2026 Section VI Football Semifinal Recaps

November 5–6, 2026 | WNYAthletics Game Reports

Class AA

Lancaster 32, Jamestown 7

Lancaster Advances with Convincing Semifinal Victory

Lancaster continued its impressive 2026 football campaign Friday night, defeating visiting Jamestown 32-7 to secure a berth in the Section VI Class AA championship game.

Head coach Eric Rupp's Legends entered the contest as the top seed and lived up to that billing, outscoring the Red & Green by 25 points. The victory also completed a season sweep of Jamestown after Lancaster defeated its longtime rival 28-7 during the regular season.

Quarterback Everett Fix has been instrumental in Lancaster's offensive success this fall, providing leadership and stability under center. Justin Teubner, Caden McCoy and Cole Klinger have also been important contributors, while defensive standout Dan Frank has helped establish the Legends as one of Western New York's most complete teams.

Jamestown, coached by Tom Langworthy, entered the semifinal following a hard-fought 17-14 quarterfinal victory over Lockport. Sophomore running back Alaric Richardson has been a significant part of the Red & Green offense, with Angel Martinez and Drew Bloomquist providing experience on the defensive side.

Lancaster's defensive performance was particularly noteworthy. Holding Jamestown to seven points represented another strong postseason showing against an opponent known for its physical approach.

For the Legends, the victory keeps their sectional championship aspirations alive and sets up a championship showdown with Bennett.

Lancaster will enter that matchup with considerable momentum, having defeated Bennett 29-12 earlier this season.

Bennett 14, Health Sciences 12

Tigers Survive Defensive Battle to Reach Class AA Final

In one of the most closely contested games of the Section VI semifinal round, Bennett held off Health Sciences 14-12 Friday night to advance to the Class AA championship.

The two-point victory was Bennett's second narrow win over Health Sciences this season.

The Tigers previously defeated the Falcons 24-18 in September, making Friday's result another indication of how evenly matched these programs have become.

Head coach Steve McDuffie's Tigers entered the contest following a dominant 52-0 quarterfinal victory over Hutch Tech. This time, however, Bennett faced a much tougher challenge against a talented Health Sciences squad coached by Ty Parker.

Senior running back Dontre Hampton has been the centerpiece of Bennett's offense throughout the season, entering the postseason with more than 1,300 rushing yards. Tyzjon Johnson has provided additional big-play potential, while freshman quarterback Adriaon Little has taken on an important role directing the offense.

Health Sciences entered the contest with its own collection of dangerous offensive weapons, including junior running back Arieun Stevens, who averaged more than eight yards per carry entering the playoffs. Tyjuan Moye, Amare Ridgeway and Arnette Williams have also contributed to the Falcons' success.

The semifinal was a dramatic departure from the teams' quarterfinal victories, which they won by a combined 82 points.

Bennett's defense ultimately held Health Sciences to 12 points, enough to preserve the victory.

The Tigers now advance to face Lancaster in the Class AA championship, with an opportunity to avenge their regular-season loss to the Legends.

Class A

West Seneca West 31, Orchard Park 0

Indians Blank Quakers in Class A Semifinal

West Seneca West delivered one of the most impressive defensive performances of the Section VI semifinal weekend, shutting out Orchard Park 31-0 Friday night to advance to the Class A championship.

Head coach Mike Vastola's Indians entered the matchup following a 48-24 quarterfinal victory over North Tonawanda. Against Orchard Park, West Seneca West combined another productive offensive outing with a defense that prevented the Quakers from reaching the scoreboard.

Sophomore quarterback Mason Anderson has emerged as one of Western New York's promising young signal-callers, helping establish the Indians' passing attack as a major component of their success.

Bobby Simmons has provided versatility and explosive-play potential, while Alex Quarantello has been an important contributor in the defensive secondary.

Orchard Park, under head coach Mike Cieslik, entered the semifinal after surviving a 20-17 quarterfinal battle against Starpoint. Quarterback Jayden Hassett, running back Dakota Flynn and two-way standout John Meka Jr. have been among the Quakers' key performers throughout the campaign.

The 31-point margin was particularly impressive considering Orchard Park's reputation for physical football and its ability to control games through its rushing attack.

For West Seneca West, the shutout represented a major statement heading into championship week. The Indians have now scored 79 points across their two playoff victories while allowing just 24.

West Seneca West advances to face unbeaten Grand Island in what promises to be a compelling Class A championship matchup.

Grand Island 44, Williamsville North 23

Vikings Remain Unbeaten, Advance to First Sectional Final Since 2009

Grand Island's remarkable 2026 football season continued Friday night as the Vikings defeated Williamsville North 44-23 in the Section VI Class A semifinals.

The victory improved Grand Island to 10-0 and sent the Vikings to their first sectional championship game since 2009.

Head coach Dean Santorio's team entered the contest with one of Western New York's most productive offenses, led by junior quarterback Anthony Mantione.

