sports

Falcons best Hawks with 4th quarter surge

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 13 October 2018 at 6:05 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman- Holley’s Jamel Hildreth, who scored on three long touchdown plays, works to get away from a tackle by CG Finney’s Maalik Thomas during the visiting Falcons win over the host Hawks this afternoon.

A quick two touchdown scoring burst in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter keyed C.G. Finney to a 52-32 victory over host Holley this afternoon in an 8 man football game.

Trailing 32-30, Finney regained the lead for good at 38-32 on a 20 yard touchdown run by Maalik Thomas just six seconds into the final quarter.

The Falcons quickly upped the advantage to 46-32 just 1:10 later on a 64 yard TD burst by Thomas. That tally came on the first play from scrimmage after the Falcons recovered a Hawks fumble at the Finney 36.

Holley’s Cody Tanis catches a touchdown pass.

Finney then put a lock on the win when Thomas scored on a 25 yard touchdown run with 6:46 remaining to make it 52-32. Again that score came off a lost Holley fumble.

The Falcons also got off to a fast start building up a 16-0 lead in the first eight minutes on touchdown runs of 6 yards by Xavier Smith and 71 by Thomas.

Holley got on the scoreboard when Jamel Hildreth returned the ensuing kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown but Finney got that one right back on a 12 yard TD run by Smith with 56 seconds to go in the quarter to make it 22-6.

The Hawks though again battled back on a 75 yard touchdown pass from Tony Farruggia to Hildreth on the final play of the opening quarter to cut the deficit to 22-12.

The sea-saw scoring battle continued five minutes into the second quarter when the Falcons increased their lead to 30-12 on a 20 yard touchdown run by Smith.

However, Holley came storming back with three straight scores to rally into a 32-30 lead at the half.

Hildreth ignited that scoring surge when he returned the ensuing kickoff 75 yards for a touchdown.

Farruggia then hooked up with Cody Tanis for a 16 yard touchdown pass to cut the deficit to 30-26 as Hildreth tacked on the two-point conversion run.

Matt Hahn then capped off the Hawks big comeback when he recovered a fumble and returned it 30 yards for a touchdown and a 32-30 Holley lead with 1:01 to go in the wild half.

Neither team could find the end zone in the third quarter setting the stage for Finney’s big burst of three unanswered touchdowns in the final stanza to rally for the win.

Holley, which next visits Oakfield-Alabama/Elba on Friday, slips to 1-4 while Finney is 2-3. OAE belted Marcus Whitman 75-14.

Holley’s Matt Hahn looks to stop a pass attempt by Finney’s Maalik Thomas.

Albion soccer teams open sectionals at home

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 13 October 2018 at 5:39 pm

Albion’s boys and girls soccer teams will both open Section VI Class B1 playoff competition at home this coming week.

Seeded No. 6, the Albion boys will host No. 11 Dunkirk at 6 p.m. Tuesday with the winner traveling to No. 3 Lackawanna on Thursday.

The Albion girls are seeded No. 4 and will host No. 5 Springville at 5:30 p.m. Friday in an interesting clash of unbeaten teams. Albion beings 15-0-1 regular season record into the sectionals while Springville is 12-0-3.

In the other B1 boys opening round games on Tuesday, No. 10 Medina/Lyndonville visits No. 7 City Honors and No. 8 Newfane hosts No. 9 Alden, both at 3:30 p.m.

The other local B1 girls opener will have No. 9 Newfane at No. 8 Tonawanda at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday.

In Boys Class B2 openers on Tueday, No. 9 Akron visits No. 8 DaVinci and No. 4 Wilson hosts No. 13 Burgard at 3:30 p.m. and No. 7 Roy-Hart hosts No. 10 Eden at 6:30 p.m.

The local girls Class B2 openers will have No. 8 Roy-Hart hosting No. 9 Eden at 6 p.m. Wednesday and No. 6 Wilson at No. 3 Akron at 3:30 p.m. Friday.

In a girls Class C opener, No. 14 Barker visits No. 3 Holland at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday.

In local Section V boys playoff openers No. 10 Kendall faces No. 7 Alfred-Almond at Perry at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday and No. 6 Holley hosts No. 11 North Rose-Wolcott in Class C1 at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Kendall spikers even score with Lyndonville

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 13 October 2018 at 5:36 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Kendall’s Harley Faro dives for a dig during the Lady Eagles five set win at Lyndonville today as Brianna Drennan backs up the play.

