4 games to watch: Rivalry week, playoff implications in WNY football
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- It's rivalry week in Western New York, and the final slate of regular season games before the Section VI playoffs begin. Here are four games to watch.
Bennett at Orchard Park
7 p.m. Friday
Three-time reigning Class AA champion Bennett, ranked No. 2 among WNY large schools, can clinch another division title and top seed for the playoffs with a victory. ... No. 5 Orchard Park would gain the second seed and home-field advantage for a potential semifinal rematch with Bennett. ... Tigers haven't lost against a local opponent in past two seasons and have allowed 61 points in six games against WNY competition. ... Orchard Park's only loss came against No. 4 Lancaster. ... Bennett's E'Ryan Lawrence earned Connolly Cup nomination after totaling 243 total yards and four touchdowns in 47-7 win against Lockport. ... Orchard Park's Brady Ciano is tied for WNY lead with 22 touchdown passes. Twin brother Jack Ciano has caught 15 of them, the most in the area. ... Game will be broadcast on WNED-TV and WBFO radio.
Maryvale at Lackawanna
2 p.m. Saturday
Winner takes B-3 division title and one of the top seeds in the overall Class B playoffs. ... Maryvale, the No. 4 small school in WNY, could find itself out of the playoff picture with a loss and tiebreaker misfortune. ... Maryvale QB Jaxsyn Moritz tied Section VI record passing for seven TDs in in 49-7 win against Dunkirk. ... Lackawanna has been unanimous No. 1 in WNY for several weeks, coming of 36-12 win at Springville. ... Steelers RB Tyrone Clark Jr. rushed for 160 yards after missing previous two games due to injury. ... Game will be streamed by Western New York Athletics
Lancaster at Depew
7 p.m. Friday
Great American Rivalry Series game in its 150th year. ... Lancaster has won past nine meetings, including 39-7 triumph last year. ... Legends LB Michael Falls received Connolly Cup nomination after making 14 tackles in 42-36 win against Niagara Falls. ... Depew appeared to be playoff-bound before losing past two close games against Maryvale and Olean.
Niagara Wheatfield at Williamsville North
7 p.m. Friday
De facto playoff game as winner claims final spot in Class A bracket and loser heads to the Chuck Funke Bowl.