Girls Basketball

Penfield’s Makaila Wilson (30) pressures Hilton’s Allyson Strauss, who looks to pass.

Monroe County

Spencerport 61, Webster Thomas 58 (OT)

Madison Motsay hit a 3-pointer with one second left in overtime to lift Spencerport 61-58 over Webster Thomas in a Monroe County girls basketball game Tuesday.

Motsay totaled 29 points and hit nine 3’s for the Rangers (6-5).

Kayla Farney had 13 points for Thomas.

Spencerport: Brianna Campbell 18, Michela Contestabile 9, Erin Coykendall 3, Joie Culkin 0, Daionie Davis 0, Val DeRooy 0, Nicole Ellison 0, Luca Fahmer 2, Madison Motsay 29.

Webster Thomas: Kayla Farney 13, Emily Glagolev 9, Nicole Goel 0, Miranda Lynch 8, Caitlin Sanders 2, Emily Tomei 0, Kelly Weeks 7, Darcy Weidman 3.

3-Point Goals: Spencerport (Brianna Campbell 2, Erin Coykendall 1, Madison Motsay 9), Webster Thomas (Kayla Farney 2, Darcy Weidman 1).

Penfield 58, Hilton 56

Hilton: Kelsey Carpenter 0, Raine Gardner 9, Cameron Graupman 26, Chloe Graupman 6, Alyssa Juergens 10, Megan Letta 0, Meghan Schiano 0, Allyson Strauss 5.

Penfield: Kristen Baumer 16, Olivia Columbo 0, Isabella Delisanti 0, Ali Fitzgerald 0, Emma Guy 14, Molly Hines 0, Brianne Moxley 16, Gabby Pancio 0, Makaila Wilson 12.

3-Point Goals: Hilton (Raine Gardner 1, Cameron Graupman 5, Chloe Graupman 1), Penfield (Kristen Baumer 3).

Brianna Moxley scored 12 of her career-high 16 points in the second half and overtime, including four of Penfield’s six overtime points and the game-winning jumper with 14 seconds remaining.

Emma Guy totaled 14 points and 14 rebounds for the Patriots (10-1).

Cameron Graupman scored 26 points for Hilton.

Pittsford Mendon 41, Greece Athena 30

Greece Athena: Carly Allocco 0, Niphaphone Chisouvanh 0, Sara Ciotti 4, Beth Corry 0, Kelechi Dimgba 8, Tatiana Henderson 2, Chelsea Henry 6, Bria Wilson 10.

Pittsford Mendon: Jamie Amoroso 0, Olivia Blasioli 6, Courtney Burke 0, Caroline Cullinan 6, Meghan Doyle 0, Abbey Leon 6, Sara Lyons 17, Ellie Mooney 3, Sarah Stark 0, Shamyah Starks 0, Tiana Swank 3.

3-Point Goals: Greece Athena (Bria Wilson 2), Pittsford Mendon (Abbey Leon 1, Sara Lyons 3, Ellie Mooney 1, Tiana Swank 1).

Sara Lyons had 17 points and six rebounds to lead Mendon (9-4).

Irondequoit 47, Fairport 45

Fairport: Emma Bouchard 0, Emily God 0, Zoe Janes 9, Sidney Mack 0, Tori Mayer 8, Hannah Miller 10, Hannah Ribble 0, Emily Schultz 0, Julia Scofield 0, Catherine Tucci 0, Caroline White 16, Megan Yawman 2.

Irondequoit: Jada Culver 0, Kara Cusker 0, Megan Dano 6, Kylee Kanealey 13, Maria Marcera 5, Regan McGwin 0, Quinn Melidona 12, Caitlyn Merkel 0, Emma Sargent 0, McKayla Schafer 10, Mimi Smith 1, Jennifer Teerlinck 0, Ajalaa Williams 0.

3-Point Goals: Fairport (Zoe Janes 1, Hannah Miller 1, Caroline White 2), Irondequoit (Megan Dano 2, Kylee Kanealey 1, Quinn Melidona 1).

McKayla Schafer scored all 10 of her points in the second half and overtime and added 10 rebounds, while Quinn Melidona tallied 12 points, six rebounds and five assists for Irondequoit (6-6).

Rush-Henrietta 52, Pittsford Sutherland 25

Rush-Henrietta: Averianna Brown 0, A-Laya Callicutt-Wright 0, Alaya Callicutt-Wright 0, Emily Connell 0, Hailey Enright 2, Annika Gates 0, Stephanie Hyde 7, Destinee Johnson 16, Katie Kelly 9, Aaliyah Locke 0, Molly Marshall 0, Michaela McPherson 0, Eva Ragonese 2, Danielle Schantz 0, Taylor Simmons 0, Jasmine Watts 16.

Pittsford Sutherland: Mary Bayer 2, Vicky Beatham 4, Anneliese Brandt 1, Hannah Catallo-Stooks 3, Lena Kaufman 9, Elle Pestorius 6.

3-Point Goals: Rush-Henrietta (Destinee Johnson 4), Pittsford Sutherland (Vicky Beatham 1, Hannah Catallo-Stooks 1, Lena Kaufman 1).

Destinee Johnson had 16 points and three steals and Jasmine Watts added 16 points and seven rebounds to lead R-H (7-5).

Victor 66, Gates Chili 39

Gates Chili: Julie Andrews 0, Taylor Clark 0, Miram Ibezim 2, Sarah Lacey 14, Erika Oeschles 4, Chyna Richards 0, Princess Santos 7, Jourdan Smith 0, Shelby Stepherson 4, Jasmine Thomas 4, Skylar Whitmore 4.

