In its 50th anniversary season, the Connolly Cup will be presented to the most outstanding high school football player in Western New York. Below are the athletes nominated by the selection committee and their performances for Week 10.
Trevor Barry, RB, Iroquois — Rushed for 185 yards and six touchdowns on 21 carries.
Chris Bergman, QB/LB, Akron — Completed 16 of 27 passes for 288 yards and four touchdowns. Ran 13 times for 70 yards and another 2two touchdowns. Made three solo tackles and assisted on another six.
Jahyden Clark, WR, Canisius — Caught nine passes for 147 yards and two touchdowns.
Antonio Davis, QB, Bennett — Completed 8 of 9 passes for 228 yards and four touchdowns.
Mike Doctor, WR/DB, Canisius — Caught nine passes for 52 yards. Punted twice for 77 yards. Had an outstanding game in the defensive backfield.
Kendal Donovan, RB, Williamsville North — Rushed for 213 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries.
Micah Davis, RB/LB, Fredonia — Rushed for 147 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries. Caught three passes for 38 yards and another score. Made 7.5 tackles on defense.
Amir Douglas, RB/LB, Lackawanna — Rushed for 66 yards while scoring a touchdown on nine carries. Made eight tackles.
Xander Hind, RB/DB, Randolph — Rushed for 285 yards and three touchdowns on 31 carries. Also made 2.5 tackles.
Nate McGoldrick, TE, Iroquois — Caught five passes for 109 yards.
Carson Panebianco, WR, Jamestown — Caught six passes for 128 yards and a touchdown.
Rashard Perry, OL/DL, Bennett — He had four tackles and two sacks while facing double and triple-team blocks. Still managed to dominate on the defensive line, occupying two or three blockers to help other defenders make plays. When in on offense he helped the run and pass games operate at will.
Jameer Thomas, WR, Bennett — Caught five passes 179 yards and three touchdowns. Returned a punt 60 yards for another touchdown.
Antwan Threets, RB, Lackawanna — Rushed for 105 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries.
Vincent Zimmerman, QB, Canisius — Completed 22 of 33 passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns.
Week 9
Trevor Barry, RB, Iroquois: Rushed for 165 yards and five touchdowns on 24 carries.
Dalton Caldwell, RB/LB, Falconer/Cass/Maple Grove: Rushed for 153 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries. Made 11 tackles on defense.
Brady Culhane, RB, Clarence: Rushed for 146 yards and two touchdowns on 28 carries.
Micah Davis, RB/LB, Fredonia: Rushed for 117 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries. Contributed nine tackles on defense.
Dorian Facen Jr., WR/DE, Williamsville East: Caught nine passes for 223 yards and three touchdowns. Ran for 21 yards and another touchdown. Returned a kickoff 75 yards for a fifth touchdown. Had a 2-point conversion to account for all 32 points his team scored. Made 10 tackles, two for loss of yardage.
Michael Frederick, QB/DB, Allegany/Limestone: Completed 17 of 33 pass attempts for 341 yards and four touchdowns. Ran for 82 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries. Defensively he had 1.5 tackles.
Ethan Fry, QB/DB, Fredonia: Completed 13 of 16 attempts for 251 yards and four touchdowns. Ran for 87 yards. Made thre tackles on defense.
Dalton Giboo, RB/DB, Pioneer: Ran 21 times for 91 yards. Caught one pass for 21 yards. Also made eight tackles.
Logan Halladay, LB, Pioneer: Made 12 tackles.
Keadon Holcomb, RB, Portville: Scored two touchdowns while running for 201 yards on 20 carries.
Maddox Isaac, QB, Salamanca: Completed 2 of 5 passes for 67 yards and one touchdown. Ran for 114 yards and another touchdown on six carries.
Justus Kleitz, QB, Iroquois: Completed 15 of 19 passes for 261 yards and two touchdowns.
Week 8
Ben Dickinson, SB/DB, Newfane: Caught nine passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns. Had four tackles and one interception on defense.
Trey Drake, QB, Jamestown: Completed 15 of 22 passes for 185 yards and two touchdowns. Ran for 38 yards and two touchdowns on eight carries.
Michael Frederick, QB/DB, Allegany-Limestone: Completed 12 of 13 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown. Ran for 133 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries. Had three tackles and a fumble recovery on defense.
