Five Section V champions clinched spots in the Far West Regionals on Monday night, all with a chance to advance to the NYSPHSAA semifinals. Section V also has three at-large teams competing Friday night. Here’s what you need to know:
Class AA – MONDAY, NOV. 21, 6 PM, McQUAID JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL
LEWIS J. BENNETT/OLMSTED/MIDDLE EARLY COLLEGE/EAST TIGERS (4-6/No. 10 NYSSWA Class AA)
vs.
McQUAID JESUIT KNIGHTS (9-2/No. 14 NYSSWA Class AA)
How they arrived here: McQuaid defeated Rush-Henrietta (49-21) and Victor (20-7) before claiming its fourth straight Class AA title with a 37-14 win over Pittsford. Bennett defeated Orchard Park 50-6 and won the Section VI Class AA title with a 36-10 victory over Lancaster.
Players to watch for McQuaid: Gavin Brownlie Sr. WR/DB 326 receiving yards, 18 receptions, two receiving touchdown, 53 total tackles, one tackle for a loss, 11 pass breakups, three interceptions (55 return yards); Anthony DiMarco Sr. WR/DB 390 receiving yards, 29 receptions, four receiving touchdowns, 34 tackles, three pass breakups, one forced fumble, five interceptions, 110 returns yards, one pick-six; Will DiMarco So. QB 1,063 passing yards, eight passing touchdowns, 82-of-138 pass attempts, 212 rushing yards, 34 rush attempts, 2 rushing touchdowns, four interceptions; Henry Gerstner Sr. LB 87 total tackles, 14 tackles for a loss, three sacks, four quarterback hurries; John Harding Jr. RB/LB 1324 rushing yards, 204 attempts, 20 rushing touchdowns, 344 receiving yards, 38 receptions, 4 receiving touchdowns, 13 returns, 343 yards, 2,011 all-purpose yards; Eoin Meyer Jr. RB/LB 118 rushing yards, 18 rushing attempts, one rushing touchdown, 12 receiving yards, two receptions, 78 total tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, four pass breakups, one quarterback hurry, one forced fumble; Gabe Zawalo Sr. WR/DB 320 receiving yards, 25 receptions, 2 receiving touchdowns, 57 total tackles, one tackle for a loss, nine pass breakups, three interceptions (88 return yards), one forced fumble, one fumble recovery (25 return yards), one fumble-recovery touchdown, 296 kick return yards, 12 kick returns, one kick return touchdown.
VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM DENNIS JOYCE HERE.
Players to watch for Bennett: Antonio Davis III Sr. QB 1,431 passing yards, 19 passing touchdowns, 69-of-131 passing, two interceptions, 88 rushing yards, 26 attempts, two rushing touchdowns; Xzavier Goodman Sr. OL/ILB 102 tackles, one tackle for a loss, one interception, eight forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, six passes defended; Cureem Hathcock Sr. RB/OLB 776 rushing yards, five rushing touchdowns, 97 attempts, five receiving yards, one reception, 15 tackles, one tackle for a loss, three passes defended; Darell Hamilton Jr. FB/DL 314 rushing yards, eight rushing touchdowns, 51 attempts, 27 receiving yards, one receiving touchdown, two receptions, 58 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, 10 sacks, one interception, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, two passes defended, one defensive touchdown; 4-for-5 two-point attempts; Jayden Lewis Sr. WR/OLB 330 rushing yards, four rushing touchdowns, 27 attempts, 490 receiving yards, seven receiving touchdowns, 18 receptions, 47 tackles, three tackles for a loss, five interceptions, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, three passes defended, three defensive touchdowns; Rashard Perry Sr. OL/DL 75 tackles, 16 tackles for a loss, nine sacks, one fumble recovery; Jameer Thomas Jr. WR/DB 528 rushing yards, five rushing touchdowns, 46 attempts, 669 receiving yards, nine receiving touchdowns, 30 receptions, 115 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, 4-of-9 passing, 24 tackles, one tackle for a loss, one fumble recovery, two passes defended, one defensive touchdown, 292 kick return yards, two kick return touchdowns, six kick returns, 79 punt return yards, one punt return touchdown, two punt returns.
