2 – Mustangs extend C North Div. title reign

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 31 December 2023 at 10:01 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Medina quarterback Julian Woodworth breaks away from a tackle during the Mustangs key C North Division title clinching victory at Newfane.

Continuing a strong recent title run, Medina captured a fourth straight C North Division football championship and went on to advance to the Section VI Class C finals for the third time in the last four seasons.

Medina locked up the C North Division title by defeating host Newfane 48-26 in a key late season clash of unbeatens. The Mustangs and Panthers both brought 5-0 division records into the contest.

Medina then capped off an 8-0 regular season by downing rival Albion 38-8.

Keeping the momentum, the Mustangs then improved their record to 10-0 by opening the Class C sectionals with a pair of shutout wins over Southern Tier foes at Vets Park. The Mustangs blanked Falconer/Cassadaga Valley/Maple Grove 24-0 in the quarterfinals and Southwestern 21-0 in the semifinals.

However, Medina’s bid for a sectional title was dashed as Salamanca used a big second half scoring surge to down the Mustangs 36-23 in the Class C championship game at Highmark Stadium. Trailing 16-14 at the half, the Warriors outscored the Mustangs 22-7 in the second half to claim the crown.