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Albion spikers down rival Medina
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s Chanyce Powell spikes over Medina defenders Molley Gross (10) and Je’ne Brown (14) during the host Purple Eagles four set victory over the Mustangs this evening.
Emily Kams returns a serve for Medina.
Albion posted a four set 25-12, 19-25, 25-21, 25-13 victory over visiting Medina this evening to improve to 7-2 in Niagara-Orleans League volleyball competition.
Chanyce Powell had 18 spiking kills and 5 blocks and Kaitlyn Van Skiver 15 kills to lead the way for Albion as Emilie Barleben added 7 service aces, 5 kills and 26 assists, Caitlynn Snook 3 kills and Sierra Newton 2 kills.
Molley Gross had 6 kills, Carley Schultz 5 and Maddie Williams and Je’ne Brown 4 each for Medina as Lexi Neuman had 3 aces.
Van Skiver had 7 kills to spark Albion to a win in the opening set as Newton served up points 7-10 and Snook 12-14.
Medina though rallied to knot the match by taking the second set as Williams scored points 10-14 and Neuman 16-20.
However, the Purple Eagles regained the lead for good by taking the third set as Newton served up points 10-14 to snap a 9-9 tie and Barleben tacked on points 19-22. Powell led the way at the net with 4 kills.
Albion then closed out the win by taking the fourth set as Barleben served up points 2-11 and 23-25.
The loss drops Medina to 3-6 in N-O action.
Roy-Hart 25-23-25-25, Newfane 9-25-13-15
Roy-Hart improved to 5-4 in N-O action with a four set win over Newfane (0-9) as Bea Bacon had 16 service poitns, 13 kills and 4 blocks; Olivia Vorholzer 15 points, 7 aces and 5 kills and Skyler Christopher 16 kills.
Albion’s Kaitlyn Van Skiver spikes against Medina’s Molley Gross.
Highlights for Mustangs, Purple Eagles game
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina/Lyndonville running back Eric Neace goes over the top of Albion defender Blake Aina as Jaquess Harrison comes in to help. The action took place during the Mustangs 48-6 win over the rival Purple Eagles this evening at Vets Park.
Meach Gardner picks up yardage for the Purple Eagles as Johnny Salone tries to make the tackle for the Mustangs.
Jalin Cooper catches a touchdown pass for the Mustangs against Purple Eagles defender Ugene Harrison.
Kory Renolds goes up field after making a catch for the Purple Eagles as Tyler Howard tries to make the tackle. Lucas Porter moves in on the play for the Mustangs.
Mustangs back Ronnie Koonce picks up yardage as Tony Vallejo-Miller pursues for the Purple Eagles.
Mustangs reclaim Doc’s Rock Trophy
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina/Lyndonville’s big 48-6 victory over rival Albion at Vets Park this evening earned the Mustangs the Doc’s Rock trophy which is given to the victor each year in memory of Larry “Doc” Decker who taught and coached in both districts. Larry’s wife Judy and son Brett here present the trophy to Mustang captains Tyler Howard, Jake Cotter, Eric Neace and Dawson Joy.
Medina/Lyndonville’s Jake Cotter and Albion’s Meach Gardner were the recipients of the inaugural Jeff Evoy Memoral Sportsmanship Awrds. The award is given in honor of the former Medina superintendent who prior to that taught at Albion. Shown here, from left, are Albion Coach Gary Parisi, Gardner, Cotter, Jeff’s wife Maureen and daughter Kelsey and Medina Coach Eric Valley.
Albion’s Bryce Pritchard and Medina/Lyndonville’s Dawson Joy received the Character Award which was presented by Section VI. They are shown here with coaches Parisi and Valley.
Three new members were inducted into the John “Pinky Loughlin football Wall of Fame prior to this evening’s game. The new inductees include Ron Taylor (Class of 1975), David Maiorana (Class of 1981) and Charlie Wilson (Class of 1989). Maiorana, left, and Wilson are shown meeting here just before the game. Maiorana earned All-Western New York and All-State honors his senior year in 1980 as Medina won both division and sectional titles. Wilson likewise was an All-WNY honoree his senior year in 1988 as the Mustngs again won both division and sectional titles. Taylor earned All-WNY and All-State honors his senior year as Medina won the division title.