Victor: Emily Gyles 4, Kirsten Haggerty 9, Emily Leonard 2, Kate Leonard 14, Sarah Newton 8, Sarah O’Connell 2, Victoria Reid 1, Kristen Simmons 2, Sarah Simmons 4, Sammie Torlish 2, Franny Valenti 18.

3-Point Goals: Victor (Kirsten Haggerty 2).

Franny Valenti had 18 points to lead Victor (12-1).

Brighton 64, Brockport 36

Brockport: Paige Bauch 1, Rachel Benedict 23, Madison Byrne 4, Bryn Hayes 0, Jasmyn Jessmer 0, Alyssa Morrison 0, Lizzie Reynolds 2, Samantha Sage 0, Lizzy Schultheis 6.

Brighton: Ally Cutter 0, Eliza Demers 0, Meghan Flanagan 18, Jordyn James 3, Lila Platt 2, Aria Quattrini 0, Molly Richardson 2, Makalah Sizer 7, Miyah Sizer 6, Kat Vernon 3, Brooke Wolff 23.

3-Point Goals: Brockport (Rachel Benedict 1), Brighton (Meghan Flanagan 2, Makalah Sizer 1, Miyah Sizer 2, Brooke Wolff 3).

Brooke Wolff had 23 points, six steals and five rebounds and Meghan Flanagan had 11 of her 18 points in the first half and had eight rebounds for Brighton (11-2).

Rachel Benedict scored her 1,000th career point and had 23 points total for Brockport.

Batavia 73, Greece Arcadia 30

Batavia: Andi Bennion 0, Sam Cecere 6, Tiara Filbert 20, Bri Janes 6, Kennedy Lampart 2, Melissa Mountain 4, Elyse Snow 2, Ryann Stefaniak 18, Taylor Stefaniak 15.

Greece Arcadia: Alyssa Ballou 6, Jessica Ballou 5, Justice Bryant 0, Erin Crowell 3, Kristin Davis 0, Aleya Eddington 0, Desaray Freeman 0, Adrianna Magliocco 8, Victoria Pogue 5, Emma Reynolds 3, Martha Reynolds 0.

3-Point Goals: Batavia (Tiara Filbert 2, Ryann Stefaniak 3, Taylor Stefaniak 2), Greece Arcadia (Jessica Ballou 1, Erin Crowell 1, Adrianna Magliocco 2, Emma Reynolds 1).

Tiara Filbert had a game-high 20 points with 10 rebounds and 9 assists to lead Batavia (11-1).

Ryann Stefaniak scored 18 points and Taylor Stefaniak added 15 points for the Blue Devils.

Private/Parochial

Bishop Kearney 59, Mercy 56

Mercy: Traiva Breedlove 10, Alex Hetterick 2, Leah Koonmen 12, Jayla Myles 11, Abby Purcell 8, Danielle Raymond 1, Katie Titus 16.

Bishop Kearney: Lytoya Baker 0, Marianna Freeman 16, Rosa Graham 8, Allure Simmons 4, Arianne Smith 2, Saniaa Wilson 24, Camille Wright 5.

3-Point Goals: Mercy (Abby Purcell 2), Bishop Kearney (Marianna Freeman 4, Rosa Graham 1, Camille Wright 1).

Saniaa Wilson finished with 24 points and 17 rebounds and 7 blocks to lead BK (10-2).

Marianna Freeman had 16 points and five steals and Camille Wright chipped in with five points for the Kings.

Wilson, Freeman and Wright, all seventh-graders, combined for 45 of Kearney’s 59 points.

Katie Titus had 16 points and Jayla Myles added 11 points for Mercy (9-3).

The Monarchs scored on a steal to cut the deficit to three and forced another Kearney turnover. Mercy put up a 3-pointer with three seconds left that missed.

Non-league

Bath: Jadyn Abrams 28, Eboni Allick 0, Madelyn Czajkowski 9, Olivia Fitzwater 0, Morgan Hess 2, Jessica Hillman 6, Samantha Lewis 0, Grace Marvin 9, Alex Siebert 0, MacKenna Taggart 8.

Addison: Sarah Cilino 0, Gabby Crane 17, Cassidy Fenner 0, Krista Lovell 2, Kailey McLean 2, Sadie Morse 2, Madison Risley 2, Taylor Sutryk 20.

3-Point Goals: Bath (Jadyn Abrams 2, Madelyn Czajkowski 1, Jessica Hillman 1).

Jadyn Abrams had 28 points to lead Bath.

Taylor Sutryk had 20 points for Addison.

Harley-Allendale Columbia 43, Northstar 38

Harley-Allendale Columbia: Lenura Aliyeva 2, Imani Baker 4, Kate Bartlett 2, Alyssa Broberg 9, Rachel Coghill 0, Adelaide Flood 10, Caroline Mealey 0, Jalen Nowden 16, Mackenzie O’Hara 0.

Northstar: Ariana Boshnack 0, Erica D’Ambrosio 11, Annabelle Hinds 17, Elizabeth Hinds 2, Sun Lee 0, Aaliyah Pennie 4, Zaria Thompes 0, Brittaney Truong 2, Anna Valenti 2.

3-Point Goals: Harley-Allendale Columbia (Adelaide Flood 1, Jalen Nowden 3), Northstar (Erica D’Ambrosio 3).

Jalen Nowden tallied 16 points for HAC (7-3).

Annabelle Hinds had 17 points for Northstar (6-6).