Coaches: Bobby Bates (McQuaid), Steve McDuffie (Bennett)
History 101: Bennett defeated McQuaid in the 2021 Far West Regional, 26-14.
What’s next: A spot in the NYS Class AA semifinals versus the winner of Corning-Painted Post (IV)/ Cicero-North Syracuse (III).
Class AA FRIDAY, NOV. 18, 7 PM, GUILDERLAND HIGH SCHOOL
PITTSFORD PANTHERS (5-6/No. 25 NYSSWA Class AA)
vs.
CHRISTIAN BROTHERS ACADEMY (11-0, No. 5 NYSSWA Class AA)
How they arrived here: Pittsford knocked off Penfield (35-8) and UPrep (6-0) before falling to McQuaid, 37-14 in the finals. Christian Brothers beat Saratoga Springs (10-0) and Shenendehowa (21-0) to claim the Section II Class AA title.
Players to watch for Pittsford: Nathan Rodi Sr LB/RB 602 rushing yards, 101 rushing attempts, nine rushing touchdowns, 85 tackles, five tackles for a loss, five sacks; Jackson Green Sr. WR 935 receiving yards, 49 receptions, seven touchdowns; Jackson Nixon Sr. OL/DL 25 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, three sacks; AJ DeMeo Sr. SS 42 tackles; Luke Fliss Jr. WR/DB 401 receiving yards, 21 receptions, five receiving touchdowns, two interceptions; Sammy Renica Jr. WR/FS 230 receiving yards, 20 receptions, four receiving touchdowns, 58 tackles, one interception.
Player to watch for Christian Brothers: Donald Jones Jr. QB 401 total yards in Section II championship – 250 rushing and 151 passing; Jake Marra; Jahmir Pitcher RB; Chuck Volans TE.
Coaches: Keith Molinich (Pittsford), Bob Burns (Christian Brothers)
What’s next: A spot in the NYS Class AA semifinals against the winner of Carmel (I)/Newburgh Free Academy (IX).
Class A – MODAY, NOV. 21, 6 PM, HILTON HIGH SCHOOL
JAMESTOWN RED RAIDERS (9-2/No. 6 NYSSWA Class A)
vs.
HILTON CADETS (10-1/No. 9 NYSSWA Class A)
How they arrived here: Hilton earned victories over Gates Chili (45-14) and No. 3 Brighton (28-7) before beating Webster Schroeder, 40-7 in the Class A1 finals. Jamestown beat West Seneca West (33-15) and Kenmore West (55-8) before claiming the Section VI Class A title with a 34-0 win over Williamsville North.
Players to watch for Hilton: Colton Thorp Jr. QB 662 passing yards, nine passing touchdowns, 478 rushing yards, 8 rushing touchdowns; Jeff Broadnax Sr. RB 1060 rushing yards, 15 rushing touchdowns; Robert Lowry Jr. RB 792 rushing yards, 13 rushing touchdowns; Nick Castellana Sr. WR; Luke Lockhart Jr. WR; Nick Fede Sr. TE; Karl Khuns Sr. OL/DL.