Ethan Fry, QB/DB, Fredonia: Completed 14 of 20 passes for 184 yards and three touchdowns. Ran for 27 yards on three carries. Intercepted a pass and made 4 tackles on defense.
Billy Gechell, QB, Lackawanna: Completed 6 of 10 passes attempts for 100 yards and threee touchdowns.
Justus Hill, RB/LB, Maryvale: Ran the ball 14 times for 87 yards and four touchdowns. Had four tackles on defense.
Ricardo Kidd, RB, St. Francis: Rushed for 130 yards on 22 carries.
Knicar Lewis, RB/S, McKinley: Ran for 139 yards and three touchdowns on 15 carries. Contributed seven tackles and an interception on defense.
Caleb Nicholas, RB, Amherst: Rushed for 211 yards and a touchdown on 33 carries.
Logan Reaska, WR, St. Francis: Caught five passes for 66 yards and two touchdowns.
Nash Rieselman, QB, North Tonawanda: Completed 13 of his 24 passes for 170 yards and four touchdowns.
Jesse Stahlman, RB, Salamanca: Ran for 118 yards and two touchdowns on six carries.
Jai Starks, QB/DB, Burgard: Completed 14 of 22 attempts passes for 159 yards and one touchdown. Ran for 48 yards and two touchdowns on nine carries. Made four tackles on defense.
Matt Sweet, QB/RB/FS, Eden/North Collins: Rushed for 200 yards and three touchdowns on 22 carries. Completed 4 of 10 passes for 53 yards. Added six tackles on defense.
Noah Willoughby, QB, South Park: Completed 12 of 18 passes for 163 yards and two touchdowns. Rushed for 79 yards and a touchdown on three carries.
Week 7
Carsen Bane, RB/LB, Jamestown: Scored three touchdowns while carrying the ball 19 times for 224 yards. Also had nine tackles and two sacks on defense.
Trevor Barry, RB, Iroquois: Gained 146 yards and scored three touchdowns on 18 rush attempts. Also caught two passes for 20 yards.
Xander Fletcher, QB, Niagara Wheatfield: Threw 3 touchdown passes while completing 14 of 21 pass attempts for 211 yards. Ran the ball 14 times for 65 yards and 1 touchdown.
Micah Harry, RB, Lancaster: Had one touchdown and 125 yards on 28 carries. Added 83 yards and another touchdown on four receptions.
Justus Hill, RB/LB, Maryvale: Ran 18 times for 163 yards and a1 touchdown. Defensively made two tackles for lost yardage.
Bryce Hinsdale, WR/DB/K, CSP: Caught 17 passes for 148 yards and two touchdowns. Averaged 41.5 yards a punt. Had three solo tackles. Kicked an extra point and three field goals, one of which was a school record 35 yards. Accounted for all 22 of his team’s points and his game winning field goal came as time expired.
Amerion Holt, RB/LB, Kenmore West: One touchdown on 10 carries for 100 yards. Had three tackles and an interception on defense.
Amari Jones, QB/DB, Albion: Threw two touchdowns while completing 5 of 12 passes for 91 yards. Ran seven times for 84 yards and a touchdown. Made eight tackles and intercepted three passes.
Javon Jones, WR/DB, Albion: On just seven rushing attempts he gained 194 yards and scored two touchdowns. Added another two touchdowns on five receptions while gaining 91 yards. Added four tackles and an interception on the defensive side of the ball.
Ricardo Kidd, RB, St. Francis: Had 21 carries for 124 yards and scored three touchdowns.
Caleb Nicholas, RB, Amherst: Ran for two touchdowns while carrying the ball 20 times for 130 yards. Also converted two 2-point conversions. Defensively he contributed with four tackles and a fumble recovery.
Demaris Pettiway-Scarver, RB/LB, Bishop Timon-St. Jude: Gained 154 yards and scored two touchdowns on just eight carries. Had four tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss of yardage and a fumble recovery.
Aiden Pitts, QB/DB, Medina: Completed 13 of 19 passes for 263 yards and two touchdowns. Had nine carries for 35 yards and a touchdown.
Nani Rivera, WR/DB, South Park: Had five receptions for 123 yards, while scoring two touchdowns. Also had an interception on defense.
Kyle Stover, RB/DB, Pioneer: Completed only two passing attempts for touchdowns. Ran the ball 15 times for 133 yards.
