Prep Talk

Aquinas football moving to AA

According to a tweet by James Johnson of the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, Section V is moving up Aquinas football to AA.

Word-association on my thoughts? Amen. Thank goodness. About time.

Aquinas' football program has walked the walk of a AA football program for the better part of a decade and it's only logical that they play in Class AA. 

This is something I've squawked about for years in our live chats and on this blog. This past fall I wrote a Prep Talk column about it in our paper.

It's a step, perhaps small, but a significant step in making the state playoffs make more sense. There are many nooks and crannies overall that take away from the value of what the state championships should represent.

While Section V is making the world right, how about prohibiting private schools from playing in Class D? :-) 

And while one rivalry will be lost in the elevation of Aquinas -- Sweet Home and the Little Irish have met in the last five Class A Far West Regionals (Aquinas won three) -- football fans are already talking about a possible Orchard Park-Aquinas matchup in that same round. 

There's a lot of football to be played before that happens, though. Like a whole season :-)

---Keith McShea

(@KeithMcSheaBN on Twitter)

buffalonews.com/highschools     facebook.com/preptalkblog     twitter.com/bufnewspreptalk

PrepTalkTV interview: St. Francis RB Akeel Lynch on picking Penn State

Photographer/videographer Mark Mulville & I headed to Athol Springs this afternoon to talk to St. Francis standout senior running back Akeel Lynch about committing to Penn State:

More to come in Tuesday's paper and we'll certainly discuss Lynch's choice during Wednesday evening's live video chat.

---Keith McShea

(@KeithMcSheaBN on Twitter)

buffalonews.com/highschools     facebook.com/preptalkblog     twitter.com/bufnewspreptalk

St. Francis RB Akeel Lynch commits to Penn State (with tons of links & video)

St. Francis standout running back Akeel Lynch has verbally committed to Penn State. 

He did so via his Twitter page late Sunday night: "Making my dreams become a reality. #weare #pennstate".

Lynch, a 6-foot, 204-pound native of Toronto, originally verbally committed to Boston College last July 15 (our story is here; watch our video interview with him that day about his decision on the blog).

At the time, he said he selected BC over Penn State.

That was long before the news broke -- in November -- of the child sex abuse charges against former Penn State assistant Jerry Sandusky. The tumultous months that followed included the school's firing of legendary coach Joe Paterno, the hiring of current New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien earlier this month to replace him, and Paterno's death on Sunday.

Lynch's committment to Boston College became more and more tenuous as the high school season came and went. Lynch did participate in a recruiting trip to BC on Dec. 3, which caused him to miss the Connolly Cup awards banquet (he was one of 10 finalists).

After his successful senior season -- during which St. Francis won the Monsignor Martin Association championship -- Lynch began to received more recruiting attention.

In early January, he told Boston College that he would be considering other schools. Iowa and Oklahoma had coaches visit Lynch. On Monday, Lynch said Penn State was a finalist along with Iowa, Ole Miss and Oklahoma.

Lynch visited Iowa in early January, had a visit to Oklahoma canceled when a snowstorm canceled his flight, and he visited Penn State this past weekend.

The first day football recruits can sign with schools is Feb. 1. Lynch will make his official announcement then during a ceremony at the Athol Springs school.

Lynch was a first-team All-Western New York running back, the runner-up for The News Player of the Year award (it went to St. Joe's QB and Clemson commit Chad Kelly) and was selected as New York State's Gatorade Player of the Year. Lynch ran for a Monsignor Martin single-season record 2,136 yards in his senior season.

A highlight game in his highlight season was running for five touchdowns and a school-record 376 yards on 31 carries (the totals were updated after the game) in St. Francis' 42-27 win at fellow top 10 large school Bishop Timon-St. Jude on Oct. 7. Check out the PrepTalkTV video from that game: 

Other PrepTalkTV videos featuring Lynch: Week Six wrapup (including his postgame comments on Timon game), Monsignor Martin semifinals and Monsignor Martin championship.  

More to come.

---Keith McShea

(@KeithMcSheaBN on Twitter)

buffalonews.com/highschools     facebook.com/preptalkblog     twitter.com/bufnewspreptalk

Another fine WNY High School Football banquet, which turned 25 -- thanks to Dick Gallagher

The unofficial conclusion of the football season was this afternoon at the 25th annual Western New York High School Football banquet at Classics in Niagara Falls. 

