Harper leads CL/W/B into Springville to defend Class C Title

WNYATHLETICS | SECTION VI FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS | OCTOBER 30, 2026

Class C Playoff Preview: Chautauqua Lake Visits Springville in Quarterfinal Showdown

Chautauqua Lake/Westfield/Brocton (5-3) at Springville (7-1)

Friday, October 30 | 6:30 PM | Springville High School

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A remarkable turnaround season meets a battle-tested opponent Friday night as the Springville Griffins host Chautauqua Lake/Westfield/Brocton in the Section VI Class C football quarterfinals.

Springville enters the postseason at 7-1, a dramatic improvement from last year's winless campaign. Under first-year head coach Mark Benton, the Griffins have emerged as one of Western New York's biggest surprises, securing the No. 2 seed in Class C North and earning home-field advantage.

Benton, a veteran of 27 years coaching Western New York high school football, has relied on an athletic roster led by senior Grant Michalski, a dynamic running back and defensive back who has been a difference-maker throughout the season.

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Photo Credits WNYA Staff

Quarterback and linebacker Liam Fisher provides leadership on both sides of the football, while senior lineman Lane Wierzba anchors the trenches. Wierzba recorded 63 tackles during the 2025 season and remains an important piece of Springville's defensive identity.

Standing in Springville's way is a dangerous Chautauqua Lake squad led by head coach Ty Harper. The Eagles finished 5-3 overall after navigating a highly competitive Class C South schedule.

Chautauqua Lake features several players capable of changing the game, beginning with senior running back Thandon Bensink, whose explosive running style could present problems for the Griffins.

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Photo Credits/CLWB Eagles Football

Sophomore quarterback Josh Swan is progressing each week and running back/linebacker Tristen Gibbs gives the Eagles another offensive weapon, while senior Lance Franklin anchors the defense. Franklin has recorded 78 tackles in the available season statistics, while Gibbs has contributed 64. Defensive back Ian Kindermann, with four interceptions, is another player Springville must account for.

The Eagles enter on a two-game winning streak, including a 21-0 shutout of Gowanda/Pine Valley. Kindermann caught two touchdown passes in that victory, while Gibbs and Franklin each intercepted two passes. Springville counters with Michalski, who rushed for an eye-opening 363 yards on just 14 carries in last week's 57-20 victory over Alden.

The key matchup will be Springville's explosive ground game against Chautauqua Lake's physical defense. If the Eagles can contain Michalski and force the Griffins into passing situations, an upset becomes a real possibility.

For Benton and Springville, it's an opportunity to continue a remarkable resurgence. For Harper and Chautauqua Lake, it's another chance to demonstrate the championship pedigree that carried the Eagles to last year's state semifinals.

The winner advances to the Class C semifinals, one step closer to a sectional championship at the University at Buffalo.