2026 NYSPHSAA Section VI Football Semifinal Previews
November 5–6, 2026 | Classes AA, A, B, C and D
The road to the Section VI championships has reached its final four in each classification. Twenty teams remain, with ten semifinal games determining who advances to the championship round at the University at Buffalo.
Class AA semifinals
Lancaster vs. Jamestown
Friday, November 6 | 7 p.m. | Lancaster
Click link above to watch the livestream
Radio
Buffalo: WXRL 1300/95.5 (Mark Johnson & Tim Mroczek)
Jamestown: WJTN 1240 AM (Tom Ames & Derek Abbey)
Head coaches: Eric Rupp (Lancaster), Tom Langworthy (Jamestown)
Outlook: Top-seeded Lancaster enters the semifinals rested following a first-round bye, while Jamestown arrives after surviving a 17-14 battle with Lockport. The Legends defeated the Red & Green 28-7 during the regular season, but postseason rematches are rarely straightforward.
Lancaster has demonstrated its ability to compete with elite competition, while Jamestown's toughness and playoff experience make the visitors dangerous.
Players to watch: Lancaster quarterback Everett Fix has matured into an important leader. Justin Teubner contributes on both sides of the football, while Caden McCoy, Cole Klinger and pass rusher Dan Frank anchor the defense.
Jamestown relies heavily on sophomore running back Alaric Richardson, one of the section's promising young offensive players. Angel Martinez and Drew Bloomquist provide leadership and production defensively.
Keys to victory: Lancaster must establish control up front, contain Richardson and avoid giving Jamestown additional possessions through turnovers. Jamestown needs to generate rushing yards, win the field-position battle and keep Lancaster from building an early lead.
The Legends enter as favorites, but Jamestown's ability to play physical football could make this a competitive semifinal.
Bennett vs. Health Sciences
Friday, November 6 | 7:35 p.m. | Buffalo
TV
BTPM PBS (Ch. 17, and their YouTube Page)
Radio
88.7
Simulcast: Jack Kreuzer, Jim Monos & Dallas Taylor
Head Coaches: Steve McDuffie (Bennett), Ty Parker (Health Sciences)
Outlook: Two of Western New York's most talented programs meet with a sectional championship appearance at stake. Bennett won the regular-season meeting 24-18, demonstrating how little separates these teams.
Health Sciences enters after defeating Niagara Falls 36-6, while Bennett overwhelmed Hutch Tech 52-0.
Players to watch: Bennett features powerful senior running back Dontre Hampton, who surpassed 1,300 rushing yards during the regular season. Tyzjon Johnson provides explosive ability on offense and special teams, while freshman quarterback Adriaon Little continues to develop.
Health Sciences counters with junior running back Arieun Stevens, an explosive runner averaging more than eight yards per carry entering the playoffs. Tyjuan Moye and Amare Ridgeway are significant two-way contributors, while Arnette Williams provides another weapon.
Keys to victory: Bennett needs Hampton to establish the running game and keep its young quarterback in manageable situations. Health Sciences must limit Bennett's explosive plays, win the turnover battle and find ways to create space for Stevens.
This could be the most entertaining matchup in Class AA. The first meeting suggests another game that may not be decided until the fourth quarter.
Class A semifinals
West Seneca West vs. Orchard Park
Friday, November 6 | 7 p.m. | West Seneca West
Click link above to watch the livestream on the NFHS Network
On-Air Talent: Joe Kraus & Rick Tomm
Head coaches: Mike Vastola (WSW), Mike Cieslik (OP)
Outlook: West Seneca West advanced with a convincing 48-24 victory over North Tonawanda, while Orchard Park survived a 20-17 battle against Starpoint. This matchup features two programs capable of winning through different offensive approaches.
Players to watch: West Seneca West sophomore quarterback Mason Anderson has established himself among Section VI's premier passers. Alex Quarantello brings toughness and ball-hawking ability to the defensive secondary, while Bobby Simmons provides explosiveness and versatility.
Orchard Park counters with quarterback Jayden Hassett, talented running back Dakota Flynn and two-way standout John Meka Jr. Flynn's speed and Meka's physicality give the Quakers multiple ways to attack opposing defenses.
Keys to victory: West Seneca West must protect Anderson, establish its passing rhythm and avoid turnovers against Orchard Park's aggressive defensive front. The Quakers need Flynn to establish the ground game while Hassett stretches the defense.
Prediction outlook: West Seneca West's passing attack presents significant problems, but Orchard Park has the personnel to control possession and disrupt the quarterback. Expect a physical, competitive contest with turnovers potentially deciding the outcome.
Grand Island vs. Williamsville North
Friday, November 6 | 7 p.m. | Grand Island
Click link above to watch the livestream on Hudl
Head Coaches: Dean Santorio (Grand Island), Paul Palizay (Williamsville North)
Outlook: Undefeated Grand Island (9-0) stands one victory away from its first sectional championship appearance since 2009. Williamsville North (7-2), however, brings a dangerous passing attack and the confidence gained from defeating Williamsville East 26-0.
