East/WOI football forces 7 turnovers, wins first region title in 27 years

WILLIAMSVILLE — East/World of Inquiry's offense didn't play near its standard during Friday night's region final.

The fact that the Eagles still won handily may spell trouble for their next opponent.

Quarterback Zymier Jackson paced the offense once again, but it was De'Andre Leonard's opportunistic defensive unit that led to East High's 42-7 win over Section VI's Clarence in the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class A Far West Region final at Williamsville South High School.

The unbeaten Eagles overcame a barrage of penalties by forcing seven turnovers, capturing the first program's first region championship in 27 years along the way.

"We were off-kilter in the first half. Uncharacteristic things were happening. We were an emotional rollercoaster," East co-coach Steve Flagler said. "We just told them, 'Calm down and play ball. Do what you do.' That wasn't us in the first half and they responded. They want to keep playing. This team believes, and they want it."

What it means for East/WOI

East/WOI co-coaches James Vann and Steve Flagler's Eagles are now 12-0. They captured the program's first region title since 1996, when coach Jeff Slack led East to a 35-3 win over Section VI's Orchard Park Quakers who were ranked No. 1 in the state. The Eagles lost the following round, the state semifinals, to Section III's Rome Free Academy.

"It just means a lot," Vann said. "It shows these guys are ready to work, no quit, they like being together and they want to play past Thanksgiving."

Clarence coach Paul Burgio's Red Devils ended the season 11-1. Their Wing-T offense gained just over 100 yards rushing an could not overcome seven costly turnovers. Running back Jeff Long — who scored their lone touchdown — led a rushing game that dominated the time of possession by over 10 minutes in the first half. However, East's defense forced Clarence into many passing down situations and intercepted junior quarterback Bryce Tubin six times.

Top players for East/WOI

Zymier Jackson

The senior quarterback moved into second place on Section V's single season passing yards list with 2,803, surpassing Penn Yan's Will Rogers, who threw for 2,802 in 2018. Jackson steered East's offense, throwing for 192 yards and tossing touchdowns to Kelvin Shepard — three receptions, 88 yards — and Junayde Dunn-Richardson. Jackson completed 10 of 15 passes, connecting with the likes of Anthony Diaz, Joshua Chester and Ervin Wiggins — who scored a rushing touchdown — to complete scoring drives. Jackson threw just his fourth interception of the season.

Center Anthony Pickett's offensive line was flagged for holding often in the first half, but Rayshaad Lane and company protected Jackson perfectly in the second half, giving their star quarterback time to make plays downfield.

"My lineman just started holding it down better, and I clicked," Jackson said. "I started putting the ball where it needed to be. We just got going as a team."

De'Andre Leonard

The East/WOI senior caught two interceptions at defensive end, returning one 25 yards for a touchdown. As a pass rusher, Leonard prevailed against double teams. Offensively, Leonard caught a 50-yard reception.

Eagles' defense

Perrion Williams returned a fumble 83 yards for the game's final touchdown. Anthony Hampton caught two interceptions, and had his second quarter pick-six called back to the 2-yard line after an inadvertent whistle. Tyrone Fisher intercepted a pass in the end zone. Amazie Riley also made an interception.

"I'd just like to thank my defense for keeping us in the game. My defense did their thing today," Jackson said.

Play of the game

Jackson caught a 12-yard touchdown reception from Da'Mari Green on a third quarter trick play. Green, a lefty, received the toss from Jackson in what appeared to be a sweep to the left side. Green absorbed a shot from a Clarence defender, but found Jackson wide open. The quarterback tippy-toed up the sideline to stay inbounds and shook a defender out of bounds for a 28-7 third quarter lead.

The touchdown reception was Jackson's first of his career. He scored on the same play against Canandaigua in the regular season but a penalty called it back.

"We were waiting to use it again and we used it at the right time," Jackson said.

Unsung hero foe East/WOI

Yusuf Abdi

East/WOI's placekicker made all six PATs on Friday to give him 64 extra points on the year, which is a new single season Section V record. Abdi surpassed the previous mark of 63 set by Batavia's Ben Paserk in 2018. Abdi also missed a field goal attempt before halftime of Friday's regionals.

What's next

East/WOI will play Section III champion Whitesboro — a 31-7 winner over Section IV's Vestal — in the NYSPHSAA Class A West semifinals at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24 at Cicero-North Syracuse. The winner will advance to the state final Dec. 2 at Syracuse University's JMA Wireless Dome.

East has never played in the state championship game.

"We're bringing the ring home, for sure," Jackson said.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: East/WOI beats Clarence in Far West Regional to advance to semifinals