Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion hosted rival Medina in youth football action Saturday and in the Varsity Division contest Medina came away with an overtime win. In that contest Medina’s Amari Soule here looks to avoid a tackle by the Albion duo of Mario McCauley and Aquil Gaffney.

Host Albion took two of three games from rival Medina Saturday in closely contested Niagara Orleans Football Association (NOFA) action.

Albion won the Mini Division game 20-12 and the JV Division contest 19-12.  Medina took the Varsity Division game 18-12 in overtime.

In the Mini Division game for Albion, Noah Harrison had touchdown runs of 35 and 95 yards and also caught a 54 yard scoring pass from quarterback Roman Manella. Harrison had a total of 162 yards rushing. On defense, Harrison had an interception, Jonah Elsenheimer a sack and Jay Ostrander 5 tackles.

Elijah Doxey and Mackoy Hall scored the touchdowns for the Medina Colts.  Doxey had 118 yards rushing, Preston Woodworth 104 combined passing, rushing and receiving yards and Lex Gray 68 combined yards. Jayzon Wills had 5 tackles, Hall 4 and Doxey 3. Hall and Doxey each had a sack and Woodworth an interception.

In the JV Division contest, Maykell Walker had TD runs of 29 and 20 yards and Jairo Chavez returned an interception 60 yards for a score for Albion. Chavez, who had 100 yards rushing, also had 11 tackles and a sack while Raykawn Riley had 10 tackles and Jared Ostrander 9.

In the Varsity Division game, Aiden Pitts scored the game winning touchdown for the Medina Stallions on an 18 yard run in OT. Trenton Muck and Amari Soule each scored a TD. Soule rushed for over 100 yards. On defense, Kaedon Cleveland had 8 tackles and Muck and Julian Woodworth fumble recoveries.

For Albion,  Sh’kwe Riley had a 25 yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter which sent the game into overtime. Jacob Hughson also had a 1 yard TD run. Riley and Shakarion Drisdom both had 5 tackles.

Medina’s Jacob Rissew goes high to haul in a pass against Albion defender Seth Krenning.

Albion’s Sh’kwe Riley tries to get away from Medina defenders Logan Gray and Kaedon Cleveland.

Albion’s Jacob Hughson picks up tough yardage against Medina tacklers Kaedon Cleveland and Amari Soule.

Photo by Mike Wertman – Set to lead Medina into the upcoming field hockey season is this group of veteran seniors including Sarah Cochrane, Libby Cook, Alissa Blount, Guinevere Schalck and Jessica Granchelli.

Last fall Medina posted a 5-7 Niagara-Orleans League field hockey record, its best in eight years, and with a good nucleus of seven veterans on hand the Mustangs are looking to continue the climb up the league standings this season.

That veteran contingent includes seniors Alissa Blount (goalie), Libby Cook, Jessica Granchelli, Guinevere Schalck and Sarah Cochrane along with juniors Lacey Kenward and Tessa Pecoraro.

Schalck earned first team N-O All-League honors last fall while Blount was a second team pick and Kenward an Honorable Mention selection.

The Mustangs are also looking for contributions from juniors Lena Viloria, Mary Flores, Micaela Erway, Abi Neuman and Grace Cook.

“They’ve been playing together since the 7th and 8th grade even in the off season so we are hoping to keep improving this season,” said Coach Amber Cleaveland. “A big key is to stay healthy as it’s not a big squad.”

The Mustangs will open the N-O season at defending co-champion Barker on August 30. Barker and Akron shared the N-O title last year with identical 11-1 records.

Schedule
(Games at 4:45 p.m.)
August: 30 – at Barker
September: 4 – Roy-Hart, 6 – at Newfane, 11 – Kenmore, 5 p.m., 12 – at Sacred Heart, 5 p.m., 18 – at Akron, 20 – Wilson, 25 – Barker, 27 – at Roy-Hart.
October: 2 – Newfane, 4 – at Kenmore, 9 – Sacred Heart, 5 p.m., 11 – Akron, 15 – Buffalo Seminary, 5 p.m., 16 – at Wilson.

Photo by Mike Wertman – Getting set to lead Roy-Hart into the upcoming Niagara-Orleans League field hockey season are these returnees. In front are Jamie Bower, RayLynn Chraston, Alexis Lovewell, Jayden Townsend and Holly DiMayo. In back are Ashley Hill, Mackenzie Rothwell, Abby Ander, Samantha Choate and Miah Glena. Missing are Danielle Kuzma and Jenna Heiser.

Bolstered by the return of a dozen veterans, the Roy-Hart varsity field hockey team is looking to challenge for top Niagara-Orleans honors after least fall’s 8-4 runner-up finish.

