Rasephei to Picco for the Win!!
From Hornell High School Athletics, photo from Peish Sports
This LCAA D1 rivalry goes way back, but the success and skill of both boys soccer teams over the last 4 years is as good as any. The Livonia Bulldogs, under the direction of longtime coach, Ray Maxwell, won the Section V Class B1 title in 2022. The #2 seeded Bulldogs upset the #1 seeded Red Raiders 1-0 and advanced to the Far West Regionals that year.
The Hornell Red Raiders have made four consecutive Section V championship appearances, winning 3 of the 4 years, in 2021, 2023, & 2024. Hornell’s Jim Tobin has built the Red Raider soccer program into the powerhouse it is today over his 40+ year career as head coach. In 2023, The #3 seeded Red Raiders upset the #2 seeded Bulldogs in the Section V Class B semifinals 3-2 in a sudden death “golden goal” overtime win. After being down 2-0 with 16 minutes left in the game, senior Jack Emo scored twice in regulation to tie the game. Hornell scored the winning goal with an Emo-to-Picco-to-Picco run. Jack Emo found PJ Picco at midfield. PJ Picco took the ball up the sideline and crossed the ball to brother, Gennaro Picco for the game winning goal. The Red Raiders went on to win the Section V Class B title and advanced to the Far West Regionals that year.
The 2025 season looks to be gearing up for another exciting run for the Bulldogs and the Raiders. Hornell seemed to control the first half of play Thursday night. Senior, Marco Picco scored the game’s only goal off a cross from senior Jayden Rasephei with just under 13 minutes left in the half.
The Bulldogs came out strong in the second half, and the Red Raiders knew they couldn’t take the one-goal lead for granted. Both team made great runs in the second half. Hornell’s senior goalkeeper, Alfie Whiteley, had 3 saves on the night and was instrumental in directing his defenders on the field.
“I’m very proud of the fight our team showed tonight,” commented Hornell coach, Jim Tobin. “Livonia has an excellent team. Our defenders played an amazing game. Our three seniors, Demayne Dixon, Nick Gray, & Ryan Harkenrider and freshman, Logan Weitzel shut down a super offense. And, goalie, Alfie Whiteley was superb in goal.”
Thursday night’s game was just the first Hornell – Livonia matchup this season. The Red Raiders will travel to Bulldog territory September 27th for the teams’ second meeting of the season. It will, no doubt, be another exciting effort by two fantastic teams.
The Red Raiders (4-0-0) will host the Canisteo-Greenwood Chargers (4-1-1) Saturday evening at Maple City Park.
