Rush-Henrietta football aims to learn on the fly: Top players, schedule and what to know
The list of freshmen who have played varsity football at Rush-Henrietta with Joe Montesano as coach is so short, he remembers all three of their names.
That number will now more than double this fall. There will also be sophomores on the field and they will learn on the fly as Rush-Henrietta tries to make their way through Class AA.
How fast the young players progress will be the story for the Royal Comets.
“I’ve been very pleased so far with the way they have handled their business," Montesano said.
It is clear to see who will be among the team leaders, at least early in the season. Quarterback Jackson Koppers, two-way lineman Kaleb Patton and receiver/defensive back Nasir Patton are the only 2022 starters back in Rush-Henrietta's lineup.
"They are kids that just love football," Montesano said. "They just want to play football with players who are committed to football, do the things that need to be done on and off the field to put together a good team.”
Koppers, also a standout on Rush-Henrietta's wrestling team, is a junior. He has played youth, modified and junior varsity football in the R-H district. Condello, also a junior, plays center and defensive tackle.
Rush-Henrietta football at a glance
Head coach: Joe Montesano
Classification: AA
Last season’s record: 3-6, lost to McQuaid, Section V Class AA quarterfinals
Last Section V championship: 2011
Rush-Henrietta football schedule for 2023 season
Thursday, Aug. 31: at Victor, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 9: vs. Penfield, 1 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 15: at Hilton, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 23: vs. McQuaid, 1 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 30: at Aquinas, Noon
Saturday, Oct. 7: vs. University Prep, 1 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 14: at Edison merged, 1 p.m.
Saturday, October 21: vs. Pittsford, 1 p.m.
Marquee matchups for Rush-Henrietta
Since there are nine teams trying to fill the eight slots in the Section V Class AA tournament, a win or two should be enough to get the Royal Comets in. They want to do more than that of course, but it will be challenging.
Circle three away games for the Royal Comets:
Rush-Henrietta's season opens at Victor, an expected sectional title contender in Class A.
Week 3 at Hilton, a Class A state semifinalist in 2022 and a team that seems to have a winning record every year.
Week 5 at Aquinas, one of the most successful teams in Section V history.
Rush-Henrietta's top returning players
OL/DL Kaleb Condello, QB/DB Jackson Koppers, WR/DB Nasir Patton
A look back: Rush-Henrietta football
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Rush-Henrietta football 2023 schedule, top players, preview