Entering the semifinal, Mantione had accumulated 1,319 passing yards and 17 touchdown passes while adding 1,341 rushing yards and 23 rushing touchdowns. Those figures made him one of the section's most dangerous dual-threat players.

Receivers Jack Heider and Blake Deloreto have provided dependable targets, each entering the game with seven touchdown receptions.

Williamsville North, coached by Paul Palizay, presented a formidable challenge with its own talented passing attack. Quarterback Jacob Toomey entered the contest with 1,348 passing yards and 19 touchdowns.

Receiver Eamon Mouyeos has been a primary target, while Luke Lamonte and running back Jordan Brown have provided additional offensive options.

Friday's contest produced a combined 67 points, demonstrating the offensive capabilities of both programs. Grand Island's 44-point performance marked another impressive outing for a team that has consistently challenged opposing defenses.

For the Vikings, the victory carries historical significance. After a 17-year absence from the sectional championship stage, Grand Island has earned the opportunity to compete for the Class A crown.

The Vikings will face West Seneca West, which advanced with a 31-0 victory over Orchard Park.

Class B

West Seneca East 30, Depew 18

Trojans Continue Playoff Run with Victory over Wildcats

West Seneca East continued its march toward a Section VI championship Friday night, defeating Depew 30-18 in a Class B semifinal matchup.

Head coach Jim Maurino's Trojans entered the contest following a dominant 49-6 quarterfinal victory over Lackawanna and carried that postseason momentum into their meeting with the Wildcats.

West Seneca East's offense has been powered throughout the season by standout running back Josh Urban, who entered the postseason with 29 rushing touchdowns. His ability to produce in short-yardage situations and generate explosive runs has been a major factor in the Trojans' success.

Depew, under head coach Joe Pagano, entered the semifinal after defeating McKinley 35-26 in the quarterfinals.

Running back Zach Bridenbaker has been a central figure in the Wildcats' offensive attack, while Depew's defense has established a reputation for creating turnovers and scoring opportunities. The Wildcats recorded ten defensive touchdowns during the regular season.

Friday's matchup featured two programs that have relied heavily on physical football and their ability to control the line of scrimmage.

West Seneca East's 30-point performance was enough to overcome a Depew squad that had demonstrated considerable offensive firepower during its playoff opener.

Through two postseason games, the Trojans have now scored 79 points while allowing 24, an impressive scoring differential heading into championship week.

West Seneca East advances to face the Orleans County Rivals in the Class B final, setting up a matchup between two teams with contrasting offensive strengths.

Orleans County 21, Pioneer 6

Rivals Take Down Panthers to Reach Class B Championship

The Orleans County Rivals delivered an impressive road performance Friday night, defeating Pioneer 21-6 to advance to the Section VI Class B championship.

The combined Medina/Albion program entered the contest with an 8-1 record and faced a Pioneer team that had established itself as one of the classification's most physical opponents.

Head coach Eric Valley's Rivals came into the semifinal with a balanced offense capable of producing through both the passing and running games.

Quarterback Preston Woodworth entered the playoffs with 1,463 passing yards and 19 touchdowns. Senior receiver Noah Harrison had recorded 34 receptions for 630 yards and eight touchdowns, while Elijah Doxey had generated more than 1,100 yards from scrimmage.

Pioneer, coached by Jim Duprey, relied on a powerful rushing attack led by Isaac Platt, who entered the postseason with 1,016 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns.

Cole Schlueter, Carson Matyjasik and Evan Wright provided additional depth in the Panthers' backfield.

Pioneer reached the semifinal after surviving a dramatic 21-20 quarterfinal victory over Maryvale, but the Panthers encountered a difficult challenge against the Rivals.

Orleans County's defense was particularly effective on the scoreboard, limiting Pioneer to just six points. The Rivals' 15-point margin of victory underscored the strength of their performance against a team known for its ground game.

The victory sends Orleans County into the Class B championship against West Seneca East, which defeated Depew 30-18.

Class C

Chautauqua Lake 14, Falconer 0

Eagles Avenge Regular-Season Loss with Semifinal Shutout

Chautauqua Lake/Westfield/Brocton delivered one of the biggest results of the Section VI semifinal round Friday night, defeating Falconer/Cassadaga Valley/Maple Grove 14-0 to advance to the Class C championship.

The victory was especially meaningful for head coach Ty Harper's Eagles, who had dropped a 14-8 decision to Falconer during the regular season.

This time, Chautauqua Lake turned the tables, recording a shutout against one of the classification's strongest defensive programs.

The Eagles entered the semifinal with considerable momentum after defeating Springville 40-6 in the quarterfinals.

Junior running back Tristen Gibbs was instrumental in that victory, rushing for 170 yards and two touchdowns. Sophomore quarterback Josh Swan added two touchdown passes against Springville, demonstrating the growth of Chautauqua Lake's young offensive unit.

Thandon Bensink and Lance Franklin have also provided experience and physicality throughout the season.

Falconer, coached by Curt Fischer, entered the matchup with a talented roster led by running back Dylan Newman, who had surpassed 800 rushing yards and ten touchdowns entering the postseason.

