North Handles Newfane

The Williamsville North Spartans and the Newfane Panthers rarely ever meet.

On Friday folks were reminded of just why that is.

In day one of the Coaches V. Cancer Classic held at Sweet Home High School, the Spartans defeated Newfane 8-0 in Section VI Boys’ soccer action.

It was what the Spartans were looking for as they begin their 2017 campaign.

“We were looking for a strong start to the season,” senior Blake Ferrell said. “We looked good out there and finished our chances.”

The game off to a quick start as midfielder Matt Lindamen, grabbed a juicy rebound off the Newfane goaltender and buried it.

In the 12′ senior Anand Muralli found Ferrell who put it in the top left corner. Two minutes later the pair connected again as Ferrell sent a beautiful cross which Muralli put home to give the Spartans a 3-0 lead.

Ferrell found the back of the net again off a pass from Justin Bonetto in the 24′.

The senior forward ended the game with a hattrick and two assists.

According to Williamsville North head coach Dave Lamastra, Ferrell is a huge presence who will be key the Spartans’ success this year.

“He’s a big strong, physical guy,” Lamastra said. “He receives the ball well with his back to the net. He’s big for us.”

Williamsville North added two more goals before the half including an amazing play by sophomore David LaMastra who scored off his back heel.

It didn’t take long for the Spartans to pick up where they left off as the second half began.

Just two minutes into the half the Panther goalie misplayed the ball and Lindamen chipped it in for an easy goal.

Ferrell scored the final North goal off a cross from junior Todd Witt.

The Panthers were overmatched in Friday’s game. Will North is a Class AA school with a BEDs number of 978 compared to Newfane who is in Class B with 423.

Still Newfane head coach Sean McDonnell was happy to see his team put up a fight against the bigger school.

“We had some positives,” McDonnell said. “We moved the ball well. We have to look at our defensive performance and go from there. They were a good challenge for us.”

Despite the lopsided defeat McDonnell was especially proud of the way Panthers’ midfielders Mateo May, Trevor Moreland, Max Weber and Jarrett Gilson played.

According to McDonnell they are the core of the of team.

“Our core of the team worked hard,” McDonnell said. “They’re the leaders of the team and the guys will look up to them. They will continue to work hard this season.”

For Lamastra Friday afternoon was exactly what he was looking for.

“Our intention coming into the game was to control the place of play and not be a ‘kick and run’ team,” Lamastra said. “I think we did a good job of that today. We moved the ball around well.”

Both teams will be back at Sweet Home for day two of the Coaches V. Cancer Classic. Will North will take on Grand Island and Newfane will face Lancaster. Both games begin at 10 am. All proceeds go to the American Cancer Society.