Immaculate Heart Central football coach Paul Alteri comes to the point when addressing what he expects from junior quarterback Tom Burgess this season, his third with the Cavaliers' program.

"This is his year to shine," Alteri said. "There are no more excuses. Everybody is looking to Tom to lead this team."

That's a lot of pressure on a 16-year-old who was thrown into competition as a freshman two years ago then took quite a beating in his first full year as a starter last season. But a more mature, more confident Burgess said that pressure is nothing compared to what he puts on himself.

"My expectations are probably higher than anybody else," said Burgess, now a much stronger 6-foot, 185 pounds. "Coach has given me a challenge, and I really look forward to it. We've been three years together, and it's a tight-knit group who has only one goal — win a sectional title."

If IHC, loaded with experience and talented skill players at almost every position, does manage to win a perennially tough Section 3 Class D West and gain a second sectional crown in four years, Burgess will have to be not only the on-field leader but the emotional leader as well.

"We'll go where Tom takes us. That's what a great quarterback does for your team," Alteri said. "And with what he's shown in the offseason and this preseason, I believe he's ready to go to a much higher level."

As a freshman new to the program, Burgess responded by helping lead the Cavaliers to a sectional berth.

"I kind of got my feet wet in a hurry," Burgess said. "But that was a great learning experience for me as well."

Last year, with the starting berth his own, Burgess had a strong season. He completed 61 of 128 passes for 715 yards and seven touchdowns, And he ran for an additional 543 years on 51 carries and scored two touchdowns.

"You could see him feeling more comfortable with our system as the year progressed," Alteri said.

However, his season ended with a hard hit in a crossover game against Port Byron.

"He was always trying to make a play," Alteri said. "Hopefully, that hit taught him he can't make something happen on every play."

Burgess said he learned the hard way not to hold onto the ball quite as long. "But it's my job to make a play for this team. I'm not going to change my style a whole lot."

Burgess has refined his passing skills by participating in the Christian Brothers Academy quarterback camp, in the College Prep camp at Henninger and in a 7-on-7 passing league during the summer at Watertown High.

"His mechanics are so much better," Alteri said. "And his arm looks much stronger."

Burgess said new offensive coordinator Brian Upton "helped tweak my throwing motion just a little. Now it feels so much better. Lots of repetitions and now everything feels down pat."

Along with building himself up physically in the weight room during the summer, Burgess studied the IHC playbook religiously to make sure he knew every nuance.

"Coach has me taking on a lot more responsibility, like calling some of my own plays, so I wanted to make sure I was ready," Burgess said.

Alteri said he has no qualms about Burgess guiding the Cavaliers.

"Tom's proven he can lead and that he can make the right calls. There was never a mistake about that," Alteri said. "He's taken what he's learned these last few years and turned it into a positive influence on the team."

Burgess also knows that this season is the one in which colleges will start taking a look at his ability. "I'd love to play college football," he said, "so I know this is a big year."

Alteri has no doubt Burgess can play at the next level. "Tom was born to play quarterback, and he's worked hard to get to this level. He's the type of kid who is also learning, always striving to get better."

And the pressure. Burgess said it comes with the position. "If you don't want to feel it, play somewhere else."

SECTION 3 CHANGES

A reclassification of football-playing schools state-wide has left Section 3 with 27 Class C teams, eight more than a year ago. So a new Class C South league has been formed. That means only the top two teams in each of the four divisions will qualify for the playoffs.

Oneida and Chittenango have dropped from Class A to Class B East; perennial Section 3 power Cazenovia, plus Ilion, Clinton and Sherburne-Earlville have moved from Class B East to the Class C South; Altmar-Parish-Williamstown has joined its Frontier League brothers in the Class C North after dropping down from Class B; Hamilton and Morrisville-Eaton have switched to Class D West; last year's Class D Central champion, Frankfort-Schuyler, is now in the Class C East; and Class D goes from three to only two divisions.

The Section 3 championship games will be played Nov. 7-8 at the Carrier Dome.

