Bennett Tigers
Bennett comes into 2023 as the defending NYSPHSAA Class AA Champions – their first in school history. Officially – due to forfeiters the Tigers finished the year 7-6 – but on the field they went 11-2 with their only losses coming to powerhouses McDowell (PA) and Austintown Fitch (OH). Bennett was led by Rashard Perry and Jayden Lewis, both of whom are now on Division-I rosters. Luckily, Jameer Thomas and Aaron Roseboro return after playing big roles for the Tigers last year.
Lancaster Legends
Lancaster fell in the sectional final for the second year in a row last season. The Legends went 8-2, with their only losses coming to Bennett. Aiden Willard, Tyler Tedesco, and Brendan Mahony are among the key returnees for Eric Rupp as he enters his eighth year as head coach. Lancaster will be a young team with only three starters back on offense and five on defense. Among those losses is two-time Connolly Cup finalist Micah Harry. Some new players to watch out for - Alex Krupa, Danny Ahearn, and Justin Hartwig.
Orchard Park Quakers
Orchard Park will also be a young team this year. The Quakers lost some big pieces to graduation including Ben Gocella, Dylan Evans and Luke Prince. However last year’s leading rusher, Carter Switek returns. Carson Hayek, Jack Ciano, Chris McDonald and Max Landwehr are among the key returning players Coach Michael Cieslik is looking to take on bigger roles this year. Jherek Breske, Brady Ciano, Gavin McWhirter and Aiden Guadagno are among several players that the Orchard Park coaching staff hope make an impact early.
Hutch Tech Engineers
Hutch Tech is hoping to take the next step after going 0-9 in 2022. The Engineers should be improved now that coach Micah Harris has gotten a full offseason with his program. Hutch Tech returns four starters on offense and three on defense. Key returning players are Delonte Frisby, Romeo Kidd, Carnell Young and Ish Adams. New players to watch out for – Adam Kilminster, Arno Mbaiyo, and Keyon Verse.
Jamestown Red Raiders
Jamestown returns to Class AA after winning the sectional crow in Class A last season. The Red Raiders return five offensive and six defensive starters. The offense will probably look at bit different this year with the departure of QB Trey Drake, who’s now off at D-I North Dakota State. Luckily for the Red Raiders, starting tailback Carson Bane returns. Also returning are key pieces Carson Panebianco and Jack Carlson.
Frontier Falcons
Frontier is also back in AA after going 5-4 playing in Class A. The Falcons return eight starters on both sides of the football including Robbie Kibler, Nate Errington, Nick Shea and Alan Hostetler.
Niagara Falls Wolverines
Niagara Falls went 1-8 last year with a 28-0 win over Hutch Tech.