The Sidney Sabers turn the page on a new chapter of football

SIDNEY, NY (WBNG) - The Sidney Sabers haven’t had a winning season since 2019. But they’re hoping that changes as a new era of Sabers football begins.

A former Saber himself, first year Head Coach, Craig Cerverizzo returns to Sidney and looks to use his 10 years of military service to instill a new culture on this year’s team.

“I learned a lot of my discipline and skills through the United States Navy and I do try to incorporate them because they are important for young men to hear and do some of the things right. Right down to discipline to the lockers looking the same, to the locker room being clean, to the ball bags being taken off the field. And these kids are doing really really exceptional,” said Coach Cerverizzo.

The Head Coach said the two pillars he is building his program on, “Selflessness and accountability. They’ve excelled way past those.”

It seems so.

Senior captain, Nicholas Hartwell spoke on how his new coach has already made an impact, “His military keeps us in line, more so. Makes us accountable, you do something wrong, you’re the one at fault, you don’t blame it whoever else.”

Fellow Senior and Quarterback, Dylan Easton is starting for his second year and knows what needs to change from years past in order to succeed.

“We just need to keep our mentality strong throughout the whole season. You know, toward the end of the season, if it’s rocky, people tend to lose their faith and hope, but we just got to keep it and stay strong,” said Easton.

“But I don’t foresee it with this team. We’re way locked in, all the time. People want to be here,” the Senior QB added.

A new chapter of Saber football is underway and the changes can already be felt.

Easton continued, “Clean slate, new team, new year. Honestly, the way we’ve put effort in throughout these past few years, are completely different than now. The intensity keeps rising, there’s no cap to it.”

“We’re opening up a new book. So really it’s what these kids develop this season in to. My expectations aside, I’ve let them know that, you know, this is an inaugural season for you guys. You’re setting the tone for the future of Sidney Saber football. And they know it and they feel it and they’re excited about it. They’re excited to make a dent in section four,” said Head Coach Cerverizzo.

The Sabers know that they have a tough hill to climb. They say they’re up for the challenge. They try to make that dent on September 20th, as they host Lansing to start the season.