MASSENA -- The Seaway Valley Venom recently wrapped up their first season in the Empire Football League.

“Though the Venom did not win any of their games, they were able to accomplish something, as they became the first semi-pro team in the North Country to start and finish a season since 2009,” said Elijah Winfrey, who coached the team during their 2016 season.

The Venom came into this season without ever having scored a touchdown. This season they scored four, Winfrey said.

Corey Campeau scored the team’s first ever, rushing against Mohawk Valley in week two. Nick Steenkamer scored on a 78-yard kick return, and Joe McDonald scored on a fumble recovery touchdown against Plattsburgh in week seven. James Snyde, a lineman-turned-quarterback, threw the first touchdown pass in Venom history to Kyle Quensel against Glens Falls in week 10.

The Venom threw for over 400 yards and ran for over 300 yards this season. On defense, the squadron recorded six sacks, three interceptions and recovered eight fumbles.

“This season was also a success for the Venom financially as they saw 587 fans come through the gate this season for an average of 117 fans per home game,” Winfrey said. "This was a year filled with a lot of firsts. I am so very proud of what we accomplished this season and now that we are established as a team in this area going into our third year I think you are going to see a lot more players come out to play.”

Winfrey will now serve as the team’s owner as they search for a new head coach.

"I feel like with what knowledge I have of the game I have taken this team as far as I can take it being a coach,” he said. I want to find a head coach with experience who can now take the football side of things and run with it as I focus on the business side of the team.”

The Venom are recruiting players for the 2017 season. Anyone age 18 and over can contact the team about joining. More information about the team is at https://www.facebook.com/Seawayvalleyvenom/

Next season, they will have a dance team to be coached by Carmela Phelix of Massena. This dance team will be there to entertain fans at fundraisers and community events.

Anyone age 18 and over can try out for the dance contingent. More information about the dancers is at https://www.facebook.com/GoVenom/

"These women will be ambassadors for the football team. I also feel they will add a lot more to the experience for our fans,” Winfrey said.