Vertus made a statement at Marina Auto Stadium.
Many were unfamiliar with the Warriors before their Sept. 12 game against Rochester Prep. Vertus opened their 2026 high school football season in Pennsylvania the week prior.
By first half’s end, however, all in attendance saw Vertus’ potential in Section V.
Vertus (1-1) defeated Rochester Prep (0-2), 47-0, in a matchup between two of Section V’s newest members. Balanced offense and opportunistic defense helped Vertus run away with its first win of the year.
“More discipline than last week,” Vertus coach Maurice Jackson said. “The stuff we’re doing well, we need to make sure we continue to do it well. We want to stay healthy and make sure our guys are doing their jobs.”
tops Section V's top football performers
Big plays fuel Vertus win
Two interceptions helped fuel a lopsided halftime score.
Marlon Tillman grabbed the first one. He then rushed for a long touchdown on Vertus’ ensuing possession.
Zy’Miere Tanksley then returned an interception for a touchdown to give the Warriors a 34-0 halftime lead. Vertus never looked back.
“We want to stay unpredictable and compete physically,” Jackson said. “Opponents will need to prepare for a multitude of things.”
New dog on the block
Vertus football played its first varsity season in 2022 and has not yet finished with a winning record. Could this be the group which changes that for the Warriors?
They’ll visit Churchville-Chili (2-0) and reigning Section V Class A2 champion East High/World of Inquiry (1-0) in the coming weeks. Those games will help reveal where Vertus stands amongst its Class A2 peers.
Jeff Uveino joined the USA Today Network in 2023 and began covering Rochester-area high school sports in 2026. He is a graduate of St. Bonaventure University's Jandoli School of Communication and native of Perry. Contact him at juveino@usatodayco.com. Follow him on X @realjuveino and on Instagram @jeffusports.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Vertus turns heads in dominant shutout of Rochester Prep