Week 6
Dominic Anzalone, QB, Timon/St. Jude: Completed 10 of 20 passes for 122 yards and three touchdowns.
Anthony Bowman, QB, Lockport: Completed 11 of 12 passes for 189 yards and three touchdowns. Ran 20 times for 153 yards and another TD.
Brody Doyle, DE, Pioneer: Made 11 tackles and had four sacks.
Trey Drake, QB, Jamestown: Completed 11 of 14 passes for 197 yards and three touchdowns.
Dorian Facen Jr., WR/DE, Williamsville East: Caught eight passes for 120 yards and a touchdown. Made 13 tackles (six for loss) and knocked down a pass at the line of scrimmage.
Ethan Frye, QB/DB, Fredonia: Completed 16 of 29 passes for 271 yards and two touchdowns.
Amari Jones, QB/DB, Albion: Completed 15 of 24 passes for 202 yards and two touchdowns. Ran for 85 yards and two touchdowns on eight carries. Made 11 tackles on defense.
Justus Kleitz, QB, Iroquois: Completed 12 of 14 pass attempts for 272 yards and five touchdowns.
Donny Kreher, WR, Akron: Caught six passes for 129 yards and a touchdown.
Jayden Lewis, WR/OLB, Bennett: Had two receptions for 103 yards and a touchdown. Contributed five tackles and an interception on defense.
Terrance Pendergrass, RB/MLB, St. Francis: Ran for for 67 yards and a touchdown in the first half. Contributed two tackles for lost yardage.
Will Schiller, QB, Maryvale: Ran for 116 yards on six carries. Completed 3 of 7 passes for 24 yards.
Carter Switek, RB/LB, Orchard Park: Ran for 82 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries. Made 5.5 tackles.
Camren Warburton, RB, Cheektowaga: Ran for 294 yards and four touchdowns on 34 carries and became school’s all-time leading rusher.
Matt Welsh, RB/DB, Falconer/Cass/Maple Grove: Ran for 128 yards and three touchdowns on nine carries.
Week 5
Dion Anderson, RB, St. Joe’s: Rushed for 70 yards and two touchdowns on five carries. Caught a 57-yard touchdown. Intercepted two passes and made five tackles.
Cade Anastasia, WR/DB, Olean: Returned two intereptions for touchdowns. Caught three passes for 48 yards and a touchdown. Made five tackles, four for lost yardage. Returned a kickoff 47 yards and a punt 25 yards.
Jermaine Atkins, RB/DB, Kenmore West: Rushed for 261 yards and four touchdowns on 32 carries. Made three tackles while displaying outstanding coverage ability in the defensive backfield.
Trevor Barry, RB/LB, Iroquois: Rushed for 248 yards and four touchdowns on 32 attempts. Had an interception and made four tackles.
Chris Bergman, QB/LB, Akron: Completed 10 of 19 attempts for 220 yards and five touchdowns. Ran for 160 yards and three touchdowns on 15 carries. Chipped in with two tackles on defense.
Max Forney, FB/OL/DL, Kenmore West: From his fullback position in the “heavy” offensive formation he consistently cleared running lanes as the lead blocker. Also ran for 61 yards on 11 carries with a pair of 2-point conversions. Had a sack on defense.
Micah Harry, RB, Lancaster: Rushed for 140 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries. Also caught two passes for 26 yards.
Xander Hind, RB/DB, Randolph: Ran for 133 yards and three touchdowns on eight carries. Added an 85-yard receiving touchdown, with three tackles on defense.
Zander Keim, RB/TE/MLB, Portville: In a defensive struggle, he rushed for 28 yards and scored the game’s only touchdown on 11 carries. Caught two passes for 58 yards. Contributed four tackles with a sack on defense.
Jeffrey Leavell, QB/DB, Hamburg: Completed 3 of 5 passes for 52 yards and two touchdowns. Rushed for 178 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries. Made seven tackles on defense.
Jayden Lewis, WR/OLB, Bennett: Caught two passes for 37 yards and a touchdown. Ran twice for 52 yards and another touchdown. Had two interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. Also made eight tackles with a sack.
Noah Skinner, RB/LB, Medina: Rushed for 193 yards and scored all five of his team’s touchdowns on 22 carries.
