In a wild back-and-forth battle of unbeatens, the Glens Falls Indians dug in and came away in the 4th quarter to beat the Mekeel Christian Academy Lions 60-55 in the Class B Sectional Championship at the Glens Falls Civic Center.
The game featured plenty of scoring early as the two teams combined for 45 points in the first quarter, capped by Carter Stewart's half court three at the buzzer for the Lions. Stewart scored 18 points in the first half as Mekeel Christian Academy went to the half up by five points.
Joe Girard III started slow for Glens Falls, scoring 14 points in the first half, but started the second off with a bang, scoring the first couple buckets as the Indians quickly seized the lead away from Mekeel Christian Academy in the third quarter. Tony Green's coast-to-coast play tied the game at 40-40, but Jordan Jackson's three gave the Lions back the lead with less than two minutes in the third quarter.
The Lions had opportunities late in the game, like when Joe Girard III was called for the offensive charge with over five minutes left in the fourth quarter. Mekeel would score a three on the ensuing possession to take a 1 point lead, but Joe Girard III answered back with a three to retake the lead. Girard would dig in late with 12 points to help pad the Indians lead, and seal the Lions fate.
He would finish with 34 points, earning him tournament MVP honors.
Tony Green assisted with 10 points, 2 of which coming by fluke as he unintentionally tipped in a rebound off a missed Joe Girard III shot in the third quarter. Dylan Balcom added 8 for the Indians.
Carter Stewart scored 25 points for the Mekeel Christian Lions, while Deonte Holder added 15. Both would earn tournament team honors.
The Glens Falls Indians next travel to Section 10 for their Regional Semifinal.
Showing posts with label Sectional Championship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sectional Championship. Show all posts
Friday, March 3, 2017
D Championship: Argyle 64, Fort Ann 60
A battle between Adirondack League rivals turned into a battle between top scorers Kobe Lufkin and Tyler Mattison in the Class D Championship at the Glens Falls Civic Center. But it was the weight of Kobe Lufkin's 3 point shooting that led the Argyle Scots to back-to-back championships, winning the Class D title over the Fort Ann Cardinals 64-60.
The Cardinals flew to a 10-0 advantage in the 1st quarter before Kobe Lufkin and Jonah Horton combined to draw the Scots closer to Fort Ann, before taking a narrow lead in the 2nd quarter. The duo teamed up for the majority of Argyle's ten 3 pointers in the 1st half.
During the half, Section 2 acknowledged Kobe Lufkin's passing of Joel Wincowski for all-time scoring leader in the section, to a standing ovation at the Glens Falls Civic Center.
The third quarter saw the Cardinals build another lead before the long ball allowed the Scots to regain the narrow advantage, leading 51-50 at the end of the 3rd quarter. It was an advantage the Scots wouldn't relinquish.
Peyton Lufkin scored a three with 2:35 left in the game that put the Argyle Scots up by 6, but Fort Ann would battle back to within 2. But that was as close as they would get, as a pair of Argyle foul shots would seal the deal with less than 30 seconds to go.
Kobe Lufkin scored 30 points for the Scots, getting 24 of those 30 points long-range. Jonah Horton added 15 points before fouling out late in the 4th quarter, and Brodie Flewelling contributed with 11 points.
For Fort Ann, Tyler Mattison ends his high school career with 29 points, including 12 in the 3rd quarter. Jeremy Johnson added 13 points for the Cardinals.
Argyle moves onto the NYSPHSAA State Tournament, facing the winner of Section 7's Class D title game. The regional game will be next Saturday, 3PM at Hudson Valley Community College.
The Cardinals flew to a 10-0 advantage in the 1st quarter before Kobe Lufkin and Jonah Horton combined to draw the Scots closer to Fort Ann, before taking a narrow lead in the 2nd quarter. The duo teamed up for the majority of Argyle's ten 3 pointers in the 1st half.
During the half, Section 2 acknowledged Kobe Lufkin's passing of Joel Wincowski for all-time scoring leader in the section, to a standing ovation at the Glens Falls Civic Center.
The third quarter saw the Cardinals build another lead before the long ball allowed the Scots to regain the narrow advantage, leading 51-50 at the end of the 3rd quarter. It was an advantage the Scots wouldn't relinquish.
Peyton Lufkin scored a three with 2:35 left in the game that put the Argyle Scots up by 6, but Fort Ann would battle back to within 2. But that was as close as they would get, as a pair of Argyle foul shots would seal the deal with less than 30 seconds to go.
Kobe Lufkin scored 30 points for the Scots, getting 24 of those 30 points long-range. Jonah Horton added 15 points before fouling out late in the 4th quarter, and Brodie Flewelling contributed with 11 points.
For Fort Ann, Tyler Mattison ends his high school career with 29 points, including 12 in the 3rd quarter. Jeremy Johnson added 13 points for the Cardinals.
Argyle moves onto the NYSPHSAA State Tournament, facing the winner of Section 7's Class D title game. The regional game will be next Saturday, 3PM at Hudson Valley Community College.