As he has done for a quarter century, Dick Gallagher organized the event, which honored more than a hundred of this season's top players. It was a great event, as always.

In addition to the presentation of trophies and plaques to the All-Western New York team, the Buffalo News Player of the Year, the News poll winners, the All-WNY academic football team and multiple league and postseason MVPs, here is a rundown of some of the top honors:

Andrea Marsh -- yes, she's a she -- was honored with the Day-Day Morris Award for courage after a standout season as a starting defensive back for Panama. Marsh is a national finalist for the Rudy Award. 

Joseph Smith of St. Francis won the WNY Football Scholar-Athlete Award. 

Jim Dombrowski Award (offensive linemen): Devon Leach, Orchard Park; Michael Senn, Orchard Park.

Jim Burt Award (defensive lineman): Cortland Haines, Jamestown.

Ron Jaworski Award (quarterback): Chad Kelly, St. Joe's.

Ron Pitts Award (defensive back): Jordan Johnson, Sweet Home.

Shane Conlan Award (linebacker): James Fitzgerald, Orchard Park.

James Lofton Award (wide reciever): Ben Johnson, Orchard Park; Jordan Williams, Bishop Timon-St. Jude.

Jim Kelly Football Camp Underclassmen of the Year: Nigel Davis, St. Joe's (offense); Alec Dietsch, Clarence (defense). 

Joe Foyle Award (large school coaches of the year): John Faller, Sweet Home; Jerry Smith, St. Francis; Gene Tundo, Orchard Park. 

Gene Masters Award (small school coaches of the year): Dick Diminuco, Alden; Curt Fischer, Maple Grove; Jay Sirianni, Southwestern; Dan Greco, Chautauqua Lake.

Frank Constantino Award (JV coach of the year): Mike Morlock, Frontier.

Stan Barron Award (media): Rich Kozak, Intense Milks Game of the Week on WJJL-AM.

Mike Perry Memorial Award (referees): Skip Brechtel, Ken Harris.

Jerry Butler Award: Maurice Howie, South Park; Ryan Radke, Lancaster.

Andy Benson Award: Ben Whitney, Jamestown.

Tim Schwab Memorial Award: Mike Prevorse, Pioneer. 

Unsung players: Justin Davis, Bennett); Ben Holmes, Orchard Park; Jordan Sanders, St. Joe's; Brian Stoldt, Alden; Cody Stumpf, Williamsville South. 

Cross-Training Award: Josh Koester, Hutch-Tech (city); Terrance DeJesus, Jamestown (large school); Brandon Davis, Cleveland Hill (small school); Tom Noonan, Nichols (private); Pat Walch, Wilson (wild card). Cross Training Legacy Builder Award: Tom Calzone.  

* * * 

The event concluded, as it has in recent years, with the passing of the torch (picture above) from some standout seniors -- Kyle Briggs (St. Joe's), Jake Swan (Southwestern), James Fitzgerald (Orchard Park) and Akeel Lynch (St. Francis) to some standout juniors, including Ben Holmes (Orchard Park) and Trent Ferguson (Williamsville South). 

* * * 

As a surprise to Gallagher, he was presented with his own award about halfway through the ceremony. 

MC extraordinaire John Murphy, Denny Lynch of the Buffalo Bills and Dennis Sarow of the Connolly Cup presented Gallagher with a silver football trophy commemorating the 25th year of the event that was started and has continued to be organized by Gallagher. 

I have said/written this before, but it bears repeating: Western New York in general, and particularly the local high school sports community, is a much better place because of Dick Gallagher. Next time you see him -- maybe it'll be next year on the football sidelines -- thank him for what he has done for Western New York high school sports. 

* * * 

Memo to Kiss 98.5: Your involvement with high school football is very appreciated. It is great that you support the sport and this event.

But next year, don't order -- literally -- the highest trophy the trophy store can put together. The awards (well deserved by Chad Kelly for the Monsignor Martin Association and Jordan Johnson for Section VI) were taller than Dick Gallagher. I don't even know how the players got them home. Where are they going to put them? When people are walking away from the event saying how ridiculous and tacky the trophies are (it's inarguable), instead of how great the players who won them are, something is wrong. If you want to dump a lot of money into something special for the winners, there are plenty of trophies with heft, with cool icons on top, that would be impressive, special momentos without being ridiculous.

* * *

Memo to those players who attended the banquet and posted stuff on Twitter about it DURING the banquet: There were some sentiments of gratitude, which were obviously nice to see.

