Catt/Little Valley builds 2026 outlook around backfields and running backs

Overview

• Kory Gross, an assistant with the program for the previous two seasons, enters 2026 as Catt/Little Valley's head coach.
• Gross said Catt/Little Valley's foundation starts with the offensive and defensive backfields, and he pointed to running backs as the team's biggest strength.
• Ny Boswell produced 273 rushing yards, 125 receiving yards, two total touchdowns and 46 total tackles as a junior in 2025.
• Tucker Barrick added 226 rushing yards, 265 passing yards, a rushing touchdown, a passing touchdown, 21 total tackles and two interceptions as a junior.
• The schedule includes home dates against Saint Mary's, Silver Creek/Forestville, Newfane and Randolph.

Catt/Little Valley Football Preview

Catt/Little Valley enters the 2026 football season with Kory Gross leading the program after two seasons as an assistant coach.

Gross described the outlook in simple terms: "Players that compete everyday." He said Catt/Little Valley's returning foundation is in the offensive and defensive backfields, with running backs expected to be the team's biggest strength.

The roster gives Catt/Little Valley several upperclassmen in those spots. Senior Ny Boswell, a TE/LB, was a two-way producer last fall. As a junior in 2025, he ran for 273 yards and a touchdown, caught seven passes for 125 yards and another score, and made 46 total tackles with two tackles for loss, a sack, an interception and a fumble recovery.

Senior Tucker Barrick, listed at QB/DB, also brings back production from 2025. He rushed for 226 yards and a touchdown, threw for 265 yards and a touchdown, and added 21 total tackles, two interceptions, five passes defended and a fumble recovery.

Senior Dylan Terhune, a WR/LB, ran for 127 yards and had 26 receiving yards last season. Senior Blayk Taylor, listed at RB/DB, had 51 rushing yards, 155 kick-return yards, nine total tackles and two passes defended in 2025.

On defense, Gross said the team wants to be "Hard hitting and attacking the ball." Junior Theron Crawford had 17 total tackles and seven passes defended as a sophomore in 2025, while senior Brayden Whited made 20 total tackles with two tackles for loss. Junior Diondrae Diaz added 14 total tackles and one tackle for loss.

Depth behind the starters is the area Gross said Catt/Little Valley most needs to develop. The goal, he said, is "Putting a competitive team on the field every game."

The 2026 schedule opens with a road game at Portville/CR/BR on Sept. 4 before a home date with Saint Mary's on Sept. 11 at Cattaraugus Little Valley Central High School Stadium. Catt/Little Valley is also listed for a Sept. 18 road game in Ellicottville.

Catt/Little Valley returns home Sept. 25 against Silver Creek/Forestville, then travels to Wilson on Oct. 2 and CSP on Oct. 10. The final two listed regular-season games are at home: Newfane on Oct. 16 and Randolph on Oct. 23.