Max Stoldt, QB, Lancaster: Completed 12 of 23 passes for 140 yards and a touchdown. Ran for 16 yards on six carries.
Doug Washington, RB/DE, Burgard: Rushed for 102 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries. Second score came during double overtime. Made 10 tackles, with a sack and fumble recovery.
Noah Willoughby, QB, South Park: Completed 16 of 22 passes for 256 yards and four touchdowns.
Week 4
Jermaine Atkins, WR, Kenmore West: Caught nine passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns. Rushed for 44 yards and a touchdown on three carries.
Cureem Hathcock, RB, Bennett: Had 191 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries.
Justus Hill, RB/LB, Maryvale: Picked up 184 yards and four touchdowns on 15 carries. Added a couple 2-point conversions and four tackles on defense.
Danny Klein, QB, Kenmore West: Completed 15 of his 25 pass attempts for 311 yards and three touchdowns.
Justus Kleitz, QB, Iroquois: Completed 19 of 22 pass attempts for 288 yards and four touchdowns.
Nate McGoldrick, TE, Iroquois: Caught nine passes for 138 yards and a touchdown.
Aiden Mescall, QB/RB/LB, Roy-Hart/Barker/Lyndonville: Ran for 164 yards and scored a touchdown on 22 carries. Added three tackles on defense.
Caleb Nicholas, RB, Amherst: Ran for 191 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries. Threw a 19-yard touchdown pass and scored a 2-point conversion. Caught three passes for 68 yards. Returned two kicks for 35 yards and intercepted a pass on defense.
Nicholas Penuvchev, QB, Canisius: Completed 30 of 38 passes passes for 248 yards and four touchdowns. Also ran 10 yards and a touchdown.
Caiden Overkamp, QB, Williamsville South: Threw four touchdowns while completing 19 of 26 passes for 316 yards.
Terrence Pendergrass, RB, St. Francis: Gained 101 yards on 19 carries.
Sean Sansone, QB, Williamsville East: Completed 12 of 22 passes for 310 yards and six touchdowns.
Jesse Stahlman, RB/LB, Salamanca: Gained 145 yards and scored three touchdowns on 20 carries. Completed all three of his passes for 45 yards and a touchdown. Contributed eight tackles (seven solo) with two for lost yardage.
Matt Sweet, RB, Eden/North Collins: Rushed for 132 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries.
Keegan Whitfield, WR, Fredonia: Caught nine passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns.
Week 3
Ryan Carpenter, OL/DL, Randolph: Whether pulling, trapping or eliminating backside pursuit he helped the ground game gain 339 yards and score three touchdowns. Is part of a two-man defensive line that consistently controlled three to four opposition offensive linemen. Had 3.5 tackles and even kicked off twice.
Mike Doctor, WR/DB, Canisius: One touchdown on three receptions for 57 yards. Outstanding play in the defensive backfield.
Dylan Evans, WR/DB, Orchard Park: Had five receptions for 108 yards and two touchdowns.
Kalaugn Ford, QB/CB, Cardinal O’Hara: Completed 18 of 28 passes for 225 yards and two touchdowns. Picked up 74 yards on nine carries and had 3.5 tackles on defense.
Dalton Giboo, RB/DB, Pioneer: Scored on a 65-yard pass reception. Ran the ball 13 times for 55 yards. Contributed on defense with seven tackles and a fumble recovery.
Dalton Harper, RB/LB, Maryvale: Had 10 tackles, a fumble recovery and blocked a punt. Ran for 33 yards and passed for 47 yards.
Micah Harry, RB, Lancaster: Ran for two touchdowns and 140 yards on 21 carries. Also had a 31-yard scoring reception.
Tyrone Hughes, RB, McKinley: Scored three touchdowns while gaining 227 yards on just 16 carries.
Ricardo Kidd, RB, St. Francis: Had two rushing touchdowns on 21 carries while gaining 161 yards.
Sean O’Brien, LB/WR, Jamestown: Led the defense with 13 tackles and an interception. Also caught one pass for 18 yards.
Matt Pannes, RB/DB, Southwestern: Gained 54 yards on 14 carries while scoring three touchdowns. Had two receptions for 14 yards. Added two tackles on defense.
Logan Reaska, WR, St. Francis: Caught nine passes for 107 yards and one touchdown.