Here's a look at the area Section 3 teams:

CLASS A

Outlook:Carthage will find it hard to duplicate last year's special season, in which the Comets captured the Section 3 Class A crown then advanced all the way to the state semifinals. Yet, despite significant graduation losses, especially to the skill positions and linebacker, there is still an abundance of talent (11 starters returning) and experience (16 returnees). Who wouldn't want to start an offense withThomas Grimm, Sherman NelsonorPatrick Gibbonsin the backfield. Replacing Zach Mulvaney's leadership at quarterback is an immediate issue, however. On defense, four-year starterHomer Dobransky, veteransKeith HarleyandJolyon Davisplus Gibbons should make this unit a dominant force. There are some key additions that will help the depth, and special teams are again rock-solid. The Comets open the season Sunday playing Section 4's Horseheads at 12:30 p.m. in the Kickoff Classic at the Carrier Dome. .... New coachVince Williamshas a Watertown team loaded with juniors and is hoping his few seniors will lend some experience. Senior quarterback/running backIshmael Jordancan be an explosive player with great tools, whileSean Scordois a multi-faceted junior who will contribute at quarterback. Junior running backTom Caponeis a speedster, while fullbackAnthony Johnsonand wide receiverDemarr Poindexterare big-play people. Offensive line play is a key because the Cyclones had all sorts of problems moving the ball last season. Watertown is officially a Class A team again with the new state-wide figures, so it will be eligible for the sectionals.

Carthage Comets

Coach:Sam Millich (9th year, 46-27).

2007 record: 11-1 overall, 5-0 Class A National

Players to watch:Patrick Gibbons (Jr., FB-LB, 6-2, 230); Sherman Nelson (Sr., WR-DB, 5-9, 170); Homer Dobransky (Sr., OL-DL, 5-9, 185); Jolyon Davis (Jr., RB-LB, 5-11, 173); Thomas Grimm (So., SE-DB, 5-10, 165); Keith Harley (Sr., FB-DL, 6-1, 220); Taylor Ballou (Sr., OL-DL, 5-11, 208); Jamie Grimm (Sr., QB-LB, 5-9, 190); Clay Nutter (Jr., QB-DB, 5-210, 176); Tylor Beyor (Jr., OL-LB, 5-11, 180); Dillon Alexander (Jr., OL-DL, 6-2, 215); Pat Estepp (Jr., FB-DL, 6-0, 185); C.J. Romig (Jr. OL-LB, 6-0, 200); Michael Manfredi (Jr. Ol-DL, 6-0, 225).

Schedule:Sept. 7, Horseheads, Carrier Dome, 12:30 p.m.; Sept. 12, New Hartford, 7 p.m.; Sept. 19, at Nottingham, 6 p.m.; Sept. 26, Fulton, 7 p.m.; Oct. 4, at Camden, 7 p.m.; Oct. 10, at Whitesboro, 7 p.m.; Oct. 17, Watertown, 7 p.m.

Watertown Cyclones

Coach: Vince Williams (1st year, 7-13 overall).

2007 record:1-7, 0-4 Class A National.

Players to watch:Ishmael Jordan (Sr., QB-RB-DB), 6-0, 190); Tom Capone (Jr., RB-LB, 5-7, 175); Sean Scordo (Jr., QB-RB-DB, 5-8,1 75); Anthony Johnson (Jr., FB-LB, 6-0, 195); Demarr Poindexter (Jr., WR-S, 6-3, 185); Forrester Wight (Jr., TE-WR-LB, 6-0, 200); Karlton Pack (Jr., WR-S, 6-1, 170); Mike Hibbard (Jr., WR-LB, 6-0, 190); Jeff Ashline (Sr., OL-DL, 6-4, 260); Steve Vivyan (Sr., OL-DE, 6-3, 195); Jordan Soluri (Jr., OL-DE, 6-2, 195).

Schedule:Sept. 5, at Nottingham, 7 p.m.; Sept. 12, Whitesboro, 7 p.m.; Sept. 19, East Syracuse-Minoa, 7 p.m.; Sept. 26, New Hartford, at Utica Proctor, 7 p.m.; Oct. 4, vs. Geneva, at Corcoran HS, 7 p.m.; Oct. 10, Camden, 7 p.m.; Oct. 17, at Carthage, 7 p.m.

CLASS B

Outlook:Veteran coach Tom LaDuke is trying to integrate a lot of young players into his offensive scheme quickly. Gone are standout quarterback Jay Crast and his top runner, Jake Smith. NewcomerShane Slatewill try to fill Crast's shoes, while LaDuke still has some offensive weapons in wide receiversKevin DeonandHunter VanHornand tailbackRyan Jackson.

South Jefferson Spartans

Coach:Tom LaDuke (43rd year).

2007 record:5-4, 4-3 Class B East.

