One team is coming off its second sectional title in a row. The other just won its first sectional title in program history. Avon and Newfane (VI) will go head-to-head on Friday for a spot in the NYS Class D semifinals. Here’s the breakdown:
AVON RIVER HAWKS (9-2)
vs.
NEWFANE PANTHERS (11-0)
How they got here: Avon (No. 6 Class D NYSSWA) won against Geneseo/Mount Morris 29-22 in the quarterfinals, and 28-9 against Canisteo-Greenwood to advance to the sectional finals, where the River Hawks picked up a 41-15 win over Notre Dame/Byron-Bergen in the Section V Class D championship. Newfane (No. 3 Class D NYSSWA) began its run through sectionals with a 56-0 win over Allegany-Limestone/Hinsdale in the opening round before beating Silver Creek/Forestville 38-0 in the semifinals. The Section VI Class D title game saw the Panthers earn a 28-20 win over Wilson thanks to a touchdown in the final minute.
VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM CAROLE VOLPE HERE.
Players to watch for Avon: Kal Dolgos Sr. WR/SS (601 rushing yards, 13 rushing touchdowns, 42 catches, 781 receiving yards, 14 receiving touchdowns, four interceptions), Evan Blye Sr. QB (65% completion rate, 2,002 passing yards, 25 passing touchdowns), James Chase So. RB (891 rushing yards, seven rushing touchdowns, 19 catches, 307 receiving yards, two receiving touchdowns, 89 tackles, two sacks, two fumble recoveries), Robert Bridges Sr. RB/MLB (320 rushing yards, five rushing touchdowns, 124 tackles), Elijah Rex Jr. WR/CB (17 catches, 338 yards, seven touchdowns, 19 tackles, two interceptions), Brady Ellsworth Sr. OL/DL (89 tackles, two sacks
Newfane: Mac Capen Sr. QB (940 passing yards, 10 passing touchdowns, 1,640 rushing yards, 25 rushing touchdowns, 40 tackles, two interceptions, seven pass deflections, one forced fumble), Camlo Flowers Sr. RB (418 rushing yards, six rushing touchdowns), Camryn Stover Jr. RB (330 rushing yards, seven rushing touchdowns), Nasir Spencer Jr. WR (22 catches, 312 receiving yards, three touchdowns, 49 tackles, two pass deflections), Jake Morello Jr. WR (26 catches, 267 yards, three touchdowns, 73 tackles, two tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries), Isaiah Gerstung Sr. WR/DB (11 catches, 195 yards, two touchdowns, 41 tackles, two interceptions, two pass deflections)
Coaches: Andy Englert (Avon), Chuck Nagel (Newfane).
History 101: Avon just won its second straight Section V Class D championship, and its seventh overall sectional title since 2008. This is the third time Avon has played in the Far West Regional. Last year, the River Hawks fell in the Far West Regional to Clymer/Sherman/Panama (VI). It is Newfane’s first appearance in the Far West Regional.
What’s at stake: A spot in the NYS Class D semifinal against the winner of Lowville (III) and Tioga (IV).
Kickoff is set for 5:00 pm Friday night at All High Stadium in Buffalo.
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