Championship Week - The Semis in Review, some thoughts & videos
With Lake George and Stillwater's wins in the Class C Semifinals on Thursday, we close the book on the semifinals and get ready for the championships coming to the Glens Falls Civic Center tonight and tomorrow.
But first, let's take a look back:
The Scores:
Class D Semifinals
Fort Ann 56, St. Johnsville 42 | Recap
Argyle 75, Northville 65 | Recap
Class C Semifinals
Stillwater 57, Maple Hill 43 | Recap
Lake George 69, Granville 55 | Recap
Class B Semifinals
Mekeel Christian Academy 55, Voorheesville 51 | Recap
Glens Falls 77, Ichabod Crane 55 | Recap
Class A Semifinals
Averill Park 51, Scotia 40 | Recap
Lansingburgh 55, Mohonasen 50 | Recap
Class AA Semifinals
Bethlehem 64, LaSalle 58 | Recap
Colonie 72, Schenectady 61 | Recap
Team of the Semis: Averill Park
It's no secret that the Warriors played this season with heavy hearts after former player and alum Ryan Bielawa was killed in South Carolina back in October. They dedicated the season to him, and kept him in their hearts all season long, taking his #10 wherever they went, including Wednesday night at the Glens Falls Civic Center. Everyone on that team feels Bielawa was responsible for that win over Scotia, and why Averill Park is now 32 minutes away from possibly hoisting their first Class A Championship in 11 years.
Player of the Semis: Joe Girard III, Glens Falls
Joe Girard III's 28 second half points gave the Indians the comfortable cushion they needed to dispatch of the Ichabod Crane Riders and secure their spot in Friday's Championship against #2 seeded Mekeel Christian Academy. He may of started cold, but buckets inside, outside and at the line helped propel his Indians to victory.
Game of the Semis: Mohonasen vs. Lansingburgh
The Class A Semifinal between these two teams seemed tight throughout, despite Lansingburgh fronting the Warriors a head start. It was a game where you never knew who was going to pull through until the very end, and forced both teams to go all out at the end, giving the crowd that came to the Glens Falls Civic Center Wednesday evening a thrill.
Thoughts:
Comebacks
With a couple exceptions, the team that came out in front at the final buzzer had to make a mid-game comeback in order to get ahead of their opposition as the higher seed. Lake George was the only team who didn't wear the lighter jersey to advance in the end, but like said in our recap, their win over Granville was less of a surprise than Dave Jones figuring out what his team needed to do to knock off the Golden Horde.
In all these comeback cases, the opposition cooled down. Whether it was bad turnovers or bad shot selection, or a case where the better team on paper made the necessary adjustments. Case in point, Glens Falls, who yielded a early lead to Ichabod Crane. Leading scorer Joe Girard III had an uncharacteristic 14 points at the half before exploding in the 2nd half for 28. Whatever adjustments the Indians made at the half, it worked.
But all of these teams with cold starts cannot be doing this in their next game. A slow start could prove to be fatal, especially in the case of Mekeel vs. Glens Falls, which could become a shootout at the Glens Falls Civic Center between two of the best scoring teams in Section 2.
Lufkin's Accomplishment
It surprised me that NO announcement was made about Kobe Lufkin topping Joel Wincowski's scoring mark. I understand the comments given to Will Springstead by head coach Jack Sherwin about there being a time or a place, and I honestly wouldn't of wanted to see the game be halted for fanfare. But it would of been nice to note the occasion via the P.A., even if said announcement came after the teams walked off the court at the end of the game. While Lufkin's time on the top of Section 2's scoring may be limited as it will be no surprise if Joe Girard III crushes the mark in the next two years, it should of been commemorated somehow.
The Civic Center
This was my first year taking in all the games at the Glens Falls Civic Center, instead of just games of local interest. It was nice for once to be able to see athletes from across Section 2, and see the variety of play that exists across the Section. It's a shame this court won't see the NYSPHSAA Championships in two weeks, so why not come by this weekend to check out the best Section 2 has to offer.
Pep Bands
Hearing the pep bands Thursday night from Stillwater and Granville added a jolt to the Civic Center. It makes what is already a great place to watch some basketball even better. It would be nice if more schools had pep bands, and as Stillwater showed in their four piece outfit, it doesn't have to be big to be enjoyable.
Maybe the Civic Center should ask, since they are the lead-off game for the C Championship on Saturday, if their pep band can perform The Star-Spangled Banner instead of using the pre-recorded organ.