Noah Skinner, RB/LB, Medina: Scored four touchdowns on 20 rushes for 192 yards. Also had six tackles with one tackle for loss of yardage.
Camren Warburton, RB, Cheektowaga: Ran the ball 21 times for 262 yards and two touchdowns.
AJ Watts, WR/LB, South Park: Had four receptions for 112 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively he made five tackles and returned a fumble 70 yards for another touchdown.
Week 2
Chris Bergman, QB/LB, Akron: Completed 6 of 12 passes for 81 yards. Ran the ball eight times for 72 yards and two touchdowns. Returned a punt 70 yards for a touchdown. Had 13 solo tackles, six assists and two tackles for loss of yardage. Returned an interception 70 yards for another score.
Jahyden Clark, WR/FS, Canisius: Had five receptions for 111 yards, 13 tackles with two for loss of yardage, and one interception.
Kendal Donovan, RB/DE, Williamsville North: Had 100 yards rushing with one touchdown on 10 carries. Returned an interception 32 yards for a touchdown and added 3 tackles.
Trey Drake, QB, Jamestown: Completed 26 of 49 pass attempts for 360 yards and three touchdowns.
Ethan Fry, QB, Fredonia: Threw two touchdowns and completed 24 of 34 passes for 274 yards. Rushed for 31 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries.
Ben Gocella, QB, Orchard Park: Completed 16 of 23 passes for 354 yards and four touchdowns.
Tayoni Galante, WR/LB, Salamanca: Caught six passes for 133 yards and two touchdowns. Also intercepted a pass and forced a fumble.
Bryce Hinsdale, WR/DB, CSP: Caught 13 passes for 149 yards. Six solo tackles with an assist. Also kicked a 24-yard field goal.
Jackson Newlove, WR, Orchard Park: Six receptions for 145 yards and two touchdowns.
Gian Nuzzo, QB, Franklinville-Ellicottville: Completed 7 of 13 passes for 156 yards and two touchdowns. Also ran the ball 18 times for 94 yards and another two touchdowns.
Rashard Perry, OL/DL, Bennett: Dominate play on the offensive line. From defensive tackle position, had 10 tackles and a sack.
Sean Sansone, QB, Williamsville East: Completed 16 of 24 passes for 179 yards and three touchdowns. Ran the ball eight times 34 yards and another touchdown.
Kyle Stover, RB/DB, Pioneer: Scored five touchdowns on offense, defense and special teams. Recovered a blocked punt in the end zone, touchdowns receptions of 25 and 15 yards, ran 12 yards for another score and returned an interception 60 yards for another touchdown.
Jameer Thomas, WR/DB, Bennett: Had five receptions for 105 yards, four rushing attempts for 36 yards and a touchdown.
Shey Williams, WR, Lockport: Had four receptions for 112 yards and two touchdowns.
Week 1
Dion Anderson, RB/DB, St. Joe’s: Had 112 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries, with 24 additional yards on two receptions, and an interception on defense.
Trevor Barry, RB, Iroquois: Gained 233 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries.
Antonio Davis III, QB, Bennett: Completed 13 of 23 passes for 291 yards with two touchdowns.
Dorian Facen Jr., WR/DE, Williamsville East: Carried the ball 10 times for 136 yards and two touchdowns. Added a pair of two-point conversions and two receptions for 32 yards, with 10 tackles, three quarterback pressures, a deflected pass and two forced fumbles on defense.
Xander Fletcher, QB, Niagara Wheatfield: Completed 21 of 28 passes for 259 yards and three touchdowns, and rushed for 55 yards and a touchdown on nine carries.
Bill Gechell, QB, Lackawanna: Completed 12 of 16 passes for 170 yards with two touchdowns. Ran six times for 54 yards and one touchdown. Also scored twice on two-point conversions.
Alex Gullo, FB/LB, Tonawanda: Ran for 239 yards and three touchdowns on 29 carries, with a couple two-point conversions, scoring all 22 points for the Warriors. Had 17 tackles, forced one fumble and recovered another.
Xander Hind, RB, Randolph: Rushed for 132 yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries.
Justus Hill, RB/LB, Maryvale: Of his eight tackles, seven were for lost yardage. Ran for 69 yards and two touchdowns.
Stats and information provided by the Connolly Cup committee.
Jonah Bronstein is a digital sports reporter who joined the News 4 team in 2022.
