Local players tour the new Highmark Stadium on Section VI Football Media Day

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 13 August 2026 at 9:48 am

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion/Medina’s quartet of players and their counterparts from the other 61 football teams in Section VI had the opportunity to tour the new Highmark Stadium during Wednesday’s Media Day. The OC Rivals foursome are shown here on the sideline of the field as quarterback Preston Woodworth practices a handoff to Jayzon Wills as Jackson Snook, left, and Logan Kast block.

With the first day of fall practice rapidly approaching this coming Monday, Section VI took the opportunity to put the spotlight on football at a Media Day held on Wednesday at the new Highmark Stadium.

All 62 Section VI football teams were represented at the Media Day which was broken up into morning and afternoon sessions.

Albion/Medina was represented by the foursome of Preston Woodworth, Jackson Snook, Jayzon Wills and Logan Kast.

Barker/Roy-Hart was represented by the quarter of RJ Townsend, Ashton Ark, Max Townsend and Carter DerSarkissian.

The players went through a variety of stations for interviews and photos and then had the opportunity to get a sideline view of the field.

The only downside of the day for the players is that for the first time the football sectionals will not be held at a Highmark Stadium. The sectionals were always played at the old Highmark Stadium because it had an artificial turf field. Since the new Highmark Stadium has a natural grass field the high school teams will not be able to play there. Instead the sectional finals are now scheduled to be played at the University at Buffalo.

Albion/Medina is scheduled to open the season at Akron on Thursday September 3 while Barker/Roy-Hart will host Newfane on Friday September 4.

Barker/Roy-Hart was represnted by this quartet of Max Townsend, RJ Townsend, Carter DerSarkissian and Ashton Ark shown on the sideline.

A panoramic view of the stadium from the sideline.

The scoreboards at either end of the stadium promoted the Section VI Football Media Day.

The size and height of the new stadium is an eye catcher from up close.