Contenders, Pretenders separating in Class D

Photo by Rob Collver

Even though we are only three weeks into the season, the Class D pretenders and contenders are starting to take shape.

After Clymer/Sherman/Panama (CSP) and Franklinville/Ellicottville (FE) took care of business last Friday winning by double digits over division opponents, the stage appears set for another Sectional VI show down between merged programs.

Randolph (0-3) fell to a non-divisional opponent in Bishop-Timon. The Cardinals would like to play spoiler even though they already suffered a defeat to the Wolfpack in week 2. CSP will play a tough Falconer/Cassadaga Valley/Maple Grove team on Saturday. It will be there 2nd of three contests between Class C opponents this year.

F-E hosts Wilson at Ellicottville Friday.

Gowanda/Pine Valley (201) earned an honorable mention in the first two weeks of the New York State Sports Writers weekly rankings. They travel to Monsignor Martin’s Cardinal O’Hara (0-3) on Saturday in a non-leaguer.

Catt/L. Valley has not won a game in three seasons, their last victory came on September 17, 2021 versus O’Hara. They travel to Randolph on Friday.

8-Man Report

Allegany-Limestone (3-0) is off to a great start in their first season of 8-Man football. Last week they defeated Holley 48-22. The Gators will host Finney (0-1) Saturday at 7pm.

The Frewsburg Bears (2-1) are no stranger to playing 8-Man. After a year away due to scheduling issues, the Bears are back in the swing of things. They had a little hiccup last week against Bolivar-Richburg losing 24-16. Frewsburg will host Pembroke (3-0) Saturday at 7pm.