Churchville-Chili 63, Wilson 39

Wilson: Shania Clark 6, Keionna Gause 0, Zairea Hannah 0, Shy Mitchum 3, Aubrey Morgan-Powell 4, Khamera Muhammad 8, Tehya Pinckeny 0, Ahmere Spires 0, Jasmine Walker 18.

Churchville-Chili: Allison Ariola 0, Emma Bennet 0, Tiffany Binion 2, Skylar Burgess 14, Rebecca Czolgosz 0, Delaney Finewood 0, Kristen Gawron 2, Sydney Hayden 10, Jamilyn Keele 0, Ashlyn Raines 0, Ayanna Simmons 5, Abigail Tabone 21, Emily Tabone 7, Mara Zimmerman 2.

3-Point Goals: Wilson (Shy Mitchum 1, Khamera Muhammad 1, Jasmine Walker 4), Churchville-Chili (Skylar Burgess 2).

Abigail Tabone scored 13 of her team-high 21 points in the second quarter to lead C-C.

Jasmine Walker had 18 points for Wilson.

RCAC

Edison 72, NE/NW College Prep 35

NE/NW College Prep: Evelyse Burgos 2, Gabrielle Lucas 14, Shawntaysia Morgan 5, Regina Qunones 11, Harmony Scott 2.

Edison: Brittani Campbell 7, Dyaisha Fair 20, Island Hoyte 4, Dajona Jackson 2, Aonestie Miles 2, Yashira Rivera 9, Dashiah Sinclair 20, Taajah Smith 7.

3-Point Goals: NE/NW College Prep (Gabrielle Lucas 2), Edison (Brittani Campbell 1, Dyaisha Fair 2, Yashira Rivera 1, Dashiah Sinclair 2).

Dyaisha Fair and Dashiah Sinclair each scored 20 points to lead Edison (8-4).

Pittsford Sutherland celebrates with the championship trophy during the Section V Class A final at Gates Chili High School on Friday, Nov. 4, 2016. No. 2 seed Pittsford Sutherland beat No. 1 seed Irondequoit 3-1 (20-25, 25-22, 26-24, 28-26).

GATES — The names change on the court and at the head of the bench, but the results don’t for Pittsford Sutherland.

The second-seeded Knights rallied from one set down to beat No. 1 Irondequoit, 20-25, 25-22, 26-24, 28-26, in Friday night’s Class A girls volleyball championship to win a fifth straight Section V crown. Consecutive kills by sophomore outside hitter Kieran Nanavati gave Sutherland (16-2) the match in the tight fourth set at Gates Chili.

► More:Penfield wins Class AA

“I just really knew I needed to terminate and I knew I couldn’t swing right into the block so I had to be smart, but I also had to swing hard because I couldn’t play timid,” said Nanavati, a sophomore named to the all-tournament team with her sister, Erina (senior setter), and tournament MVP, Savannah Bothner.

They were among a few key holdovers from last year, along with senior hitter Mary Bayer. Head coach Steve England, a Penfield native, took over this season. He’s the third head coach in the past three years.

Pittsford Sutherland’s Savannah Bothner, right, hits against the block of Irondequoit’s Julie Cicotta during the Section V Class A final.

“We’ve definitely graduated a lot of players but that doesn’t take anything away from the program,” Bothner said. “We still work hard in practice every day because we want to keep the tradition going.”

Bothner had 12 kills and a team-high 22 digs. Kieran Nanavati had 14 kills. Senior libero Guliana Johnson had 21 digs and Erina Nanavati had 40 assists.

The finalists split matches during the regular season. The youthful Eagles (16-4) closed out the first set as setter Emma Sheehan and hitter Drew Kemp, both freshmen, combined on a block. The second set was tight throughout, but a couple of hitting errors on back-to-back points by Irondequoit freshman Jashawna Luke gave Sutherland a 23-20 lead. Knights 6-foot-1 sophomore middle hitter Cami Eder’s kill made it 24-20 and eventually an Irondequoit serving error on the final point gave Sutherland a 25-22 win.

“That was one of the things we were worried about … how were our eighth-grader and our two freshmen going to handle the pressure? I thought they did a great job,” Irondequoit coach Marc Callari said. “I just think down the stretch Sutherland made more plays than us when it mattered and their defense is just unbelievable.”

Sheehan recorded 36 assists and 27 digs. Luke had 14 kills and Stephanie Buehler added 20 digs. Junior libero Julia Vanill had four aces.

In the key third set, Sutherland built a big lead but had to hold on. It led 17-8 when Kieran Nanavati slammed a spike off Irondequoit blockers that landed wide, but the Eagles clawed back and actually led, 24-23, after Sutherland made consecutive passing errors. Miscommunication let both balls hit the court.

But the Knights won the next three points — two on Irondequoit hitting errors and another on a serve-receive mistake — to close out the set. Bothner was key in the late going, posting a pair of kills among the final five points.

“Savannah’s the heart and soul of the team. She’s been the leader since the first day I was hired,” England said. “When things were getting tough, she kept her cool. She doesn’t make a lot of errors and she came through when we needed her.”

The fourth set was also close throughout. Sutherland led 21-18, but Irondequoit tied it and it was tied at 22, 23, 24, etc. until Kieran Nanavati’s second straight kill off blockers hit the court.

“Having the sectional experience and just playing together helped us stay composed and not freak out,” she said.

JDIVERON@Gannett.com

Athena quarterback Ta’von Granison gets past Brighton’s Shea McDonald on his way to a 71 yard touchdown run in the Class A final.

For years, the Greece Athena Trojans have been one of the teams to beat in Section V football.

