The 2026 NYSPHSAA Section VI Football Championship Preview
Thursday, November 12
Class D Championship — Randolph vs. Newfane
Head coaches: Nate Armella (Randolph) | Chuck Nagel (Newfane)
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The Section VI Class D championship brings together two programs with unfinished business, although for very different reasons. Randolph enters the title game seeking to turn a dominant defensive season into a championship, while defending sectional champion Newfane hopes to make it two consecutive titles.
Randolph advanced with a convincing 28–0 shutout of Wilson, continuing a remarkable defensive campaign. The Cardinals surrendered just 58 points through their first nine games, establishing themselves as one of Western New York's toughest defensive units.
Quarterback Davion Johnson directs the Randolph offense, having thrown for 904 yards and 15 touchdowns entering the postseason. Running back Alexander Garland provides the power, rushing for 1,118 yards and 18 touchdowns during the regular season. Syrai Johnson adds another playmaking option.
Newfane arrives following a 44–20 semifinal victory over Silver Creek/Forestville.
Quarterback Jesse Hughey delivered an outstanding performance, rushing for 160 yards and two touchdowns while throwing two additional scores. Camryn Stover contributed 101 rushing yards, and Jake Morello remained an important presence on both sides of the football.
Previous meeting: Randolph defeated Newfane 34–0 on September 11, 2026. That result provides an interesting backdrop, but the Panthers have demonstrated significant offensive capability since that meeting.
2025 perspective: Newfane captured the Class D sectional championship over Wilson.
Randolph enters looking to reclaim the spotlight.
Keys to the game: Randolph must continue controlling the line of scrimmage, limiting Newfane's rushing opportunities and forcing Hughey into uncomfortable passing situations. Newfane must establish offensive balance, avoid turnovers and prevent the Cardinals from building an early lead.
The biggest question is whether Newfane's improved offense can solve a Randolph defense that has frustrated opponents throughout the fall.
Class A Championship — West Seneca West vs. Grand Island
Head coaches: Mike Vastola (West Seneca West) | Dean Santorio (Grand Island)
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One of the most intriguing championship matchups features undefeated Grand Island against a West Seneca West program capable of attacking defenses through the air.
The Vikings have enjoyed a remarkable 2026 campaign under head coach Dean Santorio, advancing to the championship with a perfect 10–0 record following a 44–23 semifinal victory over Williamsville North.
Junior quarterback Anthony Mantione has established himself as one of Section VI's most dangerous offensive players. Entering the semifinals, Mantione had thrown for 1,319 yards and 17 touchdowns while rushing for 1,341 yards and 23 scores.
He followed those numbers with six total touchdowns against Williamsville North. Receiver Blake Deloreto caught three touchdown passes in that victory, while defensive standout Carter Bondi registered eight tackles, two sacks and two forced fumbles. Jack Heider is another important receiving threat.
West Seneca West enters following an impressive 31–0 semifinal shutout of Orchard Park. Head coach Mike Vastola has developed a productive passing attack behind sophomore quarterback Mason Anderson.
Anderson's ability to distribute the football makes the Warhawks difficult to defend. Bobby Simmons provides offensive versatility, while Alex Quarantello brings leadership and playmaking ability to the defensive secondary.
2025 perspective: Grand Island is making its first sectional championship appearance since 2009 and seeking its first sectional title since 2005. West Seneca West enters with the opportunity to add another championship chapter to its program's history.
Keys to the game: Grand Island must establish Mantione's rushing ability without becoming predictable. West Seneca West must protect Anderson, maintain offensive rhythm and prevent the Vikings from controlling possession.
The matchup between Grand Island's explosive ground attack and West Seneca West's passing game could make this one of the weekend's most entertaining championships.
Friday, November 13
Class C Championship — Barker/Roy-Hart vs. Chautauqua Lake/Westfield/Brocton
Head coaches: Bill Brunning (Barker/Roy-Hart) | Ty Harper (Chautauqua Lake)
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History will be made when Barker/Roy-Hart and Chautauqua Lake/Westfield/Brocton meet for the Section VI Class C championship.
Barker/Roy-Hart enters seeking its first sectional football championship. Barker had never previously reached a sectional final, while Roy-Hart's last championship appearance came in 1985.
The Bulls earned their opportunity with a thrilling 24–20 semifinal victory over Clymer/Sherman/Panama. Senior running back Carter DerSarkissian delivered another exceptional performance, carrying 38 times for 245 yards and three touchdowns.
DerSarkissian has now reached 2,000 rushing yards this season, establishing himself as one of Western New York's premier offensive performers.
Aaron Bowerman provides a second rushing threat, while quarterback Max Townsend and receiver Ashton Ark give the Bulls additional offensive options. Defensively, Hank Trombley and John Brigham have provided important contributions.
Chautauqua Lake has taken a different path to Broadview Stadium.
