Medina, Albion have All-WNY honorees

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 18 December 2021 at 10:46 am

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Three of Medina’s All-WNY selections, from left, Xander Payne, Noah Skinner and Greg Thompson.

Section VI Class C champion Medina has placed six players on the All-Western New York Football squad.

Junior running back Noah Skinner and senior defensive back Greg Thompson have both been named to the third team while senior quarterback Xander Payne, senior defensive lineman Joe Cecchini, junior defensive lineman Chris Johnson and senior defensive back Iverson Poole have all earned Honorable Mention.

Wilson senior punter Tyler Yousett has also been named to the third team.

Albion junior defensive back Javon Jones and senior defensive lineman Jahmeek Riley have both earned Honorable Mention.

Albion’s All-WNY honorees Javon Jones, left, and Jahmeek Riley.

Several other local players also received Honorable Mention including Akron quarterback Travis Fry and lineman Matt Covell, Wilson defensive back Luke Atlas and linebaxker Xavier Fitzgibbon and Newfane defensive back Ben Dickinson.

Skinner rushed for 740 yards and 11 touchdowns. On defense he had 73 tackles, 6 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries.

Thompson had 5 interceptions, 26 tackles and a fumble recovery. On offense he caught 24 passes for 494 yards and 6 touchdowns and rushed for 559 yards and 5 TDs.

Payne threw for 1,636 yards and a school record 22 touchdowns and rushed for 417 yards and 7 TDs.

Cecchini had 12 sacks, 58 tackles and 3 forced fumbles. Offensively he caught 20 passes for 308 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Poole had 4 interceptions and 39 tackles. On offense he rushed for 576 yards and 10 touchdowns and caught 10 passes for 117 yards and 4 TDs.

Johnson made 55 tackles and had 4 sacks, 3 forced fumbles and an interception.

Riley had 46 tackles and 3 sacks. Offensively he caught 14 passes for 238 yards and 2 touchdowns and also had 2 rushing TDs.

Jones had 5 interceptions and 28 tackles. On offense he had 509 yards receiving and 6 touchdowns and 117 yards rushing and 4 TDs.

Medina’s All-WNY honorees, from left, Chris Johnson, Joe Cecchini and Iverson Poole.