Unfinished Business: York/Pavilion Football Poised to End 35-Year Title Drought
Written by Pete Zehler on October 30, 2025
The York/Pavilion Golden Knights enter Section V Class D playoffs as the No. 1 seed and the clear favorite to take home the crown. After a dominant 7-1 regular season — with their only loss coming to Royalton-Hartland/Barker, the No. 1 seed in Section VI Class C — the Knights secured the lone first-round bye and now await their semifinal opponent.
Season Recap
York/Pavilion’s season was defined by consistency, balance, and one emphatic statement win. In Week 7, the Golden Knights dismantled defending Class D champion Avon, 42-21, cementing their status as the team to beat. Led by Head Coach Kurt Schneider, York/Pavilion’s strength lies in its versatility — a defense that flies off the line of scrimmage to stifle the run, paired with a spread offense that keeps opponents guessing.
Quarterback Parker Bonefede has been the driving force of that offense. One of Section V’s most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks, Bonefede has thrown for 1,003 yards and 11 touchdowns while rushing for 457 yards and 15 scores. His ability to extend plays and make smart reads has elevated the Golden Knights’ attack to a new level.
Semifinal Matchup Preview
York/Pavilion will face the winner of Oakfield-Alabama/Elba vs. Canisteo-Greenwood in the sectional semifinals. Regardless of the opponent, the Knights have to feel confident. They’ve already beaten both teams handily in the regular season — a 27-6 win over Canisteo-Greenwood and a 41-7 rout of O-A/E.
If there’s a team that could make things interesting, it’s Canisteo-Greenwood. The Chargers boast one of Class D’s best defenses, but their offensive struggles have been evident all year. Against a complete and fast-paced York/Pavilion squad, that lack of scoring punch could be fatal.
Key Players to Watch
- QB Parker Bonefede: 1,003 passing yards, 11 TDs; 457 rushing yards, 15 TDs
- WR Liam Campbell: 17 receptions, 324 yards, 3 TDs; also leads defense with 120 tackles
- WR Johnny Ayers: 15 receptions, 280 yards, 4 TDs
- WR Yeriel Diaz-Pena: 17 receptions, 233 yards, 4 TDs
- RB Javen Jackson: 334 rushing yards, 2 TDs, adding speed and burst to the backfield
- DL Aiden Kobylanski: 4 sacks, anchors a disruptive defensive line
- DB Parker Bonefede: 5 interceptions, part of a dangerous secondary alongside Zach Bauer (3 INTs) and Caleb Gavin
York/Pavilion’s defense has been as impressive as its offense, with Campbell and Trent Englert (75 tackles) leading the charge. The combination of physical tackling, defensive line pressure, and opportunistic coverage has made the Knights a nightmare for opposing offenses.
Prediction
Barring an upset, York/Pavilion looks poised to roll into the sectional finals, where a rematch with Avon seems likely (although there are some more frisky teams on the Riverhawks side of the bracket). The Riverhawks are well-coached under Andy Englert and will undoubtedly come in with adjustments after their regular-season loss — but York/Pavilion’s depth, balance, and confidence make them tough to bet against.
Prediction: York/Pavilion defeats Avon in the Class D Championship to claim York’s first football sectional title since 1990 — and the first in Pavilion school history.