Players to watch for Jamestown: Carson Bane Jr. WR/DB 1,058 rushing yards, 13 rushing touchdowns, 144 attempts, 102 tackles, two tackles for a loss, seven sacks, one interception, one fumble recovery; Trey Drake Sr. QB 252 rushing yards, seven rushing touchdowns, 66 attempts, 2,315 passing yards, 27 passing touchdowns, 159-of-266 passing one interception; Darius Freeney Sr. WR/DB 770 receiving yards, 12 receiving touchdowns, 43 receptions, 16 tackles, one interception, 3 passes defended; Mason McVinney Sr. WR/DB 111 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, six sacks, one interception, one forced fumble, two passes defended; Sean O’Brien Sr. WR/FB/LB 106 rushing yards, six rushing touchdowns, 16 attempts, 424 receiving yards, 32 receptions, one receiving touchdown, 191 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, six sacks, one interception, one forced fumble, two passes defended; Carson Panebianco So. WR/DB/LB 670 receiving yards, 16 receiving touchdowns, 40 receptions, 11 tackles; Randon Wright Sr. RB/LB 625 rushing yards, four rushing touchdowns, 87 attempts, five receiving yards, two receptions, 70 tackles, nine tackles for a loss, two sacks, four passes defended.
Coaches: Rich Lipani (Hilton), Thomas Langworthy (Jamestown)
History 101: Jamestown defeated Canandaigua in the 2021 NYS Class A Far West Regional.
What’s next: A spot in the NYS semifinals against the winner of Union-Endicott (IV)/West Genesee (III).
Class A FRIDAY, NOV. 18, 7 PM, SHENENDEHOWA HIGH SCHOOL
CANANDAIGUA BRAVES (9-2/NO. 15 NYSSWA Class A)
vs.
NISKAYUNA SILVER WARRIORS (9-2/No. 16 NYSSWA Class A)
How they arrived here: Canandaigua beat Greece Arcadia (34-8) and Eastridge (33-19) before claiming the Section V Class A2 title with a 28-6 win over East/WOIS. Niskayuna beat La Salle Institute (28-0) and Averill Park (35-6) to claim the Section II Class A title.
Players to watch for Canandaigua: Tysheed Crockton Sr. WR/LB 316 rushing yards, 40 rushing touchdowns, 30 tackles, one forced fumble, two interceptions, 250 kick return yards, six returns, two kick return touchdowns; Drew Williamee So. QB 1621 passing yards, 19 passing touchdowns, 107-of-171 attempts, four interceptions, 83 rushing yards, 30 rushing attempts, one rushing touchdown, ; Dom Gullace 20 rushing yards, 10 rushing attempts, 182 receiving yards, 15 receptions, two receiving touchdowns, 55 tackles, 24 tackles for a loss, eight sacks, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries; Tyler DeRue Jr. OL/DL 49 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, five sacks, one forced fumble; Tre’Mell Coleman So. RB 975 rushing yards, 177 rush attempts, 13 rushing touchdowns, ; Jude York Jr. RB 256 receiving yards 19 receptions, three receiving touchdowns, 157 kick return yards, eight kick returns, 23-of-27 on extra point attempts; Lucas Delforte Jr. LB 74 tackles, eight tackles for a loss, one sack.
Players to watch for Niskayuna: Ame Bender Sr. G; Garrett Gillooley So. LB; Ethan Gilson So. QB; Isaiah Linyear So. TB; DeAngelo McGlothlin Sr. RB; Chase Nappi Jr. LB; Gavin Pendergast Sr. LB; Dahvion Wimberly Sr. WR.
Coaches: Jeff Welch (Canandiagua), Brian Grastorf (Niskayuna)
Key trend: Niskayuna has limited its past four opponents to a combined total of 18 points.
History 101: Niskayuna is making the program’s first appearance in the state tournament. Canandaigua is making its third state quarterfinal appearance in as many attempts (Precautions surrounding Covid-19 forced the cancellation of the 2020 state tournament). Canandaigua defeated South Park (VI) in the 2019 Far West Regional. Brian Grastorf, Niskayuna’s head coach, played football at Ithaca College from 2006-09 under former Bombers’ head coach, Mike Welch, Jeff Welch’s dad.
What’s next: A spot in the NYS Class A semifinals against the winner of Somers (I) vs. Our Lady of Lourdes (IX).
Class B – MONDAY, NOV. 21, 6 PM, BATAVIA HIGH SCHOOL
IROQUOIS CHIEFS (11-0/No. 2 NYSSWA Class B)
vs.