The Lady Rams large veteran contingent includes seniors Jamie Bower (goalie), RayLynn Chraston (defender), Alexis Lovewell (forward), Jayden Townsend (midfield), Holly DiMayo (defender), Ashley Hill (forward), Danielle Kuzma (forward), MacKenzie Rothwell (forward) and Jenna Heiser (defender) along with junior midfielders Abby Ander and Samantha Choate and sophomore midfielder Miah Glena.

Lovewell earned first team N-O All-League honors while Bower and Choate were both second team selections. Townsend, Heiser, Hill and Chraston were all Honorable Mention selections.

“We’ve got a good group back with good experience,” said Coach Colleen Albee. “They played together all summer and did very well so we’re hoping for a good season.”

The Lady Rams graduation losses included first team All-League sweeper Delaney Draper.

Roy-Hart begins N-O competition at Kenmore on August 30.

Schedule
(Games at 4:45 p.m.)
August: 30 – at Kenmore
September: 4 – at Medina, 6 – at Buffalo Seminary, 10 – Sacred Heart, 4:30 p.m., 11 – Newfane, 13 – Akron, 18 – at Wilson, 20 – Barker, 25 – Kenmore, 5 p.m., 27 – Medina.
October: 2 – at Sacred Heart, 4 – at Newfane, 9 – at Akron, 11 – Wilson, 16 – at Barker, 17 – Buffalo Seminary, 5 p.m..

Photo by Mike Wertman – Leading Albion into the Niagara-Orleans League golf season is this quartet of veterans including Andrew Caldwell, Matt Rowcliffe, Nick Perry and Patrick Ricker.

Albion opened Niagara-Orleans League golf competition this afternoon with a 271-288 victory over Barker at the Niagara Orleans Country Club.

Patrick Ricker shot 44 and Nick Perry 48 to lead the way for the Purple Eagles.

Jake Harris took medalist honors with a 41 for Barker which is 1-1 on the young season.

Wilson has split a pair of matches over the last two days as the Lakemen lost to Akron 248-267 today but defeated Newfane 265- 305 on Thursday.

N-O action continues on Monday with Albion at Newfane, Wilson at Medina and Akron at Roy-Hart.

Photo by Mike Wertman – Veteran members of the Medina volleyball team include, in front, Je’ne Brown, Maddie Williams, Elle Gross and Camri King. In back are Evie Schultz, Divere Brown, Kharise Johnson, Brandi Guild and Bree Islam.

Looking to build on last year’s successful run, which included a second place Niagara-Orleans League finish at 7-3 and an appearance in the sectional finals for the first time in nearly 20 years, the Medina volleyball team is bolstered by a large contingent of nine returnees.

Senior Je’ne Brown, who earned first team N-O All-League honors, and senior Maddie Williams, who was a second team honoree, head that veteran group which also includes seniors Divere Brown, Kharise Johnson, Brandi Guild, Bree Islam, juniors Elle Gross and Camri King and sophomore Evie Schultz. Guild is returning after not playing last year.

“Our league is so strong that every game is a challenge,” said Coach Tim Lincoln. “We’ve got quite a few kids back though and I think it’s a strong team.”

The Mustangs graduation losses included Grace Masse, Alyssa Beyer, Faith Henning and  Leah Sheelar.

Medina will host Kendall in the non league season opener on August 29 and begin N-O competition on September 5 at home again Wilson.

Schedule
(Varsity 6:15 p.m.)
August: 29 – Kendall, 30 – at Holley
September: 5 – Wilson, 8 – at Albion Tournament 11 – at Newfane, 13 – at Roy-Hart, 15 – at Starpoint Tournament, 17 – Akron, 19 – Albion, 25 – at Akron, 27 – at Wilson, 29 – at Bishop Kearney
October: 1 – at Lyndonville, 3 – Newfane, 5 – Roy-Hart, 10 – Byron-Bergen, 13 – at North Tonawanda Tournament, 16 – at Albion, 17 – Tapestry

Photo by Mike Wertman – Albion’s large veteran group of seniors includes, in front. Spencer Lombard, Kendyll Hadick, Leonel Rosario and Jacob Fuller. In back are Nate Scanlon, Zach Moore, Harrison Brown, Tom Hollenbeck and Evan VanAmeron. Missing from the photo are Tre Vaskulski and Angel Colon.

Bolstered by a large contingent of 15 returnees, including 11 seniors, Albion is taking aim at challenging for top Niagara-Orleans League boys soccer honors this season.

