Gowanda Sports Report for Sept. 2

For the second consecutive year, players, cheerleaders and coaches from the Gowanda youth and high school football programs came together for a pre-season Pep Rally.

The event took place on Friday, Aug. 24 at Hillis Field.

A special presentation was made to long time public address announcer Mike Updegrave. He received a varsity football jacket as a thank you for his dedication to Gowanda football over the past 20 years.

Nick Crassi Jr. remains in second place in the Late Model Division at the Holland International Speedway. He will have two weeks left to catch the current leader, Eldon King. Racing is held on Saturday nights through mid-September.

Gowanda, Cattaraugus-Little Valley and Panama came together for a three-way football scrimmage in Cattaraugus on Saturday, Aug. 25. It was a beautiful day and the Timberwolves did a fine job of hosting the event.

Catt-Little Valley was the best of the three teams at the varsity level. Coach Tim Miller was encouraged by the play of his team. Sam Agnew was impressive in leading the offensive attack. Walker Cygan and Brennan Geiger stood out for Gowanda.

On the JV side of the field, Gowanda outscored both opponents. Touchdown passes from Jordan Young and Carter Benton to Lucas Brawdy highlighted the scrimmage. Chris Hammond also made several catches from his tight end position. Lineman Shawn Myers was a pleasant surprise in the trenches.

For the first time in five years, the Gowanda Merchants concluded their season with a playoff championship. It was also the first time they were finished playing before Labor Day. Several Gowanda high school players will continue to play in a few fall ball tournaments during the month of September.

The Gowanda Central School Football program held a pancake breakfast at Applebee's in Dunkirk on Sunday, Aug. 26. It was a team fundraiser that was well attended by the parents and relatives of the JV and varsity squads. The players and team managers served as waiters and waitresses.

Gowanda and Lake Shore's 6- and 7-year-old football teams had a chance to run a few plays against one another during halftime of the Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers exhibition game at Ralph Wilson Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 25. Both teams are members of the OATKA football conference.