Legends win 3rd straight Class AA Title game

Lancaster continued its dominance in Class AA championship games winning their third title in as many years by knocking off the Bennett Tigers 17-6 Friday night at New Era Field.

After surrendering a 90-yard TD run on Bennett’s first offensive play from scrimmage, the Legends answered with a 65-yard drive capped off by a Tim Gardner touchdown run.

The Lancaster defense gave up 137 yards on Bennett’s first two offensive plays but head coach Eric Rupp, known for his ability to make adjustments, did just that early in this game. The Legends held the Tigers to just 164 yards in the first half, taking a 17-6 lead into the locker room.

Clark Whiteside drilled a 30-yard field goal and Brian Martin hauled in a 6-yard TD to round out the only scoring in this game.

A penalty flag wiped out a 67-yard touchdown run by Tigers running back Justin Campbell early in the fourth quarter. On the ensuing play Lancaster intercepted a Devotie Pompey pass.

The story of the day was the defensive play of Lancaster. They finished the game with three INT’s a sack and over a dozen hurries. Perhaps the most telling story was Bennett’s inability to convert on 3rd and 4th down, going a combined 1-of-11.

Ethan Jurkowski, a junior defensive back had all three pics for Lancaster.

Penalties were not kind to Bennett either, the Tigers were hit with 15 flags for 105 yards.

The Legends will move onto the Far West Regionals hosted at Clarence High School next weekend. Lancaster will play the McQuaid/Aquinas winner (Sat 7pm SUNY Brockport).