Bennett Reclaims Class AA Title

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y.- The Bennett Tigers dashed past the Jamestown Red and Green 32-14 in the Class AA Sectional Championship at Highmark Stadium Friday night. 

Bennett wasted no time scoring the game's first points. Jamestown received the football, and the Tiger defense forced a three-and-out. On the punt return, senior athlete Jack Eskridge IV outran the Red and Green for a 68-yard score, earning Bennett an early 6-0 lead just over two minutes into the game. 

With 11 seconds left in the first quarter, Bennett found the endzone. Tigers senior quarterback Carl Barnes connected deep with a wide-open Eskridge for a 54-yard touchdown, increasing their lead to 14-0.

On the following Red and Green drive, Jamestown senior running back Chase Bonta burst to the endzone for his 27th rushing touchdown on the season from seven yards out to narrow the Bennett lead, 14-7.

For the remaining 8:49 of the first half, both defenses stifled one another’s offense. On the final play of the half, junior defensive back Angel Martinez intercepted Barnes' deep pass.

Bennett had a 14-7 advantage at halftime.

Coming out of halftime, Bennett scored on their first possession. At the 8:33 mark in the third quarter, Bennett senior running back Jimmy Valentine powered his way into the endzone on a one-yard rushing score, enlarging the Tiger lead to 20-7.

The Tiger defense forced a turnover less than a minute later. Jamestown sophomore quarterback Jackson Grey threw an interception to Bennett senior linebacker Nyree Feaster, setting up the Tigers with favorable field position. 

With 1:13 left in the third frame, the Tiger defense forced another interception, which led to points. Grey fired a pass down the seam; however, junior corner Tyzjon Johnson stepped in front of the pass. A play later, Barnes threw a 22-yard strike to Eskridge, raising the Tigers' lead to 26-7.

After Bennett forced a Jamestown turnover on downs at their own 10-yard line, Eskridge zig-zagged 90 yards for his fourth touchdown on the night, raising Bennett’s advantage to 32-7 with just over nine minutes left in regulation. 

With 5:45 left in regulation, Jamestown attempted to make one last push. Bonta cut the Bennett to 32-14 with a four-yard rushing touchdown. 

Bennett head coach Steve McDuffie stated the team’s work ethic was a key reason for the team’s sectional championship run.

“These kids are special,” McDuffie said. “They really like each other, but they understand the grind and that our success comes in our preparation. [When Jamestown beat us last year] it left a bad taste in our mouth.”

McDuffie also emphasized that the sectional championship was a group effort, but work still needs to be done if they have a chance at a state title.

“I have to give [the kids] all the credit along with my coaching staff,” McDuffie said. “There is work to be done, and I think we can be better.”

In Bennett’s triumph, the Tigers held Bonta to just 4.1 yards per carry. According to Eskridge, a strong run defense was imperative.

“We were able to stop their run game,” Eskridge said. “Bonta is a great player, and when he heats up, it is hard to stop him, so we [couldn’t] let that happen.”

With Class AA having the last game of the championship slate and a new Bills stadium around the corner, Bennett’s victory marks the last men’s high school team to win a sectional title in Highmark Stadium. For McDuffie, his squad being etched in history is something he won’t forget.

“I’m happy Bennett can be associated with [being the last high school team to win at the current stadium],” McDuffie said. “We made history tonight, and this will be remembered forever.”

Bennett advances to the Far West Regional. The date, time, and opponent remain to be determined; however, the game will be played at All High Stadium.

Emily Croisdale/WNYAthletics