With an opportunity to lock up a Section VI Class C playoff berth, Coach Greg Sherlock’s team was shut out 26-0 by Clymer/Sherman/Panama.

Quarterback Nick Whitfield had one of his worst days.

His skilled-position teammates had one of their worst days.

The Fredonia offensive line had one of its worst days.

Fredonia running back Matt Lotter will get to live out his childhood dream of playing at Highmark Stadium on Saturday. OBSERVER File Photo

Almost immediately after the final whistle, led by Whitfield and Matt Lotter, the Hillbillies decided things had to change.

Just over six months later, it is evident they have.

Fredonia ran through an undefeated 8-0 regular season, winning the Class C South title with a perfect 6-0 league mark in the process, and at noon Saturday will play for its first Section VI championship since 2010 at Highmark Stadium.

“As soon as that game ended, we all got on that bus and it was not a fun ride home. We never wanted that feeling again,” Whitfield said at Tuesday’s Section VI football media day at the home of the Buffalo Bills. “This summer, we got everyone together and said: ‘Let’s go put in that work with our trainer, get in the weight room, push that sled on the field and get ready for this season.'”

Standing in the Hillbillies’ way will be defending Class C champion Medina.

Fredonia senior quarterback Nick Whitfield will be crucial in the Hillbillies’ effort to take home the Section VI Class C title on Saturday at Highmark Stadium against Medina. OBSERVER Photo by Scott Kindberg

“In the summer, this was our goal. Just get here and once we’re here, just win a football game,” Lotter said Tuesday. “When I was a little kid, this was my dream. … We’re finally here.”

The undefeated Mustangs have rarely been tested this fall. They have outscored opponents 418-83, including 238-19 in Class C North contests. Their closest game has been a 30-28 nonleague victory over Class B North runnerup Albion.

Medina is led by senior quarterback Xander Payne, who has thrown for 1,368 yards and 21 touchdowns against just four interceptions.

Senior Jarin Rihm has 31 catches for 402 yards and seven touchdowns; senior Greg Thompson has caught 16 passes for 370 yards and five touchdowns; senior Joe Cecchini has 19 catches for 297 yards and four touchdowns; and senior Iverson Poole has 10 catches for 177 yards and four touchdowns.

“They have guys who can go long and a quarterback that can throw deep. Believe me, they take shots,” Sherlock said. “We have to be aware of that.”

On the ground, Poole has 568 yards and 10 touchdowns; junior Noah Skinner has 565 yards and seven touchdowns; sophomore Robert Arnold has 300 yards and four touchdowns; and Payne has run for 185 yards and four touchdowns himself.

“They are experienced, that’s No. 1. … They get a lot of linemen to the hole that they are running through,” Sherlock said. “You have to be creative in what you do defensively to try and slow them down.”

Defensively, Skinner leads the Mustangs with 61 tackles and six sacks; senior Hayden Woodroe has 49 tackles, three interceptions and a sack; Cecchini has 44 tackles and 11 sacks; junior Chris Johnson has 43 tackles and four sacks; and Poole has 39 tackles, four interceptions and a sack.

While Medina has posted impressive numbers, the Hillbillies have also proven to be a formidable opponent.

Senior quarterback Nick Whitfield has completed 117 passes for 1,694 yards and 16 touchdowns against just two interceptions.

Junior Ethan Fry has caught 35 passes for 488 yards and eight touchdowns; senior Davon McCall has 31 catches for 412 yards and three touchdowns; senior Simon Davis had 19 receptions for 386 yards and three touchdowns; and junior Brandon Wronski has caught 15 passes for 186 yards and a touchdown.

“Ethan is a great quarterback and he just didn’t want to make that move to wide receiver,” Sherlock said. “We had a long talk … and he finally took that leap. He’s a great route runner.”

On the ground, Lotter has 126 carries for 1,050 yards and 12 touchdowns while Whitfield has 631 yards and 12 touchdowns.

“They have a two-headed monster. I think they have the ability to (run or pass) at any given time,” Medina head coach Eric Valley said of the Hillbillies. “I think we’ll see a solid blend of both. If we take one away, they can rely on the other.”

Defensively, Lotter has been in on an astounding 128 tackles, including three sacks, while also forcing two fumbles.

“His motor never stops, it doesn’t matter if it’s practice or just hanging out with him,” Sherlock said of Lotter. “He’s been a great leader and a great captain. Having somebody on the team like him playing both sides of the ball as aggressively as he does is a huge advantage for us.”

Junior Micah Davis has 82 tackles; McCall has 69 tackles; junior Matt Cash has 54 tackles and sophomore Samuel Atzrott has 45 tackles and four sacks.

“They are a very big, physical team. We are not going to be able to shy away against a team like that,” Valley said. “We are going to have to try and match their physicality and athleticism.”

The winner of Saturday’s game will take on Section V’s champion at noon Saturday, Nov. 20 at Williamsville South High School. East Rochester/Gananda and Bath-Haverling will play for the Rochester-area title at 7 p.m. this Saturday at Caledonia-Mumford High School.

“They are a good team,” Lotter said of the Mustangs. “If we come and play our ‘A’ game, we’re going to win. I honestly believe that.”