Newfane vs. Wilson title game recalls the Medina vs. Albion Rich Stadium rivalry clash

File Photo – The Medina vs. Albion fotoball rivalry was renewed on Western New York’s biggest state in 1988 as the Mustangs nipped the Purple Eagles 14-7 for the Section VI title. Here Jim Snyder, who scored both Medina touchdowns, picks up yardage.

Rivals Newfane and Wilson will clash for the Section VI Class D football championships at Highmark Stadium at 3 p.m. Thursday.

That contest recalls when Orleans rivals Medina and Albion renewed their long standing rivalry on Western New York’s biggest stage then Rich Stadium in 1988.

It was a thriller which saw the Mustangs come-from-behind to edge the Purple Eagles 14-7.

Albion grabbed an early 7-0 lead on a 1 yard touchdown run by Chris Rogers and an extra point kick by Kurt Jaeger.

However, Medina rallied to first close the gap to 7-6 late in the second quarter on a 3 yard TD run by Jim Snyder and then to claim the win with 8 minutes to go in the final period on a 39 yard TD run by Snyder who also caught the two-point conversion pass from quarterback Brian Fuller.

This Thursday’s Niagara County rivalry clash will match 10-0 Newfane vs. 9-1 Wilson. The Lakemen’s lone loss was a 46-25 setback at the hands of the Panthers to close out the regular season.

Newfane advanced by blanking Silver Creek/Forestville 38-0 in the Class D semifinals while Wilson downed Gowanda/Pine Valley by a similar score of 35-8.

The Panthers are led by quarterback Mac Capen who has rushed for 1,640 yards and 25 touchdowns and passed for 940 yards and 10 TDs. Camryn Stover has also rushed for 330 yards and 7 TDs and Camio Flowers for 418 yards and 6 TD.

The Lakemen are sparked by quarterback Vic Cusatis who has passed for 958 yards and 15 TDs and rushed for 437 yards and 9 TDs. Michel Ruble has also rushed for 73 yards and 7 TDs and Brock Lepsch 546 yards and 10 TDs while Ryan Hough has caught 53 passes for 487 yards and 11 TDs.

The  sectional title game appearance is the first for Newfane and the fifth for Wilson which is seeking its’ first championship.

The victor will advance to the Far West Regional of the state playoffs.