Players to watch:Ryan Jackson (Sr., RB, 5-8, 185); Kevin Deon (Sr., WR-DB, 5-9, 155); Joe Beach (Sr., WR-DB, 6-1, 160); Hunter VanHorn (Jr., WR-DB, 5-10, 175); Justin Townsend (Sr., RB-DB, 6-0, 175); Jordan Jerome (Jr., OL-DL, 5-10, 200); Nick Lockerbie (Sr., OL-LB, 5-9, 180); Jed Tifft (Jr., OL-DL, 5-9, 210)

Schedule:Sept. 5, at Skaneateles, 7 p.m.; Sept. 12, Phoenix, 7 p.m.; Sept. 20, at VVS, 2 p.m.; Sept. 26, Oneida, 7 p.m.; Oct. 4, at Holland Patent, 2 p.m.; Oct. 10, Dyrden, 7 p.m.; Oct. 17, Chittenango, 7 p.m.

CLASS C

Outlook:Thousand Islands ended the domination of General Brown and Westmoreland (moved to Class C South) atop Class C East last season with a magical season. The Vikings went unbeaten in divisional play before losing in the class semifinals to Mount Markham. CoachJoe Gilfusstill has some integral parts left from that team, including quarterbackRyan

Skinner, plus two-way standoutsJason VanWie, Allen Dwyer, Tim FreitagandPaul Barton. . ... General Brown missed out on the Section 3 playoffs last year, and that didn't sit too well with veteran coachSteve Fisher. The good news is that several youngsters got a chance to play last year, and that should help the Lions rebound this season. Fisher found a gem in running backJared Flath(976 rushing yards), who will joinMike Humrickhouse, Kyle Hart, Rob ThomasandJoe Oliverin a strong backfield. Line play will dictate just how far the Lions progress. ... Lowville returns plenty of experience with 16 seniors and has improved depth for second-year head manRob Goss. Running backJeremy Gillenand fullbackJohn Olmsteadare solid ground gainers, but Goss needs to find a replacement for graduated quarterbackZach Staie.William Kingis a returning All-North lineman. ... South Lewis returns 28 players and has good size on the offensive and defensive lines. The backfield, led by returnees in quarterbackAnthony Ripp, and running backsMike CobbandDylan Peebles, has plenty of speed and should generate lots of yards. This could be the season the Falcons mount a legitimate challenge to the C North perennial powers. ... Alexandria showed major improvement last season underKris Haskins, and looks to further its progress this season with the best numbers in a long time (30). Six athletes from LaFargeville will also help. The entire back field returns, including bruising fullbackBrian Sanford,Tommy Hayes, Ray TrainhamandDan Quarasquilloas Haskins likes to play smash-mouth football.

Alexandria Purple Ghosts

Coach: Kris Haskins (2nd year, 2-6)

2007 record:2-6, 0-6 Class C North.

Players to watch:Tommy Hayes (Sr., QB-DB, 6-0, 810); Ray Trainham (Sr., WB-DB, 5-7, 125); Brian Sanford (Sr., FB-LB, 6-3, 270); Dan Quarasquillo (Sr., WB-DB, 5-11, 165); Delvon Bullock (Sr., WB-DB, 5-9, 145); Cory Davis (Sr., FB-LB, 5-11, 235); Vinny Hoover (Jr., TE-LB, 6-1, 180); Buddy Slocum (Jr., WB-DB, 5-8, 145).

Schedule:Sept. 6, LaFayette, 1 p.m.; Sept. 12, at South Lewis, 7 p.m.; Sept. 20, General Brown, 1:30 p.m.; Sept. 26, at Lowville, 7 p.m.; Oct. 4, APW, 1:30 p.m.; Oct. 10, at Thousand Islands, 7 p.m.; Oct. 18, Pulaski, 1:30 p.m.

APW Rebels

Coach: Doug Clarke

2007 record:3-6, 2-5 Class B East.

Players to watch:Not provided.

Schedule:Sept. 6, General Brown, 1 p.m.; Sept. 12, at Thousand Islands, 7 p.m.; Sept. 20, Pulaski, 6 p.m.; Sept. 26, at South Lewis, 7 p.m; Oct. 4, at Alexandria, 1:30 p.m.; Oct. 11, Lowville, 1 p.m.; Oct. 18, Clinton, 1 p.m.

General Brown Lions

Coach: Steve Fisher (42nd year, 234-110-8).

2007 record: 5-4, 3-3 Class C North.