Mustangs roll past rival Purple Eagles to claim B East Division title outright
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina/Lyndonville running back Jake Cotter looks to go around Albion defender Lamar Chambers during the Mustangs win over the rival Purple Eagles this evening at Vets Park.
Ending a three decade drought, Medina/Lyndonville posted a 48-6 victory over rival Albion this evening at Vets Park to claim outright possession of the B East Division championship, the Mustangs first outright division title since 1988.
Eric Neace scored 3 touchdowns and Jake Cotter and Jalin Cooper both had 2 to spearhead the Mustangs offense while 3 sacks each by Neace and Cotter, 2 by Dawson Joy and 1 each by Tyler Howard and Cooper highlighted the stingy defensive effort.
“The kids played real well,” said Mustangs Coach Eric Valley. “They continue to get better and I’m really proud of them.”
Albion’s Tommy Mattison gains yardage as Lucas Porter tries to make the tackle for the Mustangs.
The win also earned the Mustangs the Doc’s Rock Trophy which is given to the victor each year in memory of Larry “Doc” Decker who coached and taught in both school districts.
The Mustangs jumped out to an early 6-0 lead on an 11 yard touchdown run by Neace. Big runs of 30 yards by Cotter and 25 by Cooper keyed the drive.
Albion though answered right back to knot the contest at 6-6 on a 1 yard touchdown run by Tommy Mattison just three minutes later. Mattison also had runs of 13 and 12 yards and Meach Gardner caught a 14 yrd pass from quarterback Bryce Pritchard to highlight the drive.
However, the drive proved to be a costly one as Mattison, who led the Purple Eagles in both scoring (11 TDs) and rushing (over 1,000 yards) this season injured an ankle and did not return.
The Mustangs quickly regained the lead for good at 14-6 on a 14 yard touchdown run by Cotter who also had the two-point conversion carry with 1:15 to go in the opening quarter. A 33 yard pass from Cooper to Mason Lewis sparked the drive.
The Mustangs doubled the advantage to 28-6 at the half by scoring twice in the second quarter on a 14 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Izaiah Rhim to Cooper and an 83 yard punt return for a TD by Cooper. Cotter added the two-point carry after that tally. Cotter also compelled a 29 yard pass to Cooper to set up the first score.
The lead increased to 36-6 in the third quarter on a 3 yard TD run by Cotter and a two-point conversion pass from Rhim to Johnny Salone. Ronnie Koonce had runs of 17 and 16 yards during drive.
The Mustangs capped off the win with a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns by Neace on runs of 2 and 4 yards.
Howard led the Mustangs defense in tackles with 13 and Salone had 10.
The victory caps off a 5-0 B East Division season for the Mustangs which will take a 6-1 overall record into the upcoming sectional playoffs as the No. 1 seed in Class B.
Albion finishes the regular season at 1-4 in the division and 2-5 overall.
Dawson Joy of the Mustangs sacks Purple Eagles quarterback Bryce Pritchard.
Lady Eagles, Lady Tigers post narrow wins
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Kendall’s Taylor ReQua brings the ball up field against Attica defenders Melissa Jarnot, left, and Mia Cooley during the Lady Eagles win over the visiting Lady Blue Devils this evening.
Kendall’s Michela Hanlon makes a high leg kick to advance the ball against Attica’s Emily Weber.
Snapping a three game losing streak, Kendall edged past visiting Attica 1-0 this evening in the Genesee Region League girls soccer season finale.
Taylor ReQua scored her team leading 19th goal of the season in the second half to provide the margin of victory for Kendall.
The Lady Eagles finish the regular season at 9-4 in the league and 11-5 overall.
Lyndonville 1, Oakfield-Alabama/Elba 0
Avenging an earlier season 4-1 loss, Lyndonville nipped host Oakfield-Alabama/Elba 1-0 this evening at Oakfield.
