Published: October 29, 2009 02:36 pm      

Purple Eagles face Warriors in semis

Albion looks to avenge earlier loss

Looking to keep the momentum from last weekend’s emotional quarterfinal round victory, Albion will visit B-North Division rival Cheektowaga at 7 p.m. Friday in the Section VI Class B semifinals.

Last weekend the Purple Eagles combined touchdown runs by Chris Thornton and Matt Gilbert with a huge defense effort to score a rain drenched 14-6 victory at Lackawanna to avenge a 35-8 drubbing n last year’s sectional opener.

Now the Purple Eagles will be looking to avenge a 28-12 regular season loss to Cheektowaga, a win which clinched the B-North title for the Warriors.

“The kids came out and got after it a bit last week and I know we can play with these guys,” Albion head coach Tony Osburn said. “When we’re playing our football we can play with anyone.”

Cheektowaga capitalized on an fourth down Albion gamble that failed and an interception to score two lightning quick touchdowns just before half-time to take the lead for good over the Purple Eagles in the earlier meeting.

“We played them tough the last time but we put our defense in a real tough spot just before the half,” Osburn said. “Our kids are resilient though. We started the season 0-2 and they came back strong. And they’ve come back strong after the Cheektowaga game which really shows their character.”

Matt Gilbert, who scored a huge insurance touchdown last week with a 69-yard run on a fourth down and one play late in the game, leads Albion in scoring this season with 10 touchdowns. Chris Thornton, who scored the Purple Eagles first touchdown against Lackawanna, has tallied six times.

“We had a key play swing our way and that’s what we need,” Osburn said of Gilbert’s long touchdown run on the fourth down gamble. “A big key for us offensively this week is we have to be able to adjust to what they do defensively. We want to be a more balanced team. Offensively we can’t be so one dimensional.”

Big stops for losses by Jason Stirk, Stanley Hooker, Brad Rush and Nick Theodorakos highlighted Albion’s big defensive effort last week as the Purple Eagles stopped eight of Lackawanna’s nine possessions.

“The kids really stepped it up and made the plays when they had to,” Osburn said.

“Now we’re very happy and excited to be where we are and are looking forward to the rematch. However, the most important thing is we’ve got to get off the bus and be ready to play right from the start.”

Cheektowaga rolled past Dunkirk 37-13 in the quarterfinals.

The other Class B semifinal Friday night will have former Albion coach Dick Diminuco’s Alden Bulldogs visiting the East Aurora Blue Devils. That contest is also a rematch of a regular season encounter which saw East Aurora down Alden 17-6.