Newfane wins in a thriller over Wilson

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