All State Team Honorable Mentions: Class A
In this article:
The last couple of weeks, I have covered the top players in Western New York that made the All State team. Here are those players that made honorable mention in Class A; athletes that made an impact for their school…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe last couple of weeks, I have covered the top players in Western New York that made the All State team. Here are those players that made honorable mention in Class A; athletes that made an impact for their school but for one reason or another did not get the same recognition from New York State.
Branden Liggans
Branden Liggans
Unlike most Quarterbacks, McKinley’s Branden Liggans played both sides of the ball. As a Defensive End in his last two seasons, he was exceptional – tallying 92 tackles, 5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries. He is very quick off the ball and tackles with aggressiveness. His overall agility was showcased in his role as Quarterback. Branden accounted for 3,254 yards through the air and on the ground (828 yard were rushing). He also added 20 total touchdowns. Liggans is incredibly agile with a great spin move. His footwork is great. Branden Liggans is still undecided on what he wants to do after graduation. While he does have a decent arm, his athletic future may lie in converting to RB/WR or on the defensive side of the ball, where I think he would flourish.
Nigel McDuffie Nigel McDuffie 5’10” | 150 lbs | ATH McKinley | 2024 State NY did it all; playing as a Running Back, Wide Receiver and Strong Safety. He also was a major contributor in the return game. A 2 year varsity player, McDuffie came into his own as a Running Back in 2023 rushing for 571 yards. But statistics don’t tell his story. Nigel runs with a full head of steam. With a unique mix of speed and power, he shoots through the line like a bolt of lightning and then will take on a defender head on and run him over. He also played Safety for the Macks racking up over 100 tackles in two seasons. After many offers, Nigel McDuffie Nigel McDuffie 5’10” | 150 lbs | ATH McKinley | 2024 State NY is officially off the market as he has committed to Alfred State.
After two quiet years on varsity, Wide Receiver Steven Butler Steven Butler 5’11” | 165 lbs | WR Sweet Home | 2024 NY blew up in 2023 catching 43 passes for 749 yards and 11 touchdowns. Butler has the innate ability to get open. Even when he is covered, he is fantastic at catching the ball in traffic. Listed at 5’11, he is not tall but does possess an incredible vertical leap that allows him to catch the ball at its highest point. His route running is very good and he has great concentration. Although he did receive an offer from St. Francis University, his academic and athletic future is uncertain.
Patrick Wind Patrick Wind WR Clarence | 2025 NY
Patrick Wind Patrick Wind WR Clarence | 2025 NY
WR Patrick Wind Patrick Wind WR Clarence | 2025 NY runs his routes with precision and has soft hands. He has incredible body control and his footwork is excellent. Patrick was 3rd in all of Section VI in receiving with 51 Receptions. He also had 701 receiving yards (a school record) and 4 touchdowns. Wind put up those kind of numbers as the Red Devil’s second option in the passing game. With their #1 wideout, Cory Cummins Cory Cummins 6’0″ | 165 lbs | WR Clarence | 2024 NY graduating this year, I expect Patrick Wind Patrick Wind WR Clarence | 2025 NY to have a monsterous senior season with him getting a lot of collegiate exposure.
Jake Stickney Jake Stickney OL Starpoint | 2024 NY
Jake Stickney Jake Stickney OL Starpoint | 2024 NY
A two way-two year varsity stud, Jake Stickney Jake Stickney OL Starpoint | 2024 NY was an exceptional lineman for the Spartans. He is very agile, a great puller with quick feet and superb hand technique. Jake is quick off the ball and has the toughness to take on opposing linemen twice his size. He has speed to be a significant edge rusher. Unfortunate for the University world, Jake Stickney Jake Stickney OL Starpoint | 2024 NY won’t be attending college as he is going into a trade but he gave Starpoint a great 2 years of varsity football.
Lucas Stiglmeier Lucas Stiglmeier 6’1″ | 215 lbs | DL Lockport | 2025 State NY started both side of the line for Lockport. As a Defensive End, Stiglmeier wreaked havoc with 112 tackles (9 for loss), 4 sacks, a fumble recovery and a safety in just two seasons. He has a high football IQ and his ability to read and react is excellent. For a player of his size, Stiglmeier has great closing speed. Lucas Stiglmeier Lucas Stiglmeier 6’1″ | 215 lbs | DL Lockport | 2025 State NY has one more High School season left and with the career he has put together so far, he should gain some collegiate attention in 2024.
Michael Sole Michael Sole DB Grand Island | 2025 NY
Michael Sole Michael Sole DB Grand Island | 2025 NY
Running Back and Safety Michael Sole Michael Sole DB Grand Island | 2025 NY is blessed with amazing speed and quickness. He also has excellent vision and balance to match. 2023 was his first season on varsity and he rose to the challenge rushing for 364 yards and 5 touchdowns in a complimentary role. Grand Island’s #1 runner in 2023 is graduating this year, leaving the door open for Sole to lead the Vikings rushing attack as a Senior. Michael showed his versatility and nose for the ball on defense, where he led the team with 5 interceptions. With only 1 year under his belt, the college offers haven’t been flowing in but if he can improve on his Junior year, he should get some recognition in 2024 as a Senior.