THE SKINNY: East Aurora was looking for its second straight win and led the visiting Mustangs in the second quarter. But a number of big plays on offense enabled Metea Valley to pull away for a 52-28 win and improve to 4-3 overall, 4-1 Upstate Eight Valley.
TURNING POINT: Tailback Jamaria Littleton matched Metea Valley rush for rush. With the help of a recovered fumble on a kickoff, East Aurora (1-6, 0-4) led 21-14 after one quarter. Jay Parker (5 rushes, 97 yards) made big runs on Metea Valley’s two possessions of the second quarter to set up touchdowns.
THE STAR: Speedy 5-foot-6 tailback/slot receiver Bryson Oliver broke out after intermission for Metea to finish with 117 yards on seven carries and a TD and three receptions for 68 yards and another score. Littleton rushed 34 times for 149 yards — 86 in the first quarter.
THE NUMBERS: Metea finished with 310 yards rushing on 28 carries. Christian Wilcox ran for 74 yards and a score, and opened the game with a 93-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Senior quarterback Blaise Bell completed 10 passes for 208 yards and three scores.
QUOTABLE: “That’s the best I’ve run all year. I told the guys all week that this is not the East Aurora team of the past. They came out amped up and hit us in the mouth.” — Oliver