The Videos:
Voorheesville vs. Mekeel Christian Academy - The Tip
Ichabod Crane vs. Glens Falls - First buckets for the two teams
Northville vs. Argyle - Northville's Ridell drains a 3
Northville vs. Argyle - Lufkin's 3 to top Joel Wincowski's scoring record
Scotia vs. Averill Park - Early 3rd Quarter play
Scotia vs. Averill Park - Anthony Germanerio drains a 3
Mohonasen vs. Lansingburgh - Tip and Lansingburgh's first possession
Maple Hill vs. Stillwater - Tip and Maple Hill's first possession
Lake George vs. Granville - Start of the game
But first, let's take a look back:
The Scores:
Class D Semifinals
Fort Ann 56, St. Johnsville 42 | Recap
Argyle 75, Northville 65 | Recap
Class C Semifinals
Stillwater 57, Maple Hill 43 | Recap
Lake George 69, Granville 55 | Recap
Class B Semifinals
Mekeel Christian Academy 55, Voorheesville 51 | Recap
Glens Falls 77, Ichabod Crane 55 | Recap
Class A Semifinals
Averill Park 51, Scotia 40 | Recap
Lansingburgh 55, Mohonasen 50 | Recap
Class AA Semifinals
Bethlehem 64, LaSalle 58 | Recap
Colonie 72, Schenectady 61 | Recap
Team of the Semis: Averill Park
It's no secret that the Warriors played this season with heavy hearts after former player and alum Ryan Bielawa was killed in South Carolina back in October. They dedicated the season to him, and kept him in their hearts all season long, taking his #10 wherever they went, including Wednesday night at the Glens Falls Civic Center. Everyone on that team feels Bielawa was responsible for that win over Scotia, and why Averill Park is now 32 minutes away from possibly hoisting their first Class A Championship in 11 years.
Player of the Semis: Joe Girard III, Glens Falls
Joe Girard III's 28 second half points gave the Indians the comfortable cushion they needed to dispatch of the Ichabod Crane Riders and secure their spot in Friday's Championship against #2 seeded Mekeel Christian Academy. He may of started cold, but buckets inside, outside and at the line helped propel his Indians to victory.
Game of the Semis: Mohonasen vs. Lansingburgh
The Class A Semifinal between these two teams seemed tight throughout, despite Lansingburgh fronting the Warriors a head start. It was a game where you never knew who was going to pull through until the very end, and forced both teams to go all out at the end, giving the crowd that came to the Glens Falls Civic Center Wednesday evening a thrill.
Thoughts:
Comebacks
With a couple exceptions, the team that came out in front at the final buzzer had to make a mid-game comeback in order to get ahead of their opposition as the higher seed. Lake George was the only team who didn't wear the lighter jersey to advance in the end, but like said in our recap, their win over Granville was less of a surprise than Dave Jones figuring out what his team needed to do to knock off the Golden Horde.
In all these comeback cases, the opposition cooled down. Whether it was bad turnovers or bad shot selection, or a case where the better team on paper made the necessary adjustments. Case in point, Glens Falls, who yielded a early lead to Ichabod Crane. Leading scorer Joe Girard III had an uncharacteristic 14 points at the half before exploding in the 2nd half for 28. Whatever adjustments the Indians made at the half, it worked.
But all of these teams with cold starts cannot be doing this in their next game. A slow start could prove to be fatal, especially in the case of Mekeel vs. Glens Falls, which could become a shootout at the Glens Falls Civic Center between two of the best scoring teams in Section 2.
Lufkin's Accomplishment
It surprised me that NO announcement was made about Kobe Lufkin topping Joel Wincowski's scoring mark. I understand the comments given to Will Springstead by head coach Jack Sherwin about there being a time or a place, and I honestly wouldn't of wanted to see the game be halted for fanfare. But it would of been nice to note the occasion via the P.A., even if said announcement came after the teams walked off the court at the end of the game. While Lufkin's time on the top of Section 2's scoring may be limited as it will be no surprise if Joe Girard III crushes the mark in the next two years, it should of been commemorated somehow.
The Civic Center
This was my first year taking in all the games at the Glens Falls Civic Center, instead of just games of local interest. It was nice for once to be able to see athletes from across Section 2, and see the variety of play that exists across the Section. It's a shame this court won't see the NYSPHSAA Championships in two weeks, so why not come by this weekend to check out the best Section 2 has to offer.
Pep Bands
Hearing the pep bands Thursday night from Stillwater and Granville added a jolt to the Civic Center. It makes what is already a great place to watch some basketball even better. It would be nice if more schools had pep bands, and as Stillwater showed in their four piece outfit, it doesn't have to be big to be enjoyable.
Maybe the Civic Center should ask, since they are the lead-off game for the C Championship on Saturday, if their pep band can perform The Star-Spangled Banner instead of using the pre-recorded organ.
