The fall season is coming to an end, but the excitement is not over yet for high school sports fans in the Buffalo area. Several teams are competing for championships in football, field hockey, soccer and volleyball, and some have already made history with their performances. Here are some highlights from the past week of playoff action.
Football: Orchard Park Advances to Class AA Final
The Orchard Park Quakers defeated the Lancaster Legends 28-14 in the Class AA semifinals on Friday night, earning a spot in the final for the first time since 2014. The Quakers were led by senior quarterback Jack Sharp, who threw for 220 yards and three touchdowns, and junior running back Cameron Crosier, who rushed for 140 yards and a score. The Quakers will face the Jamestown Red Raiders, who beat the Clarence Red Devils 35-14 in the other semifinal, in the Class AA final on Saturday at New Era Field. The Quakers are seeking their 11th sectional title, while the Red Raiders are looking for their first since 2014.
Field Hockey: Williamsville North Wins Class A Title
The Williamsville North Spartans claimed their first Class A field hockey title since 2016 with a 2-1 win over the Clarence Red Devils on Monday. The Spartans scored two goals in the first half, one by senior captain Grace Renner and the other by junior Ava Tower. The Red Devils cut the lead to one with a goal by senior Emma Faso in the second half, but the Spartans held on for the victory. The Spartans will advance to the Far West Regionals, where they will face the Section V champion on Saturday at Penfield High School.
Soccer: Grand Island Boys and Girls Sweep Class A Titles
The Grand Island Vikings made history on Saturday, as both the boys and girls soccer teams won the Class A titles at Williamsville South High School. The boys team beat the Amherst Tigers 3-0, with goals from senior Anthony Emmi, junior Alex Nemeth and sophomore Ryan Pinzel. The girls team edged the Williamsville East Flames 2-1, with goals from senior Alexa Chiarenza and junior Ava Brandon. Both teams will play in the Far West Regionals on Saturday at Hilton High School, with the boys facing the Section V champion and the girls facing the Section VI champion.
Volleyball: Eden Girls and Boys Dominate Class C
The Eden Raiders continued their dominance in Class C volleyball, as both the girls and boys teams won their respective titles on Saturday at Daemen College. The girls team swept the Allegany-Limestone Gators 25-15, 25-13, 25-10, extending their unbeaten streak to 64 matches. The girls team was led by senior outside hitter Kailee Ballou, who had 15 kills and 10 digs, and junior setter Sydney Schmitt, who had 28 assists and seven aces.
The boys team also swept the Portville Panthers 25-16, 25-18, 25-17, winning their 11th consecutive sectional title. The boys team was led by senior outside hitter Drew Palmerton, who had 16 kills and 10 digs, and senior setter Connor O’Brien, who had 27 assists and six aces. Both teams will play in the Far West Regionals on Saturday at Webster Schroeder High School, with the girls facing the Section V champion and the boys facing the Section XI champion.
