RJ Helt’s goal in the second overtime on an assist from Eli Moore lifted the Red Dragons to a 2-1 victory over Fredonia on Thursday night at SUNY Fredonia.

“Through almost 100 minutes of play, our guys really, really demonstrated, I think, that we’re going to have a good, competitive season,” Maple Grove coach Cara Abbey said. “They proved what they’re capable of to each other and to me, and that they’re going to be a tough team this year.”

The defending Section VI Class C champions opened the scoring a minute into the second half when Alex MacCallum found the back of the net, assisted by Moore. The Hillbillies, the defending Class B-2 champs, tied the game when Kam Mages tallied on a free kick just outside the 18.

That set the stage for Helt’s game winner in the second overtime, ending a game that endured weather delays, but it didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the rivalry between the two programs.

Maple Grove’s RJ Helt, left, and Fredonia’s Kameron Mages battle for possession. P-J photo by Scott Kindberg

“It was a hard-played game by both teams,” Hillbillies coach Jim Rush said. “We match up well and it’s developed into a pretty good rivalry. It was good to play them. We always want to schedule good teams and they’re a good team. We would have liked a W, but our team played hard, they played hard and they scored one more goal than we did. It was a good effort.”

Andrew Auer, backed by strong defensive play, made one save for the Red Dragons (1-0).

Trevor Persch was the keeper for Fredonia (1-2).

Maple Grove will be back in action at 11 a.m. Saturday when it entertains Southwestern. Fredonia will host Jamestown at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at Fredonia High School.

WESTFIELD/BROCTON BREEZES

WESTFIELD — Carson Swanson scored twice and brother, Darien, added a goal and two assists to spark Westfield/Brocton to a 6-0 victory over Ellicottville in a nonleague game.

Behind goals from Aiden Gatto, the two from Carson Swanson and one apiece by Darien Swanson and Joshua Barresi, the Wolverines led 5-0 at halftime.

Cole Holland found the back of the net for the lone goal of the second half to complete the scoring.

Holland also had an assist, Simeon Lashbrook collected two and Elijah Knappenberger also had one for the winners, who put 16 shots on net.

Aaron Fuller made seven saves in the shutout for Westfield/Brocton.