BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The playoff picture is coming into view with sectionals on the horizon in Week 5 of Western New York’s high school football season. And local stars continue to break records. Here are the games WIVB News 4 Buffalo will be watching this weekend.
Kenmore West (3-2) at Clarence (3-2)
7 p.m. Friday
Class A-1 division clash that will be crucial for playoff seeding. Clarence quarterback Nathan Arnold received a Connolly Cup nomination after producing 201 yards and two touchdowns in last week’s 35-15 victory over Niagara Wheatfield, and Clarence lineman Brody Kaufman got Trench Trophy recognition. Kenmore West RB Harlem Brannon had 154 yards from scrimmage and two TDs in a 28-6 win over last season’s sectional champion Sweet Home. Brannon is third in the section with 820 yards rushing.
Randolph (4-1) at Wilson (5-0)
7 p.m. Friday
Wilson is one of five unbeaten teams remaining in WNY but needs this win to secure a home playoff game. Wilson QB Vic Cusatis made the Connolly Cup list after throwing for three touchdowns in a 49-0 rout of Allegany-Limestone. Randolph RB Kevin McElwain rushed for 104 yards and two TDs in an 18-6 win against Franklinville/Ellicottville.
Williamsville East (4-1) at Grand Island (4-1)
7 p.m. Friday
Two of the top 10 large schools in the local rankings are tied for second in the Class A-2 division. The winner will clinch a playoff berth, and the loser might be find itself in the consolation bowl picture. Grand Island won last year’s matchup 27-0 and is coming off a 35-0 defeat of Amherst.
Iroquois (4-1) at Albion (0-5)
7 p.m. Friday
This game might not be competitive but highlighting Iroquois QB Trey Kleitz who last week became WNY’s all-time leader with 90 touchdown passes and became the fifth player in state history to surpass 8,000 passing yards in his career.
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Jonah Bronstein joined the WIVB squad in 2022 as a digital sports reporter. The Buffalonian has covered the Bills, Sabres, Bandits, Bisons, colleges, high schools and other notable sporting events in Western New York since 2005, for publications including The Associated Press, The Buffalo News, and Niagara Gazette. Read more of his work here.
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