06/29/06
Former Sidney quarterback Morenus says he’ll play for Buffalo State
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
By Brendan Connarton
Contributing Writer
Kyle Morenus, the holder of almost every passing record in Sidney history, will take his accurate right arm to Buffalo State this fall.
"I hope to show what I can do, prove myself and take it to the next level," said Morenus, who completed 108 of 193 passes for 2,105 yards and 32 touchdowns — all school records — in helping Sidney to a Class C state title last season.
It’s possible Morenus — a three-time Daily Star First-Team All-Star — could have an immediate impact for the Benga[an error occurred while processing this directive]ls, who are coming off a 3-6 season.
Buffalo State’s quarterback last season, Mike Mikolaichik, graduated after throwing for 2,122 yards and 14 touchdowns as a senior. The Bengals threw the football 328 times in 2005 and ran it 385.
"They were very interested in Kyle and academically he will fit in," said Sidney coach Jeff Matthews, The Daily Star’s reigning Coach of the Year.
When Buffalo State concludes its regular season at Brockport State on Nov. 11, Morenus should see a familiar face. Daily Star Player of the Year Aaron Zurn, who scored 39 touchdowns last season for Sidney, is going to Brockport.
Others from Sidney’s state-championship squad playing in college are receiver Pat Simonds (Division I-AA Colgate) and lineman Jordan Tuttel (D-IAA Cornell).
"I think all of them will do well," Matthews said. "The transition is huge and no one knows when they will have an impact, but it is sure to happen."
Morenus threw for a season-high 277 yards in a 42-34 loss to Walton in Week 2 — Sidney’s lone loss in 13 games last season.
In the Warriors’ 48-21 state championship victory over Dobbs Ferry, Morenus completed 10 of 15 passes for 233 yards and three touchdowns.
"It was an unbelievable season," Morenus said. "I couldn’t have dreamed it. It was awesome."
Matthews said Morenus’ work ethic is one of the driving forces behind his success.
"He is always willing to work extremely hard," he said, "whether it’s weightlifting, 7-on-7 drills or on the basketball court."
Morenus said he also considered Brockport, Morrisville and Hobart.
