Mustangs face key test at Burgard

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Dylan Lewis and his Mustang teammates face Burgard at All High Stadium Saturday afternoon in a key B North clash of unbeatens.

When the division’s highest scoring offense collides with the stingiest defense something has to give and that certainly will be the case when Medina takes on Burgard in a key B North Division clash of unbeatens at 4 p.m. Saturday at All High Stadium in Buffalo.

Medina, which is 2-0 in the division and 3-0 overall is averaging a whopping 44 points per outing after posting consecutive home field victories over Amherst 48-6, Maryvale 44-14 and Akron 40-20.

Burgard, which is 3-0 in the division, has been equally efficient on defense as the Bulldogs have yet to give up a point in registering consecutive shutout wins over Bennett 14-0, Albion 48-0 and Lew-Port 31-0.

It marks the second year in a row that Burgard is in the thick of a title race. Last fall the Bulldogs went 5-1 in the B West Division losing only to undefeated (6-0) champion Cheektowaga in overtime.

“They have had a very good program the last few years,” Medina coach Eric Valley said. “They are very fast and physical and we’re excited about the opportunity to play a very good team like that. We’re the highest scoring team in the division and they have three shut outs so it’s a great matchup. We expect a very fast, physical football game.”

Quarterback Jason Hellwig, who has thrown seven touchdown passes, leads Medina’s balanced attack. He has connected with five different receivers for scores including two to Dylan Lewis and Ben McPherson and one each to Kyle Barna, Drake Grabowski and Ty Hrovat.

Barna also has four rushing touchdowns, Dan Brown three and Hellwig two.

“In their first two games Burgard forced a total of 10 turnovers so we have to minimize our mistakes and hold onto the ball,” Valley said.”Basically it is a playoff game for us. It’s a measuring stick for us and a good opportunity to see just where we’re at.”

The meeting will be the first ever between the schools on the gridiron.

In other B North Division action this weekend has Barker/Roy-Hart hosting Maryvale at 7 p.m. Friday at Middleport, Albion at Newfane at 2 p.m. Saturday, Cheektowaga at Amherst at 6 p.m. Friday and Lew-Port at Bennett at 7 p.m. Friday. Cheektowaga at 2-0 is the division’s only other unbeaten team.

Interestingly because of the unbalanced schedule in the nine team division, which has each team facing only six division opponents, Medina will not face Cheektowaga. However, Cheektowaga will face Burgard in week six.

Barker/Roy-Hart will be looking to snap a season opening three game losing streak while Albion will be aiming to snap a two game skid and regain the .500 mark at 2-2.

Holley will also be looking to snap a season opening three game losing streak as the Hawks host CG Finney in a non league contest at 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

B-North Standings: Burgard 3-0, 3-0; Medina 2-0, 3-0; Cheektowaga 2-0, 2-1; Lew-Port 1-1, 2-1; Amherst 1-1, 1-2; Albion 1-2, 1-2; Bennett 1-2, 1-2; Maryvale 0-2, 0-3; Barker/Roy-Hart 0-3, 0-3.