The Videos:
Voorheesville vs. Mekeel Christian Academy - The Tip
#518hoops Tip and first possession in the Class B Semi between Voorheesville and Mekeel Christian Academy pic.twitter.com/0CmehmgBB6— FOX Sports 97.9/1230 (@FoxSports979) February 27, 2017
Ichabod Crane vs. Glens Falls - First buckets for the two teams
First buckets for Ichabod Crane & Glens Falls. #518Hoops pic.twitter.com/qn4knGN50W— FOX Sports 97.9/1230 (@FoxSports979) February 28, 2017
Northville vs. Argyle - Northville's Ridell drains a 3
#518Hoops - It's the Reidell show early at the Civic Center. Northville leads 12-2, 2:30 1st pic.twitter.com/wH27chR2Vf— FOX Sports 97.9/1230 (@FoxSports979) February 28, 2017
Northville vs. Argyle - Lufkin's 3 to top Joel Wincowski's scoring record
#518Hoops - Kobe Lufkin's 3 to set the Section 2 Scoring Record. pic.twitter.com/vZrXfGDKDL— FOX Sports 97.9/1230 (@FoxSports979) February 28, 2017
Scotia vs. Averill Park - Early 3rd Quarter play
#518hoops - Early 3rd Quarter at the Glens Falls Civic Center. Averill Park leads 25-22 with a free throw coming. pic.twitter.com/gm265y2bom— FOX Sports 97.9/1230 (@FoxSports979) March 1, 2017
Scotia vs. Averill Park - Anthony Germanerio drains a 3
#518Hoops - Anthony Germanerio works his magic for 3. Averill Park leads 35-30, 5:39 4th pic.twitter.com/CnEtwzHcgI— FOX Sports 97.9/1230 (@FoxSports979) March 2, 2017
Mohonasen vs. Lansingburgh - Tip and Lansingburgh's first possession
#518Hoops - Under way in the second semifinal. Tip and first possession after Mohonasen turnover. pic.twitter.com/a9OYMcRGh7— FOX Sports 97.9/1230 (@FoxSports979) March 2, 2017
Maple Hill vs. Stillwater - Tip and Maple Hill's first possession
#518hoops - Tip and Maple Hill's first possession pic.twitter.com/olczKaV6EB— FOX Sports 97.9/1230 (@FoxSports979) March 2, 2017
Lake George vs. Granville - Start of the game
#518Hoops - Under way at the Civic Center for Lake George/Granville pic.twitter.com/BfZDxsPFNP— FOX Sports 97.9/1230 (@FoxSports979) March 3, 2017
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Game 10: Lake George 69, Granville 55
It was a team effort for Lake George as the Warriors knocked off the top-seeded Granville Golden Horde in the Class C Sectional Semifinals in their 69-55 win.
The top-seeded Golden Horde fell behind early, but unlike other top seeds this week, was unable to mount the comeback needed to get past the Warriors as fouls, turnovers and missed shots added up, especially in the third quarter.
While Mason Flatley led the Lake George Warriors with 22 points, two other Warriors had over 10 points. Alex Jones scored 12, while Caleb Scrime, despite missing part of the third quarter after going down hard chasing a rebound off a missed Granville shot, put up 17 points.
Matthew Fuller led the Golden Horde with 21 points, 9 of which came in the 4th quarter. Trace Bourne scored 10 points.
Lake George became the only team to knock off a higher seed in the 10 semifinal games at the Glens Falls Civic Center, though their win should come as little surprise to those who have observed the Adirondack League this season. It was the second straight win for Lake George over the Granville Golden Horde, who became league rivals this year with their move to the Adirondack League from the Wasaren League. This was the fourth meeting between these two teams this season, with Granville winning the first two.
Lake George won the two that mattered most, however, first in the Adirondack League playoffs, then now in the Class C Semifinals to end the Golden Horde's season.
The Warriors will take on the Warriors of Stillwater for the Class C Sectional Championship Saturday afternoon, 2PM at the Glens Falls Civic Center.
The top-seeded Golden Horde fell behind early, but unlike other top seeds this week, was unable to mount the comeback needed to get past the Warriors as fouls, turnovers and missed shots added up, especially in the third quarter.
While Mason Flatley led the Lake George Warriors with 22 points, two other Warriors had over 10 points. Alex Jones scored 12, while Caleb Scrime, despite missing part of the third quarter after going down hard chasing a rebound off a missed Granville shot, put up 17 points.
Matthew Fuller led the Golden Horde with 21 points, 9 of which came in the 4th quarter. Trace Bourne scored 10 points.
Lake George became the only team to knock off a higher seed in the 10 semifinal games at the Glens Falls Civic Center, though their win should come as little surprise to those who have observed the Adirondack League this season. It was the second straight win for Lake George over the Granville Golden Horde, who became league rivals this year with their move to the Adirondack League from the Wasaren League. This was the fourth meeting between these two teams this season, with Granville winning the first two.
Lake George won the two that mattered most, however, first in the Adirondack League playoffs, then now in the Class C Semifinals to end the Golden Horde's season.
The Warriors will take on the Warriors of Stillwater for the Class C Sectional Championship Saturday afternoon, 2PM at the Glens Falls Civic Center.
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Boys Hockey Tournament Schedule [Updated 3.4.16]
Section 2 & NYSPHSAA Tournament schedule for Ice Hockey, updated with full schedule of the quarterfinal games this Saturday.
Monday, February 22, 2016
Girls Basketball Sectionals: Semifinal Pairings [Updated 2.25]
After the jump, the Girls Basketball Sectional Pairings, updated daily as the games are played this week across Section 2.
Boys Basketball Sectionals: Semifinal Pairings [Updated 2.26]
We're still here.