Abby Rodriguez netted the lone goal for Lyndonville with 10 minutes to go in the second half off an assist from Aubrey Lewis.
Kenzi Muck registered 9 saves to earn the shutout for the Lady Tigers.
Lyndonville finishes the regular season at 4-9 in the league and 6-10 overall.
Wheatland-Chili 3, Holley 0
Wheatland-Chili shutout visiting Holley 3-0 to gain a share of the G-R Division 1 title at 12-1 with Byron-Bergen.
Madison Papaj made 8 saves in goal for Holley.
Boys Soccer
Akron 2, Roy-Hart 0
Akron got goals in the first four minutes from Jacob Kaufman and Tyler Jones to key a 2-0 victory over Roy-Hart in the Niagara-Orleans League season finale for both teams.
Akron finishes the league campaign at 3-7 and Roy-Hart at 2-8.
Amherst 1, Albion 0
Amherst scored with 10 minutes to go in the second half to nip visiting Albion 1-0 in a non league contest.
Albion finishes the regular season at 4-11-1.
Akron blanks Medina in field hockey
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Grace Flores battles for the ball with the Akron duo of Kaitlyn Gaik and Heather Cummings during the Mustangs loss to the Lady Tigers this evening at Vets Park.
Akron, which has already locked up a second straight league title, blanked Medina 5-0 this evening in a Niagara-Orleans field hockey contest at Vets Park.
Lilyanna Berghorn scored 2 goals and Julia Diebel, Heather Cummings and Abby Stone each netted 1 as Akron improves to 11-0.
The Lady Tigers led 2-0 at the half.
The loss drops Medina to 1-10.
Wilson 2, Barker 0
Ending a nearly 20 year drought, Wilson blanked Barker 2-0 earning the Lakewomen their first victory over the Lady Raiders since 1998.
JoJo Turney scored both goals for Wilson, one in each half. Olivia Mitchell and Erin Boyle earned assists on the first goal. Mitchell and Alex Seeley then had the assists on the second tally.
Samantha Perry and Madalyn O’Connor shared in earning the shutout in goal as Emiliee Muoto also came up with a big save on defense.
Wilson improves to 7-4 while Barker slips to 8-3.
Newfane 5, Kenmore 0
Teagan Volpe scored two goals and Mia Ludwig registered the shutout to lead Newfane (3-9) to a 5-0 victory over Kenmore (2-9).
Sacred Heart 3, Roy-Hart 1
Breaking away from a 1-1 second half deadlock, Sacred Heart scored two goals to down host Roy-Hart in a non league game.
Roy-Hart had tied the game earlier in the second half on a goal by Rielly Albee.
Plenty at stake as Mustangs, Purple Eagles renew century plus long football rivalry
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Two sophomore quarterbacks,Medina/Lyndonville’s Izaiah Rhim and Albion’s Bryce Pritchard will lead their teams into Friday’s annual rivalry game.
It’s always a big game and both teams will have a little added incentive as Medina/Lyndonville hosts rival Albion at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Vets Park in the 119th renewal of one of the state’s longest high school football rivalries that dates back to 1898.
The Mustangs (4-0, 5-1), which have already clinched a tie for the B East Division title, are seeking to claim the division title outright for the first time since 1988 with a win while the Purple Eagles (1-3, 2-4) are looking to derail that quest.
The teams are also battling for the right to claim the Doc’s Rock Trophy which is given to the winner each year in memory of Larry “Doc” Decker who taught and coached in both school districts.
In addition, a new Sportsmanship Award will also be presented to a player from each team at the end of the game in memory of Jeff Evoy, who served as superintendent in Medina and prior to that taught at Albion.
The Mustangs are also looking to rebound from their first loss of the season, a narrow 8-6 setback to C North Division leader Cleveland Hill (5-1), while the Purple Eagles are looking to keep the momentum from a 40-6 romp over Akron.
“This is obviously a very important game for us for many reasons,” said Medina Coach Eric Valley. “It will have an effect on how we finish in our league and will also have an effect on where we will be seeded for sectional play. More importantly the game is a rivalry game and Doc’s Rock is up for grabs.
