The end of an era for Indian River football came on a bittersweet note Friday night.

Although the Warriors were unsuccessful in the state playoffs again, they could take solace in the fact that the program is now firmly established as one of the best in the area, with a dedicated coaching staff, and heading into a league that will be more competitive.

In the long run, that should be good for everybody involved — the school, the program, the players and the fans.

"It's sad to go out on a losing note,'' said Warrior coach Cory Marsell after his team was beaten 35-12 by Section 2 champion Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake in the state Class A quarterfinals at Watertown High School. "But we leave Section 10 with our heads held high, knowing that we transformed our program into one that all the other teams looked up to. We relish the challenge of a new league, and know that it will make our program better in the long run.''

Next season, Indian River will again play in Section 3 after an 11-year run against Section 10/7 teams. The Warriors, who won their last 50 games against Section 10/7 opposition, will be placed in Section 3's Class A National division, along with old Frontier League rivals Watertown and Carthage, plus New Hartford, Whitesboro and Camden.

"It's going to be a different mind-set every week (next year),'' said Marsell. "We know it's going to be tougher, and that we won't be able to just show up and win. Those teams will expose our weaknesses much more.''

Senior quarterback Corey Brown said the talk in the locker room since the move to Section 3 was announced has all been positive.

"All the players are excited because it's a new challenge,'' said Brown. "I'm just sad I won't be able to make the move with the guys. But I think we've proved we can be competitive with all of the good Class A teams. Proving ourselves against the best in Section 3 will be just another test for us.''

Brown said he would bet "the kids will be in the gym and the weight room tomorrow preparing for next season. We're going to take this loss and make it a positive.''

Marsell has 24 players returning next season. He said because of the success the program has achieved over the past decade, enthusiasm for the program is at an all-time high.

"When you hear kids talking in the halls about football, that's a great sign,'' he said. "It's cool to be a football player again at Indian River. When I first came back (after playing at Indian River and SUNY Cortland), it was tough to get the good athletes out for football. It's a real credit to our dedicated staff and players that they have turned this around in such a short time.''

Indian River's loss to Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake was more about its inability to slow down explosive quarterback Paul Layton than anything else. Layton finished with 109 yards passing and 178 rushing, running for three scores and passing for another.

In Section 3, they will see tremendous athletes and skill players like that on a regular basis.

"Burnt Hills was faster and stronger than us,'' said Marsell. "Not too many teams can do that to us. Now we've got to rededicate ourselves to the weight room and getting stronger and be prepared for a more physical type of football.''

Marsell said he would have liked to see what this year's team could have done in Section 3, especially with Penn State-bound running back Curtis Dukes leading the way.

"It certainly is an exciting challenge for all or us,'' he said. "But knowing these kids and coaches, they'll work hard to make sure we're prepared for anything.''