. There are many variables here that need to be known. Fairport has a hiring practice from the outside that no teacher can be hired past step 4 or with 4-6 years of experience, That limits people from the outside. This economy has limited many of the past practices school districts have used to fill jobs. Another alternative is to hire a retired coach that can take a young coach and mentor them for a couple of years.

[sec5champ]

Pittsford has never won a sectional title. so to say the coaching needs to change is obsurd. These kids are great just for some reason lack the Winning attitude. I saw the RH game and Pitt came to play and out played RH it just came down to stopping the Monster Transfer ASHTON. I mean it would be nice if Section V started a free agent period where schools could claim these kids.

I think in 81 and 82 Mendon won the class AA Football finals.

[Rams15]

Attack the idea guys not the person. Thanks