Preseason Connolly Cup Predictions

<p>The Connolly Cup Award is granted every year to the most productive skill position player throughout Section VI and the Monsignor Martin League. Today, I will cover players that I believe will make the cut into the Top 10 finalists list and a few others that I think will be breakout candidates that could be surprise additions by season's end.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Repeat Finalists</h2>   <p>First, I will dive into the obvious choices; those that were finalists last season.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Bonta came extremely close to winning the Connolly Cup as a junior racking up almost 2,000 yards rushing and 26 TDs on the ground, all the while making 119 tackles on defense. It was a breakout season for Chase but now the secret is out. If he can have a repeat performance as a senior, it will be hard to deny him this season.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">The only player on this list to have been a Connolly Cup finalist for the last two seasons; which is every season he has played varsity football, Kimble is not only the best RB in WNY - he is ranked as the best RB in all of NYS. In his freshman and sophomore seasons combined, Elijah has put up 3,600 yards on the ground and 50 scores. He will surely be a finalist in 2025. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Clark has dominated Class B for the last two seasons rushing for over 3,500 yards and 40 TDs, including a 2,000 yard performance last season. He has also won 6 Player of the Week awards in those years. Tyrone has since transferred to St. Francis where the competition is much tougher. He has all the attributes to be a premiere RB and should find himself as a Connolly Cup finalist once again. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Kleitz has more varsity experience than any QB in WNY. Being a starter since his freshman season, Justus enters his senior year already surpassing as the Section VI passing leader with 6,897 yards. He is a three time All State QB and is considered one of the top prospects in NYS.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">First Year Predictions</h2>   <p>Here are players that have the skill set and attributes to be a Connolly Cup finalists</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Moss has had a stellar career as Medina's top back running for 3,200 yards and 44 TDs in two seasons. But being in Class C, many players may get overlooked. Christian brings a unique blend of size, power and speed. He has been the focal point of the Mustangs offense and should get more recognition in his senior year.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">An electrifying playmaker with blazing speed, Eskridge is one of the top WRs in NYS. In his first season at Bennett, Jack led the Tigers in receiving yards with 781 on just 26 catches (30 yards per reception) and was their top return man with over 300 yards. He is a threat to score every time he touches the ball and if given enough chances, he will be a Connolly Cup finalist.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">This is Buttles first season playing in WNY after transferring from Rochester so teams in the area have yet to see him play in person. But looking at his film, there is no doubt he will be a players to watch. He is an athletic playmaking QB with a strong arm and can also contribute as a Safety. St. Francis always produces top tier QBs and Trent will be a player to watch for the next two seasons.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1371662' first='Isaac' last='Platt'] may be a surprise pick here because his numbers have not been off the chart but he comes into his junior season with quality varsity experience. He has played mostly a complimentary role in his first two years but has fantastic size with speed and power to match. He is expected to be Pioneer's lead back as well as one of their top defenders. He is in for a huge breakout season.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Gibbs enters his senior season as one of the top QBs in Class C. He has excellent arm strength and superb accuracy. He is efficient with the ball as he threw 28 TDs last season to only 5 INTs. Brayden is also an exceptional runner and can make something out of nothing.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">After running for 700 yards as a sophomore in a backup role, Pitts ran for over 1,000 yards on just 98 carries and scored 10 TDs in 2024. Kaivohn has the tools needed to lead Section VI in rushing if he is given a full workload. Health Sciences normally runs a RB by committee but this is a player that should get recognition from the Connolly Cup.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Watch List</h2>   <p>These are a few sleeper picks that are flying under the radar who could get some recognition from the Connolly Cup comittee</p>   <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Position</strong></td><td><strong>Player</strong></td><td><strong>School</strong></td><td><strong>Class</strong></td><td><strong>Notes</strong></td></tr><tr><td>QB</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1246845' first='Carter' last='Capozzi']</td><td>Gowanda</td><td>2026</td><td>2nd team All State QB in 2024 with a strong arm and prototy[ical size at 6'4 190 lbs - has won 5 Player of the Week awards in 2 seasons</td></tr><tr><td>QB</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='505854' first='Dominic' last='Anzalone']</td><td>Timon</td><td>2026</td><td>Missed the 2024 season because of an ACL injury but is 100% healthy and is the most valuable player on the Timon roster</td></tr><tr><td>RB</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1742088' first='Harlem' last='Brannon']</td><td>Ken West</td><td>2026</td><td>Breakout season as a junior - Excellent runner with receiving skills that is also a pivotal part of their defense</td></tr><tr><td>ATH</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1238563' first='Cardel' last='Staples']</td><td>McKinley</td><td>2026</td><td>Was an All State honoree as Defensive Back but is also an exceptional WR - If McKinley can get their passing game going, Staples can easily be a Connolly Cup favorite</td></tr><tr><td>RB/LB</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1513348' first='Zach' last='Bridenbaker']</td><td>Depew</td><td>2027</td><td>Came into his own as a sophomore, playing RB & LB - He has all the tools needed but the success that Depew will have as a team will determine Bridenbaker's recognition</td></tr><tr><td>ATH</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1364031' first='Cal' last='Rogers']</td><td>Will North</td><td>2027</td><td>One of the best athletes in WNY - Rogers can play DL but is best suited as a LB and has the opportunity to be the Spartans lead RB. If he gets the touches, he could end up a finalist</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

The Connolly Cup Award is granted every year to the most productive skill position player throughout Section VI and the Monsignor Martin League. Today, I will cover players that I believe will make the cut into the Top 10 finalists list and a few others that I think will be breakout candidates that could be surprise additions by season's end.