One player in particular grabs Langworthy’s attention.

“Way to go, Jadiel,” he yells in the direction of senior Jadiel Johnson. “You look like Simeon Rice.”

Then, realizing that Rice, a former three-time NFL Pro Bowler, is now 47 years old, Langworthy smiles.

“They don’t even know who that is,” he says, prompting him to smile yet again.

One game from completing his 13th season at the helm, Langworthy has reason to be in a good mood.

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The unbeaten Red Raiders (6-0) will take on South Park (5-0) at 7 tonight at Strider Field.

To suggest Jamestown is on a significant roll would be an understatement. The hosts, who last won a sectional crown in 2014 on their way to a New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class AA title, are averaging 47 points a game while yielding just under 9. They are coming off a 57-14 semifinal victory over Williamsville South.

“One of our themes this year is we’re focusing on our peak performance and we’re trying to peak every weekend,” Langworthy said. “If we can have a peak performance every week, we’re going to put ourselves in a position to win.”

Jamestown’s Jaylen Butera has rushed for 910 yards and 18 touchdowns this season. P-J file photo

The Sparks have had their share of peak performances this season, too.

By virtue of their 20-19 semifinal victory over Grand Island last Friday, they will be playing in their fifth sectional championship game in the last eight years. They won a state crown in 2015. Like Jamestown, South Park has dominated its opponents this season, averaging 35 points while yielding just under 11.

The Sparks advanced to tonight’s game despite an injury to All-Western New York defender Marqwan Fluitt that kept him sidelined for all but the first series against Grand Island, and starting quarterback Mykell Hepburn could only play on defense due to a hand injury.

But Keith Jackson, a senior running back/linebacker, did his best to make up for the injuries, dominating on both sides of the ball. A Connolly Cup finalist and an All-WNY selection in 2019, Jackson rushed for 207 yards, two touchdowns and a 2-point conversion. He also had eight tackles and intercepted a pass.

Of interest, the Red Raiders and the Sparks have one common opponent in the last six weeks — Grand Island. The team that South Park stopped on a 2-point conversion with 40 seconds remaining last Friday to hold on for the win, was the same squad that Jamestown beat in Week 2.

The final score then?

53-6.

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As Elijah Rojas, Jamestown’s senior wideout, walked from one end of Strider Field to the other Wednesday evening, he was stopped briefly by a practice observer who informed him that he, Rojas, is one touchdown reception away from moving all alone into second place on the Red Raiders’ all-time career list.

Rojas, a 6-2 senior, has caught 11 TD passes from sophomore quarterback Trey Drake this season, bringing the former’s total in the last three campaigns to 22.

And what is the name of the guy with whom Rojas is currently tied? Stephen Carlson (Jamestown Class of 2015), now a tight end with the Cleveland Browns.

Drake is also finding his way into the Red Raiders’ record book. With one more TD pass, he will tie Nikk Holland (Class of 2016) for second place on the program’s all-time career list with 27. And Drake’s 2,021 passing yards is currently No. 3 all-time.

When added to the play of junior running back/safety Jaylen Butera who has rushed for 910 yards and 18 touchdowns, including five in the first half of last week’s semifinal win over Williamsville South, it’s clear that Jamestown’s offense is clicking on all cylinders.

But the brilliance of Butera, the athleticism of Rojas and the command of Drake wouldn’t be possible without the performance of Jamestown’s offensive line. That group includes Joey Delgado, Caleb Bane, Kameron Melendez, Nicholas Miraglia and Julian McGaughy. Melendez is the only senior.

“Our offensive line has been great,” Langworthy said. “They’ve been working out for months in preparation for this. It’s another group that’s very, very close. … They’ve really become students of the game. I’ve been super impressed with them. As someone who has coached the line for years, this is one of my favorites.”

The defense, coached by Ryan Calkins and Richie Joly, has been very stout, too.

“I’ve been coaching with Ryan the last 15 years, the last 13 on varsity,” Langworthy said. “What he put together last week was his best game plan that I can remember, and he’s put in some good ones. He and Richie work hand in glove. They’re great friends, they have a tremendous relationship, and it’s all about the kids and putting them in the best position.

“It’s been a perfect ride so far and we just want to cap this off the right way.”