BATAVIA BLUE DEVILS (11-0/ No. 6 NYSSWA Class B)
How they arrived here: Batavia got wins over Dansville/Wayland-Cohocton (35-0) and Livonia (56-14) before winning the Section V Class B title with a 14-8 win over Monroe. Iroquois beat Olean (52-7), West Seneca East (39-14) and Pioneer (18-7 to win the Section VI Class B title.
Players to watch for Batavia: Javin McFollins Sr. QB/DB 1724 passing yards, 21 passing touchdowns, 92-of-126 passing, three interceptions, 111 rushing yards, 21 rushing attempts, seven rushing touchdowns, 17 tackles, one tackle for a loss, three interceptions, two pass deflections; Aidan Anderson Sr. RB/LB 587 rushing yards, nine rushing touchdowns, 81 rushing attempts, 55 receiving yards, one receiving touchdown, four receptions; Cam McClinic Sr. RB/DB 550 rushing yards, seven rushing touchdowns, 81 rushing attempts; Carter McFollins Sr. RB/OLB 189 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, 35 rushing attempts, 334 receiving yards, three receiving touchdowns, 18 receptions, 45 tackles, one sack, two interceptions, one kick return touchdown; Garret Schmidt Sr. OL/DL 91 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, one forced fumble, two fumble recovery; Aavion Bethel Sr. FB/LB 59 tackles, five tackles for a loss; Cole Grazioplene Jr. WR/DB 552 receiving yards, nine receiving touchdowns, 25 receptions; Vincent Arroyo Jr. WR/OLB 604 receiving yards, six receiving touchdowns, 29 receptions, one kick return touchdown.
Players to watch for Iroquois: Trevor Barry Jr. RB/LB 2,181 rushing yards, 42 rushing touchdowns, 225 attempts, 209 receiving yards, one receiving touchdown, 20 receptions, 56 tackles, three tackles for a loss, three sacks, two interceptions, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, three passes defended ; Gavin Dundon So. WR/SS 75 rushing yards, one rushing touchdowns, nine attempts, 118 receiving yards, one receiving touchdown, eight receptions, 91 tackles, three tackles for a loss, one forced fumble, five passes defended; Justus Kleitz Fr. QB 2,172 passing yards, 24 passing touchdowns, 142-of-190 passing, three interceptions, 28 rushing yards, 11 rushing attempts; Tom McAnulty Sr. RB/LB 239 rushing yards, four rushing touchdowns, 35 attempts, 20 receiving yards, one receiving touchdown, one reception, 43 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, four sacks, two forced fumbles; Nate McGoldrick Sr. TE/SS 998 receiving yards, 10 receiving touchdowns, 55 receptions, 33 tackles, three tackles for a loss, one sack, two interceptions, one forced fumble, one pass defensed; Matt Mercurio Sr. TE/MLB 72 tackles, nine tackles for a loss, one sack, one interception, one forced fumble, two passes defended.
VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM RON ANDREWS HERE.
Coaches: Brennan Briggs (Batavia), Robert Pitzonka (Iroquois)
What’s next: A spot in the NYS Class B semifinals against the winner of Maine-Endwell (IV) vs. Homer (III).
Class C – TUESDAY, NOV. 22, 6 PM, VAN DETTA STADIUM***
LACKAWANNA STEELERS (11-0/No. 2 NYSSWA Class C)
vs.
ATTICA BLUE DEVILS (9-2/No. 3 NYSSWA Class C)
How they arrived here: Attica got wins over Letchworth/Warsaw/Perry (14-10) and Penn Yan/Dundee (25-7) before claiming the Section V Class C title with a 16-8 win over ER/Gananda. Lackawanna claimed wins over Southwestern (30-14), Salamanca (24-6) and Fredonia (22-20).
