Union-Endicott at Vestal in Friday River Rivalry
One of Section 4's long-time football rivalries heats up again on Friday night when the Union-Endicott Tigers meet the Vestal Golden Bears at Dick Hoover Stadium in Vestal. Separated by the Susquehanna River and about one mile apart both schools ramp up their enthusiasm and performance when they meet.
The Union-Endicott versus Vestal rivalry reached its peak in the 1970's and 80's when the teams were led by legendary coaches. Fran Angeline ran the U-E program while Dick Hoover led the Golden Bears. Both coaches were inducted into the Greater Binghamton Sports Hall of Fame in the first year of the Hall's existence. Coach Hoover has the field named in his honor with Coach Angeline has U-E's Field House named after him.
Both the Tigers and Golden Bears have struggled in the first half of the 2019 season. Vestal is 1-3 while U-E is 0-4. Last time they met was in the Section 4 Class A Championship last season and the Golden Bears won defeating U-E 27-13.
The Golden Bears have had a tough time putting points on the scoreboard. Vestal has scored just 29 points in four games for an average of just over seven points per game. The Tigers have had problems stopping anyone. Union-Endicott has given up over 42 points per game.
When these teams meet like any storied rivalry records get tossed. Fans who cannot get to the game in person can listen to the action on News Radio 1290 WNBF, online at wnbf.com and on WNBF's mobile app on their smart phone.