PRZNY Team Previews: Bennett Tigers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Last Season (7-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bennett entered 2024 with the highest of expectations after coming off three straight sectional titles. After a shutout loss in week 1 against St. John's in Washington, D.C., the Tigers lived up to their hype winning 7 straight and clinching the #1 seed and a first round bye in the Class AA brackets. In the quarterfinals, however, Bennett hosted #4 Jamestown and was stunned as the Red &amp; Green defeated the Tigers 28-16.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Prospect</strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["518166"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68701dd21e863"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">In his first season at Bennett, Eskridge earned 2nd team All WNY and 6th team All State honors. He is an electrifying playmaker with homerun speed. He is an outstanding WR and a devasting return man. Jack is one of the preseason favorites to win the Connolly Cup in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Three X-Factors</strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1087115"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68701dd21e8bc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hargrove has been playing varsity football since he was in 8th grade. That is not often seen, especially in Class AA. But Jason is a different breed. The talent he has displayed in the previous two seasons is beyond his years. He read and reacts well and has excellent awareness. He is versatile enough to line up on either side of the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["747256"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1707250,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68701dd21e91b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Valentine has the opportunity to be a workhorse RB in his senior season. Last season, he worked in as part of a committee but he displayed a quick burst through the line with good vision and solid change of direction. Jimmy is also an exceptional LB with good technique.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["505866"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1707248,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68701dd21e98b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Warren is a stout interior DL with a low center of gravity and sound awareness. In his junior season, he made 2nd team All WNY OL and 4th team All State OL although it is fair to say that his future lies on the defensive side of the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Breakout Player</strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1345118"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1707233,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68701dd21e9dc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Surprisingly, Lutete had no post season accolades in 2024 and is not a name that is well known in the WNY community. But when you watch him on tape. he is a tough gritty RG that blocks to the whistle and completely man handles opposing D - Linemen. He will put Section VI on notice as a senior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Names to Know</strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Position</td><td>Player</td><td>Class</td><td>Notes</td></tr><tr><td>DB</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1354320' first='Malik' last='Worthy']</td><td>2026</td><td>No film from his junior season but did show shutdown CB abilities as a sophomore</td></tr><tr><td>QB</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1561156' first='DJ' last='Williams']</td><td>2027</td><td>Athletic QB with a strong arm that will be making his varsity debut this year</td></tr><tr><td>ATH</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1513357' first='Dontre' last='Hampton']</td><td>2027</td><td>No film from his sophomore season but was an effective player in all three aspects of the game on JV as a freshman</td></tr><tr><td>ATH</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1513384' first='Tyzjon' last='Johnson']</td><td>2027</td><td>WR/DB combo with good ball skills that could be a breakout player to watch</td></tr><tr><td>DB</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1513372' first='Jaydrian' last='Gonzales']</td><td>2027</td><td>23 tackles and a fumble recovery in a reserve role as a sophomore</td></tr><tr><td>RB</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1367167' first='Howard' last='Wilbon']</td><td>2028</td><td>No Film but talking to colleagues in the area, he should be in for a big role in his sophomore season</td></tr><tr><td>ATH</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1513391' first='Willie' last='Manuel']</td><td>2028</td><td>Played varsity as a freshman and racked up 27 tackles as a backup DT</td></tr><tr><td>LB/RB</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1637616' first='Nacere' last='Johnson']</td><td>2026</td><td>ILB with good footwork and ballhawking skills</td></tr><tr><td>DB</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1639377' first='Rashard' last='Chapman']</td><td>2028</td><td>Looking to make his varsity debut in 2025. No film from last season but have seen film of him working out and he has tremendous strength</td></tr><tr><td>LB</td><td>Nyree Feaster</td><td>2026</td><td>3rd on the team in tackles in 2024</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Losses</strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Position</td><td>Player</td><td>School</td></tr><tr><td>WR/DB</td><td>E'Ryan Lawerence</td><td>Central Connecticut</td></tr><tr><td>DB</td><td>Noah McDuffie</td><td>Cornell</td></tr><tr><td>QB</td><td>Jordan Freeman</td><td>Uncommited</td></tr><tr><td>ATH</td><td>Shamier Land</td><td>Uncommited</td></tr><tr><td>ATH</td><td>Joe Littlejohn</td><td>Alfred University</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Schedule</strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Date</th><th>Opponent</th><th>Time</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>9/6</td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/niagara-falls/niagara-falls-wolverines/football/">@Niagara Falls*</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/09-06-2025/football-25/lewis-j-bennett-olmsted-middle-early-college-east-vs-niagara-falls.htm?c=1sf881827kedpKyCdH4Iew">2:00pm</a></td></tr><tr><td>9/12</td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/oh/massillon/washington-tigers/football/">@Washington</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/09-12-2025/football-25/lewis-j-bennett-olmsted-middle-early-college-east-vs-washington.htm?c=2lx4QeXjSEGxrUSC7Pxnsg">7:00pm</a></td></tr><tr><td>9/20</td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/buffalo/hutchinson-central-tech-emerson-vo-tech-city-honors-engineers/football/">vsHCTEVTCH (CO-OP)*</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/09-20-2025/football-25/hutchinson-central-tech-emerson-vo-tech-city-honors-vs-lewis-j-bennett-olmsted-middle-early-college-east.htm?c=2uyfNPZZzUSItTQi5-tfyQ">11:00am</a></td></tr><tr><td>9/26</td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/clarence/clarence-red-devils/football/">vsClarence</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/09-26-2025/football-25/clarence-vs-lewis-j-bennett-olmsted-middle-early-college-east.htm?c=F5eLv1f13k-wEowSGQP4vQ">7:00pm</a></td></tr><tr><td>10/3</td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/jamestown/jamestown-red-and-green/football/">@Jamestown*</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/10-03-2025/football-25/jamestown-vs-lewis-j-bennett-olmsted-middle-early-college-east.htm?c=biAyfkG9ZkiWPFw5COfV9w">7:00pm</a></td></tr><tr><td>10/11</td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/lockport/lockport-lions/football/">@Lockport*</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/10-11-2025/football-25/lewis-j-bennett-olmsted-middle-early-college-east-vs-lockport.htm?c=_lH3h7K6T0Wu9t2OwvguqA">2:00pm</a></td></tr><tr><td>10/17</td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/lancaster/lancaster-legends/football/">vsLancaster*</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/10-17-2025/football-25/lancaster-vs-lewis-j-bennett-olmsted-middle-early-college-east.htm?c=nS35ArP910mNUwq404MY1w">7:00pm</a></td></tr><tr><td>10/24</td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/orchard-park/orchard-park-quakers/football/">vsOrchard Park*</a></td><td><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/10-24-2025/football-25/lewis-j-bennett-olmsted-middle-early-college-east-vs-orchard-park.htm?c=I4VCK8fU20myjuStfc0qkA">7:00pm</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Outlook</strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Current Head Coach:&nbsp;Steve McDuffie</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two of Bennett's first three opponents are against Niagara Falls &amp; Hutch Tech - Two teams in which the Tigers have had a lot of success with. But 4 of their final 5 are against not only playoff contenders but teams that have a legitimate shot at bringing home a sectional title; including the team that eliminated Bennett last season - Jamestown. Bennett heads into 2025 with a somewhat unproven cast, although talent has never been an issue for the Tigers. Their assumed starting QB is coming right from JV and they don't have a player in their backfield that has shown he can carry a full workload. They do, however, have an exemplary OL/DL and that's where games are won and lost. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->