“Albion has played everyone close this year and has been very competitive in out league,” he added. “They feature some very physical kids up front and one of the best running backs in our area. I have no doubt Coach Parisi will have his team hitting on all cylinders on Friday night. We are coming off a very tough loss to a vey good Cleveland Hill team.”
“This is always a great game no matter what each others records are,” said Albion Coach Gary Parisi. “We are proud of our team and the way they practice and play. It’s a process and you have to trust the process of preparing for a game week in and out. This one has a little more at state.
“This game has impact on so many people in Albion, former players, coaches, our youth program and just about everyone can’t wait for this game,” he added. “It gives people in town and out of town something to talk about and feel good about for a whole year. I was telling out kids this week that I have seen Albion-Medina games since 1984 when I met Coach Diminuco (former long time Albion Coach Dick Diminuco). It is by far the best rivalry game anyone can ever be a part of.”
Sophomore quarterback Izaiah Rhim, who has thrown 9 touchdown passes, leads the Medina attack which features versatile receiver junior Jalin Cooper (280 yards rushing, 277 receiving, 13 touchdowns) along with senior running backs Jake Cotter (653 yards rushing, 6 TDs) and Eric Neace (316 yards rushing, 5 TDs).
Providing the all important protection and blocking up front are center Tyler Howard, guards Dawson Joy and Ian Joseph and tackles Emmanuel Sones, Chris Clark and Powell Stephens.
“We knew going into the season that we had some holes to fill up front with our offensive and defensive lines,” said Valley. “For us the key is going to be how well we play up front. We need to be more aggressive and physical at the point of attack. We will be looking to our offensive line to establish the run and give us some time in the passing game.”
Albion is also led by a sophomore quarterback, Bryce Pritchard who has thrown 8 touchdown passes including 3 each to Nate Moore and Lamar Chambers.
The Purple Eagles ground attack is spearheaded by Tommy Mattison who has scored 11 touchdowns and rushed for over 1,000 yards.
“Tommy Mattison has worked hard since the end of last season to get 1,000 yards this year but he has had some help,” said Parisi. “Offensive Coordinator Ocie Bennett, Line Coach Adam Krenning and Tight End Coach Wayne Wadhams have had to work an offensive line unit that only returned 2 starters and includes 2 sophomores.”
That front line unit includes center Jared Hollinger, guards Justin Stritzinger and Ben Restivo, tackles Caleb Pettit and Kirk Ellison and tight end Kory Reynolds.
“These guys were very happy for Tommy because it was an accomplishment for them as well and something to hang their hat on,” said Parisi. “It was worth the line camps they attended during the summer to get better.”
“On the defensive side of the ball we are playing pretty good defense up front and we will need our interior linemen to set up this week,” said Valley who noted that group includes Howard, Frank Carrasquillo and Da’John Brown.
“They key to this game will be to play sound football from blocking to tackling to executing the game plan on both sides of the ball,” said Parisi. “It really just comes down to that.”
Albion, which won last year’s meeting 27-14, holds a 65-48-5 lead in the all-time series.
The teams have each scored 5 wins over the last 10 years but prior to that they took turns putting together long dominating runs. The Purple Eagles went 19-5 from 1983-2005 while the Mustangs went 20-5 from 1957-1982.
Barker/Roy-Hart at Lackawanna
Barker/Roy-Hart (0-4, 2-4) will visit Lackawanna (2-2, 3-3) at 7 p.m. Friday in another B East Division game.
Barker/Roy-Hart won the only previous meeting with the Steelers 42-25 in 2012.
Holley vs. Attica
A berth in the Section V playoffs will be on the line as Holley hosts Attica at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in the Genesee Region League season finale.
Holley is looking to keep the momentum from last weekend’s thrilling 3-0 overtime victory over Notre Dame of Batavia which boosted the Hawks record to 2-2 in the league and 3-3 overall.
Attica, which is the only G-R team Holley has not defeated since the Hawks reinstated varsity football in 2002, is 3-1 in the league and 3-3 overall. The Blue Devils hold a 14-0 lead in the all-time series with the Hawks.
