Section VI Football Week Three Recap: Class B

The top two teams in each division remain unbeaten. That changes Friday when a pair of heavyweights collide in Cheektowaga.

Pioneer 28, Maryvale 20

The Panthers are 3-0 for the first time in a dog’s age after defeating Maryvale last Friday. Pioneer fed the Flyers a steady diet of Mike Rigerman, who was difficult to bring down and rushed for 252 yards and 3 scores in the process.

Maryvale’s offense was barely on the field and when they were, Rashad Law gutted the Pioneer defense for rushing touchdowns of 85, 70 and 3 yards respectively. They just couldn’t haul down Rigerman when they needed too.

Pioneer did a great job of extending drives thanks in large part to Rigerman. Senior fullback Tyler Ellis deserves a lot of credit, as well as the Panthers offensive line for opening up holes for their all-star running back.

Cheektowaga 39, Iroquois 0

The Warriors continue to dominate in Class A. Three games, 3 shutouts for the Cheektowaga defense. The Warriors line play on both sides of the ball have to be commended.

Keshone Beal had 12 carries for 228 yards and a couple of TD runs including a 60-yarder. Beal also threw two TD passes. He’s having another outstanding season.

Albion 39, Burgard 12

The Purple Eagles rushed out to a 26-6 lead in the first quarter and cruised to a third straight victory Saturday over Burgard (1-2). Albion needs to work on that kicking game if they want to go far in the playoffs.

Medina/Lyndonville/Barker 28, Lew-Port 13

The Mustangs didn’t need any fourth-quarter heroics on Saturday to defeat the Lancers. Izaiah Rhim threw 3 TD passes in the first half and followed that up with a rushing TD of his own in a 28-13 win.

Medina and Co. host Olean (2-1) this Friday night.

Olean 42, Springville 14

After dropping the first game of the season the Olean Huskies have gone out and won two straight. Alex Weakfall is a huge reason why. The senior RB is just shy of 400 yards rushing on the season. He picked up 201 last Friday along with three rushing TD’s (53, 58 & 63 yards). Weakfall also added an 80-yard kick return for a TD.

Fredonia/Brocton 50, Eden/North Collins 13

The Billies continue to make it look easy after defeating Eden/NC 50-13 last Friday. Fredonia/Brocton raced out to a 36-0 lead thanks in large part once again to Joell Colon. Colon had just six carries but exploded for 242 yards and 3 TD’s. Dom Gullo got into the action as well; he had four touches for 85 yards and a pair of TD runs. Dalton Gardner had a game high 11 tackles for the Billies.

Dunkirk 47, Alden 6

The Marauders wasted little time finding the end zone last Friday against Alden. A week after Tonawanda put a scare into them, the Marauders regrouped and put on a clinic.

Tonawanda 7, Newfane 6

It was stated in our Class B preview last week that Tonawanda could be on the verge of something big. Well, that something big was their first win since 2016.

Tonawanda blocked the game winning field goal attempt in the dying seconds to preserve a one-point lead over the Panthers last Saturday.

Warrior senior captain Zach Braddell scored a rushing TD in the first quarter to give Tonawanda a 6-0 lead. Who knew that Alex Taylor’s extra point that followed would hold up as the game winner?

At the very least, Tonawanda has found an identity as a tough team which is the way it should be. The Warriors will not be pushed around.

Tonawanda hosts Alden (0-3) on Friday.

Outlook:

The biggest game in Class B this weekend is Pioneer (4-0) at Cheektowaga (4-0), not even a debate.

Iroquois is in a huge hole at (0-2) in the division. Prospects of climbing out are slim with Maryvale coming to town on Friday. The Chiefs are in the middle of their toughest stretch of the season and still have a date with Albion hanging in the balance.

Lackawanna pulled out a hard fought win over Depew last week as they look to get back on track. The Steelers take on Springville (0-3) Saturday at home and then it’s back on the road against Cheektowaga.

Dunkirk and Fredonia/Brocton week 7 seems so far away. I want it now.. just imagine how they feel?