Warriors stymie Purple Eagles in semis

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s Nate Moore, who scored the Purple Eagles lone touchdown, goes high to haul in a pass during this evening’s sectional semifinal loss to visiting Cheektowaga.

A stingy defense keyed No. 4 seed Cheektowaga to a 28-6 victory over No. 1 Albion in the semifinals of the Section VI Class B football playoffs this evening at Albion.

The Warriors defense set the tone in the first half by holding the Purple Eagles to a minus 28 yards on four possessions.

The Cheektowaga offense likewise did its job during that span building up a 14-0 advantage at the half on a 10 yard touchdown run by quarterback Keshone Beal with 1:31 to go in the first quarter and a 29 yard TD pass from Beal to Jason Solamon with 2:51 remaining in the second quarter followed by a two-point conversion run by Beal.

The Warriors then put a firm lock on the victory by upping  the advantage to 28-0 in the third quarter after Beal scored on an 8 yard run and then hooked up with Solamon for a 58 yard scoring strike.

Albion finally crossed into Cheektowaga territory midway through the third quarter reaching the 19 before the drive was halted by a pass interception by Fred Parsons, a pick which set up the  Warriors final touchdown.

The Purple Eagles avoided the shutout when quarterback Thomas Furmanski hooked up with Nate Moore for a 61 yard touchdown pass with 6:23 to go in the final quarter.

Albion finishes the season at 8-1 while Cheektowaga takes an 8-1 record into next week’s final as the Warriors look to defend their Class B title against the winner of the Pioneer vs. Fredonia semi.

Albion’s Ugene Harrison looks to pick up yardage against the Warriors stingy defense.