PLAYERS OF THE WEEK 2025

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Whether running, throwing or playing defense Capen helped the Panthers remain unbeaten. He had a passing touchdown to go along with one TD on the ground while running the ball 21 times for 172 yards. He also had five tackles and broke up a pass.

The Red Raiders had to overcome a tough Timon Tigers team who jumped out to a 20-0 first quarter lead. Clark helped lead the Red Raiders comeback by rushing for 120 yards and three touchdowns on 14 carries. He also returned three kickoffs for a total of 150 yards. One of his returns was an 80-yard TD. The comeback was the 200th career win for coach Jerry Smith who became just the second Msgr. Martin coach to reach that milestone (John Barnes, Canisius HS, 287 wins)

The dominate force for the Trojans offense Fuller had 18 carries for 204 yards and three touchdowns. In this hard-fought Class C-South matchup he was a significant factor in Southwestern’s win.

Helping the Tigers to an important Class AA win Hampton had 13 carries and gained 171 yards. One of his carries was a 65-yard touchdown. He also ran for a two-point conversion. Hampton’s biggest contributions were on the defensive side of the ball. He had a team leading 15 tackles and broke up a pass.

Leading the Macks stifling defense Hill had 11 solo tackles and ended the game with 15 total stops. He was credited with 4.5 sacks. From his full back position, he had one carry which resulted in a touchdown.

The sophomore’s six receptions for 113 yards and a touchdown helped the Redhawks break open the game. Kwaizer also had ten tackles in the Iroquois win.

Wherever Meissner lined up for the Falcons he made quite an impact. He gained 97 yards and scored a touchdown on 15 carries. He also caught 15 passes for 131 yards and another touchdown.

Helping the Tigers to their fifth consecutive win Miller ran for 224 yards on 19 carries and scored three touchdowns. He also contributed six tackles.

When you carry the ball 19 times and average 22.8 yards and gain 434 yards that is usually more than enough to be a Player of the Week. However, Pitts made sure there was not doubt about being on this week’s list by rushing for nine touchdowns which is a single game New York State record.

In a Class AA clash with Orchard Park, Eskridge caught four passes for 95 yards. One reception was on a 36 yard vertical route which resulted in a touchdown. On the play he made what was referred to as an elite adjustment to the ball by those who saw the play.

Whether on offense or defense Fazzio made quite an impact in the Bulls win. He had eight carries, gaining 91 yards and scored a touchdown. He caught three passes for 63 yards and two touchdowns. He had ten solo tackle and two recovered two fumbles. Overall, he finished with 12 total tackles.

In his final appearance of the Redhawks rivalry game with East Aurora, Kleitz made quite a statement. Completing 14 of his 20 pass attempts he threw for 315 yards and three touchdowns.

During a season the offense is putting up incredible numbers, Silas Nellis had another stand out performance. He had nine receptions for 109 yards and four touchdowns. Defensively he intercepted a pass and had 11 tackles.

Leading the Timberwolves to their first league win since 2001 Swanson ran for 131 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries. He made six tackles. He did all this in less than ¾ of play.

Nothing new. Another game with ridiculous numbers. Waring completed 20 of 27 passes for 301 yards and six touchdowns.

Ahearn again demonstrated his leadership for the Legends. Playing long-time rival Depew, he earned his two touchdowns and every one of the 108 yards he gained on his ten carries. His performance was described by a local high school football observer as spectacular.

In a contest with playoff seeding implications Bensink turned in a rather impressive performance. He scored three rushing touchdowns and gained 130 yards on 16 carries. Defensively he totaled ten tackles.

Without playing the entire first half Bonta scored four touchdowns on eight carries while gaining 143 yards. He intercepted a pass which he returned for his fifth touchdown of the day.

Facing rival Lancaster, Bridenbaker did not let the fact that the Legends are a considerably larger school slow him down. He scored a touchdown while gaining 218 yards on 26 carries. He also caught a pass for a second TD. Defensively he had eight tackles.

With the class D division title at stake Capen led the Panthers to with a statement performance. He had five rushing touchdowns while carrying the ball 23 times for 223 yards. Defensively, he had six total tackles, two of which were for loss of yardage. He also broke up two passes thrown his way.

In a key class D matchup Capozzi led the Panthers to a win with playoff seedings at stake. He ran for 35 yards and a touchdown. He threw for 261 yards while completing 22 of 34 passes. He threw for two touchdowns, including the game winning score.

Ceasar was a major factor in the Billies win whether running or catching the ball. He scored two touchdowns on 13 carries for 160 yards. As a receiver he caught four passes for 64 yards and a third touchdown.