Standings
B East Division: Medina/Lyndonville 4-0, 5-1; Alden 4-1, 4-2; Lackawanna 2-2, 3-3; Depew 2-3, 2-4; Albion 1-3, 2-4; Barker/Roy-Hart 0-4, 2-4.
G-R League: Alexander 5-0, 6-0; Attica 3-1, 3-3; Holley 2-2, 3-3; Pembroke 2-3, 2-4; Notre Dame 1-3, 1-5; Oakfield-Alabama/Elba 0-4, 0-6.
Hawks score victory over rival Eagles
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Holley’s Andrew Cary tries to work around Kendall defender Chris Butlin during the host Hawks win over the rival Eagles this evening.
Holley goalie Patrick Bower makes a leaping save to keep Kendall’s John Rath from getting the ball.
A two goal scoring burst late in the first half keyed Holley to a 3-1 victory over visiting rival Kendall this evening in the Genesee Region League boys soccer season finale.
Holley broke away from a scoreless deadlock when John Mounts netted his fourth goal of the season with 11:24 remaining in the first half.
The Hawks quickly doubled the advantage as Andrew Cary scored his team leading 18th goal of the season just six minutes later at the 5:11 mark.
The Holley advantage jumped to 3-0 when Derek McArthur scored his 10th goal of the campaign with 20 minutes to go in the second half.
Kendall avoided the shutout when Jake Adams netted his team leading 26th goal of the season on a direct kick.
The teams had played to a 2-2 double overtime tie in their earlier season meeting at Kendall.
Holley finishes the regular season at 6-1-3 in the league and 11-2-3 overall.
Kendall, which winds up the G-R season at 3-6-1, is now 7-7-1 overall heading into Friday’s regular season home finale against Batavia.
Kendall’s Nate Warters shoots toward the Holley goal as the trio of Tyler Hill (22), Jacob Downey (4) and James Skehan defend for the Hawks.
Wilson girls blank Medina
Building up a 4-0 half-time advantage, Wilson went on to shutout visiting Medina 7-0 this evening in a Niagara-Orleans League girls soccer game.
Kayla Neumann and Rachel Senek both scored a pair of goals in the first half to get Wilson rolling.
Emily Patterson, Morgan Faery and Skylar Munnikhuysen then each netted a goal in the second half for the Lakewomen.
Wilson finishes the N-O season at 8-4 and Medina at 3-8-1.
Newfane 7, Barker 0
Newfane completed an 11-1 N-O championship season with a 7-0 victory over Barker (0-12).
Renee Hulbert had 2 goals and 2 assists to lead the way for the Lady Panthers which also got goals from Makena Carpenter, Brianna Heers, Adelyn Burns, Kayleigh Daniels and Emily Geer.
Akron 6, Roy-Hart 0
Jenna Robnett and Erin Cahill both scored 2 goals and Kara Sequin and Amanda Swader each added 1 to lead Akron (8-4) to a 6-0 victory over Roy-Hart (3-9).
Kendall, Medina spikers score victories
Kendall notched victory No. 10 on the season by downing visiting Wheatland-Chili 25-12, 25-22, 25-10 this evening in a Genesee Region League volleyball match.
Chelsea Wright went 27 of 29 from the service line with 15 aces, 4 assists and a kill to lead the way for Kendall.
Now at 10-4 overall, the Lady Eagles also had Jessica Coble with 5 assists, 3 kills and 2 aces; Jenna Regan 4 aces and 4 kills and Ashley Kingsbury with 3 aces, 1 dig and 1 kill.
Medina 25-23-25-27, Holley 18-25-7-25
Medina scored a four set 25-18, 23-25, 25-7, 27-25 victory over visiting Holley in a non league match.
Je’ne Brown had 9 kills, Molley Gross 5 kills and 3 aces, Grace Masse 5 kills, Emily Kams 11 assists and 4 digs, Maddie Williams 4 aces, Lexie Sargent 4 aces and Lexi Neuman 3 aces to lead the way for the Mustangs.
