Lauren Randaccio stands out, not so much because of a boisterous nature but due to the way she carries herself. Quiet yet confident, the Nichols School senior, in her fourth season with the varsity soccer team, never has to say, ‘I’m the leader,’ her teammates and classmates just give her that respect because she’s earned it. Randaccio’s leadership skills are needed now more than ever as the Lady Vikings have an influx of new faces thisd season looking for direction. Taking a cue from past leaders, like Catherine Williams, Maya Jackson-Gibson and others, Randaccio, a Clarence native, is more than ready to embrace the role of being the person her teammates count on. “Honestly it’s fun to be...

Woodard developing into ‘real deal’ for NT By Dave Ricci Chris Woodard remembered a talk he had with teammate Jacob Clare before the sophomore started his first varsity game at quarterback in the season opener against Sweet Home. “I was telling him I was a little nervous and everything,” Woodard said. “and he was in my shoes before at one time, too, because he’s a three-year starter. He started as a sophomore. He said to me you have the ability. We’re here for you. We’re going to support you and we’re going to go out there and do our best to win this game. And I think that really touched me. Saying that, from a senior to a sophomore, that was a lot of help especially right before a game. So,...

Ken East’s Smith dedicates performance to grandmother By Dave Ricci It was the game of his life. But Preston Smith didn’t just do it for his team, he did it for his grandmother. In Kenmore East’s 21-0 blanking of Niagara-Wheatfield on Sept.15 at Sparky Adams Field, Smith rushed for 95 yards, scored a TD and helped the Bulldogs to their first home game win since 2008. As he celebrated with his teammates, Smith’s thoughts were with his beloved grandmother, Mary Pasek, who passed away on Sept.1. “Everything is for her from now on,” Smith said after the game. Smith, who scored his first varsity touchdown when he bowled his way into the end zone with 28 seconds left to play in the half, said...