In a nasty, chippy rivalry game Ciancio caught three touchdown passes for the Redhawks. He finished the day with five receptions for 138 yards.

Facing the second ranked team from Erie, Pa. Cook had an explosive game. He had 14 carries for 158 yards and two touchdowns. Those scores came off runs of 68 yards and 61 yards.

Reiter only had ten carries for the Bulls. He averaged 16 yards per carry a scored two touchdowns including runs of 80 yards and 45 yards. From the defensive side of the ball, he made nine tackles-eight of which were solo stops.

Not often is your team outscored by a two to one margin and you are a Player of the Week. However, anyone who watched Rola this week knows he belongs on our list. On a team with significant injuries, he was able to keep the Griffins competitive against a much better opponent longer than most expected. He completed 13 of 20 passes for 292 yards. His four touchdown passes set a school record. He also ran for 82 yards including a 40-yard

touchdown.

In a Class AA matchup against Lancaster Valentine again led the Tigers to an impressive victory. He ran the ball 28 times for 204 yards. He scored three touchdowns including one from 37 yards out. Defensively he played both linebacker and nickel back. From either position he helped limit the Legends to less than 50 yards running and under 200 yards total offense.

During what has so far been an impressive season Waring had his best statistical game to date. He was a perfect 13 for 13 passing for 281 yards and  four touchdowns. Running the ball, he added another two touchdowns for the Raiders.

Whenever you play West Seneca East you can expect a hard-hitting game. This was no exception and Zankl answered the call for the Billies. He caught nine passes for 212 yards and three TDs. One of those receptions was a short pass that he turned into a 75-yard catch and run for a touchdown. From his defensive back position, he contributed six tackles.

It was a tight contest for the first half. Ziegler helped the Panthers blow the game open with 295 yards and four touchdowns on 28 carries. He also caught one pass which resulted in a 27-yard TD. Defensively, he had five sacks and seven total tackles.

Special recognition has been earned by the entire Amherst Tigers football team after suffering the tragic loss of head coach Jason Beckman. This past week his Tigers showed the determination, heart and commitment that would have made coach Beckman proud.

Traveling yet again to Erie, Pa., Anderson helped the Red Raiders to yet another victory. He scored three times while making five receptions.

Helping the Spartans continue their winning ways Brown gained 265 yards and scored three touchdowns on 25 carries.

Collins had quite the day for the Billies. His first touchdown came after making a one-handed catch and out running the defenders to the end zone. His second touchdown came while in the end zone and out jumping and reaching over the defensive backs. He was a defensive presence assisting on tackles and breaking up passes.

Scoring the Steelers only offensive touchdown Dahli ran 24 times for 151 yards. He intercepted a pass, had six tackles and caused a fumble during their shut-out win.

Delong turned both of his pass receptions into touchdowns. Helping the Black Knights to their first win of the 2025 season he made eight tackles and recovered a fumble. He also kicked an extra point.

In a very close game Horsman had seven receptions and 94 yards. He made ten tackles and an interception which preserved the win for the Flames.

Against another strong out of area opponent Kimble once again shined. He ran for 272 yards and four touchdowns on just 18 rushes. Seeing more time on the defensive side of the ball he was just as impactful. Of his 12 tackles 11 were individual stops with two for loss of yardage. He also had one pass break up.

In a closely contested game Mentley- Peters was an offensive workhorse. He had 24 carries for 206 yards. Defensively he led the team with 13 tackles.

Creating separation and running precise routes Markham had quite the efficient day. With just two receptions he gained 96 yards and turned both catches into touchdowns. He also intercepted a pass, broke up a pass and made a tackle behind the line of scrimmage.

Helping the Macks return to the win column Moore was impactful all over the field. He gained 174 yards and scored a touchdown on just eight carries. Although it did not result in a score, he had a 56-yard punt return. From his linebacker position he made six tackles and defended against two passes.

Continuing a season of having an impact in all three phases of the game Phillips totaled 368 yards. Carrying the ball 17 times he gained 191 yards and scored three touchdowns. He also had three receptions for 77 yards and another score. On special teams he returned a punt for a touchdown and totaled 74 more yards in kickoff returns. On the defensive side of the ball he had two interceptions, forced a fumble and had a fumble recovery.

Continuing to prove his importance to the Panthers Platt ran 16 times for 190 yards and two touchdowns while playing just a little more than the first half. Along with five solo tackles he had two interceptions, one of which he returned for another TD.

Another week, another game with double digit receptions. Skutnik caught 11 passes for 160 yards and three touchdowns. He returned a punt 71 yards for a fourth TD. He also successfully kicked three of his four extra point attempts.

