Lancaster Continues to Impress in Rout of Spartans

The record books can tell you everything you need to know about the Lancaster High School football team’s offensive abilities. But these Legends can play some defense and special teams at a high level, too.

Visiting Williamsville North found that out the hard way on Friday night. Firing on all cylinders in all three phases, Lancaster won by a rout for a fourth straight game, posting a 42-14 win over the Class AA North Spartans at Foyle-Kling Stadium.

“It is really fun having everything clicking in all areas,” said junior Ben Damiani, who had two sacks, including one for a safety. “We haven’t faced adversity yet but when we do, I guarantee you we’re still going to come out strong.”

The offensive standouts were on display as always as the Legends piled up 447 yards of total offense and topped 40 points for a third straight week. The defense collected four turnovers, four sacks and a safety.

The special teams set up that safety by burying the North return man inside the five. The Legends also blocked a punt – making it four straight weeks Lancaster blocked a kick – and recovered the second-half kickoff following some miscommunication by the Spartans on a squib kick.

It all added up to another impressive win for Lancaster, which has outscored four quality opponents by an astonishing 185-60 count. The Legends have never trailed and have not relinquished a lead.

“It’s awesome,” said junior standout Max Giordano, who caught a touchdown and two point conversion. He also kicked a 30-yard field goal and four extra points. “We just come out firing. Everybody practices hard – we had a great week of practice. Coach always says to practice how you play and the results will come.”

That they have. Now the Legends (4-0 overall, 2-0 Class AA South) have a week to prepare for what should be the Game of the Year in Class AA South. Lancaster will travel to defending champion Orchard Park at 1 p.m. Saturday with the division title on the line.

“It’s a great team and they’ve been on a tremendous run for about the past 20 years,” Lancaster coach Eric Rupp said. “We’re going to have a great week of practice and we’ll be ready to go.”

If Lancaster continues the way it has been playing, Orchard Park will need a great week of practice as well.

Junior quarterback Ryan Mansell threw for 213 yards and touchdown strikes of 57 yards to Giordano and 42 yards to Alex Barbaro. Zach Samborski ran for 111 yards and touchdowns on 10 and 14 yards and Andrew Hersey rushed for 76 yards, including a 7-yard TD.

For North (3-1, 2-0), Jason Hwang threw for 105 yards, including a 77-yard TD to Andrew Hwang. Marquel Wells ran for 88 yards, highlighted by a 37-yard touchdown. Brett Isler collected an interception on defense, one of two turnovers forced by the Spartans.

Williamsville North also plays a big one next week, traveling to Clarence at 7 p.m. Friday.