We haven't had the opportunity to post much about high school sports with our studios being rebuilt, but we're keeping an eye on Section 2. It's the start of a busy week, with sectional semifinals and finals in Boys and Girls Basketball, as well as the finals in Boys Hockey all to take place the next 8 days.
Under the jump is the Section 2 Boys Basketball pairings for each classification, updated daily as the games are played this week at the Glens Falls Civic Center.
We haven't had the opportunity to post much about high school sports with our studios being rebuilt, but we're keeping an eye on Section 2. It's the start of a busy week, with sectional semifinals and finals in Boys and Girls Basketball, as well as the finals in Boys Hockey all to take place the next 8 days.
Under the jump is the Section 2 Boys Basketball pairings for each classification, updated daily as the games are played this week at the Glens Falls Civic Center.
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Team effort leads to Lake George title
 |
| The Lake George Warriors warm up prior to their Sectional Championship game against Waterford |
It is the second sectional championship in three years for the Lake George Warriors, now 22-1 this season.
Wincowski scored 11 of his 23 points in the first quarter as the Warriors jumped out to a 16-6 lead, an opposite of what happened Wednesday night in Watervliet when the Lake George Warriors fell 12 points back of the Hoosic Valley Indians before they came back to take command in the third quarter.
Wincowski had help all around the front court. Dylan Hubbard launched 3 threes for nine points, and Kyle Jones scored 8 points. During the fourth quarter, Wincowski on several occasions found an open Andrew McGowan in the paint, which led to McGowan scoring 12 points for the Warriors.
 |
| The Lake George Warriors hoist the Section 2 Class C Championship trophy after their 60-28 win. |
Josh Orton was also held to less than his average. The 21 point per game Fordian managed to score 15 points against the Warriors.
The game was never in doubt for the Warriors, who built a 28-10 lead at the half. Waterford came out and scored the first points of the third quarter behind loud crowd support, forcing Dave Jones to take a timeout. But off the timeout, the Warriors used their full-court power to keep Waterford at bay, and then pulled further away with a 23 point fourth quarter.
Armed with the Sectional Championship, the Lake George Warriors will travel north to SUNY Plattsburgh, where they will meet the Section 7 champion, Northern Adirondack, on Wednesday. The Bobcats claimed the Section 7 Class C title with a 59-46 win over Ticonderoga.
#3-WATERFORD FORDIANS vs. #1-LAKE GEORGE WARRIORS
Saturday, March 7th, 4PM at Colonie High School, Colonie, NY
WATERFORD
1-Kyle Fairclough 0 0 3 2 5
4-Jace Davey 0 0 2 0 2
20-Josh Orton 4 2 8 1 15
24-Christian Jones 2 2 0 2 6
TOTALS 6 4 13 5 28
LAKE GEORGE
3-Kyle Jones 3 0 2 3 8
4-Joel Wincowski 11 5 4 3 23
11-Dylan Smith 0 4 0 0 4
21-Dylan Hubbard 0 3 0 6 9
30-Steve Colletti 0 0 0 2 2
33-Duncan Mularz 2 0 0 0 2
44-Andrew McGowan 0 0 3 9 12
TOTALS 16 12 9 23 60
THREES: WATERFORD (2) - Fairclough-1, Orton-1; LAKE GEORGE (8) - Jones-2, Wincowski-3, Hubbard-3
TECHNICALS: WATERFORD (1) - Bench
Friday, November 14, 2014
Thoughts from the Press Box: Saying Goodbye
It was twenty minutes after Queensbury finished the Burnt Hills Spartans season, winning the Class A Super Bowl 34-13 to advance to the State Tournament.
The custodial staff was cleaning up the debris left by the fans.
The Times Union reporter James Allen was interviewing coach Matt Shell for his newspaper article.
And one player, kneeing on the five yard line.
Like several of his teammates, Danny Maynard had his high school football career come to an end on Saturday night. Unlike those other teammates, Maynard spent the last minutes before boarding the bus back to Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School kneeing on the field.
It's then when you realize. It's tough saying "goodbye".
Even if you are a successful athlete who will be playing sports during his collegiate career. Maynard signed a National Letter of Intent this week to play collegiate baseball at Notre Dame as a catcher.
Danny Maynard was a member of the 2012 Burnt Hills State Championship team. In fact, he was the State Class A Most Valuable Player that year as a Sophomore, and has seen his game improved over the years. Coach Shell, when I spoke to him prior to the first meeting in Week 7, had nothing but outstanding things to say about Maynard.
In fact ... maybe all those accolades he has earned made it harder to say "goodbye".
Danny Maynard did not play in the Exceptional Seniors bowl at Shenendehowa this week, which made this game his true exit from the game he played exceptionally well.
So the last image of him on the football field will be this. Whatever comes of his baseball career moving onto Notre Dame after his senior year this upcoming Spring, we wish Danny Maynard a lot of success.
He's earned it.