However, many of the tweets were ridiculous, disrespectful and totally out of line. You are a guest at a banquet and, even though Mr. Gallagher asked everyone to put away their phones, you sat there tweeting repeatedly. On top of that, you were being disrespectful to the event and other award winners IN your tweets.

Those that tweeted disrespectful things, and they know who they are, should absolutely be ashamed of themselves.

---Keith McShea

(@KeithMcSheaBN on Twitter)

buffalonews.com/highschools     facebook.com/preptalkblog     twitter.com/bufnewspreptalk

Chad Kelly of St. Joe's wins the Connolly Cup

Hello from Ilio DiPaolo's in Blasdell for the 40th annual presentation of the Connolly Cup, awarded by the Riverside Athletic Club to the most outstanding high school football player in Western New York.

I'll update the winner here as soon as possible. 

The 10 finalists are: Orchard Park senior Okoya Anderson, Kenmore West senior Martin Bailey, Jamestown senior Spencer DeCinque, Williamsville South junior Trent Ferguson, Bennett senior Javon Fogan, Maple Grove senior Alex Grace, Orchard Park senior Ben Johnson, Sweet Home senior Jordan Johnson, St. Joe's senior Chad Kelly and St. Francis senior Akeel Lynch. 

The winner will be announced shortly. It was scheduled for 2:15 p.m. but it will be a little later (it's now 2:11).

It's a special banquet this year as past winners of the award have been invited for the 40th annual presentation. The DiPaolo's banquet room is much larger than it has had to be this year to account for all the great football players.

It will be quite a scene to see the past winners introduced before this year's award is presented.

2:28 p.m. The presentation has begun. Introductions of the finalists will be made, then the winner will be announced Academy Awards-style. 

2:38 p.m. As a member of the News sports department, I would like to thank the Connolly Cup committee and chairman John Lewis for honoring the late Allen Wilson with a moment of silence. It was just moments ago that we learned that Allen had passed away from leukemia. To say we are heartbroken is an extreme understatement.

2:41 p.m. The past winners are now being introduced.

Past winners have come into town from as far away as Ohio and Massachusetts.

Here today are: Jim Rath (1976, Frontier; he played at Edinboro and Canisius and lives in Lake View); Frank Rossi Jr. (1977, Baker Victory; who played at Colgate and went from banking to an impressive acting career); Brian Ross (1978, Niagara-Wheatfield; he played at Cornell and lives in Boston, Mass.); Tony Baker (1980, Springville; he played at Cornell and came in from his home in New Hampshire); Trevor Sajdak (1987, Cleveland Hill, who played at Columbia, is a professional body builder and lives in Ohio); Ray Braxton (1986, Lackawanna; he won a national championship at Bakersfield Junior Collegeand still lives in Lackawanna); Randy Smith (1990, Lockport; he played at Youngstown State and in the Canadian Football League and lives in Ohio); Frank Pavicich (1997, Niagara-Wheatfield); Joe West (1999, Lackawanna; he played at American International); Zak Kedron (2004, St. Francis); Capone Smith (2008, Lackawanna; who played for the Cisco Wranglers in Texas and is back in Western New York); Joe Licata (2010, Williamsville South; he plays at the University at Buffalo). 

3:09 p.m. Lengthy introduction of the alumni has concluded -- great names, great stories. 

This year's finalists being introduced now.

Akeel Lynch was not able to attend due to a recruiting trip for Boston College.

3:16 p.m. The winner of this year's Connolly Cup is ... 

Chad Kelly of St. Joe's.

Speech and interviews now. 

* * * 

I'll discuss the Connolly Cup choice and our All-Western New York issue in our weekly live video chat at 8 p.m. Wednesday.

---Keith McShea

(@KeithMcSheaBN on Twitter)

buffalonews.com/highschools     facebook.com/preptalkblog     twitter.com/bufnewspreptalk

The 2011 All-Western New York football team: How'd we do?

Here it is. The 2011 All-Western New York first team for football.

Check out the complete team (including capsules plus the second and third teams and honorable mentions) and read more about how the squad might be unstoppable. Also part of our annual All-WNY issue, published in today's editions, is a story on the final poll winners and the coach of the year and the complete list of league all-stars.

Also be sure to check out an outstanding video by The News' Mark Mulville on the first team and its favorite moments of the season. 

