LeRoy loses heartbreaker with 6 seconds left to Salamanca in state football quarterfinals
WILLIAMSVILLE — It took almost 10 years for LeRoy to return to regionals.
And they had a chance to win it.
Saturday's New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class C Far West Regional between LeRoy and Section VI's Salamanca appeared to be headed to overtime. That's when Salamanca's Maddox Isaac and Payton Bradley connected for the game-winning touchdown with six seconds left, handing LeRoy a heartbreaking 21-13 loss at Williamsville South.
Humphrey said it "means the world" to bring LeRoy's program back to the state playoffs.
"You want to get to the next game and eventual a state championship, but a sectional championship is something to be proud of," Humphrey said. "The fact we made it to this regional game, had a chance to win, it means a whole lot to these guys, the community and myself."
What it means
LeRoy coach Mike Humphrey's Oatkan Knights ended the season 11-1. They won their first 11 games and beat reigning champion Attica/Alexander in the Class C final to capture the first section title since 2014 for LeRoy's historic program.
Salamanca coach Chad Bartoszek's Warriors improved to 10-2 after capturing the program's first section title since 2001.
Football: Section V scores for 2023 season
Play of the game
Salamanca swapped quarterbacks all game, but Maddox Isaac was in for the game-winning play. His Warriors faced a third-and-10 from the 15 with 10 seconds left. LeRoy's defense appeared to attack with a zero blitz scheme, which left tight end Payton Bradley wide open up the seam for a touchdown reception. Zach Trietley completed a jump pass to Carmine Pierce for the two-point conversion.
Top players
Drew Strollo
The senior running back had 19 carries for 68 yards and two touchdowns.
Tony Piazza
LeRoy's senior running back rushed 19 times for 77 yards.
Maddox Isaac
Salamanca's junior quarterback had a hand in all three Warriors' touchdowns. He rushed for 100 yards, scoring from 33 yards out to tie the game in the third quarter. Isaac also threw a 45-yard touchdown pass to Arlen Newark in the second, and found Bradley for the game-winner in the final seconds.
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This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: LeRoy loses to Salamanca in final seconds in New York state quarterfinals
