By HUNTER O. LYLE
ALLEGANY, NY – When returning to the ‘big stage’ of 12-on-12 varsity football, Marcus Grove knew there was bound to be some growing pains. Being thrown into the midst of the competitive Class C South division of Section VI, the game was faster, the opponents tougher and, with three extra men on board, the field smaller.
The initial trials and tribulations was a baptism in blood: an 0-9 record. But to paraphrase a quote by Jim Rohn, the value in anything is not what you get, but what you become. Flashforward one year and the Allegany-Limestone/Hinsdale football team has become acclimated. While there is still work to be done and strides to be made, the Gators have seen a wealth of improvement and development across the board.
Through six weeks and a 3-3 output, A-L is averaging over a hundred more total yards per game (322 in 2026 and 213 in 2025), have quadrupled their points per game (24 in 2026 up from 8 in 2025) and have cut their points allowed in half (20 points allowed in 2026 compared to 41 in 2025).
“I think overall, it’s just been the team bonding. The leadership from our seniors down to our sophomore quarterback, it’s been a huge change in leadership, a whole shift in mindset and culture over just one offseason. Seeing how last year went, we’re just trying to put our best foot forward to make sure that doesn’t happen again,” said Grove. “We’re definitely leaning on leadership, leaning on our togetherness, a sense of brotherhood and coming together to play for each other instead of ourselves.”
Altogether, the Gators’ offense is flourishing and at the center of it all, or rather under center, is Tayden Margeson.
Stepping onto the Green & White gridiron a year ago as a freshman, Margeson joined the team as the quarterback understudy, playing behind then-starter and senior Dylan Schultz. However, Margeson saw the field every night out. Although his first year resume saw the same learning curve as the Gators as a whole, he has been elevated by the same rising tide.
In year two, Margeson has commanded the offense, leading the Gators from the pocket with an arsenal of preparation, mobility and arm power. Both reliable and effective, his talents were most recently on display in A-L’s clutch overtime win over Salamanca, where he ended the first half with 136 yards in 36.9 seconds before finding a receiver in the endzone in the Gator’s game-winning drive. Margeson ended that night with 236 passing yards – his fifth time reaching 200-plus – three touchdowns and zero interceptions.
“I’m doing what I can. I’m trying to keep my composure and I want to keep getting better every day. I’m pretty happy with where I’m at right now,” said Margeson. “I see the game way better. Our coaches and coordinators help me a lot and it’s really helped me develop.”
Six games in, Margeson has erupted in nearly every stat category. Close to home, his 1,217 passing yards (up from 585 in 2025) beats out any quarterback in the C South Division by over 450 yards, also ranking fourth in all of Section VI – currently, Mason Anderson of West Seneca West boasts the top spot with 1,365.
While his completion percentage has stayed relatively similar to last year, currently at 59.2 compared to 57.5, he has thrown over 30 more passes this season, finding targets in the endzone 12 times, which also handily tops the C South Division and ranks eighth in Section VI.
“I have so much confidence. The guys up front are doing a great job and the whole team is pushing me, pushing me to get better each and every day. Our receivers are coming up with some great catches and it’s great for me. I can go out there and complete a pass any time I want,” said Margeson, who has also rushed for 150 yards this season. “Going from the quarterback-two spot last year and getting some reps to being one of the (Section VI) leaders in passing yards, I feel like I’m climbing up the ladder each and every day.”
Having Margeson at the tip of the spear, the entire Gators offense has also seen significant increases in production. Down range, Greg Peck has become A-L’s main target, coming down with 24 receptions for 558 yards and six touchdowns in as many games– up from 18 receptions, 277 receiving yards and one touchdown in nine games – while Ryan Callen has surpassed his sophomore watermark already, tallying 19 receptions, 376 yards and four touchdowns – up from 18, 371 and one, respectively.
With just two games left on the regular season docket, the key for the Gators is sustained development. Seeing the offense rolling and finding themselves in opportunities to compete on a weekly basis, their season is already a proven success. Wins on top is just an added bonus.
“I’m happy with our guys seeing the hard work they’ve put in all offseason produce wins and competitiveness in every game so far,” said Grove. “I think we’re right where we need to be right now, taking it week by week, winning where we can and being competitive where we can.”
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