Friday Night Lights – Intriguing Matchups in Week 2

Class AA

Hutch Tech (0-1) at Jamestown (1-0) 7pm

The Engineers had a rough go last Friday against Lancaster losing 51-6. They showed some promise in 2018 and are looking for a redo here in Week 2. They make the long trip down to Jamestown to take on the Red Raiders who are coming off an impressive win last Saturday against Baldwinsville of Section III. Can Hutch-Tech stop Savon Van Sickle, Jamestown’s feature running back? If the Engineers can solve that problem, it could spark a run and keep Hutch-Tech’s playoff hopes afloat.

Class A

McKinley (1-0) vs Kenmore West (1-0) at Riverside Field 7pm

The Blue Devils made it look easy last Saturday in a 34-14 win over West Seneca West. Will they be over confident heading into Friday night’s match-up against McKinley, who defeated Williamsville North last Friday in head coach Brian Davis’ debut?

The Macks are capable of making some big plays on offense thanks to Dajuan McGee, Takeo Funderburke and Jayden McIlwain but they proved to be tough defensively as well.

Ken West faced a pretty stout defense last week as well and will need to play a perfect game to come out on top. It’ll be a good one for sure.

An audio broadcast of this game is being carried on mixlr.com/wnyathletics

Class B

Tonawanda (0-1) vs Depew (1-0)

The Wildcats scored an impressive week one win over Alden 14-6 thanks to Christian Pagano’s 216 yard rushing performance. The junior also scored two touchdowns and was a Connolly Cup Top Performer. Senior QB Nathan Kulesz was a perfect 7-of-7.

Can they keep the momentum going tonight when they head up to Tonawanda to take on the Warriors?

Tonawanda is a very dangerous team despite losing that first game to Lackawanna 8-7. Defensively they might be as strong as any in Class B. Once they start producing offensively they’ll be a force to be reckoned with. Keep your eye on senior Jason Frazer; one of the least talked about players in WNY. He is a difference maker.

Class C

Southwestern (1-0) at Portville (1-0)

The Trojans are off and running and are looking to claim their first Section VI Class C title. Standing in their way, themselves. On paper this is the most complete team in Class C. Can they stay focused on the ultimate goal of not only returning to New Era Field but win in Orchard Park as well?

Portville presents a tough challenge on Friday for Southwestern. The Panthers opened some eyes late last season as the program looked to be moving in the right direction. Last week they shutout Cassadaga Valley/Falconer 41-0 with junior Jayden Lassiter turning in a Connolly Cup performance of his own, rushing for a game high 165 yards and two scores. He also had a 65-yard touchdown reception.

The Panthers have over a dozen seniors on this team including QB Mike Stillman who went 6-of-10 last weekend for 129 yards and three TD passes. Portville has a very good line as well. If Portville can keep senior Conrad Thomas away from Stillman and Lassiter this could be a little closer than some may think.

Of course keeping Thomas in check is something not many teams have been able to do, he might be the most underrated player in NYS. Yeah, I said it.

Class D

Franklinville/Ellicottville at Randolph

Two teams looking to challenge CSP for the Class D crown square off tonight at Randolph. Despite graduating one of the best lineman in WNY (Andrew Bernard) the Cardinals showed they can still block for QB Tyler Hind. Along with his cousin Isaac, they each had a pair of touchdowns in their week 1 win over Salamanca.

Randolph won 40-13 while the FE Titans had an equally impressive night in defeating Allegany Limestone 35-6.

The Titans received outstanding performances from Logan Frank and Tyler Clear who combined for over 270 yards rushing and four scores. Frank was also 8-of-10 passing for 81 yards and a TD pass.

Can Randolph’s defense step up and slow down the high-powered Titans offense? Can FE’s defense do the same. We’ll find out tonight.

The Friday Night “Final Drive” 9:30-11pm

Don’t forget to tune into the Friday Night “Final Drive” with Francis Boeck and Jon Simon. The dynamic duo will be discussing all of the games from the evening and update you on all of the scores from around WNY. They will also preview what lies ahead for Saturday.

Link: mixlr.com/wnyathletics