Class C regional preview: Unbeaten squads, Naples and Wilson to battle for spot in state semifinals

One team is looking for its second regional win in as many years while the other seeks to end a drought more than two decades in length. Naples and Wilson meet on Friday with a spot in the NYS Class C semifinals. Here is the breakdown:

NAPLES BIG GREEN MACHINES
(18-0-0 / Finger Lakes West)
vs.
WILSON LAKEMEN
(19-0-0 / Section VI)

How they arrived here: Naples (No. 1 NYSSWA) began its postseason with a 4-0 victory over No. 7 HAC in the quarterfinals. The Big Green Machines then defeated No. 3 Geneseo 4-0 in the semifinals and Kendall 2-0 for its 14th sectional championship in program history. Naples defeated Williamson 1-0 in the Class C regional qualifier to clinch a spot in Friday’s matchup. Wilson (No. 2 NYSSWA) topped North Collins (4-0), Portville (3-0) and Allegany-Limestone (1-0) in the Section VI Class C championship.

VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM LAURA ACCIAIO.

Total goals scored: Naples (104), Wilson (109)

Total goals allowed: Naples (6), Wilson (8)

Trends: Naples has also only allowed more than one goal once this season and shut out its opponents in 13 of the 18 games it’s played. The Big Green Machines have scored six or more goals in 10 different games. Wilson has conceded more than one goal in just one game this season. The Lakemen have 12 shutouts on the year and have scored double-digit goals three times in a game.

Players to watch for Naples: Connor Betrus Jr. (29 G, 12 A); Maddox Mannella Jr. (17 G, 15 A); Riccardo Izzo Sr. (16 G, 5 A); Oscar Austin Sr. (14 G, 24 A); Isaac Ward Sr. (10 G, 9 A); Joseph Christmas Sr. GK (42 saves, 6 GA); Oliver Stuck So. GK (1 save, 0 GA)

Wilson: Aidan Neumann Sr. F (51 G, 13 A); David Gurski Sr. F (20 G, 13 A); Cole Hermann Jr. Mid (8 G, 27 A); Max Harmon Jr. D (5 G, 8 A); Hayden Fellows So. Mid (5 G, 5 A); Trenton Kaminski Fr. Mid (5 G, 3 A); Mason Schultz Jr. Mid (5 G, 2 A)

Coaches: Jon Betrus (Naples), Paul Hermann (Wilson)

History 101: Naples, which advanced to the Class D state semifinals a year ago with a win over Ellicottville (4-0) in the quarterfinals, is 5-0 all-time in regional matchups. Wilson is making its fourth trip to the elite eight. The Lakemen are 1-2 all-time with their lone victory coming in 2001 against Geneseo (1-0 in OT).

What’s at stake: A spot in the New York State Class C semi-finals against either Bishop Ludden (III) or Seton Catholic (IV) on Nov. 15, 8:45 a.m.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 pm, Friday at West Seneca High School.