Orchard Park Wins Second-Straight Class AA Championship

O.P. Coach Gene Tundo adresses his team after the game

            Orchard Park displayed once again Saturday night why Ralph Wilson Stadium is considered by many to be their home away from home.

            The Quakers beat Jamestown 35-20 to earn their second straight Class AA title. They have now won 13 sectional titles in their history, including 11 in the last 18 years.

            “It feels awesome,” said senior running back Mitch Wilson. “After that loss to Jamestown earlier this year, we had a reason to win this game. We wanted to prove that we’re the best team in Western New York, and I think we did that today.”

            Wilson put the Quakers on his back, rushing through the steady rain for 276 yards and three touchdowns on 24 carries. After the game, Wilson was quick to give credit to his teammates for his big performance.

            “I’m nothing without the line, so you shouldn’t be asking me about this, its all the line,” he said. “Everyone did amazing today on offense and defense, so it’s not just me today.”

            The Quakers dominated Jamestown on the ground all day, out-gaining the Red Raiders 476 to 103 on the night. That proved to be the difference in the game, as Jamestown simply could not stop Orchard Park’s potent backfield.

            “Our offensive line played awesome,” said Orchard Park head coach Gene Tundo after the game. “Our full back and our tailback had great games.”

            Senior quarterback Ben Holmes was also quick to praise his running back and offensive line. He laughed for a minute and shook his head, before offering his analysis of Wilson’s performance.

            “Too many good things to say about Mitch,” Holmes said, chuckling. “Mitch is an amazing running back, and our line, like I said last week, that’s our x-factor. They are just awesome and I love everyone of them.”

            Holmes finished the game with just 57 yards passing, but he got into the running frenzy with 87 yards on the ground.

            Orchard Park advances to the state quarterfinals with the win. They will play Section V powerhouse Aquinas next week for a chance to go to the state semi-finals. The Quaker’s players and coaches were optimistic after the game, and focused on their ultimate goal: a second straight state championship.

            “I think we can win states,” said Wilson. “We have the talent, we have the size, we have everything. This game just gave us so much motivation, I think we can go all the way.”

            Coach Tundo shared the sentiment. After the game, he told his team that they were 12 quarters (three games) away from their ultimate goal.

            “I feel good, I think all the teams left will be similar, it will be like today’s game,” he said. “Everybody is going to be in a battle.”

            Aquinas comes in to next week’s matchup on a roll, after beating Rush-Henrietta and Pittsford en route to the Section V, Class AA title. The teams will meet at All-High Stadium Saturday night at 6.