On Friday, September 8th, the Orchard Park football team defeated the Frontier Falcons 36-35 in an impressive overtime victory. Read below to see Coach Cieslik’s perspective regarding the game.
How would you define the overall performance of your team?
The Frontier game was our first league game and a rivalry game that we knew would be challenging. Challenging for those reasons but also because Frontier runs a system offense. We don’t see it often and haven’t played them in a couple of years. These challenges along with the heat index affecting our practices had us on notice. At the end of the day, our guys made one more play than Frontier did and got the win. Sometimes that’s all it takes!
What did this game reveal about your team?
Positives: We found a way to win, and we stuck together as a group and never quit! As a young team, those are important ethics to have.
Improvements: Attention to details, execution and discipline are values that lead that list all the time.
What players stepped up in the game?
Brady Ciano (#8 Junior Quarterback) got his first start in the game and scored on the game winning play in overtime. Carter Switek gained 200+ yards and scored 3 touchdowns, and our offensive lineman played exceptionally well!
Moving forward, what are your goals for the season?
Our goals for the rest of the season are things we talk about all the time. Our goals don’t change weekly. Our game plans do but our goals don’t. We always look to do our part individually to help the collaborative team, do our job and a little more, and play with relentless undefeated effort. We know Division AA Football is challenging and look to play one week at a time! A record of 1-0 every week is stressed.
So far, Orchard Park is off to a great start with an undefeated record of 2-0, with wins against Williamsville North and Frontier. The Quakers next match will be played on Thursday, September 14th against Lewis J. Bennett High School. Looking forward to seeing what this face-off will hold!
*Responses have been edited for clarity.