Seniors Kendyll Hadick (midfield), Spencer Lombard (forward), Harrison Brown (midfield), Angel Colon (goalie), Jacob Fuller (defender), Tom Hollenbeck (midfield), Zach Moore (defender), Leonel Rosario (midfield), Nate Scanlon (midfielder), Evan VanAmeron (defender) and Tre Yaskulski (defender) head that large veteran group which also includes juniors Angel Rosario (midfield), Sam Sanchez (forward), Juan Santiago (midfield) and sophomore Alex Gibson (forward).  Junior Omar Peterson, who is up from the JV ranks, is also vying for time at the goalie position.

Hadick, who had 10 goals and 6 assists, and Lombard, who had 7 goals and 4 assists, last fall both earned second team N-O All-League honors.

“We’ve got a lot of talented kids. The key is putting it together,” said Coach Terry Wilbert. “We have the opportunity to do well. We’ve got some great players, great kids. The big question mark spot is in goal.”

The Purple Eagles graduation losses included goalie Devin Gaylord, midfielder Preston Flugel and forward Noah Goudreau.  Flugel was a first team All-League honoree and Goudreau a second team selection.

Albion, which wen 4-6 in the league and 8-9 overall last year, opens the N-O season at Roy-Hart on August 29.

Schedule
August: 29 – at Roy-Hart, 6:30 p.m.
September: 1 – at Akron, 10 a.m.; 7  and 8 at Byron-Bergen Tournament; 10 – at Livonia, 4:30 p.m.; 12 – Wilson, 4:30 p.m.; 15 – Kendall, 10 a.m.; 18 – at Medina, 4:30 p.m.; 22 – Roy-Hart, 7 p.m.; 24 – Newfane, 6:30 p.m.; 37 – Akron, 6:45 p.m.
October: 1 – Central Christian Academy, 6:30 p.m.; 3 – at Newfane, 4:30 p.m.; 6 – Byron-Bergen, 10 a.m.; 9 – at Wilson, 4:30 p.m.; 11 – Medina, 6:30 p.m.

Photos by Mike Wertman – Holley backs run through a play with head Coach Wil Prince looking on during the Hawks first practice session as an 8 man varsity football team this morning.

With the start of practice this morning, Holley began its new era of 8 man varsity football competition.

“We’re excited,” said Coach Wil Prince whose Hawks have switched from 11 to 8 man football because of low participation members. “It’s a whole different ball game. It will be a learning process for everyone but the kids have really showed a lot of interest and are excited to get going.”

Seven players with varsity experience will anchor the Hawks lineup. That group includes senior linemen Hunter McClean and Matt Hahn, sophomore tailback Jacob Affronti, senior fullback Dalton Moyer, junior wide receiver Jamel Hildreth, senior linebacker Zach VanAmeron and junior quarterback Cody Tanis. Another veteran lineman, junior Jacob Norman, is out with an injury.

Holley’s six game schedule will include home and home meetings with the other three Section V schools which have switched to 8 man football this year including Oakfield-Alabama/Elba, CG Finney and Marcus Whitman. The Hawks opener will be at home against Marcus Whitman on September 15.

“The football program is continuing and that is exciting,” said Prince. “And we’re getting great support.”

The Hawks graduation losses included quarterback Jeremy Mallett, running back/receivers Camron Labarge and Ryan Andrews and linemen Glenn Thrower and Brandon Dillenbeck.

Holley went 2-3 in Genesee Region League and 4-5 overall last fall in the Hawks final season of 11 man football.

Interestingly, the Hawks switch to 8 man football is in a way going back to the school’s first football competition as the Hawks competed in 6 man football from 1948 to 1955.

Schedule
September: 15 – Marcus Whitman, 1:30 pm.; 22 – at CG Finney, 4 p.m.; 29 – Oakfield-Alabama/Elba, 1:30 p.m.
October: 5 – at Marcus Whitman, 7 p.m.; 13 – CG Finney, 1:30 p.m.; 19 – at Oakfield-Alabama/Elba, 7 p.m.

The Hawks veteran contingent includes, in front, Zach VanAmeron, Dalton Moyer and Jamel Hildreth. In back are Cody Tanis, Hunter McClean, Jacob Affronti and Matt Hahn.

Photo by Mike Wertman – Leading Kendall into the upcoming girls varsity soccer season will be this group of returnees. In front are Brooke Lawson, Hailee Mitchell and Lizzie Sutphen. In back are Katherine Pearson, Brianna Wakefield, Madison Jacob and Olivia Reed. Missing from the photo is Abby Jenks.

Underclassemen dominate the lineup for this season’s Kendall girls varsity soccer team as the Lady Eagles look to fill several big holes left by graduation losses.

