Week 1 Preview: Salamanca @ Olean

Game Details

The Salamanca Warriors hit the road to face the Olean Huskies on Friday, September 5, in what promises to be a spirited clash between two longtime Section VI rivals. Salamanca travels with momentum after a sensational 2024 season, while Olean looks to set the tone early in 2025.  It’s a rivalry that stretches back decades, with Olean holding the all-time edge at 28–20–2.

Salamanca in 2025: Reloading, Not Rebuilding

The Warriors are fresh off back-to-back Section VI Class C championships (2023 and 2024) and a state championship game appearance last fall. Head Coach Chad Bartoszek, a Salamanca alum, has revitalized the program since his return in 2019, leading the Warriors back into the statewide spotlight.

As they open 2025, Salamanca will lean on a new cast of playmakers stepping into bigger roles, but the expectations remain sky-high. The program’s culture of physical defense, disciplined offense, and explosive athletes has made them one of Western New York’s most consistent winners over the past three years.

Salamanca Press Preview

Olean: Huskies' Outlook for 2025

The Huskies are looking to flip the script and build on a 2024 post season appearance in a tough Class B landscape. With Bradner Stadium as the backdrop, Olean has the chance to set the tone for 2025 by defending home turf and reminding Section VI that this rivalry has never lacked intensity.

Though Salamanca has seized momentum in recent years, Olean’s tradition — and the series lead — give the Huskies every reason to believe they can play spoiler in the opener.

Rivalry Snapshot

• All-time series: Olean leads 28–20–2

• Last meeting: Salamanca won 24–12 on October 6, 2018, in a Senior Night stunner at Veteran’s Memorial Park.

• Recent momentum: The two teams haven’t met in six years, setting the stage for a renewed chapter in a storied rivalry.

Venue: Bradner Stadium Atmosphere

The showdown will take place at Olean’s Bradner Stadium, a historic venue opened in 1928 and renovated most recently in 2013. The multipurpose field, which seats roughly 4,000 fans, is home to Olean High School football and serves as a focal point for community events and remains one of the iconic small-town venues in Western New York.

Game Outlook

The opener brings together two programs with contrasting trajectories — Salamanca, a reigning sectional powerhouse reloading for another run, and Olean, a tradition-rich rival eager to reassert itself.

The Warriors have recent success on their side. The Huskies have the historical edge. On September 5, the rivalry gets a fresh chapter — and bragging rights in the Big 30 are on the line.

Keys to Victory

Salamanca Warriors

1. Establish the run game early – With new faces in key skill spots, leaning on the ground game will settle nerves.

2. Dominate the line of scrimmage – Salamanca’s recent title runs have been built on toughness up front.

3. Limit big plays – Olean has a history of explosive runs; bottling those up could tilt the game quickly.

Olean Huskies

1. Control the clock – Keeping Salamanca’s offense off the field will be crucial.

2. Protect the football – Turnovers against a seasoned Warriors defense could be costly.

3. Feed off Bradner Stadium energy – A fast start at home might rattle Salamanca’s younger contributors.