And it's images like this that makes you realize what goes through the minds of our local athletes when they realize their high school football career comes to an end.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Queensbury Adjusts To Sectional Title
CLIFTON PARK - The Queensbury Spartans made some adjustments during the half.
It only took 1:29 for it to pay off. After coming out of the locker room up 8-6, the Queensbury Spartans showed off their offensive adjustments, as Tyrell Adams scored on a 56 yard run to extend the Spartans lead to 14-6.
It was the first of 19 straight points for Queensbury as they would win their second straight Class A Sectional Championship title over the Burnt Hills Spartans 34-13.
Queensbury will now travel north to face the Massena Red Raiders, the Section X representative, up at Potsdam High School on Friday, November 14th.
For the first 25 minutes, the game felt like it was going to be very tight and close, like last year's Sectional Championship where the Queensbury Spartans won on a last minute Kody Bruno touchdown to win 14-7.
The first quarter ended with no score, helped by Tyrell Adams picking off John Clayton in the end zone to snuff out a Burnt Hills drive. But Queensbury was unable to do anything with the ball, and gave it back to Burnt Hills.
Erik Wettersten broke the scoreless tie with his 56 yard run, and Brett Rodriguez ran the ball in for the two point conversion to give Queensbury a 8-0 lead.
Queensbury's next drive ended in their own territory with the decision to go for it on fourth down. But Brett Rodriguez was unable to make it to the marker, giving the Burnt Hills Spartans the ball at the Queensbury 27 yard line.
A couple minutes later, John Clayton hooked up with Brendan VanAllen for the two yard touchdown reception, but the two point conversion run failed to leave the southern Spartans trailing 8-6.
But the third quarter was big for Queensbury. After Tyrell Adams's score, Burnt Hills was unable to answer back. With less than three minutes left to play in the quarter, Drew Wilson fired his first pass to Brett Rodriguez, who scored from 6 yards out to pad Queensbury's lead to 20-6.
In the fourth quarter, Brett Rodriguez scored on a 17 yard run to give Queensbury a comfortable 27-6 lead, which became valuable when Burnt Hills scored on a one-handed Patrick Brown grab on a John Clayton pass to score from 45 yards out to return the game to a two possession lead for Queensbury.
But Drew Wilson's second pass of the game, a 39 yard reception to a wide-open Brett Rodriguez, sealed the victory for the Queensbury Spartans.
For the second straight year, the Burnt Hills Spartans season comes to an end at the hands of the Queensbury Spartans in the Sectional Championship.
And for the second straight year, the Queensbury Spartans will face the Massena Red Raiders in the State Regionals.
1st Quarter:
No Scoring
2nd Quarter:
8:30 - Erik Wettersten (QSBY) - 56 yard run. (Rodriguez run) - 8-0
3:23 - Brendan VanAllen from John Clayton (BH) - 2 yard pass. (run failed) - 8-6
3rd Quarter:
10:31 - Tyrell Adams (QSBY) - 56 yard run. (run failed) - 14-6
2:38 - Brett Rodriguez from Drew Wilson (QSBY) - 6 yard pass. (pass failed) - 20-6
4th Quarter:
6:10 - Brett Rodriguez (QSBY) - 17 yard run. (Escamilla kick) - 27-6
4:06 - Patrick Brown from John Clayton (BH) - 45 yard pass. (Perregaux kick) - 27-13
3:22 - Brett Rodriguez from Drew Wilson (QSBY) - 39 yard pass. (Escamilla kick) - 34-13
STATS - Stats are those we kept in our radio booth and are not official stats.
RUSHING:
Burnt Hills: Danny Maynard: 19-79 (long: 17); John Clayton: 6-5 (long: 5); Mike Leveroni: 2-1; Tyler Dowdle: 2-12 (long: 7)
Queensbury: Brett Rodriguez: 13-74-1 (long: 17); Tyrell Adams: 13-91-1 (long: 56); Erik Wettersten: 6-86 (long: 56); Chris Goudy: 4-5; Drew Wilson: 1-6; Hunter Scott: 1-(2); James Kassebaum: 1-(5)
PASSING:
Burnt Hills: John Clayton: 13-30-145; 2TD/INT (long: 45)
Queensbury: Drew Wilson: 2-2-45; 2TD (long: 39)
RECEIVING:
Burnt Hills: Tyler Dowdle: 6-37 (long: 17); Patrick Brown: 4-45 TD (long: 45); Brendan VanAllen: 1-2 TD; Mike Leveroni: 2-48 TD
Queensbury: Brett Rodriguez: 2-45 2TD
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It only took 1:29 for it to pay off. After coming out of the locker room up 8-6, the Queensbury Spartans showed off their offensive adjustments, as Tyrell Adams scored on a 56 yard run to extend the Spartans lead to 14-6.
It was the first of 19 straight points for Queensbury as they would win their second straight Class A Sectional Championship title over the Burnt Hills Spartans 34-13.
Queensbury will now travel north to face the Massena Red Raiders, the Section X representative, up at Potsdam High School on Friday, November 14th.
