Newfane wins in a thriller over Wilson
- Jamal Harris
- Nov 13, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 21, 2025
Orchard Park, NY - The Newfane Panthers staved off their crosstown rivals the Wilson Lakemen, in 28-20 all time classic. Panthers quarterback Max Capen’s five yard run put the Panthers ahead with 47 seconds to go in the game.
“Game on the line? Give me the ball, I’m going to get it in for a touchdown,” said Capen.
A failed 4th down conversion with less than 30 seconds remaining, ultimately propelled the Panthers to their first Sectional title in school history.
“This is for future Panthers! You can do this to,” said Newfane Head Coach Chuck Nagel.
The Panthers beat the Lakemen back in late October 46-25; with both teams expecting to meet in the playoffs, they saved their best tricks for the title again.
Early on however it was shaping up much like the previous matchup. Explosive scoring plays from Isaiah Gerstung and Camryn Stover put the Panthers up 14-0. However one handed snag from Brock Lepsch as time expired in the first half kept Wilson in the game.
“I’m not very happy with myself on the offensive side of the ball. Took us a while to get going,” said Wilson Head Coach Bill Atlas.
“I think we had a great defensive gameplan to start, it seemed like every time there was a breakdown it was mostly missed tackles,” said Atlas.
The Lakemen eventually did get it going, scoring twice in the second half on the ground with Nick Lemke and Vic Cusatis. The Lakemen defense tightened the clamps holding the Panthers to just a lone touchdown in the second half until Capen’s go ahead touchdown run.
The Lakeman were able to neutralize Capen’s rushing, only rushing for 40 yards compared to the 223 he rushed for in the drubbing of Wilson back in October. However this time Capen diced the Lakeman through the air with 133 yards and a passing touchdown. In total Capen accounted for more than half of the Panther’s total offense with 173 yards and 3 touchdowns on the day.
The Panthers now travel west next weekend to play in the Far West Regionals
Emily Croisdale/WNYAthletics
what a finish. max capen's five-yard run with 47 seconds left is the kind of moment championship games are made of. brock lepsch's one-handed catch before halftime kept wilson alive. the defensive adjustments in the second half really tightened things up. it's interesting to see how the game plan shifted from their october meeting. Traducir Imagen
hat an incredible finish! Max Capen stepping up with that go-ahead five-yard run with 47 seconds left was the kind of moment every championship game lives for, and Brock Lepsch's one-handed snag right before halftime absolutely kept Wilson in it. The storylines around that 1v1 game Panther squad are just as fun to track as the on-field plays, and I usually dig into team backgrounds with a quick reverse image search on photos from the game to see where each stadium and field is located.
What an incredible finish! Max Capen stepping up with that go-ahead five-yard run with 47 seconds left was the kind of moment every championship game lives for, and Brock Lepsch's one-handed snag right before halftime absolutely kept Wilson in it. The storylines around that Panther squad are just as fun to track as the on-field plays, and I usually dig into team backgrounds with a quick reverse image search on photos from the game to see where each stadium and field is located.
My friends and I sometimes use FMovies when we want to find something to watch together. It usually ends with us debating what to pick, laughing at the best scenes, and talking about it afterward.
What a historic night for the Panthers! Capen stepping up with that game-winning run and dual-threat dominance was exactly what a championship matchup needs. Playoffs always feel like a true test of survival, almost like a real-life fish eat fish scenario. Good luck to Newfane in the Regionals!