Offense
QB Chad Kelly, St. Joe's, 6-3 215, 12
RB Mercer Timmis, Canisius, 6-1 210, 12
RB Okoya Anderson, Orchard Park, 6-0 200, 12
RB Akeel Lynch, St. Francis, 6-0 200, 12
WR Ben Johnson, Orchard Park, 6-3 200, 12
WR Jordan Williams, Bishop Timon-St. Jude, 6-2 175, 12
OL Brandon Lathrop, Kenmore West, 6-6 260, 12
OL Miles Bartholomew, St. Francis, 6-5 275, 12
OL Devon Leach, Orchard Park, 6-3 290, 12
OL Michael Senn, Orchard Park, 6-3 277, 11
OL T.J. Scamurra, Williamsville South, 6-0 280, 12
U Jordan Johnson, Sweet Home, 6-1 205, 12
K Austin Reese, Orchard Park, 6-0 200 12

Defense
DL Josh Chase, Alden 6-0 250, 12
DL Michael Morganstern, Cheektowaga, 6-2 240, 12
DL Cortland Haines, Jamestown, 6-2 260, 11
LB Marquis Artis, Amherst, 5-9 180, 12
LB Javon Fogan, Bennett, 6-0 205, 12
LB James Fitzgerald, Orchard Park, 6-2 225, 12
LB Joe Smith, St. Francis, 6-0 210, 12
DB Daryl Spencer, Cleveland Hill, 6-2 196, 12
DB Alex Grace, Maple Grove, 5-9 165, 12
DB Stephen Johnson, McKinley, 5-11 175, 11
DB Jake Swan, Southwestern, 5-11 160, 12
P Ryan Sosnowski, Alden, 6-0 210, 12

How do you think we did? Use the comment section to provide feedback here, or email, Tweet or comment via Facebook at the addresses linked below.

I'll discuss our selections, along with the Connolly Cup choice (the award is announced this afternoon) in our weekly live video chat at 8 p.m. Wednesday.

---Keith McShea

(@KeithMcSheaBN on Twitter)

buffalonews.com/highschools     facebook.com/preptalkblog     twitter.com/bufnewspreptalk

St. Francis RB Lynch named NYS Gatorade Player of the Year

Our All-Western New York team will be published Saturday, which is also the day that the Connolly Cup will be awarded. 

But when it comes to postseason awards, Akeel Lynch of St. Francis -- as he has a tendency to do -- got a quick start.

The outstanding running back of the Monsignor Martin champion Red Raiders, who has verbally committed to Boston College, was named New York State's Gatorade Player of the Year.

Here's the info at ESPNHS site, which includes the award program's "three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2011 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character." There's also a nice quote from Bishop Timon-St. Jude coach Charlie Comerford.

It is the third time a Western New York player has won the award, and first since Malik Campbell of Turner-Carroll won it in 1996. Bill Schoenle of Williamsville South won it in 1986, which was the second year the award was presented.

Our Player of the Year award comes out Saturday. I'll discuss our choice, the Connolly Cup and the entire All-WNY team in our weekly live chat next Wednesday.

---Keith McShea

(@KeithMcSheaBN on Twitter)

buffalonews.com/highschools     facebook.com/preptalkblog     twitter.com/bufnewspreptalk

Class AA football final stats & info

Who: Orchard Park Quakers (12-0) vs. IX-Newburgh Free Academy Goldbacks (10-1).

When: Sunday, 6 p.m.

Where: Carrier Dome, Syracuse.

Tickets: $10 (includes all of Sunday's finals). Sunday's other finals: Class C, noon -- Southwestern (11-1) vs. I-Dobbs Ferry (10-1); Class B, 3 p.m. -- V-Hornell (12-0) vs. I-Croton-Harmon (11-0). Friday's finals: D, 11 a.m. -- V-Letchworth (10-1) vs. IX-Chester (11-0). A, 2 p.m. -- IV-Maine-Endwell (11-0) vs. II-Burnt Hills/Ballston Lake (11-1). Note: The finals are Friday and Sunday due to Syracuse University's home game Saturday vs. Cincinnati.

TV: Time Warner Cable SportsNet (all games).

NYSPHSAA championship: The only state championship in New York is the one held by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association, which consists of nine football-playing sections. Not included are New York City's Public Schools Athletic League or private schools from Western New York, greater New York City and Long Island). In addition, Section VIII (Nassau County) and Section XI (Suffolk) of Long Island do not participate in the NYSPHSAA football playoffs.

