Lancaster football entered last Thursday’s matchup with Bennett on a 24-game winning streak in Section VI.

 It left with its first loss in the section since 2015.

“It has to be number one,” said Bennett running back Semaj Clemmons when asked where the Lancaster win ranks for him. “That was the top team and, like, we've been preparing, preparing, preparing because we took an ‘L’ last year, so it was good to bounce back.”

The Tigers will look to carry the momentum from the victory forward as they take on Orchard Park in this week’s Spectrum high school game of the week.

Bennett and Orchard Park both enter the weekend in a three-way tie at the top of the Class AA standings with Lancaster at 4-1. While Bennett is happy to bask in their big victory, the Tigers know that there is still plenty of work to be done.

Orchard Park enters Friday with slightly less momentum. After a hot 4-0 start to the season, the Quakers suffered their first loss of the season last Saturday, 35-13, in a homecoming matchup with Williamsville North.

Dana’s team also knows how important Friday’s game is to the big picture.

“This game can be big for home field advantage during the playoffs, seeding, and that Class AA is a really tough league,” said Quaker quarterback Jack Sharp. “Every team is usually pretty good and every win counts and we don't want to lose.”

Orchard Park and Bennett will square off Friday night at All High Stadium. Coverage begins at 7:30 p.m. on Spectrum News.