ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Lancaster Legends redeemed their status as the top team in the section's largest classification.
With Buffalo Bills linebacker and alumnus Joe Andreessen supporting from the sideline, Lancaster came back in the second half to beat Jamestown 28-21 on Friday night at Highmark Stadium. The Legends have now won six Section VI Class AA titles in nine consecutive title game appearances, but this was their first triumph in four seasons.
“As a program, to win six championships in nine years, it’s just an unbelievable accomplishment,” coach Eric Rupp said. “The kids weren’t starstruck by the stadium or the bright lights. We’ve got guys that have been out here three years in a row. So that certainly helped.”
Alex Krup was 19 of 28 passing for 329 yards and two touchdown tosses to John Gang, who also ran for a score. Gang's 53-yard TD reception down the sideline proved to be the game-winner. Andrew Moberg ran for the other touchdown, and Justin Hartwig had 176 yards receiving along with an interception to thwart Jamestown's final drive.
Chase Bonta ran for 174 yards and two touchdowns, and Carson Panebianco had 74 yards receiving with a touchdown on the last play of the first half that gave the Red and Green a 14-7 lead.
Jamestown (6-5) upset three-time champion and top-seed Bennett to reach the sectional final for the first time since winning a state title in 2014.
"Class AA, we say it every week, but anybody can win," Rupp said. "There were so many good teams this year. Regardless of who made it to the championship, you know it was going to be a great, competitive matchup.
Lancaster (9-2) now advances to the Far West Regional playoffs against the Section V champion on Saturday at SUNY Brockport.
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Jonah Bronstein joined the WIVB squad in 2022 as a digital sports reporter. The Buffalonian has covered the Bills, Sabres, Bandits, Bisons, colleges, high schools and other notable sporting events in Western New York since 2005, for publications including The Associated Press, The Buffalo News, and Niagara Gazette. Read more of his work here.
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