State rankings: 1. St. Anthony's (L.I.) (10-0) (last week: 1); 2. Orchard Park (LW: 2); 3. Newburgh (LW: 16).

Orchard Park state playoff history: This is OP's second championship game. It is 1-0 after its 21-17 victory in 2008 over I-Monroe-Woodbury in which MVP Kyle Hoppy ran for two TDs and Jeff Tundo one in a 21-0 second half for OP. OP has 12 Section VI titles, three Far West Regional wins in 10 games; and two state semifinal wins in three appearances (07, 08, 11).

Orchard Park's road to the final: Section VI final … beat Jamestown, 30-10. Far West Regional … beat V-Rush-Henrietta, 42-35. State semifinal … beat IV-Binghamton, 35-6.

Orchard Park coach: Gene Tundo (18th season, 149-36).

Orchard Park key players: sr. QB David Crowley (5-11, 175; 95-145, 1,688 yards, 18 TDs), sr. RB/LB Okoya Anderson (5-10, 225; 193-1,719 yards, 31 TDs rushing; 29 tackles), sr. WR Ben Johnson (6-3, 200; 46-793, 10 TDs receiving; 16 tackles, five interceptions), jr. WR Ben Holmes (6-0, 177; 18-338, three TDs receiving; 21-249, four TDs rushing); jr. WR Austin Goltz (5-10, 165; 15-288, four TDs receiving); LB/QB James Fitzgerald (6-2, 225; 107.5 tackles; 20-157, three TDs rushing); sr. LB Richie Moore (5-11, 212; 55.5 tackles, INT); sr. DL Chase Smith (6-4, 230; 43.5 tackles); sr. DB Luke Hoppy (5-10, 168; 31 tackles, three INTs); sr. SS Kole Robinson (5-11, 175; 29 tackles, two INTs); sr. OL Devon Leach (6-3, 300); sr. Chris Eisenhut (6-4, 290); jr. OL Michael Senn (6-3, 270); sr. P/K Austin Reese (6-1, 205; 58-65 PATs, 4-5 FGs, 34.8 punt avg.).

Newburgh state playoff history: First state championship appearance after winning sixth title in Section IX (Dutchess, Orange, Sullivan, Ulster Counties). First state playoff appearance since 2003 (quarterfinal loss).

Previous state playoffs: 2002 (semifinal loss), 2001 (quarterfinal loss), 1999 (semifinal loss), 1997 (quarterfinal loss).

Newburgh's road to the final: Section IX final … beat Warwick, 55-0. State semifinal … beat II-Shenendehowa, 19-6. Only loss was to Kingston, 3-0, in regular season finale. Its regular season win over state power Monroe-Woodbury ended M-W's 63-game win streak against local competition.

Newburgh coach: Bill Bianco (third season, 21-8). Newburgh key players: sr. QB Mark Risio (5-8, 170); fr. RB Anthony Dubose (6-0, 175); sr. OL/DL Mikal Myers (6-0, 305; 85 tackles, 11 sacks); sr. DL/TE Mike Esposito (11 sacks); sr. K Jeremy Stinson (35 touchbacks, 40-yard FG to earn MVP honors of state semi).

In Saturday's paper: A preview look at Southwestern and the Class C final.

On the web: Prep Talk Live will have photos, video and a live blog with play-by-play for Sunday's games.

---Keith McShea

Class C football final stats & info

Who: Southwestern Trojans (11-1) vs. I-Dobbs Ferry Eagles (10-1).

When: Sunday, noon. Where: Carrier Dome, Syracuse. Tickets: $10 (includes all of Sunday's finals).

Sunday's other finals: Class B, 3 p.m. -- V-Hornell (12-0) vs. I-Croton-Harmon (11-0); AA, 6 p.m. -- Orchard Park (12-0) vs. IX-Newburgh (10-1). Friday's finals: D: V-Letchworth 27, IX-Chester 0. A: IV-Maine-Endwell 27, II-Burnt Hills/Ballston Lake 20. Note: This year's finals were scheduled for Friday and Sunday due to Syracuse University's home game today versus Cincinnati.

TV: Time Warner Cable SportsNet (all games).

NYSPHSAA championship: The only state championship in New York is the one held by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association, which consists of nine football-playing sections. Not included are New York City's Public Schools Athletic League or private schools from Western New York, greater New York City and Long Island. In addition, Section VIII (Nassau County) and Section XI (Suffolk) of Long Island do not participate in the NYSPHSAA football playoffs.