Avenging a four set loss at home earlier in the week, Kendall outlasted host Lyndonville to earn a tight five set 27-25, 21-25, 22-25, 25-21, 25-23 victory in a Genesee Region League girls volleyball match this afternoon.

Jessica Coble had 35 digs, 11 assists and 4 kills; Brittney Marks 31 digs, 16 assists, 4 kills and 2 aces; Jenna Regan 14 kills, 6 aces and 2 blocks, and Kelly Mayes had 10 kills, 4 digs, 3 aces and 2 blocks to lead the way for Kendall.

In addition, Autumn Woodward contributed 16 digs, 5 aces, and 2 kills. Anna Oakley added 7 digs, 3 aces and a kill, and Harley Faro had 6 digs and a kill for the Eagles.

“This game was super back and forth the entire 5 sets. It seemed like each team got the momentum for a bit and then it shifted the other way very quickly,” said Kendall Coach Morgan Engelbert. “Kendall held out in sets 4 and 5 to take the tough victory, but it really could’ve gone either way. Props to Lyndonville for working hard and playing a great game!”

For Lyndonville, Hannah Despard had 38 digs. Alecia Hinkson had 15 digs, 14 kills and 9 aces; Carlie Russo 6 kills and 6 blocks and Cassidy Boyce12 kills and 11 digs.

“It was a complete team effort on our end,” said Engelbert “They picked each other up and played together the entire game. Avenging a loss from earlier this week to a very tough team is not easy to do and they showed up and did it. I’m proud of them!”

Field Hockey
Barker 8, Sacred Heart 0
Rachel Hurtgam and Katrina Clare both scored 3 goals to lead Barker to an 8-0 Homecoming win over Sacred Heart this afternoon. Natalie Bruning and Lena Fazzolari each added a goal for the Lady Raiders in the Play of A Cure benefit contest.

Lyndonville’s Alecia Hinkson spikes between Kendall defenders Jessica Coble and Jenna Regan.

Kendall girls to open soccer playoffs at home

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 13 October 2018 at 11:00 am

No. 4 seed Kendall will open Section V Class D1 girls soccer playoff action by hosting No. 5 Alfred-Almond at 6 p.m. on October 20.

Kendall posted a regular season record of 11-5 while Alfred-Almond was 10-4.

Interestingly, Kendall will also host Lyndonville/Medina’s Class B1 playoff debut. The No. 8 seed Lady Tigers will face No. 9 Geneva at Kendall at 6 p.m. on Tuesday. The winner will face top seeded Hornell on October 19.

Lyndonville/Medina brings a 5-11 record into the sectionals while Geneva is 1-15.

In Class C2, No. 4 Holley will face No. 13 Cuba-Rushford at 5 p.m. Tuesday at Caledonia-Mumford.

Holley is 8-5-3 on the season while Cuba-Rushford is 1-14.

Purple Eagles, Mustangs rivalry highlights

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 13 October 2018 at 12:12 am

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion quarterback Bryce Pritchard here scores the first of his two rushing touchdowns He also passed for another TD in the Purple Eagles 34-12 win over the rival Medina/Lyndonville/Barker Mustangs this evening at Vets Park. The win gives Albion a 67-49-5 lead in the series which dates back to 1898.

Albion’s Ryan Grandy picks up yardage after making an interception.

Mustangs quarterback Izaiah Rhim works to get away from Albion defender Jonathan DePuy.

Purple Eagles quarterback Bryce Pritchard celebrates one of his touchdowns with Kevin Hillman.

Albion running back Brilliance Johnson looks to get around Mustangs defender Blaire Prest.

Mustangs wide receiver Brian Fry works to get away from a tackle by Albion’s Nate Moore as Kevin Hillman moves in.

Purple Eagles running back Deyonci Farley gets around the edge.

Mustang defenders William Braswell and Brian Fry wrap up Purple Eagles quarterback Bryce Pritchard.

Award ceremonies cap off rivalry contest

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 12 October 2018 at 11:50 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion co-captains Jessy Cruz (66) and Matt Kovaleski (2) here accept the ‘Doc’s Rock” Trophy from Mrs. Judy Decker and Brett Decker following the Purple Eagles 34-12 victory over the rival Medina/Lyndonville/Barker Mustangs this evening at Vets Park. The trophy is given annually to the victor of the rival contest in memory of Larry “Doc” Decker who coached and taught at both Albion and Medina.

