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Health Sciences football begins large schools run with dominant win over Class AA's Orchard Park

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  Published in Science and Technology on Saturday, September 6th 2025 at 15:00 GMT by Buffalo News
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High‑School Football Spotlight: The Rise of Northport North and the Unrelenting Spirit of the Buffalo County Gridiron

In a season that has already seen its share of dramatic twists and breathtaking finishes, the Buffalo News’ recent feature on high‑school football (https://buffalonews.com/sports/high-school/football/article_b31848ed-4724-4011-9ab9-4e6df7861c9c.html) takes a close‑up look at one of the most compelling narratives unfolding in the region: the Northport North Panthers’ relentless march toward a state‑wide playoff berth. Written by veteran sports journalist Alex Rizzi, the piece weaves together game‑by‑game recaps, coaching philosophy, and the personal stories of key players to give readers a front‑row seat to a story that is as much about character as it is about touchdowns.

The Game that Turned the Tide

The centerpiece of the article is Northport North’s 28‑21 upset over the historically dominant East Valley Eagles on a sweltering September afternoon. Rizzi details the play‑by‑play action—how a 65‑yard interception return by senior safety Tyler “Thunder” Johnson set the tone, followed by a series of explosive runs from junior running back Marcus Hayes that left the Eagles’ defense scrambling. A late‑game two‑point conversion, orchestrated by senior quarterback Kevin Sullivan, sealed the win and ignited the Panthers’ confidence.

Rizzi doesn’t simply recite the score; he contextualizes the victory by drawing on statistics from the entire season. Northport North entered the game with a 4‑2 record, but the win gave them a 5‑2 record and vaulted them into the top ten of the Buffalo County rankings—an achievement that will place them in the state’s “Big‑D” playoff bracket.

Coaching Philosophy and Player Development

A significant portion of the feature is devoted to Northport North’s head coach, Mike DeSantis, who has been with the program for 12 seasons. Rizzi interviews DeSantis in his office, where the coach describes his “scramble‑and‑sustain” defensive philosophy—a strategy that emphasizes aggressive play‑calling and situational awareness. The article quotes DeSantis saying, “We’re not just playing for wins; we’re teaching them to handle pressure.” This quote is supported by a link to DeSantis’s profile on the school’s athletics page (https://northportathletics.com/coach/mike-d), which offers a deeper dive into his coaching career, including his tenure at St. Joseph’s Prep and his record of producing college‑level talent.

The article also profiles key players. Tyler Johnson’s senior season is described in terms of his leadership, noting that his “Thunder” moniker is not just for his speed but for his resilience—he made a critical fumble recovery against the Eagles that shifted momentum. Marcus Hayes is portrayed as a future college prospect; a link to his recruiting profile on MaxPreps (https://maxpreps.com/athlete/marcus-hayes/football/2024/season/) provides additional stats and national rankings.

Community Support and Rivalries

Rizzi places the Northport North story within the broader tapestry of Buffalo County high‑school football. He mentions the fierce rivalry with East Valley—last year’s championship was decided by a last‑second field goal—and explains how local businesses and alumni networks rally around the teams. The article links to the Buffalo County Sports Commission’s calendar (https://buffalocountysports.com/football-calendar) for upcoming games and a community event that coincides with the playoffs.

The Road Ahead: Playoffs and Beyond

The feature ends on an optimistic note, with Rizzi outlining Northport North’s next challenges. The Panthers face a tough schedule, including a must‑play against the reigning state champion, the South Shore Sharks, in the quarter‑finals. Rizzi includes quotes from the coaching staff about the preparation required for that matchup, as well as a link to the official playoff bracket (https://buffalofb.com/state-2024-bracket) where readers can track their progress.

In addition, the article explores the long‑term impact of high‑school football on the region’s college programs. It highlights alumni such as former Panther linebacker Jordan Kim who currently plays for the University at Buffalo, linking to his bio on the university’s athletics site (https://cubuffs.com/roster/2023/jordan-kim). This creates a narrative arc that shows how local success stories feed into larger collegiate and professional pipelines.

Key Takeaways

1. Game Recap: Northport North’s 28‑21 upset over East Valley showcases the team’s resilience and explosive playmaking.
2. Coaching Insight: Head coach Mike DeSantis’s “scramble‑and‑sustain” philosophy prioritizes character building alongside athletic performance.
3. Player Highlights: Tyler Johnson’s defensive leadership and Marcus Hayes’s offensive dynamism signal a bright future for the program.
4. Community Role: Local businesses, alumni, and the Buffalo County Sports Commission create a supportive ecosystem for high‑school football.
5. Future Outlook: The Panthers’ playoff run is poised to end with a showdown against the South Shore Sharks, while the story of alumni success underscores the program’s broader impact.

With its in‑depth game analysis, personal profiles, and contextual links, the Buffalo News article offers readers an engaging narrative that extends beyond the gridiron, illustrating how high‑school football remains a cornerstone of community identity and personal development in Buffalo County.