Players to watch: Grand Island junior quarterback Anthony Mantione is one of Western New York's most dynamic athletes. Mantione has thrown for 1,319 yards and 17 touchdowns while rushing for 1,341 yards and 23 scores. Receivers Jack Heider and Blake Deloreto have each caught seven touchdown passes.
Williamsville North quarterback Jacob Toomey has thrown for 1,348 yards and 19 touchdowns. Receiver Eamon Mouyeos has been his primary scoring threat, while Luke Lamonte and running back Jordan Brown provide additional offensive production.
Keys to victory: Grand Island must control the line of scrimmage and continue utilizing Mantione's dual-threat ability. Williamsville North needs to limit his explosive runs while establishing its own passing game.
Prediction outlook: Grand Island deserves favorite status based on its unbeaten season and offensive production. However, North's ability to attack through the air could make this one of the weekend's highest-scoring games.
Class B semifinals
West Seneca East vs. Depew
Friday, November 6 | 7 p.m. | West Seneca East
Click link above to watch the livestream on Hudl
Head Coaches: Jim Maurino (West Seneca East), Joe Pagano (Depew)
Outlook: West Seneca East advanced with a commanding 49-6 victory over Lackawanna, while Depew defeated McKinley 35-26. The semifinal features one of Section VI's most productive rushing attacks against an opportunistic Depew defense.
Players to watch: West Seneca East's Josh Urban entered the postseason with 29 rushing touchdowns, making him one of New York's most productive scoring threats.
Depew features standout running back Zach Bridenbaker, whose production has been essential to the Wildcats' success. Depew's defensive unit has been equally impressive, accounting for ten touchdowns during the regular season.
Keys to victory: West Seneca East must establish Urban early and force Depew to defend sustained drives. The Wildcats need Bridenbaker to generate consistent rushing yards while their defense creates turnovers and short fields.
Prediction outlook: This matchup could hinge on which defense handles the opposing running game. West Seneca East enters with momentum, but Depew's ability to score defensively makes the Wildcats especially dangerous.
Pioneer vs. Orleans County Rivals
Friday, November 6 | 7 p.m. | Pioneer High School, Yorkshire
Click link above to watch the livestream on the NFHS Network
On-Air Talent: Carson Harper & Tom Prince
Head Coaches: Jim Duprey (Pioneer), Eric Valley (OC)
Outlook: Pioneer (8-1) survived a 21-20 quarterfinal thriller against Maryvale. The Orleans County Rivals (8-1) advanced with a shutout of Iroquois, setting up a fascinating matchup between contrasting offensive styles.
Players to watch: Pioneer running back Isaac Platt leads the Panthers with 1,016 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. Cole Schlueter has contributed 511 rushing yards, while Carson Matyjasik adds 408. Evan Wright provides additional backfield depth.
Orleans County quarterback Preston Woodworth has thrown for 1,463 yards and 19 touchdowns. Senior receiver Noah Harrison has 34 receptions for 630 yards and eight scores, while Elijah Doxey has generated more than 1,100 yards from scrimmage.
Keys to victory: Pioneer must establish its powerful rushing attack, control the clock and keep Woodworth on the sidelines. The Rivals need to protect their quarterback, avoid interceptions and create explosive passing plays.
Prediction outlook: This could become a battle of possession versus explosiveness. Pioneer has home-field advantage and a deep backfield, but the Rivals possess enough offensive firepower to win on the road.
Class C semifinals
Falconer/Cassadaga Valley/Maple Grove vs. Chautauqua Lake/Westfield/Brocton
Friday, November 6 | 7 p.m. | Falconer
Click link above to watch the livestream on the NFHS Network
On-Air Talent: Norm Rodriguez & Brad Sieber
Head coaches: Curt Fischer (F/CV/MG), Ty Harper (CL/W/B)
Outlook: Two familiar C South opponents meet again with a championship berth at stake. Falconer won their regular-season meeting 14-8, but Chautauqua Lake enters with momentum following a 40-6 quarterfinal victory over Springville.
Players to watch: Falconer's Dylan Newman has rushed for more than 800 yards and ten touchdowns. Patrick Braley anchors the defense, leading the team in tackles, sacks and forced fumbles. Brody Hawkins provides another explosive playmaking option.
Chautauqua Lake counters with junior running back Tristen Gibbs, who rushed for 170 yards and two touchdowns against Springville. Sophomore quarterback Josh Swan threw two touchdown passes in that victory, while Thandon Bensink and Lance Franklin provide additional experience and physicality.
Keys to victory: Falconer must control the running game and avoid allowing Chautauqua Lake's young playmakers to find open space. The Eagles need to establish their ground attack and limit Falconer's scoring opportunities.
Prediction outlook: Expect another physical contest. Falconer's defense gives the Golden Falcons an advantage, but Chautauqua Lake's recent offensive improvement makes an upset entirely possible.