Albion’s Bryce Pritchard and Medina’s Chaise Prest receive the Jeff Evoy Memorial Sportsmanship Award from Mrs. Maureen Evoy, Kelsey Evoy and Sean Evoy. The awards are given in memory of Jeff Evoy who coached and taught at Albion and later served as Medina superintendent.

Albion players and coaches celebrate the big win with the ‘Doc’s Rock” Trophy.

Medina Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts provided an honor guard to welcome the Medina/Lyndonville/Barker players as they were introduced.

The Medina Girls Select Choir sang the National Anthem.

Holley booters edge Attica; Albion girls rally to tie Keshequa; Kendall, R-H spikers win

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 12 October 2018 at 11:10 pm

Holley edged past Attica 2-1 this evening to close out the Genesee Region League boys soccer season.

Matt Wilson scored both goals for Holley off assists from john Mounts and Kohl Morgan.

The Hawks finish the regular seson at 6-3 in the league and 9-5-2 overall.

In another boys contest Alden blanked Roy-Hart 5-0.

Girls Soccer
Albion 1, Keshequa 1 OT
Albion rallied for a goal in the second half which earned the Purple Eagles a 1-1 overtime tie with Keshequa in a regular season ending non league game at Genesee Community College.

Abby Scanlan scored the goal for the Purple Eagles off an assist from Brylie Hapeman.

Albion finishes the regular season 15-0-1.

Girls Volleyball
Kendall 25-25-25, Wheatland-Chili 18-11-18
Jessica Coble went 16 of 16 from the service line an also had 10 digs, 4 assists and 2 kills for Kendall in the three set G-R League win over Wheatland-Chili.

Jenna Regan added 7 kills and 2 blocks, Harley Faro 7 digs, 2 aces and 2 kills and Kelly Mayes 3 kills, 2 blocks and 2 digs for the Lady Eagles.

Roy-Hart 25-25-25, Newfane 18-15-17
Roy-Hart scored a thee set win over Newfane to move back into a tie for the Niagara-Orleans League lead at 8-1 with Akron.

Aspen Moore had 22 kills and 2 blocks, Kristina Burdick 15 assists and 2 kills, Paige Dent 12 assists, Ella Brown 3 kills and Emilia Peracciny 2 kills for the Lady Rams.

Football
Wilson 35, Roy-Hart 0
Wilson finished a 6-1 regular season by blanking winless (0-7) Roy-Hart 35-0 in a C North Division game.

Fast start sparks Purple Eagles past Mustangs

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 12 October 2018 at 10:51 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s Nate Moore goes high to knock away a pass that was intended for Medina/Lyndonville/Barker’s Brian Fry as Matt Kovaleski backs up the play. The action took place during the Purple Eagles 34-12 win over the rival Mustangs this evening at Vets Park.

A marathon 18 play, 97 yard scoring drive on their first possession ignited the Albion Purple Eagles to a 34-12 victory over rival Medina/Lyndonville/Barker at Vets Park this evening to complete a 5-0 B2 Division championship campaign.

Quarterback Bryce Pritchard scored on a 1 yard run with 1:58 to go in the opening period to cap the eight minute long drive which included 16 runs and 2 pass completions. It featured runs of 14 yards by Brilliance Johnson, 10 by Ugene Harrison and an 11 yard Pritchard to Deyonce Farley pass completion. Alex Rustay tacked on the first of his four extra point kicks.

“That first drive was huge for us,” said Albion Coach Adam Krenning. “We wanted to run the ball and that really set the tone for us.”

The victory in the 121st renewal of the rivalry also enabled the Purple Eagles to retain the “Doc’s Rock” Trophy which is given in memory of Larry “Doc” Decker who coached and taught at both Albion and Medina. The Purple Eagles now hold a 67-49-5 lead in the series which dates back to 1898.

The Purple Eagles upped its lead to 14-0 on their next possession but his time took just two plays to reach the end zone as Johnson broke loose around right end and down the sideline for a 75 yard touchdown run with 9:32 to go in the second quarter.

The Albion advantage increased to 21-0 four minutes later as Pritchard scored on a 22 yard run. A 27 yard run by Johnson helped key that drive which started as the Albion 42 after a short Mustangs punt.

William Braswell runs out of the grasp of Purple Eagles defender Tyray White to pick up yardage for the Mustangs.

The Mustangs did cut the deficit to 21-6 as quarterback Izaiah Rhim hooked up with Brian Fry on a 39 yard touchdown pass play with just 25 seconds to go in the half.

