Big 30 represented in football all-state teams
By SPENCER BATES, Sports Editor
With the release of the New York State Sports Writers Association all-state football teams, several members of Big 30 teams found themselves rewarded for their efforts in the 2023 season.
The NYSSWA’s No. 3 ranked Class C team, Salamanca (10-3) had the most number of players selected to an all-state team of any Big 30 school. This comes after the Warriors reached the New York State Public High School Athletic Association semi final for the first time since 2001, claiming the Section 6 Class C title over Medina and the Far West Regional title over Le Roy.
Offensive lineman Warrick Kyler and linebacker Zach Trietley each found themselves selected to the Class C first-team on opposite sides of the ball. Lucus Brown made the second-team offense with his team-leading 10 touchdowns on over 500 receiving yards. Cory Holleran was selected at the defensive back position on the second-team and Jaxson Ross was named to the third team offense as an all-purpose player.
Section 6 Class C semifinalists Portville/Cuba-Rushford (7-3) had running back Kaedon Holcomb selected to the first-team offense as well after he tallied 20 touchdowns on nearly 1,500 yards rushing on the year. P/C-R lineman Nik Manroe was listed as a Class C honorable mention.
Pioneer (9-2) had the next-most all-state selections. The Panthers reached the Section 6 Class B final before their season ended at the hands of Health Sciences/BASC/Charter. Running back and Big 30 Player of the Year Dalton Giboo was named to the Class B first-team. He led the Panthers with 27 total trips to the endzone on nearly 1,500 yards rushing and nearly 500 yards receiving. Offensive lineman Luke Matheis was named to the third-team offense and defensive lineman Sam Platt was named to the sixth-team offense for Pioneer as well. Quarterback Gavin Schwab and place kicker/punter Gabe Kempf were given Class B all-state honorable mentions.
Section 6 Class D semifinalist Franklinville/Ellicottville (7-2) had a pair of players selected to the all-state second-team offense. All-purpose selection Hunter Smith and offensive lineman Isaiah Ploetz. Smith led the Titans with 10 touchdowns on the year, just surpassing the 1,000 yard mark on the ground. He also had the second most receiving yards of anyone on the team.
Randolph (3-6) lineman Maverick Adams was listed as a Class D all-state honorable mention.
As for 8-Man football, Bolivar-Richburg (6-3) had linebacker Caden Allen named to the all-state first team. Lineman Zachary Mitchell was given an 8-Man all-state honorable mention. The Wolverines reached the Section 5 8-Man football championship where they suffered defeat against eventual state champion Pembroke.
