Mustangs to host Trojans in Class C semi

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – The kicking of Cole Callard has provided a big special teams weapon for Medina which hosts Southwestern in the Class C semifinals at 7 p.m. Friday at Vets Park. The holder here is Justin Pitts.

A berth in the sectional finals will be on the line as Medina hosts Southwestern in the Section VI Class C semifinals at 7 p.m. Friday at Vets Park.

C North champion Medina brings a 9-0 record into the contest while C South runner-up Southwestern is 7-2.

The teams last met in the sectional finals during the abbreviated 2021 spring season which was held to make-up for the fall 2020 campaign which was cancelled due to Covid 19 restrictions. The Mustangs downed the Trojans 21-13 at Vets Park in that contest to capture the Class C championship.

Medina has advanced to the semis by shutting out Falconer/Cassadaga Valley/Maple Grove 24-0 while Southwestern edged Akron 20-13. Trailing 13-6, the Trojans rallied for two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to claim the win over the Tigers who also gave the Mustangs a tough time this season. Medina turned back a second half Akron rally to gain a 29-21 win in that one.

“Southwestern plays fast and they are very physical,” said Medina Coach Eric Valley. “They are well coached and played in a handful of close games and found ways to win. We need to match their physicality and minimize mistakes to be successful.”

Offensively Southwestern is led by quarterback Owen Hayes who has thrown for 875 yards and 7 touchdowns. The Trojans leading rusher has been Jameson Walsh who had picked up 775 yards and scored 11 touchdowns. The receiving corps is led by Brody Larson with 22 catches for 341 yards and 3 TD and Declan Kenney with 10 receptions for 321 yards and 2 TD.

“Our defense has gotten better week in and week out and that has been key to much of our success,,” said Valley. “Our defensive front has been solid all season and our secondary has really started to step up and make big plays.”

Quarterback Julian Woodworth, who has passed for 568 yards and 5 TDs and rushed for 430 yards and 9 TDs leads the Medina offense. Christian Moss has rushed for 1,220 yards and 15 TDs, Noah Cudzilo 278 yards and 5 TDs and Brody Fry 215 yards and 2 TDs. Cudzilo also has 3 TD receptions while Fry and Justin Pitts each have 1.

“Offensively we have relied on our line to open holes and give our QB time when we throw the football. For us on offense we like to spread the ball around, but it all starts up front with an O-line that has been solid for us all season” said Valley. “On special teams, Cole Callard continues to make plays for us with his strong leg, which is a big advantage in any game.”

Friday’s other Class C semifinal will be an all C South Division affair as Salamanca hosts Portville.

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