And the Trojans kept getting beat, and always before winning a sectional championship.

Athena changed that Friday night, when they bridged a more-than-three-decades gap between Section V championships with a 35-14 win over Brighton in the Class A final at Rhinos Stadium.

“I feel great, I feel phenomenal, being able to come out here and do this for my coaches,” Athena senior quarterback Tavon Granison said. “We’ve been pushing, knocking on the door for three years and we finally got it done.

“We finally finished it, and it feels great.”

Greece Olympia (1997) and Greece Arcadia (1988) won sectional titles since the Trojans took the Class AAA championship — the equivalent of today’s Class AA title — in 1981. Now that’s history. The Athena Trojans (10-0), coached by Rob Cerone, are headed to the state regional round to face Buffalo Bennett of Section VI.

“The amount of joy inside of me right now over this (holding the championship trophy) — we’ve been working a long time, we’ve been working years, 35 years for this program to get here,” Kyle Benham said. “This is fantastic. I couldn’t have asked for a better team to play with.

“I love every single one of them. They played their heart out tonight and it definitely paid off.”

.@DandC High School #Football #Rochester NY Section V Class A Final @AthenaHigh 35, #Brighton 14 - Final Athena sen… twitter.com/i/web/status/7…

—
James A. Johnson (@jjDandC) November 05, 2016

Granison helped push the Trojans there. The starting quarterback in Athena’s last two playoff losses at Rhinos Stadium — one in the 2014 sectional final — Granison had touchdown runs of 71, 47 yards and 52 yards, plus two touchdown throws. He did leave game during the fourth quarter, and his left arm was in a sling afterward.

“I’m not going to talk about it,” Granison said.

► More: Alexander wins Class D

The Brighton Barons (8-2) put themselves in the conversation about Section V title contenders this fall with their best season since 1999. This was the Barons’ first appearance in a sectional final, and they lost to just one team on their schedule — Athena.

This championship game between Monroe County league teams was a rematch of Athena’s 28-21 win at Brighton on Sept. 30 of the regular season.

“Last time, they played a weaker Greece Athena team, a less disciplined Greece Athena team,” Athena senior receiver/defensive back Kenny Speed said. “This game we were more disciplined, less penalties and we just played a great game.”

The Trojans scored on their second play from scrimmage. Granison quickly scanned the action in front of him during a running play, picked a hole and accelerated to his 71-yard touchdown. Brighton evened the score late in the first quarter.

Interception and return to #Brighton 29 by Speed gives @AthenaHigh ball back with 30 seconds remaining in half. https://t.co/D3Frp7XHvd

—
James A. Johnson (@jjDandC) November 05, 2016

The Barons moved 69 yards in 11 plays, including a run by Jason Cunningham that converted a 4th-and-1 at the Athena 11. Cunningham, who had 97 rushing yards on 32 carries, reached the end zone on another fourth-down play with 14 seconds remaining in the opening period.

Brighton hoped to move down field and score before halftime, but when the Barons reached the Athena 45, Speed intercepted a throw and returned the ball to the Brighton 29. Athena had 29 seconds to work with, and the Trojans took the lead after Granison connected on a 10-yard pass to Patrick Meisenzahl with nine seconds to play in the half.

With the Trojans ahead 14-7, Granison spun off of defender and hustled just out of reach of Brighton defenders during his 47-yard touchdown run with 10:59 remaining in the third quarter. That helped give Athena a 14-point lead. Brighton turned the ball over on downs at the Athena 35 about midway through the third quarter.

Broken plays began to have good results for the Trojans, but there next touchdown was a good-looking, calculated pass play. Granison faked a hand-off and stood tall in the pass pocket with plenty of time. He made a 30-yard throw that dropped into the arms of Speed with 2:50 remaining in the third quarter.

Athena’s lead was 21 points over a Brighton team that preferred to run the ball. The Barons moved to within two scores after a 9-yard touchdown run by quarterback Shea McDonald with 11:01 remaining. McDonald finished with a team-high 156 rushing yards on 18 carries.

But Granison added his final touchdown run just over a minute later in game time after McDonald’s score. Granison finished with 232 rushing yards on 11 carries and completed 11-of-15 passes for 95 yards.

“I just did what I had to do to help us win,” Granison said. “If that was busting open those long runs, that’s what I had to do.

“I don’t have to do that every week, because I have a lot of talent around me, but if that’s what’s needed that’s what I’ve got to do.”

JAMESJ@Gannett.com

.@DandC High School #Football #Rochester NY Section V Class A Final @AthenaHigh 35, #Brighton 14 - Final More from… twitter.com/i/web/status/7…

—
James A. Johnson (@jjDandC) November 05, 2016

Greece Athena 35, Brighton 14

Brighton   7   0    0    7     — 35

Athena      7   7   14  7    — 14

GA – Tavon Granison 71 run (Damien Mousso kick)

B – Jason Cunningham 3 run (Jonathan Vaysman kick)

GA – Patrick Meisenzahl 10 pass Granison (Mousso kick)

GA – Granison 47 run (Mousso kick)

GA – Kenny Speed 30 pass Granison (Mousso kick)  

B – Shea McDonald 9 run (Vaysman kick)

GA – Granison 52 run (Mousso kick) 

Brighton’s Andrew Zibuck catches a short pass over the middle.

Athena quarterback Ta’von Granison looks for running room out of the pocket.

Brighton’s Shea McDonald looks deep against Athena.

Brighton running back Jason Cunningham looks for running room.