Although his team came up short Smith still had an impressive game. He ran for three touchdowns and gained 230 yards on 17 carries. He added another 72 yards with four receptions. Smith also made six tackles.

With the ability to secure the pass, run through traffic and take hits Williams helped the Falcons continue their unbeaten season. He accounted for all of his team’s receiving yardage. Three catches, two touchdowns and 150 yards.

Against a tenacious Niagara Wheatfield team Arnold displayed composure while leading his team to a hard fought win. Through the air he completed 13 of his 20 passes for 150 yards and a touchdown. He also ran 12 times for 51 yards and another score.

There has never been a question of Ahearn's

leadership both on and off the field. Showing his willingness to do whatever is best for the Legends he has sacrificed personal accomplishment for the good of the team. This week he was able to lead his team to victory while also having an outstanding statistical day. In an abbreviated appearance he only carried the ball ten times. However, he scored five touchdowns and

gained 203 yards.

Showing he has recovered from an earlier injury Clark had two rushing touchdowns. While sharing backfield duties Clark had 13 carries for 106 yards.

Throwing three TDs he completed 8 of 9 passes for 123 yards.

It is becoming routine for Funderburk to impact each game he plays even with limited touches. He

scored three touchdowns and gained 171 yards while running the ball just eight times. He also had two pass break ups and two tackles.

Eight receptions, 127 yards and a touchdown make for a very good afternoon. For Gerstung there was more significance from those receptions. He now has 87 career catches which sets a new school record, surpassing Austin Lauricella.

In a highly anticipated matchup against McKinley, Guy ran for 172 yards and a touchdown on just 12

carries. He returned a fumble recovery 25 yards for a second score. He made ten tackles, assisted on another and had a tackle for loss of yards.

On an extremely talented

Bennett team for many sophomores making the varsity team is an

accomplishment. As a sophomore Hargrove has been a starter since eighth grade. He has developed into a hybrid player who lines up at multiple positions on both sides of the ball. He is making contributions all over the field. Against a quality Jamestown team he stood out playing defense. He made 17 tackles and even broke up a pass.

Continuing to rewrite the Section VI and

Western New York passing record book Kleitz finished this week's game

with six passing touchdowns connecting on 16of 21 attempts for 171 yards. Earlier this season he set the all time mark for career passing yards. This week his six TD's gave him a total of 90 career touchdown passes which is the new Section VI and Western New York record. The previous record was 87 touchdown passes.

In all phases of the game Lewis was dominate. He completed 11 of 12 passes for 170 yards and a

touchdown. He ran for two more TDs carrying the ball 16 times for 131 yards. He returned a punt 66 yards for yet another score. He also intercepted a pass and had five tackles.

Along with his brother Silas, Isaiah is part of one of the area's top receiving duos. This week he had two touchdowns and 194 yards on nine catches.

As he has all season Nellis had another outstanding performance. He had eleven receptions for 113 yards. Four of those catches resulted in touchdowns. Defensively he make five tackles, had a sack and another tackle resulting in loss of yardage.

Ten tackles including five tackles for loss of yardage - three of which were sacks - is more than enough to be considered as a Player of the Week. That was only one third of Sacco's contributions. He completed a 26 yard pass and even threw for a 2-point conversion off a fake PAT kick. Using his 6' 2, 325 pound frame to his advantage he ran the ball four times for 53 yards. One of those carries

resulted the game winning score in the second overtime session.

In a dominating team win Szratter threw three touchdowns while completing 8 of his 13 passes for 249 yards. He also was a perfect 5 of 5 kicking extra points.

Against previously undefeated West Seneca West, Weissenburg threw for 134 yards and three

touchdowns. He also ran for 111 yards on 14 carries.

Sometimes numbers tell the story. Other times there is a story in the numbers. Bridenbaker’s performance is a little of both. With 24 carries he rushed for 297 yards and scored four TDs. With a 40-yard reception he finished with 337 yards from scrimmage. Both totals established new school records in a single game.

Facing a quality opponent in Cathedral Prep (Erie, Pa.) Buttles completed 15 of 22 passes for 198 yards and two touchdowns. Showing he is recovered from an early season injury he ran the ball eight times and gained 63 yards. On the defensive side of the ball, he had a team leading ten tackles.

In less than two quarters of play Capen gained 238 yards and scored four touchdowns on just 14 carries. He also made six tackles while helping his team remain unbeaten.

Dowdy’s touchdown reception helped Salamanca pull away from a stubborn Falconer team. Providing consistent support and making six tackles he was able to help his defense neutralize the outside run attack.

