Friday's high school football clash at Fredonia's Orange Bowl featured two teams in Class C South trying to rebound from losses the previous week and seeking their first win within the division. In a game broadcast on WDOE, Fredonia made enough big plays late and held on for a hard-fought 24-22 victory over Gowanda-Pine Valley.
The Hillibillies and Panthers battled back and forth all night in a contest where the lead changed hands six times. Fredonia (2-1, 1-1) struck first on a 28-yard touchdown pass from Noah Palisin to Lavonce Donaldson. Gowanda-Pine Valley (1-2, 0-2) took its first lead on a 28-yard touchdown grab by Kyan Austin, followed by a successful two-point conversion. The Billies answered immediately, as Markel Davis ran back the ensuing kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown. The Panthers regained the lead late in the 2nd quarter and almost extended the lead on the last play of the half when Reginald Irion appeared to catch a 41-yard touchdown pass. However, the officials ruled that he stepped out of bounds on the play before catching the ball and was therefore penalized for illegal touching. The pendulum swung back in Fredonia's direction when Palisin capped a 10-play, 64-yard drive with a 7-yard touchdown run late in the 3rd quarter. The lead changed again with 6:48 remaining as Irion ran for a 4-yard touchdown and tacked on a two-point conversion, putting the Panthers up 22-18. But Fredonia edged its way back in front as Ayden Wronski rumbled for a 46-yard touchdown with 4:39 left. On the next play from scrimmage, the Billies' defense came up with a big play, as Ryan Johnson made a leaping interception. From there, Fredonia's offense chewed up the rest of the clock to preserve the win.
After being held to just 17 yards rushing in the first half, Ayden Wronski finished the night with 22 carries for 134 yards and a touchdown for the Billies. Noah Palisin threw for 76 yards, a touchdown and an interception. For Gowanda-Pine Valley, Zane Rogers led the way on the ground with 16 rushes for 84 yards. Kyan Austin was the game's leading receiver with six catches for 77 yards and a touchdown. And on defense, Cayden Redford logged a pair of sacks.
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Noah Palisin connects with Lavonce Donaldson for a 28-yard touchdown
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Gowanda-Pine Valley takes its first lead on Kyan Austin's touchdown
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Markel Davis runs back a kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown in the 2nd quarter
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Ayden Wronski puts Fredonia ahead with a 46-yard touchdown in the 4th quarter
Photos and videos by Greg Larson