Athena’s Thaj Avies (2) helps tip the ball away from Brighton’s Andrew Zibuck (22) with Kenny Speed coming up with an interception.

Penfield’s Alea Steigerwald celebrates a point during the Section V Class AA final at Gates Chili High School on Nov. 4, 2016.

GATES — The Victor Blue Devils shot out to leads of 6-1 and 9-2 in the first set of the Section V Class AA girls volleyball championship at Gates Chili.

But Penfield didn’t go 105-2 in sets this fall by panicking. The Patriots have a way of modifying that great old song by the band, Journey. Their refrain: “Don’t Start Believing.”

After that hiccup at the start, the top seeds took control and never really let go of the wheel, beating second-seeded Victor 25-17, 25-19 and 25-19 to win Penfield’s first title since 2014 and third in six years.

“We just all took a deep breath and said, ‘We’ve got to get our crap together. We’re going to do this, so we might as well start now,” Patriots senior setter Alea Steigerwald said about the slow start. “Even if we were down 9-1, 20-1, I knew we were going to come back. I have such faith in my team.”

The Patriots (18-0) are ranked sixth in the nation and have their sights set on a state championship. Victor, which also was swept in the regular season by Penfield, finished 15-4.

► More: Sutherland wins Class A

“That was a huge challenge for us. We really haven’t been down that much at all the entire season,” coach Andrew Solomon said. “(It was good) for the girls to show their composure and not panic.”

Victor (15-4) was the Class A2 champion but moved up in class this fall. Penfield was a semifinalist last year, but returned most of its team. That experience and firepower was on full display Friday. After trailing 16-11 in the first set, the Patriots came at the Victor in waves.

Senior libero Jamie Rogers took over serving at that point and didn’t stop until Penfield was up 24-17. She reeled off 13 straight points, as senior hitters Emily Harnischfeger (5-foot-9) and Johanna Gregory (6-2) and junior Elisabeth Lawatsch took turns pounding kills to the floor off sets by Steigerwald, the setter who was named an honorable mention All-American this week.

Steigerwald was named tournament MVP and teammates Lindsay Hernady and Harnischfeger were named all-tournament team. Steigerwald had 38 assists and 15 digs. Hernady had 11 kills and Harnischfeger had 16 kills and 10 digs.

For Victor, junior Amanda Dake had 16 kills and six digs and Emily Weed had 18 assists. Dake and senior libero Linnah DeLong were named all-tournament team.

When the Patriots bomb squad wasn’t busy unleashing spikes, they got busy blocking. Sophomore Sarah Green and senior Lindsay Hernady combined on a block against Victor standout Amanda Dake and that gave Penfield its first lead, 17-16.

Victor hung with Penfield into the teens of the second set, but the Patriots played the big points better down the stretch and Gregory’s emphatic spike to the floor from the middle ended the set.

The Blue Devils hung in there again in the third set, but Penfield gained separation late again and when Green spike the last ball the floor it was over. Victor coach Matt Glover said his team’s mindset was that it had to take the first set and if it did “we might have a shot here,” he said.

But it didn’t happen.

“They’re led by a senior-dominant team and Alea’s a great leader on that team and she’s not going to let her team fall,” Glover said.

JDIVERON@Gannett.com

Bishop Kearney’s #8 Dahmir Pross runs with pressure from East Rochester/Gananda’s #12 Dimitri Georgantonis.

The Section V Class C high school football final included a bunch of touchdowns, and Bishop Kearney needed one more.

Kearney coach Eddie Long knew who he was going to ask to score the touchdown. East Rochester/Gananda’s defensive players probably knew that, too. Long even made it part of Dahmir Pross’ job to move the Kings closer to the end zone.

► More:Victor wins AA l Batavia wins B

“Basically, I knew he wasn’t going to throw the ball,” Pross said about Long’s play selection. “So I’m thinking, let me do everything I can do while I had the ball in my hands, try to get every yard.

“Every yard counts.”

Pross ran 10 yards while scoring the game’s final touchdown with 7:47 remaining to give Bishop Kearney a 36-34 lead held by the Kings defense for the team’s second sectional championship in two years.

Bishop Kearney quarterback Matt LaRocca celebrates the win.

The Kings are Section V Class C champions, after winning the Class D title and going on to the semifinals of the state tournament in 2015.

“I feel good that we won again,” Pross said. “Last year, many people were saying it was Class D, so anybody can win it.

“Now, we’re showing that we can go move up in class and still get Ws.”

Kearney has 10 wins after 10 games, and a spot in the state regional round. The Kings face Cleveland Hill, the Buffalo-region or Section VI champion, noon Saturday at New Era Field in Orchard Park, Erie County.

Touchdown, @BishopKearneyHS takes lead but conversion run is stopped https://t.co/UvJbA3lox7

—
James A. Johnson (@jjDandC) November 05, 2016

The late success of Pross might have been set up by the threat of Kearney’s passing game in the hands of sophomore Matt LaRocca. Kearney’s offensive line, including multiyear starters like senior JaKarri Buckner certainly had something to do with it.

Long said he challenged the players in the area where the Kings were regarded as weak in the past.

“He was really prophetic,” Buckner said. “The line is where the heart of this team is, kind of. Dahmir is a really great back and the line came through today.”

The way was cleared for Pross, a senior named Most Valuable Player, to score three touchdowns among 281 rushing yards on 35 carries.