Players to watch:Josh Dietterich (Sr., OL-DE, 5-10, 210); Jordan Shannon (Sr., OL-DL, 6-2, 290); Keith Girard (Jr., OL_DE, 5-10, 205); Mike Marvin (Sr., WR-DB, 6-1, 165); Cody Frazier (Sr., WR-LB, 5-10, 155); Kyle Hart (Sr., RB-DB, 5-9, 165); Jared Flath (Jr., RB-LB, 6-1, 195); Joe Oliver (Jr., QB-WB, 5-10, 170); Rob Thomas (Jr., QB-DB, 5-8, 160); Mike Humrickhouse (Sr., RB-LB, 6-0, 225); Nick Cobb (So., OL-DL, 5-11, 230); Bill Closs (Sr., WR-LB, 6-0, 175); Jacob Powell (Jr., OL_DL, 6-1, 251).

Schedule:Sept. 6, at APW, 1 p.m.; Sept. 12, Jordan-Elbridge, 7 p.m.; Sept. 20, at Alexandria, 1:30 p.m.; Sept. 26, Pulaski, 7 p.m.; Oct. 3, at Lowville, 7 p.m.; Oct. 10, South Lewis, 7 p.m.; Oct. 17, Thousand Islands, 7 p.m.

Lowville Red Raiders

Coach:Rob Goss (2nd year, 6-2).

2007 record:6-2, 4-2 Class C North.

Players to watch:Jeremy Gillen (Sr., RB-DB, 5-11, 170); William King (Sr., OL-LB, 5-8, 190); Caleb Crill (Sr., WR-DB, 5-10, 155); Tyler Halladay (Sr., WR-DB, 6-0, 175); John Olmstead (Sr., FB-LB, 5-11, 175); Joseph Snyder (Jr., FB-LB, 6-0, 165); Luke Teal (Sr., OL-DL, 6-1, 250); Andre Horning (So., RB-DB, 5-11, 160).

Schedule:Sept. 5, Thousand Islands, 7 p.m.; Sept. 13, at Pulaski, 1 p.m.; Sept. 19, Hannibal, 7 p.m.; Sept. 26, Alexandria, 7 p.m.; Oct. 3, General Brown, 7 p.m.; Oct. 11, at APW, 1 p.m.; Oct. 17, at South Lewis, 7 p.m.

South Lewis Falcons

Coach:Brian Greene (8th year, 20-39).

2007 record:3-6, 2-4 Class C North.

Players to watch:Mike Cobb (Sr., RB-DB, 5-10, 185, 473 rushing yds.); Anthony Ripp (Jr., QB-DB, 6-0, 160, 1,000 passing yds.); Jacob Anderson (Jr., RB-LB, 5-10, 170); Mike Cataldo (Jr., OL-DL, 5-10, 210); Jon Rhone (Sr., OL-DL, 6-1, 250); Dylan Peebles (So., RB-DB, 6-0, 180, 696 rushing yds.); Anthony Ventura (Jr., TE-DL, 6-1, 185); Justin Cobb (So., TE-LB, 6-3, 180).

Schedule:Sept. 6, at Pulaski, 1 p.m.; Sept. 12, Alexandria, 7 p.m.; Sept. 19, at Thousand Islands, 7 p.m.; Sept. 26, APW, 7 p.m.; Oct. 3, at Port Byron, 7 p.m.; Oct. 10, at General Brown, 7 p.m.; Oct. 17, Lowville, 7 p.m.

Thousand Islands Vikings

Coach:Joe Gilfus (4th year, 15-13).

2007 record: 8-1, 6-0 Class C North.

Players to watch:Ryan Skinner (Sr., QB-LB, 6-0, 193); Jason Van Wie (Sr., TE-DE, 6-2, 221); Alan Dwyer (Sr., RB-OL-LB, 6-0, 201); Daniel Ascough (Sr., OL-DL, 6-0, 280); Josh Evans (Sr., OL-LB, 6-0, 188); Paul Barton (Sr., TE-DE, 6-4, 181); Tim Freitag (Sr., OL-DE, 6-3, 202); Mike dano (Sr., WR-DB, 6-1, 162)

Schedule:Sept. 5, at Lowville, 7 p.m.; Sept. 12, APW, 7 p.m.; Sept. 19, South Lewis, 7 p.m.; Sept. 26, Bishop Ludden, 7 p.m.; Oct. 4, Pulaski, 3:30 p.m.; Oct. 10, Alexandria, 7 p.m.; Oct. 17, at General Brown, 7 p.m.

