Penfield and Bennett to play in Class AA Far West Regional

One team is in the Far West Regional for the first time ever. The other is in the Far West Regional for the third time in four years. Penfield and Bennett (VI) meet this weekend for a spot in the Class AA state semifinals. Here’s the breakdown:

PENFIELD PATRIOTS (7-4)
vs.
BENNETT TIGERS (9-1)

How they got here: Penfield (No. 29 Class AA NYSSWA) started its run with a 3-0 victory over Aquinas in the opening round. In the semifinals, the Patriots went on the road to Rush-Henrietta and defeated the Royal Comets by a score of 22-13. Penfield beat Pittsford in the Section V Class AA title game to earn its first sectional title in program history. Bennett (No. 11 Class AA NYSSWA) took down Lancaster by a score of 52-13 in the semifinals of the Section VI tournament before beating Jamestown 32-14 in the championship game.

VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM DENNIS JOYCE.

Players to watch for Penfield: Zane Kropman Jr. RB (1,435 rushing yards, 13 rushing touchdowns), Dominic Giunta Sr. QB (932 passing yards, four passing touchdowns, 379 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns), Ronan Boyle Sr. (28 catches, 343 receiving yards, three touchdowns, 42 tackles, 12 tackles for loss), Jack Bidleman Jr. (63 tackles, seven tackles for loss); Jack Maurer Jr. (14 catches, 220 yards, 31 tackles, five interceptions); Brodie Joyce Sr. (18 catches, 298 yards, 27 carries, 127 yards, 1 touchdown, three interceptions), Evan Layton Jr. (55 tackles, six tackles for loss).

Bennett: Jimmy Valentine Sr. RB (1,531 rushing yards, 20 rushing touchdowns, 41 tackles); Dontre Hampton Jr. RB (868 rushing yards, eight rushing touchdowns, 99 tackles) Jacob Dowell So. QB (763 passing yards, four passing touchdowns), Jack Eskridge IV Sr. (32 catches, 564 receiving yards, five touchdowns, 308 rushing yards, three touchdowns), Jason Hargrove So. (83 tackles, seven sacks, one interception); Nyree Feaster Sr. (80 tackles, five sacks, two interceptions)

Coaches: Anthony Bianchi (Penfield), Steven McDuffie (Bennett)

History 101: Penfield is coming off its first sectional title in program history. Bennett returns to the state quarterfinals after making three straight trips 2021-2023. The Tigers won the 2022 NYS Class AA title after falling in the state final in 2021.

What’s at stake: A spot in the NYS Class AA state semifinals against the winner of CBA Syracuse (III) and Elmira/Southside (IV)

Kickoff is set for 6:00 pm this Saturday at All High Stadium.