Players to watch for Attica: Braden Allein Jr. QB/LB 396 passing yards, four passing touchdowns; Landyn Thomas Jr. RB/DB 908 rushing yards, 11 rushing touchdowns, 124 rushing attempts, 135 receiving yards, two receiving touchdowns, 11 receptions; Case Hill Jr OL/LB 91 tackles, three tackles for a loss, 30 assists, three sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, one defensive touchdown; Clayton Bezon Jr. TE/LB 258 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns, 40 rushing attempts, 72 receiving yards, seven receptions, 73 tackles, six tackles for a loss, 33 assists, two sacks, four interceptions, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery; Wyatt Kauffman Sr. RB/DE 533 rushing yards, four rushing touchdowns, 67 tackles, one tackle for a loss, 29 assists, one sack, one fumble recovery.
Players to watch for Lackawanna: Ashlin Alexander-Hall Sr. WR/LB 451 receiving yards, nine receiving touchdowns, 26 receptions, 33 tackles, five interceptions, four passes defended; Amir Douglas So. RB/LB 414 rushing yards, 58 attempts, seven rushing touchdowns, 71 receiving yards, one receiving touchdown, seven receptions, 60 tackles, one tackle for a loss; Billy Gechell Sr. QB/LB 271 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, 47 attempts, 94-of-167 passing, 1,467 passing yards, 26 passing touchdowns, five interceptions; Sunday Ikeguonu Sr. LT/DE 79 tackles, two tackles for a loss, 13 sacks, one interception, three forced fumbles, one pass defensed; Shyheim Smalls Sr. WR/FS 534 receiving yards, 12 receiving touchdowns. 36 receptions, 90 tackles, two tackles for a loss, three interceptions, eight passes defended; Antwan Threeths Sr. WR/LB 1,138 rushing yards, eight rushing touchdowns, 148 rushing attempts, 33 tackles, three sacks, one interception, two forced fumbles, one defensive touchdown; Chamarr Ware Sr. RB/LB 165 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown, 23 attempts, nine receiving yards, one reception, one receiving touchdown, 87 tackles, three sacks.
Coaches: Jeffrey Cusmano (Attica), Adam Tardif (Lackawanna)
What’s next: A spot in the NYS Class C semifinals against the Waverly (IV) vs. General Brown (III) winner.
Class D – MONDAY, NOV. 21, 6 PM, SUNY BROCKPORT
RANDOLPH CARDINALS (10-0/No. 4 NYSSWA Class D)
vs.
OAKFIELD-ALABAMA/ELBA AGGIES (11-0/No. 2 NYSSWA Class D)
How they got here: Oakfield-Alabama/Elba (No. 2 NYSSWA Class D) got wins over Geneseo (70-28), No. 4 York/Pavilion (40-6) and Alexander (35-7) on the way to a Section V Class D title. Randolph beat CSP, 37-7 and Franklinville/Ellicottille, 30-14 to win the Section VI Class D title.
Players to watch for Oakfield-Alabama/Elba: Noah Currier Sr. RB 1579 rushing yards, 30 rushing touchdowns, 117 rushing attempts, 13.5 yards per carry, 85 receiving yards, two receiving touchdowns, four receptions, one fumble recovery (60-yard touchdown), one defensive touchdown; Bodie Hyde Jr. QB/LB 1108 rushing yards, 19 rushing touchdowns, 78 rushing attempts, 14.2 yards per carry, 507 passing yards, seven passing touchdowns, 26-of-40 passing, two interceptions, 61 tackles, 19 tackles for a loss, three pass breakups, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, one interception (68-yard touchdown), one defensive touchdown; Connor Scott Sr. RB/LB 314 rushing yards, five rushing touchdowns, 28 rushing attempts, 99 receiving yards, one receiving touchdown, six receptions, 15 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, one sack, four interceptions, six pass breakups, two fumble recoveries; Kyle Porter Sr. WR/DB 225 receiving yards, three receiving touchdowns, 11 receptions, 20 tackles, three interceptions; Brayden Smith 76 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, three interceptions, two pass breakups, one fumble recovery; T.J. Andrews Sr. DL 66 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks; Aiden Warner Sr. RB/TE/LB 354 rushing yards, four rushing touchdowns, 25 rushing attempts, 49 receiving yards, two receptions, 57 tackles, five tackles for a loss, one interception (25-yard touchdown), one defensive touchdown, five pass breakups, one fumble recovery; Angelo Penna Jr. DE 45 tackles, 14 tackles for a loss, six sacks, one fumble recovery.