Making the most of a limited appearance Coleman scored four touchdowns on just five carries. He finished with 155 rushing yards. From his defensive back position, he made eight tackles.

In an important Class C – North matchup Dersarkissian led his team to victory. On just ten carries he ran for 127 yards and scored a touchdown. Defensively he made a critical interception while Eden was working toward a comeback. Late in the third quarter he picked off a pass at his own six-yard line ending an Eden scoring threat.

With an obvious toughness Ford picked up 109 yards on the ground and scored two touchdowns leading the Macs to victory over the previously unbeaten Williamsville East.

The most recent edition of Western New York’s most storied rivalry between St. Joe’s v Canisius saw excellent performances all over the field. None better than Elijah Kimble. On the day he set the school record for all-time rushing yards his first three carries all went for long touchdowns. He finished the day with a dominating 254 yards on just 12 carries.

In a hard-fought low scoring game Hawes stood out with eight receptions for 119 yards and a touchdown. Defensively he chipped in with four tackles.

Another outstanding performance in this rivalry game was turned in by the other half of Canisius’s incredible backfield. Hernandez scored four touchdowns, gained 148 yards while rushing just 11 times. Special mention should be made of the Crusaders offensive line. Against a strong defense the line led the way for 439 yards gained on the ground.

Mest threw for 299 yards as he completed 15 of his 23 attempts. Of his four touchdown passes one covered 97 yards. He also made five tackles, intercepted a pass and recovered a fumble.

Averaging nearly 15 yards on each of his 13 carries Moss ran for 195 yards and one touchdown. His lone pass reception resulted in a 32-yard TD. He made six tackles including one for loss of yardage.

Quarantello caught three passes for 35 yards. His real impact came while playing defense. He finished the game with an incredible four interceptions; one of which he returned for a touchdown. He had a fifth take away with a fumble recovery.

An imposing presence whenever he steps on the field Valentine scored three touchdowns and gained 140 yards while carrying the ball 18 times.

As the outstanding offensive player on the field Zeigler ran for five touchdowns. He had 19 carries for 223 yards.

He ran more than he threw. With 16 carries he gained 179 yards and scored three touchdowns. He contributed four tackles (one for loss of yardage) and forced a fumble. 

Football people understand that statistics don’t always tell the full story of a player’s contribution to his team. This is one of those instances. Of course, his three passing and one rushing touchdowns were important to his team. His leadership, toughness and hard work are of equal importance. 

He gained 189 yards and scored one touchdown with 23 carries. Over 100 of those yards came after initial contact by the defense. On defense he had eight tackles and broke up two passes. 

With outstanding efficiency he completed 13 of 15 pass attempts. He threw for 196 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for 50 yards and three more scores. 

In one of the weekend’s most exciting games the senior linebacker stepped up when his team needed him. His eight tackles and three assists were certainly important. His 33 yard interception return in the final minute of the fourth quarter to win the game could certainly be considered the play of the night. 

He was outstanding on both offense and defense. With eight receptions he scored three touchdowns while gaining 149 yards. On the other side of the ball he had eleven solo tackles, assisted on two others with one tackle being for loss of yardage. 

All three of his touchdowns came through the air as he caught six passes for 112 yards. He chipped in with five tackles, a sack and a tackle for loss of yards.  

Putting up impressive numbers he threw four touchdowns while completing 19 of 28 passes for 233 yards.

Against a Sec. V opponent he completed 14 of 22 pass attempts for 171 yards and three touchdowns. He also added a rushing touchdown. 

To date the Eagles defense has given up eight points in three games. Leading the way to a second consecutive shutout he made eleven tackles, a sack, two tackles for loss of yardage and recovered a fumble. 

Completing 20 of 29 passes for 315 yards and four touchdowns is, in and of itself, enough to merit recognition. However, that does not tell the whole story of this performance. Justus Kleitz has become Western New York’s record holder with 7,700 career passing yards. The previous record was held by St. Francis’ Jerry Hickson with 7,610 yards.  

With a notable performance he made seven solo tackles. He assisted on four others and had a quarterback sack. He intercepted a pass and recovered two fumbles. If that wasn’t enough, he returned one fumble for a touchdown. 

A welcomed addition, playing his first game of the season because of injuries he contributed on both sides of the ball. He ran for a touchdown while gaining 152 yards on 27 carries. Defensively, he made ten tackles. 

During a weekend with many outstanding defensive performances his was as good as anyone. He made an incredible 14 tackles and assisted on three others. He had four sacks and four tackles for loss of yardage. He also ran the ball once which resulted in a touchdown. 

