Albion Central School District and Medina Central School District joint announcement.
An exciting new era is set to begin on the football field this fall. Both the Albion and Medina school boards recently agreed to move forward with plans to merge football programs. This decision came after an ongoing challenge to maintain a safe, competitive, and developmentally appropriate program for student-athletes due to declining student enrollment and extracurricular participation.
The merged program will take on a new identity as the Orleans County (OC) Rivals, acknowledging the long-standing, historic rivalry between the neighboring schools, dating back to the 1890s. Forgoing the school’s Purple Eagle and Mustang mascots, their symbol will be two crossed shovels and a pickaxe, alluding to how both communities similarly grew from the digging of the Erie Canal, completed in 1825. The team colors will be maroon, black and white. Players, parents and coaches gathered for meetings where questions and concerns were addressed, and feedback was welcomed.
School leadership is optimistic that this decision will help ensure long-term program sustainability and higher calibre-opportunities for athletes. Both schools, athletes and coaches look forward to bringing the Albion and Medina communities together to work toward the same goal, on a united front. They hope to harness an unprecedented level of team spirit and community support surrounding this new and exciting era of football.
While it's the debut season as the OC Rivals, it's the final season for 12 seniors.
“I'm excited. It will be a pretty cool experience and good for both communities. I think things will come together pretty quickly,” said Preston Woodworth, Medina senior, varsity starting quarterback for the last two seasons, and two-time C North Division first team all-league honoree. “Merging will help keep our numbers up. It will be great, especially for the younger players, because they will get to grow with the teammates they are playing with this upcoming season.”
Players from both schools are looking ahead, setting goals and preparing for the new experiences and possibilities the fall season has in store.
“The numbers have been a challenge. I am looking forward to having a full team, getting to know the new guys, being more competitive, and the opportunities it will bring,” said Jackson Snook, Albion 11th grader, starting varsity offensive/defensive lineman, and two-time B3 Division first team all-league honoree. “The goal is to compete, have a strong team, and have a successful season. I’m focused on leading by example, continuing to improve and doing whatever I can to help the team succeed. I think the team will really focus on coming together to make it a great season.”
The OC Rivals will compete in the Section VI, B1 Division. The fall 2026 game schedule is as follows: (subject to change)
Week 1: Thursday, 9/4 Albion/Medina at Akron (non-league)
Week 2: Friday, 9/11 Lake Shore in MEDINA
Week 3: Friday, 9/18 Albion/Medina at Williamsville South
Week 4: Friday, 9/25 Albion/Medina at Lew-Port
Week 5: Thursday, 10/1 Albion/Medina at Maryvale
Week 6: Friday, 10/9 West Seneca East in ALBION (Homecoming)
Week 7: Friday, 10/16 Amherst in MEDINA (Homecoming)
Week 8: Friday, 10/23 McKinley in ALBION (Senior Night)
To read the initial merger announcement from February, order apparel, and stay up to date on news, visit our OC Rivals webpage.
Several senior members try on the new home uniforms at their first off-season workout. Pictured in front: Jayzon Wills, Elijah Doxey, and Matthew Jacobs. In back: Ezra Bloom, Jaxon Lynch, Noah Harrison, Jackson Snook, Preston Woodworth, Hadrian Batista, and Logan Kast.