For the first 25 minutes, the game felt like it was going to be very tight and close, like last year's Sectional Championship where the Queensbury Spartans won on a last minute Kody Bruno touchdown to win 14-7.
The first quarter ended with no score, helped by Tyrell Adams picking off John Clayton in the end zone to snuff out a Burnt Hills drive. But Queensbury was unable to do anything with the ball, and gave it back to Burnt Hills.
Erik Wettersten broke the scoreless tie with his 56 yard run, and Brett Rodriguez ran the ball in for the two point conversion to give Queensbury a 8-0 lead.
Queensbury's next drive ended in their own territory with the decision to go for it on fourth down. But Brett Rodriguez was unable to make it to the marker, giving the Burnt Hills Spartans the ball at the Queensbury 27 yard line.
A couple minutes later, John Clayton hooked up with Brendan VanAllen for the two yard touchdown reception, but the two point conversion run failed to leave the southern Spartans trailing 8-6.
But the third quarter was big for Queensbury. After Tyrell Adams's score, Burnt Hills was unable to answer back. With less than three minutes left to play in the quarter, Drew Wilson fired his first pass to Brett Rodriguez, who scored from 6 yards out to pad Queensbury's lead to 20-6.
In the fourth quarter, Brett Rodriguez scored on a 17 yard run to give Queensbury a comfortable 27-6 lead, which became valuable when Burnt Hills scored on a one-handed Patrick Brown grab on a John Clayton pass to score from 45 yards out to return the game to a two possession lead for Queensbury.
But Drew Wilson's second pass of the game, a 39 yard reception to a wide-open Brett Rodriguez, sealed the victory for the Queensbury Spartans.
For the second straight year, the Burnt Hills Spartans season comes to an end at the hands of the Queensbury Spartans in the Sectional Championship.
And for the second straight year, the Queensbury Spartans will face the Massena Red Raiders in the State Regionals.
| Burnt Hills Spartans | 0 | 6 | 0 | 7 | 13 |
| Queensbury Spartans | 0 | 8 | 12 | 14 | 34 |
1st Quarter:
No Scoring
2nd Quarter:
8:30 - Erik Wettersten (QSBY) - 56 yard run. (Rodriguez run) - 8-0
3:23 - Brendan VanAllen from John Clayton (BH) - 2 yard pass. (run failed) - 8-6
3rd Quarter:
10:31 - Tyrell Adams (QSBY) - 56 yard run. (run failed) - 14-6
2:38 - Brett Rodriguez from Drew Wilson (QSBY) - 6 yard pass. (pass failed) - 20-6
4th Quarter:
6:10 - Brett Rodriguez (QSBY) - 17 yard run. (Escamilla kick) - 27-6
4:06 - Patrick Brown from John Clayton (BH) - 45 yard pass. (Perregaux kick) - 27-13
3:22 - Brett Rodriguez from Drew Wilson (QSBY) - 39 yard pass. (Escamilla kick) - 34-13
STATS - Stats are those we kept in our radio booth and are not official stats.
RUSHING:
Burnt Hills: Danny Maynard: 19-79 (long: 17); John Clayton: 6-5 (long: 5); Mike Leveroni: 2-1; Tyler Dowdle: 2-12 (long: 7)
Queensbury: Brett Rodriguez: 13-74-1 (long: 17); Tyrell Adams: 13-91-1 (long: 56); Erik Wettersten: 6-86 (long: 56); Chris Goudy: 4-5; Drew Wilson: 1-6; Hunter Scott: 1-(2); James Kassebaum: 1-(5)
PASSING:
Burnt Hills: John Clayton: 13-30-145; 2TD/INT (long: 45)
Queensbury: Drew Wilson: 2-2-45; 2TD (long: 39)
RECEIVING:
Burnt Hills: Tyler Dowdle: 6-37 (long: 17); Patrick Brown: 4-45 TD (long: 45); Brendan VanAllen: 1-2 TD; Mike Leveroni: 2-48 TD
Queensbury: Brett Rodriguez: 2-45 2TD
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Saturday, November 8, 2014
Sectional Championships across New York: Scoreboard (updated 11/9)
With the close of the Sectional Championships comes the NYSPHSAA Tournament.
Below are the results (through Saturday night) and the other games still to be played in the Sectional Championships across New York State, as originally compiled by the hard-working folks at the NYSSWA.
The format for the State Tournament is as follows:
STATE REGIONALS:
Class AA:
Section 1 vs. Section 2 - at Dietz
Section 9 - Bye into Semifinals
Section 3 vs. Section 4
Section 5 vs. Section 6
Class A:
Section 1 vs. Section 9
Section 2 vs. Section 10 (Massena)
Section 3 vs. Section 4
Section 5 vs. Section 6
All other classes:
Section 1 vs. Section 9
Section 2 vs. Section 7/10 winner
Section 3 vs. Section 4
Section 5 vs. Section 6
Eastern Semifinals is Sections 1/9 vs. Sections 2/7/10 at Dietz Stadium, Kingston
Western Semifinals is Section 3/4 vs. Section 5/6 at Sahlen's Stadium, Rochester
Championships at the Carrier Dome, Syracuse
SECTIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
CLASS AA
Section 1 Championship
John Jay (East Fishkill) (9-1) 13, Arlington (8-2) 3
Section 2 Championship
Shenendehowa (10-0) 25, Albany CBA (8-2) 20
Section 3 Championship
Henninger (9-0) vs. Liverpool (9-0) at Carrier Dome, Sunday, 5 p.m.
