CANANDAIGUA – Expect to read Austin Kierst’s name a lot in the coming weeks.
Aleks Hawryschuk, too, is likely to enjoy ample press. They’ve scored the majority of touchdowns for a Canandaigua offense averaging nearly 40 points per game.
Five other names, however, are largely responsible for the Canandaigua football team's success. They won’t often be found in box scores.
Holden Rugg, Derek Smith, John Casey, Lucas Wyand and Carer Barney form Canandaigua's offensive line. The group includes four seniors, and it’s the driving force behind a Gray Wolves rushing attack no one in Section V has solved yet this season.
They know the pedigree behind Canandaigua’s historical success – run, then run some more. They’re proud to carry that tradition.
“If you
don’t have a good offensive or defensive line, you’re not going to be very good,” Canandaigua coach Jeff Welch said. “It’s the heart of any team, and they’ve become that.”
In the trenches
Communication proves key at the line of scrimmage.
Casey, the center, barks instructions to his guards. Wyand and Smith must also communicate with the tackles, Rugg and Barney.
“It’s a lot of knowing where the ball is going to go,” Casey said. “You need to help out your brothers. It’s different every single (play)… we need to make sure we all know what we’re doing.”
Canandaigua’s closest contest to date was a 28-7 victory at Brockport. It scored 41 or more points in its other three games.
Kierst, Hawryschuk, Isaac Dolph and George Mirras split most Canandaigua carries. Regardless of who runs the ball, they’re typically led by players sporting jersey numbers in the 60s and 70s.
“All five of us need to execute every play,” Rugg said. “It’s a team effort. We need all five of us to work.”
Canandaigua calling card
All signs point toward a favorable seed for Canandaigua in the Section V Class A2 playoffs. The Gray Wolves already own two victories in the eight-team classification, and two more A2 opponents await this regular season.
Their defense has thrived, as well, allowing seven points or less in three of four games. Wyand and Smith routinely win the line of scrimmage, squashing rushing attacks and setting up Canandaigua's playmakers for interceptions when opponents become desperate.
“We have some weapons on the outside,” Welch said. “But that can’t happen unless the guys up front do their job. They’re doing that.”
Quality line play also unlocks Kierst’s arm in the passing game. Rushing offense, though, has thrived at Canandaigua since before any of its current players were born.
Hawryschuk summarized this well after last week’s victory versus Greece Arcadia.
“That’s the Canandaigua way. Establish the run,” the junior said. “If we can pass, we can pass. But that run game sets everything for this team.”
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: Canandaigua stars get the touchdowns. These five pave the way.
