The Buffalo Bills, together with the National Football League, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), and the New York State Association of Certified Football Officials (NYSACFO), have recognized five members of the Rochester Chapter as the “Crew of the Month” for October 2025. The recognition highlights their efforts in improving the experience for high school football players in the region.
The officiating crew includes Leo Rhodes (Referee), Chris Guyett (Umpire), Ken Johnson (Head Linesman), Ken Torchia (Line Judge), and Tim Moriarity (Back Judge). Collectively, they have 140 years of officiating experience. Each member has worked at every varsity position, demonstrating versatility and leadership. They are also active in developing new officials and maintaining professional standards within their chapter. Their commitment extends beyond football, as they participate in community service and other professional roles.
Leo Rhodes has been a Section V official since 1996 and served two terms as president of the United Sports Board Council. He is also involved in wrestling officiating and currently leads a not-for-profit organization focused on promoting inner-city wrestling and mentorship.
Chris Guyett has spent twenty years with RCCFO, working numerous playoff games including state semifinals. He has contributed to girls’ flag football events, such as officiating at sectional finals and state contests in 2025. Guyett received both RCCFO Official of the Year and NYSACFO Merit Award honors in 2022. He also mentors new officials through a program aimed at increasing certified membership.
Ken Johnson brings thirty years’ experience to his role as Head Linesman. He serves on RCCFO’s Executive Council as membership chairperson and supports mentoring programs for new officials. Johnson has been assigned to several significant games, including state finals, and was named RCCFO official-of-the-year in 2019.
Ken Torchia has forty years with RCCFO, serving previously as President, Past-President, and Treasurer. His awards include RCCFO Official of the Year (2010) and NYSACFO Merit Award. Torchia was assigned to major championship games such as the NYSPHSAA Class A Football Championship in 2022 and Girls’ Flag Football Final in 2025. He volunteers with Penfield Youth Baseball organizing fundraising activities.
Tim Moriarity is a twenty-year veteran who has worked multiple sectional playoffs along with state finals appearances in 2018 and 2024. Outside football, he officiates youth basketball for Catholic schools around Buffalo, adult basketball leagues in Niagara County, and slow-pitch softball tournaments over three decades.
According to the NFL’s Play Football resources, each month during high school football season teams like the Bills collaborate with local associations to honor outstanding officials across New York State’s network of more than 1,500 members from nineteen chapters.
Those interested in becoming an official can find more information or sign up through the NYSACFO website.
“The Buffalo Bills are one of 18 NFL teams participating in recognizing high school football officials for their contributions to their communities,” states an announcement from the team.