Head coach Ty Harper's Eagles entered the postseason as the fourth seed but have demonstrated the toughness and execution necessary to advance.
Junior running back Tristen Gibbs has emerged as an important offensive contributor, rushing for 170 yards and two touchdowns in the quarterfinal victory over Springville.
Sophomore quarterback Josh Swan provides passing ability, while Thandon Bensink and Lance Franklin contribute experience and physicality.
2025 perspective: Chautauqua Lake finished 11–1, establishing itself among the strongest Class C programs in the section. Barker/Roy-Hart finished its 2025 campaign in the sectional semifinals.
Keys to the game: Barker/Roy-Hart must establish DerSarkissian early and control the clock. Chautauqua Lake needs to limit explosive rushing plays, create favorable field position and capitalize on opportunities through its young offensive playmakers.
The contrast between Barker/Roy-Hart's powerful running game and Chautauqua Lake's postseason momentum makes this an intriguing championship matchup.
Class B Championship — West Seneca East vs. Orleans County Rivals
Head coaches: Jim Maurino (West Seneca East) | Eric Valley (Orleans County Rivals)
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A regular-season rematch with championship implications highlights the Class B final as West Seneca East faces the first-year Medina/Albion cooperative program, known as the Orleans County Rivals.
The Trojans enter under head coach Jim Maurino after defeating Depew 30–18 in the sectional semifinals. Their offense has been powered by standout running back Josh Urban, who entered the postseason with 29 rushing touchdowns.
Urban's ability to generate difficult yards and finish drives has been a major factor in West Seneca East's success.
The Rivals, meanwhile, have enjoyed a remarkable inaugural season under head coach Eric Valley.
Quarterback Preston Woodworth entered the postseason with 1,463 passing yards and 19 touchdowns. Senior receiver Noah Harrison has been his favorite target, producing 34 receptions for 630 yards and eight touchdowns before the playoffs.
Harrison delivered three touchdowns in the Rivals' 21–6 semifinal victory over Pioneer. Elijah Doxey contributed 74 rushing yards and 53 receiving yards, demonstrating the versatility that makes this offense dangerous.
Previous meeting: West Seneca East defeated the Rivals 35–34 on October 9, 2026. That one-point decision suggests another highly competitive contest could be ahead.
2025 perspective: West Seneca East finished 8–3. Albion finished 1–7 before joining forces with Medina for the 2026 season. Medina's program has now reached four sectional finals in seven seasons.
Keys to the game: West Seneca East must establish Urban and prevent the Rivals from generating quick scoring drives. Orleans County needs to protect Woodworth, create opportunities for Harrison and Doxey, and avoid costly turnovers.
The biggest question is whether the Rivals can reverse their narrow regular-season defeat or whether West Seneca East's physical running game will again prove decisive.
With both teams capable of scoring, the Class B championship could come down to one defensive stop in the fourth quarter.
Class AA Championship — Lancaster vs. Bennett
Head coaches: Eric Rupp (Lancaster) | Steve McDuffie (Bennett)
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Two of Western New York's premier football programs meet for the Section VI Class AA championship when Lancaster and Bennett square off at Broadview Stadium.
For Lancaster head coach Eric Rupp, the championship appearance represents a return to familiar territory after the Legends missed the sectional final in 2025 for the first time in a decade.
Lancaster advanced with a convincing 32–7 semifinal victory over Jamestown, demonstrating the balance and defensive toughness that have defined its season.
Junior quarterback Everett Fix has developed into an important offensive leader, while
receiver Aiden Banks provides a reliable target. Justin Teubner, Cole Klinger, Caden McCoy and defensive lineman Dan Frank contribute to an experienced and aggressive defensive unit.
Bennett, under head coach Steve McDuffie, returns to the championship following a dramatic 14–12 semifinal victory over Health Sciences.
The Tigers feature one of Section VI's most productive running backs in senior Dontre Hampton, who surpassed 1,300 rushing yards during the regular season.
Tyzjon Johnson provides explosiveness on offense and special teams, while freshman quarterback Adriaon Little has gained valuable experience directing the offense.
2025 perspective: Bennett captured the Class AA sectional championship, defeating Jamestown in the final. Lancaster finished 7–3 and missed the championship game, a rare occurrence for the program.
Previous meetings: Bennett defeated Lancaster twice during the 2025 season, including a playoff meeting in which Hampton rushed for 211 yards and four touchdowns. A verified score for their 2026 regular-season meeting was not established in the sources reviewed.
Keys to the game: Lancaster must contain Hampton, win the battle along the defensive front and prevent Bennett from establishing long scoring drives.
Bennett needs to control the line of scrimmage, create opportunities for its explosive athletes and force Lancaster into difficult passing situations.
Both programs possess championship experience, talented playmakers and physical defenses. Expect a hard-fought battle between two teams familiar with the pressure of playing for a Section VI title.
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