Touchdown @BishopKearneyHS, 3-yard run, Dahmir Pross and 2-point conversion pass, 8:43 remain 1st. Kearney 8,… twitter.com/i/web/status/7…

—
James A. Johnson (@jjDandC) November 05, 2016

LaRocca connected on passing plays of 52 and 43 yards with Asfa Sill for touchdowns during the first half. Those quick strikes and two of Pross’ touchdown runs had the Kings ahead 30-14 at halftime. East Rochester/Gananda (9-1) surged back.

Junior quarterback Patrick Shanley threw half of his four touchdowns passes — three to Jay Castrechini — during the third quarter. Cameron Cleveland scored his only touchdown — a school-record 63rd at the varsity level, according to Bombers coach Dennis Greco — with 9:45 remaining. That put East Rochester/Gananda ahead for the first time, 34-30.

The Kings’ next possession began at the East Rochester 48. For a couple of reasons, the ball was in the hands of Pross play after play. When the Kings reached the 10-yard line, Pross seemed to snatch the ball during a handoff from LaRocca and headed straight for the end zone.

“I guess he tried to keep it (with the option to run himself),” Pross said. “I wasn’t going to let him keep it.”

JAMESJ@Gannett.com

High School Athlete of the Week – Dahmir Pross

East Rochester’s Cam Cleveland about more than long hair

East Rochester/Gandana #6 Enrique Mosman has this pass broken up by Bishop Kearney #2 Tyke’r Harley.

East Rochester/Gandana #28 Jayden Castrechini is brought down by Bishop Kearney #71 Christian Pietrantoni.

The Victor Blue Devils did indeed win the 2016 Section V Class AA title, and did so with style.

That style was not exactly finesse, more like grinding with a capital G or pounding with a big P.

Named the team to beat, the front-runner for this season’s championship, the Blue Devils are turning challengers back, including Pittsford 21-7 Saturday night in the AA final at Rhinos Stadium.

The Blue Devils have two sectional titles in the last three years after replacing 2015 state champion Aquinas at the top of Section V’s classification for the largest schools.

Victor head coach Geoff Mandile, left, gets doused with water by James Caggiano during the Section V Class AA final at Rhinos Stadium on Nov. 5, 2016. No. 1 seed Victor won the Class AA title with a 23-7 win over No. 2 seed Pittsford.

“Words can’t describe how great it feels,” Victor senior end/running back Zack Estabrooks said. “We’ve worked so hard. Finally, we deserve this.

“We’ve been practicing 10 weeks for this game.”

There is another to prepare for, with Victor advancing to the state regional round to face Lancaster, the Buffalo-region champion. Just like this game, the Blue Devils will go into that playoff game as the No. 1 ranked team in the state, according to the New York State Sportswriters Association.

“We’re not done, we’re not done yet,” Victor junior receiver/safety Andrew Russell said. “This feels good, but we have to show up Monday and get back to work.”

.@DandC High School #Football - #Rochester NY - Section V Class AA Final #Victor 23, #Pittsford 7 - Final… twitter.com/i/web/status/7…

—
James A. Johnson (@jjDandC) November 06, 2016

Victor went to work in the Class AA sectional final, as they gained 391 yards of offense. All but 59 came on the ground. Russell was named Most Valuable Player, as he was the statistical leader of the ball carriers with 114 yards on 10 attempts. Chris Varone added 84 yards on nine carries.

“I think the story was our defense,” Victor coach Geoff Mandile said. “I don’t think they had a first down in the second half until the last drive.

More: Batavia wins B l Kearney wins D

“Offensively, once we got the lead we put it away like we do.”

The Blue Devils seemed to surge downfield after receiving the opening kickoff. Clay Bleier connected with Mike Novitsky for a 35-yard pass play. Three plays later, Bleier threw to Novitsky again, for a 14-yard touchdown.

HS football: Victor’s Geoff Mandile is Coach of the Week

Pittsford fumbled the ball away late in the first quarter, but Chris Cox took it right back for the Panthers with a one-handed interception. The Panthers then pushed their way to the end zone after the interception, scoring on a 1-yard run into a pile of people by Michael DeLucia with 10 minutes remaining in the second quarter.

Victor’s Andrew Russell (9) celebrates after stopping Pittsford’s Colby Barker on fourth down.

The Blue Devils regained the lead with an eight-play, 80-yard drive. Victor’s running game rolled downfield and into the end zone on a 5-yard run by Estabrooks, who had two hands on the ball when he crossed the goal line with 2:05 remaining in the second quarter. The Panthers blocked Victor’s conversion kick attempt to keep the score 13-7.

Victor needed one play in the second half to extend its lead. Russell lined up at quarterback, took the snap, ran to his left and kept right on going for a 79-yard touchdown. He then ran in the conversion attempt to make the score 21-7.

The Panthers, because they were in a hole, went for a conversion on fourth-and-3 at the Pittsford 45 with 3:50 remaining in the third quarter. Pittsford quarterback Colby Barker faked a handoff and took off to his right, in a version of a play that worked in the first half. Not this time, as Barker was dragged down for a loss.

Victor failed to make Pittsford pay with points, but the outcome seemed clear. The Panthers were even denied a touchdown in the final seconds by Victor’s defense.