Defensive standout Patrick Braley has been one of the Golden Falcons' most important players, while Brody Hawkins has provided additional offensive production.

Friday's 14-point performance was enough for Chautauqua Lake because of its outstanding defensive effort.

The Eagles have now outscored their two playoff opponents 54-6, an impressive turnaround for a team that lost its earlier meeting with Falconer.

Chautauqua Lake advances to face Clymer/Sherman/Panama in the Class C championship.

Barker/Roy-Hart 24, Clymer/Sherman/Panama 20

Bulls Knock Off Wolfpack, Advance to Section VI Class C Championship

Barker/Roy-Hart continued its remarkable 2026 football season Friday night, defeating perennial powerhouse Clymer/Sherman/Panama 24-20 in a thrilling Section VI Class C semifinal matchup.

The Bulls, under head coach William Brunning, used a powerful rushing attack and a strong first-half performance to build a 16-0 halftime advantage before holding off a determined Wolfpack comeback.

The difference-maker was standout running back Carter DerSarkissian, who carried the football 38 times for 245 yards and three touchdowns. His performance pushed him to exactly 2,000 rushing yards for the season, further establishing him as one of Western New York's premier offensive players.

DerSarkissian's decisive 14-yard touchdown run in the third quarter proved critical as Barker/Roy-Hart fought to maintain its advantage.

Clymer/Sherman/Panama, coached by Dave Bodamer, refused to go quietly. Quarterback

Gavin Burchanowski helped engineer the comeback, scoring on an 11-yard touchdown run and connecting on touchdown passes of 69 and 72 yards to bring the Wolfpack within striking distance.

Despite CSP's explosive second-half offense, Barker/Roy-Hart held on for the four-point victory, ending the Wolfpack's season and securing a trip to the sectional championship.

The victory represents a significant achievement for the Bulls, who have established themselves as legitimate contenders in Class C.

Barker/Roy-Hart now advances to face Chautauqua Lake/Westfield/Brocton in the Section VI Class C championship at Broadview Stadium, with an opportunity to capture a sectional title and continue its outstanding postseason run.

Class D

Randolph 28, Wilson 0

Cardinals Shut Out Lakemen, Advance to Section VI Final

Randolph continued its impressive 2026 football season with a commanding 28-0 victory over Wilson in the Section VI Class D semifinals.

Head coach Nate Armella's Cardinals improved to 8-1, extending their winning streak to six games and earning another opportunity to compete for a sectional championship.

The shutout was especially impressive considering Wilson entered the playoffs with a productive rushing attack led by Mason Coulter.

Coulter had accumulated 1,128 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns entering the postseason, while teammate Nick Lemke had added 407 yards and five scores.

Randolph's defense has been the foundation of its success, allowing just 58 points through eight regular-season games. Friday's performance provided another example of that defensive strength.

Offensively, quarterback Davion Johnson has been a dependable leader. Entering the postseason, Johnson had thrown for 904 yards and 15 touchdowns against just one interception.

Running back Alexander Garland had also established himself as one of Class D's top performers, accumulating 1,118 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns.

Wilson, coached by Bill Atlas, had advanced following a 41-19 quarterfinal victory over Franklinville/Ellicottville.

The semifinal result marked Randolph's second convincing victory over Wilson this season.

The Cardinals previously defeated the Lakemen 42-6 during the regular season.

Randolph's defense has now held Wilson to six total points across their two meetings.

The Cardinals advance to face defending sectional champion Newfane in the Class D final at Broadview Stadium.

Newfane 44, Silver Creek/Forestville 20

Panthers Rush for 358 Yards, Return to Class D Championship

Defending Section VI Class D champion Newfane is headed to Broadview Stadium after defeating Silver Creek/Forestville 44-20 in Friday night's semifinal.

The Panthers, coached by Chuck Nagel, produced a dominant rushing performance, accumulating 358 yards on the ground while averaging 8.7 yards per attempt.

Quarterback Jesse Hughey turned in one of the weekend's most impressive individual performances, rushing 16 times for 160 yards and two touchdowns. Hughey was equally effective through the air, completing four of five passes for 35 yards and two additional scores.

Camryn Stover added 101 rushing yards on 15 carries and contributed ten tackles defensively.

Jake Morello scored a rushing touchdown and recorded six tackles and an interception.

Mikey Henning caught a 27-yard touchdown pass, while Nasir Spencer contributed a 21-yard touchdown run and an 18-yard touchdown reception.

The offensive production helped Newfane defeat Silver Creek/Forestville for the second time this season, following a 48-28 regular-season victory.

Silver Creek/Forestville, coached by Sean Helmer, entered the semifinal with a dangerous offense featuring quarterback Will Duliba and running back Manny Sanchez.

Despite scoring 20 points, the Black Knights were unable to contain Newfane's ground attack.

The Panthers improved to 8-1, while Silver Creek/Forestville finished its season at 6-4.

Newfane now prepares to face Randolph in the Class D championship, seeking to successfully defend its sectional crown.