Senior midielder/forwards Brooke Lawson and Abby Jenks head Kendall group of eight returning veterans which also includes juniors Hailee Mitchell (defender/midfield), Katherine Pearson (goalie/midfield), Lizzie Sutphen (defender/forward) and Olivia Reed (defender/midfield) along with sophomores Madison Jacob (midfield/forward) and Brianna Wakefield (midfield/forward).

The Lady Eagles graduation losses include last fall’s scoring leaders midfield/forwards Taylor ReQua (18 goals) and Micheala Hanlon (14 goals), goalie Hannah Ulman, midfielders Kayla Summers and Megan Hardenbrook along with defenders Adrianna Passarell, Raine Oakley, Lyndsay Wright and Andrea Villalobos.

“We’re really young and we have a lot of big shoes to fill,” said Coach Pam Barchet. “But they are really working hard and I see a lot of positives.”

Kendall, which went 8-3 in the league and 14-5 overall last fall, will open the season with a Genesee Region League game at Oakfield-Alabama/Elba on August 31.

Schedule
August: 31 – at Oakfield-Alabama/Elba, 4:30 p.m.
September: 5 – at Notre Dame, 4:30 p.m.; 9-6 vs. Albion in Kendall Tournament, 7 p.m.; 8 – Kendall Tournament; 11 – Alexander, 6:30 p.m.; 13 – Pembroke, 6:30 p.m.; 17 – at Attica, 6:30 .m.; 19 – at Lyndonville/Medina, 4:30 p.m.; 21 – at HAC, 4:30 p.m.; 25 – at Byron-Bergen, 6:30 p.m.; 27 – at Holley, 6:30 p.m.; 29 – Notre Dame, 6:30 p.m.
October: 3 – at Pembroke, 4:30 p.m.; 5 – at Alexander, 6:30 p.m.; 9 – Oakkfield-Alabama/Elba, 6:30 p.m.; Wheatland-Chili, 6:30 p.m.

Photo by Mike Wertman – The contingent of returning regulars for the Medina/Lyndonville/Barker football team includes, in front, Chaise Prest, Justice Hughes, Tim Roy and Brian Fry. In back are William Braswell, Blair Prest, Izaiah Rhim and Rickie Pitts.

Anchored by a nucleus of eight returning regulars, the Mustangs are prepping to begin their first varsity season as the Medina/Lyndonville/Barker tri school football team.

Quarterback/safety Izaiah Rhim and running back/linebacker William Braswell, both seniors, head that veteran contingent which also includes sophomore wide receiver/defensive back Brian Fry, senior wide receiver/linebacker Rickie Pitts and senior running back/linebacker Chaise Prest along with the senior linemen trio of Justice Hughes, Tim Roy and Blair Prest.

Rhim passed for 13 touchdowns and ran for 9 more last fall while Braswell had 6 rushing TDs.

Rhim, Braswell, Hughes and Fry all earned second team division All-Star honors.

The Mustangs also return varsity experience in juniors Bobby Geiger (RB/LB), Colby Petrie (WR/DB), Jacob Golding (RH/LB) and Lincoln Pace (OL/DE) along with sophomore Tyler Chinn (WR/DB) and freshman Emmanual Taylor (WR/LB).

Newcomers include seniors Matt Hess (K/WR) who is switching over from soccer, and Zach Johnson (WR/DB); juniors Michael Kleinhans (OL/DL), Riley Black (OL/DL), Donovan Alexander (RG/LB), Wes Hughes (OL/LB), Isaiah Marsh (WR). Stephen Tagg (WR/DB) and David Wiley (WR/DB) along with the Barker quintet of Cam Babcock, Hunter Callen, David Class, Pat Dwyer and David Newton.

The Mustangs key losses to graduation include the wide receiver trio of Jalin Cooper, Brendan Luthart and Mason Lewis along with linemen Ian Joseph, Cody Crane and Elijah Sones.

“We’ve got a lot of new working parts but we’ve got great athletes and we have really good depth on the line,” said Coach Eric Valley. “On defense our front seven is pretty experienced but we’re relatively young in the secondary. Our division is pretty tough but we’re looking to be competitive week in and week out. ”

The Mustangs, which went 3-2 in the division and 5-4 overall last fall, will open Class B2 Division competition at home on August 31 against Depew. The team will tuneup for the opener by hosting a five-way scrimmage this Saturday which will include Roy-Hart, Newfane, Wilson and Pembroke.

Schedule
August: 31 – Depew, 7:30 p.m.
September: 7 – at Springville, 7 p.m.; 15 – Lew-Port, 7:30 p.m.; 21 – Olean, 7:30 p.m.; 29 at Maritime/Health Sciences, 2 p.m.
October: 6 – at Lackawanna, 1 p.m.; 12 – Albion, 7:30 p.m.