JAMESJ@Gannett.com

#Victor running game rolls into end zone, Zack Estabrooks from #Pittsford 5. PAT blocked. @VictorFootballB 13,… twitter.com/i/web/status/7…

—
James A. Johnson (@jjDandC) November 05, 2016

Victor 23, Pittsford 7

Pittsford 0 7 0 0 — 7

Victor 7 6 8 2 — 23

P – Michael DeLucia 1 run (Max Hopfinger kick)

V – Mike Novitsky 14 pass Clay Bleier (Sam Castiglia kick)

V – Zack Estabrooks 5 run (Castiglia kick)

V – Andrew Russell 79 run (Castiglia kick)

V – Safety, Ryan Flaitz

Awards 

Most Valuable Player: Andrew Russell (Victor). Roger Bunce Sportsmanship: Matt Gardner (Victor) and Jake BeLias (Pittsford). Outstanding offensive back: Zack Estabrooks (Victor). Outstanding offensive lineman: Ryan Flaitz (Victor). Outstanding defensive lineman: Alonso Person (Pittsford). Outstanding defensive back: Jared Petrichick (Pittsford).

Greece Athena head coach Rob Cerone gathers the team during practice.

When it was time for Dick Cerone to present another championship trophy last Friday, the Section V high school football chairman once again had to clear tears from his eyes.

The Class A title was won by Greece Athena, coached by Rob Cerone. Two years ago, the last time Dick Cerone presented a trophy to his son, it was after Athena lost the Class A final in heartbreaking fashion.

“When you have relatives succeed, it’s special,” Dick Cerone, 82, said. “I know how much Rob has put into it.

“Two years ago, when Athena lost to Irondequoit, I had to present a trophy to Rob. He had tears in his eyes and I was emotional. A couple of years later, they bounced back.”

Greece Athena ends 35-year Section V football title wait

The Greece Athena Trojans actually took 35 years to bounce back to the top of Section V football. Athena’s 35-14 win over Brighton at Rhinos Stadium also completed Rob Cerone’s wait for a sectional football championship, 22 years as a varsity coach, with more than a few competitive Athena teams.

“I used to be on the (Section V football) committee, and I would sit on top and pick the awards. This was when I was a JV coach,” said the younger Cerone, 52. “I would think, ‘Gee, that would be cool someday to get one of those.’ Then I got the head job, and when you first get the job you think, ‘Well, definitely, we’ll win a Section V title.’

“It’s tough. I’ve had some good teams, but Webster was winning state championships, then we dropped down to Class A and Aquinas was in A, and they were a really strong team, a couple of hurdles we couldn’t get over. So to have it happen was really, really something special, for my family definitely, no question about it.”

It was clear there were a few people who were rooting for Rob and Athena, where Dick was the athletic director when the 1981 Trojans won the Class AAA title with Don Hagreen as coach. A two-minute walk from the field with Rob, a physical education teacher at Athena, after the semifinals at Rhinos Stadium, turned into a five-minute stop-and-start full of hugs and pats on the back from well-wishers.

“Going back, I’ve wanted to do this for my coach,” Athena senior quarterback Tavon Granison said. “We’ve all wanted to do this for all of our coaches because (his father) hadn’t been able to hand the block (sectional trophy) to our coaches.

“Last year, I was actually asked, someone asked me, if I could do everything in my power to try and make this happen. So that’s what I tried to do. Just being able to get it done, just to be able to watch the emotional moment between the family, it got me emotional, because we’ve been fighting to do this (since) before me.”

Granison was named the Most Valuable Player of the final after he ran for three touchdowns and passed for two others. He had to leave the game with an injury to his left arm, but is expected to play when the Trojans move on to the state regional, facing Buffalo Bennett at 8 p.m. Friday at New Era Field in Orchard Park, Erie County.

Dick Cerone, who coached the Jefferson varsity football team for 16 years, will be there. He made his way to the Athena sideline with about five minutes remaining in the sectional final, but was told by Rob it was a little early to celebrate. Three game minutes later, early or not, father and son could not wait.

A couple of real-time minutes after that, there was another teary-eyed trophy presentation that involved the pair.

“I hugged him and he couldn’t get anything out,” Rob said. “People captured it. I’ve got video, tons of clips, messages with clips of that moment. I told my wife afterward: the day I got married, we have three kids, that’s like the next one in line, a special moment for me in my life.”

JAMESJ@Gannett.com

Greece Athena football state quarterfinal preview

Athena quarterback Ta’von Granison tries to slip through the grasp of Canandaigua’s Mitchell Pfeiffer (7).

Greece Athena won a Section V football title for the first time in 35 years last week. The Trojans enter Friday’s state quarterfinal matchup against Buffalo Bennett unbeaten.

Section V vs. Section VI Football

State regional round

at New Era Field 

Class A 

Matchup and when: Greece Athena (10-0) vs. Buffalo Bennett (8-2), 8 p.m.

State rankings: No. 4 Athena Trojans, No. 9 Bennett Tigers.

Playbook: The Tigers, who were moved up from Class B this season, also have students from other schools in the city of Buffalo. There are some sentimental feelings around the team, given the Bennett school’s uncertain future. Isaiah McDuffie is Bennett’s dominant player. A running back in Bennett’s run-heavy offense, his future may be as a linebacker at Boston College. The Tigers may have the best set of linebackers in the Buffalo-region.

► MORE: Athena football title brings joy, tears to Cerone family

It would be a shock if the Tigers do anything but have those players focus on Athena quarterback Tavon Granison as their primary responsibility. Section V’s playoffs have had plenty of Granison highlights (15 touchdowns), as a runner and passer, but the Trojans almost certainly will need receiver Kenny Speed to stay on his string of strong performances or have someone else start one. Athena’s defensive line, including senior ends, 6-foot-4 Kyle Benham and 6-3 Israel Dudley, may hold the key against Bennett’s offense.

Athena quarterback Ta’von Granison looks for running room out of the pocket.

Alexander’s Chris McClinic looks for extra yards.