Runs of 22 yards by Rhim, 13 by William Braswell and a 11 yard Rhim to Rickie Pitts pass completion keyed that drive which was kept alive when the Mustangs ended up recovering the ball after a bizarre interception and fumble play.

Looking to keep the momentum the Mustangs drove into Albion territory twice in the third quarter but could not find the end zone. The first drive was stopped on downs at the Albion 25 and the second stalled out after a key sack by Purple Eagles defender Ben Restivo.

Albion upped its lead to 28-6 four minutes into the fourth quarter when Pritchard hooked up with Nate Moore on a 47 yard touchdown pass. Moore set up that opportunity himself by intercepting a pass at the Mustangs 47.

The Mustangs answered back with a 2 yard TD run by Rhim with 6:50 remaining but would get no closer than the 28-12 margin. A 43 yard run by Braswell and a 29 yard Rhim to Tyler Chinn pass completion keyed that 77 yard drive.

Albion though got that one right back when Johnson scored on a 29 yard run with 1:57 to go to make the final score 34-12. Runs of 12 and 11 yards by Isaiah Callicutt helped key that drive.

“It was a tough game,” said Krenning.”Medina played very well.”

Albion finishes the regular season at 7-0 and will host a quarterfinal round game of the Section VI Class B playoffs next Friday.

Medina/Lyndonvilkle/Barker finishes the regular season at 2-3 in the division and 3-4 overall.

In addition to the awarding of the “Doc’s Rock” trophy, the postseason ceremonies included the presentation of the Jeff Evoy Memorial Sportsmanship Award to Bryce Pritchard from Albion and Chaise Prest from Medina/Lyndonville/Barker. The award is given in memory of Jeff Evoy who was a coach and teacher at Albion and later became the superintendent at Medina.

Albion’s Isaiah Callicutt follows the block of Jonathan DePuy as he blocks the Mustangs Blaire Prest.

Lyndonville/Medina girls nip Roy-Hart

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 11 October 2018 at 10:13 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Lyndonville/Medina’s Jari Flores-Medina, right, battles for control of the ball with Roy-Hart’s Cecilia Santo during the Lady Tigers Senior Night win over the Lady Rams this evening at Vets Park.

An early second half goal proved to be just enough to earn Lyndonville/Medina a 1-0 victory over Roy-Hart in a non league Senior Night girls soccer game at Vets Park this evening.

Melanie Hibbard scored the lone goal for the Lady Tigers off an assist from Ella Lewis.

Lyndonville/Medina finishes the regular season at 5-11 while Roy-Hart is 6-9.

In Genesee Region League action, Wheatland-Chili (14-2) blanked Kendall (11-5) 4-0 and Attica nipped Holley 3-2. Halee Passarell and Olivia Radford each scored a goal for Holley as Janne Grasshoff assisted on both tallies.

Roy-Hart’s Maddie Fry tries to kick the ball up field as Anna Lewis tries to block for the Lady Tigers.

Albion booters blank Medina/Lyndonville

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 11 October 2018 at 9:56 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s Harrison Brown kicks the ball away from Medina/Lyndonville’s Casey Winiecki. Moving in on the play are Nate Dillenbeck for the Mustangs and Payton Lake for the Purple Eagles. The action took place during Albion’ s home field Senior Night win this evening.

Albion closed out the Niagara-Orleans League boys soccer season with a 3-0 home field Senior Night victory over rival Medina/Lyndonville this evening.

Spencer Lombard scored what proved to be the game winning goal for Albion with 8:37 remaining in the first half off an assist from Evan Van Ameron.

The Purple Eagles put pressure on the Medina net throughout the second half and finally broke the contest open with a quick late two goal scoring burst.

Kendyll Hadick scored with 13:30 remaining to make it 2-0 and then assisted on a goal by Angel Rosario just two minutes later at 11:11 to put a lock on the victory.

Angel Colon earned the shutout in goal for the Purple Eagles.

Albion winds up the N-O season at 6-3-1 and Medina/Lyndonvile at 1-8-1.

Roy-Hart 1, Akron 0
Roy-Hart (5-4-1) nipped Akron (2-6-2) 1-0 on a first half goal by Trent Choate off an assist from Aidan Bligh as Colby Hancok earned the shutout in goal.

In the other N-O finale, Newfane (5-3-2) blanked rival Wilson (7-2-1) 5-0.

In a non league game, Avon blanked Kendall 3-0.