Rocco and Coulthurst from Frankfurt-Schuyler commit themselves to the football of Utica University

Frankfort, NY-Frankfort-Schuyler Maroon Knights Football Stars Martino Rocco and Lionell Coulthurst have played sports together about as long as you can remember. With a stroke on Tuesday afternoon, you will continue your sporting career together because you have signed your providers to play football for the pioneers of Utica University in autumn.

“Oh man, I and Lionell playing football for four years, I would say,” said Rocco about his relationship with Coulhurst. It's just a kind of connection that we had all our lives – that's why it was so good. “

Coulhurst agreed and said: “I and Tino did things together since we were little, into the same school and everything that was with him. He is like another brother for me. “

The dynamic seniors contributed to building the Frankfurt-Schuyler eight-man football program into a power package. The 2024 Maroon Knights went 13-0 and culminated with their first New York State Championship in December. Both were three -year -old starters for the Maroon Knights and both put together amazing numbers during their career.

Rocco played back at the Maroon Knights Quarterback and defensive during his time. He is the reigning Nysswa eight man player of the year and was also appointed the first team All-State and 1st Team All-Cny in 2024. In his three-year career at Frankfort-Schuyler, Rocco published the following statistics:

• 4.808 Rushing Yards
• 78 TDS Rushing
• Scored 558 points
• 224 degrees
• 4.529 yards
• 56 TD passes
• 342 duels
• 8 interceptions

Credit: Scott Kinville/The Daily Post

While Rocco drove the offensive as a quarterback, Coulthurst was a nightmare for opposing teams as a return, defender and special teams. He was included in the teams of the first team and all-Cny team in 2024. Colhurst has emerged on the entire field, as his career statistics prove:

• 3,047 Rushing Yards
• 6,739 All -purpose courtyards
• 1,979 Reception
• 100 receptions
• 87 touchdowns
• Scored 576 points
• 192 duels
• 15 interceptions
• 6 kick returns for touchdowns
• 6 Punt Returns for touchdowns

Credit: Scott Kinville/The Daily Post

The decision to play their college football together at Utica University was easy for Rocco and Coulhurst. They are both familiar with the program after visiting pioneering camps during their entire football career. The camps also contributed to building a relationship with Utica coaching staff.

“They both saw us as a prospect for a while, so I think we both because of the employees and how much they took care of us compared to other schools,” commented Martino. “It is just a different kind of love that comes from coach to player than in any other school, and not only as a small town of eight men, but we as a serious college prospects that could play football.”

For Rocco there was also a chance to play College football, so close to home, very tempting.

“Why miss the opportunity to go the corner and play College football for your hometown and like the hero of the hometown that does great things for the community in college?”

Coulhurst also welcomes the opportunity to play near home and also fell in love with the university.

“I thought about it for a long time and exactly,” he said. “It's somehow nearby, so it makes it much easier. And I was really loved the atmosphere, as I said when I was there for the first time – it really felt inviting. The coaches, they really want to get to know you, so I like that very much. “

Both players thank you for the support you received from your families and school. Coulhurst summarized it by saying: “The support is just amazing. My family is always there for my final decision, they always support me 100%. The school and everything, you always have my back, no matter what happens, so that's really nice, because then I have more confidence to choose the things I want to do. “

The head coach of Utica Pioneers Blaise Faggiano is happy to have both players in his team because he has been familiar with them for several years.

“Recruiting is about adding members to our football family,” said Faggiano. “These two young men came back to our youth football camp when they were 8 years old. Where is the time going? “

Martino and Coulhurst not only represent Frankfort-Schuyler Football Excellence, but also, as Faggiano emphasizes, but also the high-quality football talent in the Mohawk Valley.

“In the past, some of the best athletes in our football program were local recruits,” he said. Who is better than a #uticaguy than our local players here in Mohawk Valley? They are both excellent young men and dominated in the field of high school. We are very pleased that you have decided to become a pioneer and to join our football family. The Mohawk Valley is full of talented athletes this year and we have many local commits and are waiting for a few more large local names.

The pioneers open their 2025 season on September 6th on September 6th at Washington and at Jefferson College. Her home start at Charles A. Gaetano Stadium is on September 13th against RPI.