Barker/Roy-Hart vs. Clymer/Sherman/Panama
Friday, November 6 | 7 p.m. | Barker
Click link above to watch the livestream on Hudl or on channel98.9.org
On-Air: Dr. Brent Deuink and Josh Hosier (98.9 Feed)
Head coaches: Dave Bodamer (CSP), William Brunning (B/RH)
Outlook: Barker/Roy-Hart (8-1) looks to advance to its first sectional championship game after falling in the semifinals last season. Clymer/Sherman/Panama (7-2) brings an experienced, physical football team capable of challenging the Bulls.
Players to watch: Barker/Roy-Hart running back Carter DerSarkissian leads Section VI with 1,755 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns. Aaron Bowerman has added 704 yards and five scores, while quarterback Max Townsend has thrown seven touchdown passes. Receiver Ashton Ark provides another offensive weapon.
CSP quarterback Gavin Burchanowski has rushed for 755 yards and 13 touchdowns while adding seven passing scores. Blake Backerink has rushed for 792 yards and nine touchdowns. Defensive leader Dan Redlecki entered the playoffs with 66 tackles.
Keys to victory: Barker/Roy-Hart must establish DerSarkissian and control the tempo. CSP needs to limit explosive runs, maintain possession and take advantage of Burchanowski's versatility.
Prediction outlook: This is an intriguing matchup between two strong rushing attacks. Barker/Roy-Hart has home-field advantage, but CSP's defensive discipline and championship tradition make the Wolfpack a serious threat.
Class D semifinals
Randolph vs. Wilson
Thursday, November 5 | 7 p.m. | Randolph
Click link above to watch the livestream on Hudl
Click link above to listen to radio only
Radio: WBEN 930
On-Air: Tanner Saunders
Head coach: Bill Atlas (Wilson), Nate Armella (Randolph)
Outlook: Top-seeded Randolph (7-1) enters as the Class D favorite behind one of Section VI's most dominant defenses. Wilson (6-3) advanced after defeating Franklinville/Ellicottville 41-19 and hopes to return to the sectional championship.
Players to watch: Randolph quarterback Davion Johnson has thrown for 904 yards, 15 touchdowns and just one interception. Running back Alexander Garland has contributed 1,118 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns.
Wilson's Mason Coulter has rushed for 1,128 yards and 15 touchdowns. Nick Lemke has added 407 yards and five scores, while linebacker Cris Interisano entered the playoffs leading the Lakemen with 60 tackles.
Keys to victory: Randolph must continue its defensive dominance and prevent Coulter from controlling the game. Wilson needs to establish the running game, protect the football and avoid falling behind early.
Prediction outlook: Randolph's defense, which allowed just 58 points through eight regular-season games, presents a significant challenge. Wilson has enough offensive talent to compete, but the Cardinals enter with a clear advantage.
Newfane vs. Silver Creek/Forestville
Friday, November 6 | 7 p.m. | Newfane
Click link above to watch the livestream on Hudl
Radio: WDOE 1410/101.5
On-Air Talent: Norm Palmer
Head coach: Sean Helmer (Silver Creek/Forestville), Chuck Nagel (Newfane)
Photo Credit of Manny Sanchez/Dunkirk Observer
Outlook: Newfane (7-1) seeks another sectional championship appearance, while Silver Creek/Forestville (6-3) hopes to reverse a 48-28 regular-season defeat against the Panthers.
Players to watch: Newfane's Camryn Stover leads the Panthers with 692 rushing yards and ten touchdowns. Jake Morello has added 645 yards and eight scores. Both have been instrumental in Newfane's explosive rushing attack.
Silver Creek/Forestville features senior quarterback Will Duliba, who has passed for 1,217 yards and ten touchdowns. Running back Manny Sanchez has rushed for 1,118 yards and 15 scores, while Andrew Arnold contributes additional rushing production. Dom Anders is another player who has made an impact.
Keys to victory: Newfane needs to establish its rushing attack and prevent Sanchez from controlling possession. Silver Creek/Forestville must improve defensively from the first meeting and avoid costly turnovers.
Prediction outlook: Newfane enters as the favorite based on its earlier victory and consistent offensive production. However, Silver Creek/Forestville has enough veteran talent to make this rematch competitive, particularly if Sanchez gets going early.
WNYAthletics Playoff Football Coverage!
The WNYAthletics crews are producing three (3) games on Friday/ The production truck will be out at Pioneer as the Panthers host the OC Rivals. We will also have a crew on the Falconer/Chautauqua Lake game and at West Seneca West where the Warhawks host Orchard Park.
The Empire State EndZone Report with Francis Boeck and Jake Fyock will air on Friday night beginning at 630pm. Francis and Jake will bring you live updates from every game in real-time with scores, analysis and highlights. Tune in to the WNYAthletics YouTube Page!
ICYMI: WNY High School Football Weekly #10
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