Demonstrating poise and leadership while showing off a very strong arm he threw for 191 yards and a touchdown. He also gained 78 yards and scored two more touchdowns. 

The freshman quarterback continues to impress both passing and running. He completed 17 of 24 attempts for 185 yards and a touchdown. Running the ball eight times, he scored three more touchdowns.

Averaging over 9 yards per carry he gained 201 yards on 22 carries and scored two touchdowns.

In an offensive track meet he gained 276 yards and scored four touchdowns while carrying the ball just 19 times.

Turning in a dominate performance he threw four touchdowns while completing 16 of 23 attempts for 263 yards. He also ran for another TD.

He was extremely productive scoring three touchdowns with five receptions for 83 yards.

Averaging an incredible 20 yards per carry against a top tier defense he gained 200 yards and scored two touchdowns.

He had an impressive completion percentage of 80% connecting on 16 of 20 passes for 150 yards. He threw for three touchdowns. He also added 73 rushing yards.

In a limited appearance he caused damage mainly running the ball. He had 16 carries, gained 179 yards and scored four touchdowns. He also intercepted a pass from his defensive back position.

Contributing both running and passing he threw for 207 yards and three touchdowns while completing 12 of 19 attempts. He also ran for 145 yards and another TD while carrying the ball just five times.

He impacted the game in all three phases. He caught 10 passes for 169 yards and three touchdowns and caught a 2-point conversion. He kicked two extra points and also blocked a kick. Additionally, he intercepted a pass and made four tackles.

Dominating on both offense and defense he caught five passes for 102 yards and three touchdowns. Defensively he made five tackles (two of which were for loss of yardage), had a sack, a forced fumble and a recovered a fumble.

The Connolly Cup Committee almost never honors a player two times in the first three weeks of a season. However, setting the New York State record with nine touchdown passes in a single game merits special recognition. Along with those nine touchdowns he completed 23 of 35 passes for 435 yards. His offensive line as well as his receivers also earned special mention.

In an important Class C-South matchup he led his team to victory by completing 17 of 25 passes for 225 yards and five touchdowns.

He threw for two touchdowns and completed 10 of 18 pass attempts for 213 yards.

With 11 receptions he gained 205 yards and scored one touchdown. He made six tackles from his defensive back position.

He ran for the ball 22 times gaining 142 yards and scored three touchdowns. From his linebacker position he made 11 tackles. One of which was a loss of yardage. 

Doing a bit of everything he ran just 11 times for 246 yards and four touchdowns. He completed an 86-yard pass for another TD and had two receptions. He made seven tackles and intercepted a pass. 

In his debut with the Red Raiders he completed 15 of 30 pass attempts for 284 yards and two touchdowns, along with a two-point conversion. He carried the ball for 57 yards and another two scores. Defensively, he had ten tackles while also intercepting a pass. 

In an abbreviated appearance he completed 12 of his 19 pass attempts for 141 yards. Running the ball 14 times, he gained 206 yards and scored four touchdowns. 

In a hard-fought contest he ran 24 times and gained 299 yards while scoring four touchdowns. He also completed 9 of 18 passes for 184 yards and another touchdown. 

Through the air he gained 122 yards while catching five passes and scored two touchdowns. He added another TD returning a kick 86 yards, Defensively, he contributed with two pass interceptions. 

In an explosive and dominate performance with just 13 rushing attempts he gained 315 yards. He scored four touchdowns and added a two-point conversion.

Turning in outstanding performances on both sides of the ball he had 19 rushing attempts while gaining 142 yards and scoring two touchdowns. Defensively he had eleven tackles, two sacks and two tackles for loss of yardage. 

He scored twice running the ball while gaining 171 yards with only 12 carries. He added 48 yards with two receptions. Defensively he made nine tackles, had a sack with one tackle for loss of yardage.

He carried the ball 14 times and scored two touchdowns while gaining 107 yards and scoring three 2-point conversions. He also made four tackles and had an interception. 

Helping the Falcons to a statement victory he had 11 rushing attempts gaining 103 yards and two TDs. He also returned a kickoff 80 yards for another touchdown. 

Accounting for all of his teams’ points threw two touchdowns while completing 19 of 34 passes for 211 yards. He rushed for 64 yards, two more touchdowns and both two-point conversions. 

Leading his team to their first home victory in five years he scored three touchdowns while gaining 151 yards with 18 carries. From his linebacker position he contributed six tackles. 

He completed 15 of 25 passes for 179 yards and a touchdown. That game winning touchdown pass came with just 23 seconds remaining in the game. 

Proving up to the task of a heavy workload he carried the ball 38 times, gained 208 yards and scored three touchdowns.