Alexander won its first Section V title in school history

Section V vs. Section VI Football

State regional round

at New Era Field 

Class D

Matchup and when: Alexander (10-0) vs. Maple Grove (10-0), 5 p.m.

State rankings: No. 5 Alexander Trojans, No. 1 Maple Grove Dragons.

Playbook: While this is Alexander’s first appearance in the state quarterfinals, the Dragons seem like regulars. Maple Grove has played in this game seven times, the last two as a merged team with Chautauqua Lake. The idea of being moved into Class C was unappealing so the merger ended. Maple Grove’s Curt Fischer, in his 26th season as a varsity coach, certainly has been here before. Bradley Benson, the team’s top running back, has more than 1,000 yards both rushing and receiving. Benson has scored 25 touchdowns. Running back Trevor Micek (six touchdowns) and receiver Nick Fabrizio (six) also hurt teams when defenses get overzealous trying to deal with Benson.

No Alexander team has won more games during a single season, so that and the team’s first sectional championship means this is a historical season for the Genesee Region league member. The Trojans, at least last week, seemed to be fun to watch, and a composed team with 15 seniors on a 29-player roster. They handled and controlled a Clyde-Savannah team with larger linemen and a flashy running back. “Most of these kids play sports, and they hold each other accountable,” Alexander coach Tim Sawyer said.

No more denials for Penfield boys volleyball.

The Section V Class A championship that has eluded the Patriots, more like been denied them by McQuaid each of the previous two years, arrived Thursday after defeating the defending state champion Knights in five sets at Webster Schroeder.  Players and coaches confirmed the reality by kissing the base of the block-like trophy.

“It’s a feeling of pure ecstasy, I’ve never felt anything like this,” Penfield senior Jack Bittker said. “To do it with guys I’ve known since I was 12, (working and wanting) every single day, they are my best friends.

Penfield’s Jordan Solomon sets the ball against McQuaid.

“There is no better feeling in the world.”

Penfield will participate in the state regional round at noon Saturday at Orchard Park, after beating McQuaid, 25-15, 16-25, 18-25, 25-22 and 25-16. The Patriots face Clarence, champion of the Buffalo-region, for a place in the state championship weekend at Suffolk County Community College.

Section V Class A #Volleyball Final #Penfield vs. #McQuaid Penfield Patriots get their championship. 25-16 does it… twitter.com/i/web/status/7…

—
James A. Johnson (@jjDandC) November 11, 2016

More than 2,200 people watched — it was standing-room only at Webster Schroeder — and part of the Penfield “Birdhouse” student cheering section joined the team on the floor after the clinching point.

“We’ve worked so hard for this,” Penfield senior Jordan Solomon said. “This is my fourth sectional final appearance. Every drop of sweat that hit the floor, every tear came down to this moment and it finally paid off.”

The Patriots remains undefeated at 20-0 after a second victory this season over rival McQuaid. While the teams play in different leagues — McQuaid in the Rochester City Athletic Conference and Penfield in Monroe County — their annual meetings for championships have added spice to the rivalry.

Penfield’s Jack Burke celebrates during the Class A final against McQuaid.

There also was a large crowd when these teams met in October. Penfield won that match in three sets, but McQuaid (16-4) played without outside hitter Ryan Dorgan, who was sidelined by injury.

Jack Bittker claimed before the sectional final that confidence among the Patriots was high, and it showed during the first set. Penfield coach Mike Fusare remarked all season with part wonder and pride about how the mentality of the players on the team had changed.

Fusare described it as “tough in the head”, and the Patriots needed to have that approach Thursday when the Knights snatched the second set and then took the third.

“Down 2-1, getting served off the court by a defending state champion was adversity as deep as you can get in,” Fusare said. “They steadied themselves.”

JAMESJ@Gannett.com

Section V Class A All-Tournament Team: Ryan Sumarsono (Victor), Ryan Algier (Fairport), Spencer Wickens (McQuaid), Jack Bittker (Penfield), Charlie Siragusa (McQuaid), Jett Klintworth (Penfield). Coach of the year: Mike Fusare (Penfield). Most Valuable Player: Jordan Solomon (Penfield).

Section V Class A #Volleyball Final #Penfield vs. #McQuaid Penfield Patriots get their championship. 25-16 does it… twitter.com/i/web/status/7…

—
James A. Johnson (@jjDandC) November 11, 2016

Spencerport wins

Spencerport defeated Midlakes in three sets Thursday in the Class B/BB state qualifier with Josh Rabidoux leading the way with eight kills.

Spencerport will face Eden-VI at 2 p.m. Saturday at Orchard Park High School in the Division II Western Regionals.

John Olmsted had two blocks and two kills in the 25-22, 25-19, 25-23 victory.

Andrew Bertino tallied seven kills and three aces, Trevor Lane added 9 kills, and setter Jarod Barnard notched 31 assists for the Rangers.

“To have fun and earn a trip to New York City,” Spencerport’s coach Aaron Austin said, “it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity they can make if they really want it.”

McQuaid’s Christian Palleschi (14) celebrates with Spencer Wicken against Penfield in Class A final.

Penfield’s Jack Burke celebrates during the Class A final against McQuaid.

Penfield’s Jack Burke (11) and Danny Marcy (3) go up for the block against McQuaid in the Class A final.

McQuaid’s Spencer Wickens goes up for the kill against Penfield’s Andy Scott (13) and Jack Burke.

Penfield’s Jack Bittker goes up for the kill against McQuaid’s Charlie Siragusa (8) in Class A final.

McQuaid’s Ryan Dorgan goes up against Penfield’s Jack Burke in Class A final.