Week 1 Standout Players from WNY

The season is finally upon us and week 1 is in the books! I was able to make it to several games during opening weekend - JV, as well as Varsity. I will highlight some teams and players that stood out to me this weekend; some players that are highly recognizable while a few that are still under the radar and others will be names to know in the next few seasons.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Orchard Park @ Sweet Home</h2>   This was a wild game that started with Orchard Park taking a quick 28-0 lead but Sweet Home bounced back to eventually go out in front 37-35. But two late scores by the Quakers would give them the victory 49-37.   Player of the Game    [player_tooltip player_id='814982' first='Brady' last='Ciano'] was the catalyst to the Quaker's offense. Ciano threw for 232 yards and 4 touchdowns. He then displayed astonishing athletic ability by adding 154 yards on the ground and another 2 scores.    Playmakers    [player_tooltip player_id='814983' first='Jack' last='Ciano'] was the major benefactor to Brady's output as he led the team in targets and brought in 2 of his brother's 4 touchdowns (from 19 & 9 yards out respectively). This will be a QB-WR combo to watch all year long.     [player_tooltip player_id='527730' first='Rocco' last='Panepinto'] had a remarkable game. Even when facing a 28-0 deficit, he led his team back with 2 long TD passes in the final minutes of the first half. He then threw a 3rd TD and a 2 point conversion to tie the game at 35 in the 3rd quarter. In the process of attempting a comeback, Panepinto did make an incredible feat; by becoming Sweet Home's all-time passing leader.    Breakout Players    In previous seasons, [player_tooltip player_id='806352' first='Niear' last='Patterson'] was used primarily as a kick returner earning 1st team All Western New York in that position last year. But in opening week of 2024, Patterson proved to be a force on offense as he caught 2-40+ yard touchdown passes and a 2-point conversion in Sweet Home's astonishing comeback attempt.     A senior that did not play last season but showed out very well in opening week with 3 tackles and 2 sacks, earning Defensive Player of the Game honors.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">St. Andrews (Canada) @ St. Joe's</h2>   St. Joe's Varsity team played host to St. Andrew's College from Canada and had a defensive battle. The game was scoreless until the final 2 minutes of the third quarter when St. Andrew's kicked a field goal. The Saints would then score a TD to make it 10-0 on the first play of the fourth. After several back-and-forth moments, St. Joe's would finally score a TD with a 2-pt conversion to follow but with 56 seconds left, it was too late. The Marauder's lost 10-8. Although St. Joe's would begin 0-1, there were several bright spots   SJCI Player of the Game    [player_tooltip player_id='1284019' first='Giorgio' last='Panepinto'] showed the kind of workhorse Running Back he is, running for 136 yards on 28 carries and put St. Joe's on the board with a 1-yard dive. The Marauders have improved their offense this season so as the year goes along, expect running lanes to open up and Gio should have more success.    Standout X Factor    Dylan Capone is small by DL standards but he was a difference maker for St. Joe's defense. Capone has a very fast get off and great lower body strength. He recorded 2 sacks as the Marauders starting Nose Tackle in week 1.    Breakout Player to Watch    [player_tooltip player_id='1514902' first='Damone' last='Harden'] is a name not well known yet but he made a big impact in his varsity debut. Early in the 2nd quarter as the Saints were driving into St. Joe's territory, Harden made a huge play with a sack/fumble that was recovered by the Marauders. Playing time should increase for this young edge rusher and so should his statistical output.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Huron Heights (Canada) @ St. Francis (JV)</h2>   Another Canadian team came to Western New York and that was Huron Heights. Their JV team came to play the St. Francis Red Raiders. Although Huron Heights took a 6-0 lead to start, the Red Raiders pulled away with 29 unanswered points and defeated the Warriors 29-13. That game brought two players to my attention that should be known.   St. Francis Underclassmen to Know    St. Francis had a run first approach to this game but that didn't stop [player_tooltip player_id='1701908' first='Nathaniel' last='Lindstrom'] from showing off some good arm strength and the ability to improvise when a play breaks down. Lindstrom only attempted 5 passes but had 4 completions for 49 yards and a touchdown. He may be the heir apparent in 2025.     [player_tooltip player_id='1864276' first='Tremayne' last='Brooks'] only played the 2nd and 3rd quarters of this game but made a major impact. With just 7 carries, Brooks showed off explosiveness with 83 yards and 2 touchdowns. It would have been more had he not had a 15 yard beauty get called back by a holding penalty. Still a freshman so much more needs to be seen but this is a player with a lot of talent.

The season is finally upon us and week 1 is in the books! I was able to make it to several games during opening weekend - JV, as well as Varsity. I will highlight some teams and players that stood out to me this weekend; some players that are highly recognizable while a few that are still under the radar and others will be names to know in the next few seasons.