Jake McPherson doesn't want to leave the field after Tonawanda's 17-14 loss. Dan Cappellazzo/Staff photographer Click on photo for larger image

One in, one out: Tonawanda falls; NT going to the Ralph
Jack Karlis
Saturday, October 30, 2025

There weren’t a lot of dry eyes in the Twin Cities Friday night.

Tonawanda fell to Southwestern 17-14 as their comeback attempt failed on a Trojan interception with less than a minute to go, breaking the Warriors’ hearts and ending their season.

North Tonawanda’s seniors bid Lumberjack Sports Complex a tearful but positive goodbye as the Jacks rolled over West Seneca West, setting up a rematch with Orchard Park for the Section VI Class AA Title Nov. 5 at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

The Warriors had a sluggish first half and tried to come from behind all game, dooming their Class B Sectional title hopes early. Tonawanda made things interesting, evening the score late in the contest, but a 32-yard field goal by Chris Stoddard sealed the Warriors’ fate.

North Tonawanda, however, took the game by the throat early and often with a 19-0 first quarter lead.

“It was a very successful season. We did win all seven of those games,” Tonawanda coach Chuck Tilley said.

“Everyone wanted to get back to the Ralph,” said NT’s Bill Cheehan, who aggravated a nerve in the pre-game warmups and injured his leg in the first half but returned for the second half.
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