Bath-Haverling’s junior class is no stranger to varsity football.
Much of the class saw ample varsity action last fall. The young Rams endured a 1-6 season but enter 2026 a year older and wiser because of it.
Low numbers mean limited depth this season. But with senior leaders such as Dayton Orlowske and Brady Hopkins, plus a wealth of experience, Haverling will aim for its first winning season since 2021.
“Having guys like that to help shape the juniors, that will be a good combination,” said second-year head coach Mark Recktenwald. “We may be young, but we’re also experienced. Hopefully, that helps the program in the next two years.”
Orlowske and Hopkins will anchor both sides of the ball from running back and linebacker. A seasoned group of linemen
returns in front of them while a preseason quarterback competition continues.
“We need to win early,” Recktenwald said. “If we can get a couple wins out of that gauntlet somehow, and stay healthy, we can be competitive.”
Haverling football at a glance
- Head coach: Mark Recktenwald (2nd year)
- Classification: C
- Last season's record: 1-6
- Last Section V championship: 2015
Haverling football schedule for 2026
- Friday, Sept. 4: vs. Canisteo-Greenwood, 7 p.m.
- Friday, Sept. 11: vs. LeRoy/Caledonia-Mumford, 7 p.m.
- Friday, Sept. 18: at Dansville/Wayland-Cohocton, 7 p.m.
- Friday, Sept. 25: vs. Alexander/Pembroke, 7 p.m.
- Friday, Oct. 2: at Wellsville/Genesee Valley-Belfast, 7 p.m.
- Friday, Oct. 9: vs. Letchworth/Warsaw/Perry, 7 p.m.
- Friday, Oct. 16: at Livonia, 7 p.m.
- Friday, Oct. 23: at Hornell/Arkport-Canaseraga, 7 p.m.
Watch New York HS football games on NFHS Network
Haverling's top returning players
Junior DB Kage Adams, senior WR/DB Colton Fleming, senior RB/LB Brady Hopkins, senior RB/LB Dayton Orlowske, junior WR/DB Asher Phenes
Marquee matchups for Haverling
Things won’t be easy in Class C, where playoff teams such as LeRoy/Cal-Mum and Alexander/Pembroke return copious talent. Haverling plays those teams Week 2 and Week 4, respectively, after an opening night test against Steuben County rival Canisteo-Greenwood.
Haveling will end its regular season against longtime LCAA rival Hornell/Arkport-Canaseraga on Oct. 23.
Jeff Uveino joined the USA Today Network in 2023 and began covering Rochester-area high school sports in 2026. He is a graduate of St. Bonaventure University's Jandoli School of Communication and native of Perry. Contact him at juveino@usatodayco.com. Follow him on X @realjuveino and on Instagram @jeffusports.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Bath-Haverling football touts junior class, senior duo amidst rebuild
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