Players to watch for Randolph: Maverick Adams Jr. RB/DE 56 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown, 14 attempts, 45 tackles, two sacks, one fumble recovery; Carson Conley Sr. QB/DB 42 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, 33 attempts, 542 passing yards, 10 passing touchdowns, 25-of-42 passing, two interceptions, 35 tackles, one sack, one interception; Tristan Farnham Jr. RB/LB 87 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown, 18 attempts, 51 tackles, one interception, one fumble recovery; Xavier Hind Sr. RB/DB 2,047 rushing yards, 25 rushing touchdowns, 217 attempts, 191 receiving yards, two receiving touchdowns, five receptions, 46 tackles, one sack, two interceptions; Jaiden Hunting Sr. TE/LB 209 receiving yards, six receiving touchdowns, 13 receptions, 49 tackles, one sack, one fumble recovery, one defensive touchdown; Payton Slade Sr. RB/LB 251 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns, 49 attempts, 34 receiving yards, five receptions, 45 tackles, one sack.
VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM RON ANDREWS HERE.
Coaches: Tyler Winter (Oakfield-Alabama/Elba), Brent Brown (Randolph)
What’s Next: A spot in the NYS Class D semifinals to face the winner of Tioga (IV) vs. Dolgeville (III).
CLASS D SUNDAY, NOV. 18, 3 PM, BROADALBIN-PERTH HIGH SCHOOL
ALEXANDER (9-1/No. 7 NYSSWA Class D)
vs.
CAMBRIDGE/SALEM (11-0/No. 8 NYSSWA Class D)
How they arrived here: Alexander got wins over Clyde-Savannah (33-0) and Avon (43-13) before losing to OAE, 35-7 in the Section V Cklass D championship. Cambridge/Salem beat Canajoharie/Fort Plain (52-6) and Chatham (36-21) to claim the Section II Class D title.
Players to watch for Alexander: Mason Bump Sr. LB 46 tackles; Kaden Lyons Sr. FB 393 rushing yards, 42 rushing attempts, 9.4 yards per carry, 192 receiving yards, five receiving touchdowns, 10 receptions; Tyler Marino Jr. CB four interceptions, three defensive touchdowns; Benny Merrill Sr. WR 469 receiving yards, 19 receptions, seven touchdowns; Ricky Townley Sr. RB 717 rushing yards, 95 rushing attempts, six rushing touchdowns, 11 rushing touchdowns, 58 tackles, two interceptions; Trenton Woods Jr. WR 915 passing yards, 15 passing touchdowns, 45-of-80 passing, two interceptions, 254 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns.
Players to watch for Cambridge/Salem: Brice Burr Jr. RB/S 923 rushing yards, 15 rushing touchdowns, 122 rushing attempts, 15 yards receiving, one reception; Brayton Cary Jr. RB/FS 576 rushing yards, seven rushing touchdowns, 75 attempts, 24 receiving yards, one reception; Evan Day Sr. RB/DL 1,105 rushing yards, 23 rushing touchdowns, 137 attempts, 96 receiving yards, one receiving touchdown, one reception; Alex Luke Sr. RB/C 215 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, 27 attempts, 362 receiving yards, five receiving touchdowns, 15 receptions.
Coaches: Tim Sawyer (Alexander), Doug Luke (Cambridge/Salem)
What’s Next: The winner will play in the NYS Class D semifinals against either Moriah (VII) or Tuckahoe (I).
***Date and location of the Class C Far West Regional has been changed to reflect adjust schedule.
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