ORCHARD PARK — Optimism filled the air at Highmark Stadium as Section 6 high school football players and coaches gathered for Media Day — held for the first time on the Buffalo Bills’ home field ahead of preseason practices.

It was more than just a photo op on Tuesday, Aug. 12. Players posed for trading-card-style pictures, answered questions from reporters, and got a small taste of the spotlight they might experience later this year.

That connection is fitting: Section 6, covering Western New York high schools, is the only one in New York state that will play its postseason championships in an NFL stadium — the very same one they stood in this week.

For players and coaches from schools like Olean, Allegany-Limestone and Cattaraugus-Little Valley, the event served as an unofficial start to the season and a precursor to the work ahead.

Coaches and players from Salamanca, Franklinville/Ellicottville, Randolph, Portville/Cuba-Rushford/Bolivar-Richburg — the three school districts have merged programs — and Pioneer also took part Tuesday.

While some schools build on last year’s successes, Cattaraugus-Little Valley is looking to rebound from a tough season with a renewed focus.

Second-year head coach Mark Benton said this preseason is moving at full speed — literally.

“Preseason practices will be short and quick,” Benton said. “We don’t do double sessions. We just go at it hard in the morning, every morning. They’re intense and fast paced — not much standing around.”

Benton sees marked improvement from the 1-8 team he inherited, which went 0-5 in league play last season.

“This group is more dedicated,” he said. “They have a lot more intelligence on the field. The last group was just learning. This group seems to have it.”

With the season starting next month, the Timberwolves will have a chance to capitalize on all of the off-season’s work.

Tuesday’s event at the Buffalo Bills’ stadium marked the start of an intense few weeks as programs sharpen their skills for opening night in September.

While Media Day offered a rare brush with the big time, for coaches and players alike, the real reward comes later — when a select few programs get the chance to play under those same lights with a sectional championship on the line.