Brighton Bruins Continue Historic Season with Dominant Quarterfinal Victory

BROCKPORT — The Brighton Bruins football team keeps rolling as they move on to the next round of the playoffs after a strong performance against Sweet Home in the NYSPHSAA quarterfinals, winning decisively with a score of 48-14 on Saturday at SUNY Brockport. This game marked Brighton’s highest-scoring outing of the season and showcased a well-oiled offense that faced little resistance from Sweet Home’s defense.

From the start, it was evident that the Bruins were ready to play. After forcing Sweet Home into an early three-and-out, Brighton took control of the game with an impressive 11-play drive that consumed nearly seven minutes of the clock. Star running back Gavin Parks was a key player during that drive, racking up 55 yards on nine touches. However, in a surprise twist, it was quarterback Grady Hopkin who tossed a touchdown pass to Miller Burrows on fourth-and-goal from the five-yard line.

Brighton’s offensive brilliance wasn’t limited to the running game. Junior tight end Matthew Heininger made a significant impact, contributing a passing touchdown, a rushing touchdown, and a receiving touchdown throughout the game. His 56-yard touchdown pass to Wes Sturrup showcased his athleticism and versatility on the field.

Defensively, Bruins coach Steve Lian praised his team’s efforts, claiming they have the best defense in Section V. Brighton’s defense held Sweet Home to only 14 points, marking just the second time this season that the Panthers have scored under 30 points. Brighton was relentless, recording three sacks and forcing multiple failed attempts by Sweet Home to advance.

Brighton’s next challenge comes on Friday, Nov. 29, when they will face Section III champion Whitesboro at Vestal High School in Binghamton. The kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. As the Bruins continue their quest for championship glory, the momentum from this game certainly bodes well for their upcoming battles.

With this victory, the Bruins have improved their season record to 12-0, displaying not only their offensive prowess but also their solid defensive capabilities. They are now just one step away from the NYSPHSAA Class A state championship game, and fans are excited to see what lies ahead.