Coach Of The Year

Coming off a 1989 season that saw Jamestown start 2-2 and then win five straight before losing in the Section 6 Class A championship game, Coach Wally Huckno had some doubts about the 1990 team. He knew he had talented skill position players, but the offensive linen was a question mark. In the preseason he cautiously said, “We certainly have as much talent as last year, maybe a little more.” But things looked very bad after a poor showing in a scrimmage against Springville. At that time, Huckno would not have expected his team to finish the regular season at 8-0, win the Division 1 title with a 6-0 record and return to the Class A title game with a 9-0 record and the top ranking in Western New York and fourth in the state. It was accomplished with an offense that featured plenty of passing which left opponents, accustomed to crowding the defensive line to stop the expected Jamestown run, turning their heads to look at a Red Raider receiver streaking to the end zone. While other area teams reached early season peaks, Huckno directed a team that improved every week and continued to pile up wins before losing to Lockport again at Rich Stadium. The 9-1 season gives Huckno a 56-16 record in eight seasons as head coach. It was his second nine win season and only the third in team history.