State rankings: 1. Dobbs Ferry (last week: 2); 2. Southwestern (LW: 4).

Southwestern state playoff history: This is Southwestern's third championship game. It is 2-0 after wins in 2008 and 2009, both against schools from Section I (Dutchess, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester counties). The Trojans beat Croton-Harmon, 35-7, in 2008 and beat Bronxville, 40-14, the next year. Southwestern has four Section VI championships, three Far West Regional wins in four games and is 3-0 in state semifinals.

Southwestern's road to the final: Section VI final … beat Cleveland Hill, 10-0. Far West Regional … beat V-Wellsville, 23-6. State semifinal … beat IV-Waverly, 19-13. The Trojans' only loss was in Week Four to Salamanca, which won Class C South but lost to Akron in the sectional quarterfinals.

Southwestern coach: Jay Sirianni (ninth season, 87-12).

Southwestern key players: Sr. WR/DB/P/KR Jake Swan (5-11, 160; 50 receptions, 719 yards, nine TDs; 103 rushes, 543 yards, six TDs; 34.9 yards/punt; 47 tackles; 10 INTs; two INT returns for TDs); jr. QB Jake Pilling (5-10, 200; 70-136, 969 yards, 11 TDs, five INTs); jr. LB/OL Peter Trathen (6-2, 210; 104 tackles, four sacks); sr. LB/RB Tyler Uber (6-0, 215; 100 tackles); sr. OL/DL Dan Austin (5-9, 205); sr. LB/RB Dan Petruccello (5-11, 190); so. RB/WR/DB Kevin Bellardo (5-10, 165); jr. WR/DB Ryan Schutte (5-7, 155); sr. WR/DL Jake Snow (6-0, 210); so. K Tanner Hoose (5-11, 165; WNY single-season record-tying nine FGs, 23-27 PATs).

Dobbs Ferry state playoff history: State-high seven finals appearances with three championships (2002, 2004, 2006). It lost finals in 2001, 2005 and 2007 and also made the semifinals in 2003 as part of a seven-year run as Section I Class C champions. The 2004 title came after a 24-0 victory over Falconer. This is the Eagles' first trip since 2007. Bronxville won the state title last year.

Dobbs Ferry's road to the final: Section I final … beat Bronxville, 38-14 (avenging its only loss of the season, a 15-14 home loss in its season opener). State quarterfinal … beat IX-James O'Neill, 47-13. State semifinal … beat No.‚1-ranked Hoosick Falls, 13-12. Dobbs Ferry coach: Jim Moran, first season (10-1).

Dobbs Ferry key players: Sr. QB/DB Spencer Avalos (5-9, 175; 550 rush yards, 450 pass yards, 14 TDs, 60 tackles); so. FB/DL Tim Soave (6-0, 225; 1,067 yards rushing, 16 TDs, 63 tackles); Eddie Ritch (5-10, 165; 870 rushing, 16 TDs, 44 tackles in nine games); sr. HB/DE John Yozzo-Scaperrotta (6-2, 200; 620 rushing, eight TDs, 40 tackles); sr. G/MLB Darien Bica (5-11, 180; 70 tackles); sr. TE/DB Thomas Fleming (6-4, 190; seven receptions, 155 yards, two TDs, 21 tackles).

On the Web: Read the Class AA preview and information, published in Friday's News, about Orchard Park's matchup with Newburgh.

Prep Talk Live: Check out photos, video and a live blog with play-by-play for Sunday's games.

---Keith McShea

Prep Talk Live from the state semifinals

Today's state semifinals could mark the last two games of the 2011 football season -- or we could see two Section VI teams move on to the state championships. You can follow the action at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. at Prep Talk Live.

Fans have done an outstanding job helping us keep track of all the action across Western New York this year at Prep Talk Live. Fans can still monitor games and comment on the games on the live blog on the Prep Talk Live page or through a smartphone.

We'll keep the Twitter hashtag #preptalkscores open as we have all season -- so if you're tweeting about football, we can get a conversation going (and the tweets will appear in the live chat as well). You can also certainly tweet to @bufnewspreptalk and @KeithMcSheaBN. 

---Keith McShea

(@KeithMcSheaBN on Twitter)

buffalonews.com/high-schools     facebook.com/preptalkblog     twitter.com/bufnewspreptalk