Newfane upsets Medina

By: Lucas Vargas

Ayden Buttery carries the ball on a trick play on Sept. 13, 2024. Photo Credit: Lucas Vargas / 89.1 The Point

MEDINA, NY — The Newfane Panthers football team came into Medina and dominated the Mustangs 23-6, handing them their first loss of the new season. Newfane snapped a nine game losing skid against Medina with their win.

Medina's rushing offense tallied just 144 yards, their fewest since Nov. 4, 2022. The Newfane front seven was constantly meeting Christian Moss at the line of scrimmage or behind it. Although he had 110 yards on the ground, it was not enough to help this Mustangs offense

It seemed like everything was going the Panthers' way in the first half. The Mustangs went three and out on their first drive and could not seem to get things going. Turnovers seemed to be an issue for quarterback Preston Woodworth, who threw three interceptions in the game. His first went to Ayden Buttery, who ran back the 35-yard pick six to set the tone for the game.

Heading into intermission, Mustangs head coach Eric Valley gave his perspective of what he saw at half time as his team trailed 16-0.

Jake Morello attempts to catch a deep pass from Mac Capen on Sept. 13, 2024. Photo Credit: Lucas Vargas / 89.1 The Point

"We're getting pushed around up front right now and just making too many physical errors and some mental errors here and there. But, you know, my hat's off to Newfane they came ready to play and they're the aggressor right now."

Things didn't seem to change in second half for the Mustangs, as they did put up a score with less than two minutes left as Woodworth aired it out to wideout Jerrell Nealy for a 15-yard score.

Nealy frustrated after the loss felt the feelings were mutal during the game.

"We were just arguing too much and Newfane was kind of getting our head but we still working and we're going to see them in the playoffs," Nealy said."

Avion Johnson celebrates with his teammates after making a big tackle on Sept. 13, 2024. Photo Credit: Lucas Vargas / 89.1 The Point

"Don't give up, even though we lost, just keep working. Don't ever give up, that's what my mom always told me, always don't ever give up," Nealy said.

The Mustangs' defense was stout in the second half, as they gave up just one score that came off a turnover. Senior captain Brody Fry disrupted the Newfane offense the whole night.

"Simple mistakes up front, they were a lot better in person than on film, so I guess our confidence was a little too high," Fry said. "Came in high, and they just beat us up front right at the beginning. Kind of went down from there.

The Mustangs drop to 1-1 on the young campaign and they look to bounce back on the road against Cleveland Hill next Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.