Buffalo Celebrates High School Football at Home Finale
Buffalo, NY – The Buffalo Bills wrapped up their 2024 regular season home finale in a heartwarming tribute to the region’s high school football community during their game against the New York Jets on December 29. The atmosphere was electric as the team honored various achievements from local schools.
Coach Stephanie Strassner of the Bishop Kearney Girls Flag Football team received a special surprise when Buffalo Bills alumni Terrence McGee and Billy Buffalo presented her with two tickets to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. Strassner made history by coaching the first-ever Division 2 State Champion in the New York State Public High School Athletic Association.
In an effort to further recognize the hard work of local coaches, the Bills partnered with Legends Global Merchandise to honor 22 Varsity Football Coaches from the Buffalo and Rochester areas as a part of their Coach of the Week initiative. Coaches Jeremy Zimmer from Sweet Home High School and Stephen Lian from Brighton High School were specifically acknowledged as the Coach of the Year in their respective regions.
Additionally, the game featured a young star on the rise. Messiah Hampton, a wide receiver from Monroe High School, received his official invite to the prestigious Nike “The Next Ones” Athlete Invitational, also happening in New Orleans. Hampton is a highly sought-after player, already garnering attention from top schools such as Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State.
As a part of the ongoing commitment to youth sports, students and teachers participating in the Bills Play 60 Charged Up By Wegmans program were also invited to the game. They took part in a special pre-game ceremony, acknowledging their efforts in promoting health and fitness in the community.
Head Coach Sean McDermott later confirmed the team’s plan to rest some key players for the upcoming postseason. The Bills look forward to possibly facing the Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, or Cincinnati Bengals as they continue their playoff journey.
Overall, the evening was not just a celebration of Bills football but also a heartfelt recognition of the local high school football community that contributes so much to Buffalo.
