In the world of Section V sports, standout performances are what define champions, and this week's Athletes of the Week—presented by Faber Builders—have truly raised the bar. May 4-10 was a showcase of grit, skill, and sheer determination across two very different sports, but both athletes share one thing in common: they dominated when it mattered most.
First up, Emma Rascoe of Webster Schroeder, who earned over 17,000 votes from fans. As a flag football quarterback, Rascoe was nothing short of electric. She threw 11 touchdown passes, completing 81 of 114 attempts for a staggering 708 yards. But her impact didn't stop there—she also rushed for four touchdowns and showed her defensive prowess by pulling 15 flags, including three sacks. Her leadership helped the Warriors secure three wins, including a commanding 20-0 shutout over undefeated rival Webster Thomas. That's the kind of all-around performance that defines a true athlete.
On the lacrosse field, Braden Fingar of Penn Yan also made waves, receiving over 6,000 votes. Fingar recorded 12 points across two games, netting seven goals to fuel his team's offense. But it was his work in the trenches that stood out—he collected eight ground balls in a key victory over Section VI's Hamburg. Whether it's finding the back of the net or battling for possession, Fingar proved he's a force to be reckoned with.
Throughout the spring season, these weekly polls—launched every Monday at democratandchronicle.com—highlight the top performances from the previous week. Your votes determine who gets the nod as Section V's best, with winners announced first on Instagram at @dandcsports. It's a celebration of the hard work and passion that makes high school sports so compelling.
For athletes like Rascoe and Fingar, moments like these are a reminder that every play, every flag pull, and every goal counts. Whether you're rocking their jersey or just inspired by their hustle, one thing's clear: Section V is home to some of the most exciting talent around.