CLASS D

Outlook:Immaculate Heart Central head coachPaul Alteriexpects great things from his club in one of the toughest Class D leagues in the state. Blessed with experience and athletic ability on both sides of the ball, the Cavaliers will score a lot of points and be tough to score upon. Third-year quarterback starterTom Burgessleads a veteran backfield, that also includesAntonio Doldo, Mike PriorandTyler Prevost. Brian PiarulliandT. J. Mulligananchor the lines. ... Sandy Creek hopes to have a healthyKoby Fowlerrunning the ball for a full season after breaking his foot midway through last season. SpeedyDylan Shieland versatileMike Elkingive the Comets planty of firepower. Up front,Lyle Burnett,Steve ThomasandLogan McNittwill fill the lines. ... Beaver River suffered through a winless season a year ago inSteve Puddington's initial season, finishing with just 16 healthy players. There are 27 on the roster this time, but many are young and first-year varsity players.

Beaver River Beavers

Coach:Steve Puddington (2nd year, 0-8).

2007 record: 0-8, 0-5 Class D West.

Players to watch:Luke Turck (Sr., RB-DB, 5-6, 160); George Banks (Sr., OL-DL, 6-0, 215); Logan Moore (Sr., C-LB, 6-0, 190); Patrick Walseman (Sr., QB-LB, 6-2, 165); Chad Lee (Sr., FB-LB, 5-7, 165); Alex Savage (Jr., FB-E, 6-3, 215)..

Schedule:Sept. 6, Onondaga, 1 p.m.; Sept. 13, at Bishop Grimes, 1 p.m.; Sept. 20, Sandy Creek, 4 p.m.; Sept. 26, at IHC, 7 p.m.; Oct. 3, at Hamilton, 7 p.m.; Oct. 11, Morrisville-Eaton, 2 p.m.; Oct. 18, Weedsport, 1 p.m.

IHC Cavaliers

Coach:Paul Alteri (3rd year, 10-8).

2007 record:4-4, 2-3 Class D West.

Players to watch:Tom Burgess (Jr., QB-DB, 5-11, 170); Mike Prior (Sr., RB-LB, 5-8, 165); Antonio Doldo (Sr., RB-LB, 5-8, 160); Andrew Hauk (Jr., TE); Tyler Prevost (Sr., WR-DB); Ken Kampnich (Sr., DB, 5-8, 145); T.J. Mulligan (Sr., RB, 5-11, 160); Brian Piarulli (Sr., OL-LB, 5-10, 170); Caleb Cummins (Sr., OL_DL, 6-0, 190).

Schedule:Oct. 5, Hamilton, 7 p.m.; Oct. 12, at Weedsport, 7 p.m.; Oct. 20, at Bishop Grimes, 1 p.m.; Sept. 26, Beaver River, 7 p.m.; Oct. 3, Onondaga, 7 p.m.; Oct. 10, at Sandy Creek, 7 p.m.; Oct. 18, at Morrisville-Eaton, 2 p.m.

Sandy Creek Comets

Coach:Mike Stevens (10th year, 63-54).

2007 record:4-5, 2-3 Class D West.

Players to watch:Koby Fowler (Jr., FB-LB, 5-10, 207); Dylan Shiel (Jr., RB-DB, 5-8, 186); Steve Thomas (Sr., OL-DL, 6-2, 207); Tyler Geoneau (Sr., C-LB, 5-8, 175); Lyle Burnett (Jr., OL-LB, 5-11, 230); Logan McNitt (Sr., OL-DL, 6-3, 245); Matt Wood (Sr., OL-DL, 6-2, 227); Mike Elkin (Sr., WR-DB, 5-10, 150); Corey Sprague (So., QB-DB, 5-8, 169); Tim Babcock (So., OL-DL, 6-3, 300); Trevor Nunez (Jr., OL-DL, 6-0, 320).

Schedule:Oct. 5, Bishop Grimes, Carrier Dome, 7 p.m.; Sept. 12, at Onondaga, 7 p.m.; Sept. 20, at Beaver River, 1 p.m.; Sept. 26, Morrisville-Eaton, 7 p.m.; Oct. 3, at Weedsport, 7 p.m.; Oct. 10,. at IHC, 7 p.m.; Oct. 17, at Hamilton, 7 p.m.