Section 4 Championship
Elmira (7-3) 0, Corning (9-1) 16
Section 5 Championship
Victor (9-1) 23, Pittsford (6-4) 0
Section 6 Championship
Jamestown (10-0) 34, Orchard Park (8-2) 14
Section 9 Championship
Monroe-Woodbury (7-3) 7, Newburgh Free (8-2) 15 (OT)
CLASS A
Section 1 Championship
Yorktown (9-1) 14, Rye (9-1) 35
Section 2 Championship
Queensbury (10-0) 34, Burnt Hills (7-3) 13
Section 3 Championship
Indian River (10-0) 40, East Syracuse-Minoa (6-4) 6
Section 4 Championship
Vestal (4-5) 7, Union-Endicott (3-6) 28
Section 5 Championship
Greece Athena (8-2) 22, Irondequoit (7-3) 29
Section 6 Championship
Sweet Home (9-1) 27, South Park/MEC (8-2) 18
Section 9 Championship
Cornwall (10-0) 40, Port Jervis (6-4) 0
Section 10 Championship
Massena (5-4) - only Class A team in Section 10
CLASS B
Section 1 Championship
Our Lady of Lourdes (8-1) 18, Nanuet (7-2) 14 (last week)
Section 2 Championship
Schalmont (10-0) 40, Schuylerville (9-1) 8
Section 3 Championship
Cazenovia (9-0) vs. Homer (9-0) at Carrier Dome, Sunday, 2:30 p.m.
Section 4 Championship
Maine-Endwell (10-0) 48, Norwich (6-4) 20
Section 5 Championship
Livonia (8-2) 14, Batavia (9-1) 15
Section 6 Championship
Bennett/Olmsted (9-1) 34, Cheektowaga (8-2) 40
Section 7/10 Playoff
Peru (10-0) 59, Franklin Academy (3-7) 6
Section 9 Championship
Marlboro (8-2) 25, Burke Catholic (8-2) 13
CLASS C
Section 2 Championship
Hoosick Falls (10-0) 31, Fonda-Fultonville (8-2) 14
Section 3 Championship
Herkimer (9-0) vs. Notre Dame (8-1) at Carrier Dome, Sunday, 11 a.m.
Section 4 Championship
Chenango Forks (9-1) 42, Newark Val. (7-3) 21
Section 5 Championship
LeRoy (10-0) 34, Bath (8-2) 24
Section 6 Championship
Maple Grove/Chau. Lake (10-0) 37, Southwestern (7-2) 7
Section 7/10 Playoff
Saranac Lake (9-1) 34, Ogdensburg Free Academy (9-1) 26
Section 9 Championship
Millbrook (7-2) 24, Sullivan West (8-2) 0
CLASS D
Section 1 Championship
Tuckahoe (6-3) 40, Haldane (4-5) 0
Section 2 Championship
Cambridge/Salem (9-1) 42, Whitehall (7-3) 0
Section 3 Championship
Sandy Creek (8-2) 25, Dolgeville (8-1) 26
Section 4 Championship
Tioga (9-1) 43, Unatego/Franklin (8-2) 13
Section 5 Championship
Red Jacket (10-0) 52, Avon (6-4) 6
Section 6 Championship
Randolph (9-1) 28, Franklinville/Ellicottville/West Valley (8-2) 0
Section 7/10 Playoff
Ticonderoga (7-3) 41, Tupper Lake (3-7) 13
Section 9 Championship
Chester (8-2) 55, Livingston Manor (6-4) 0
Below are the results (through Saturday night) and the other games still to be played in the Sectional Championships across New York State, as originally compiled by the hard-working folks at the NYSSWA.
The format for the State Tournament is as follows:
STATE REGIONALS:
Class AA:
Section 1 vs. Section 2 - at Dietz
Section 9 - Bye into Semifinals
Section 3 vs. Section 4
Section 5 vs. Section 6
Class A:
Section 1 vs. Section 9
Section 2 vs. Section 10 (Massena)
Section 3 vs. Section 4
Section 5 vs. Section 6
All other classes:
Section 1 vs. Section 9
Section 2 vs. Section 7/10 winner
Section 3 vs. Section 4
Section 5 vs. Section 6
Eastern Semifinals is Sections 1/9 vs. Sections 2/7/10 at Dietz Stadium, Kingston
Western Semifinals is Section 3/4 vs. Section 5/6 at Sahlen's Stadium, Rochester
Championships at the Carrier Dome, Syracuse
SECTIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
CLASS AA
Section 1 Championship
John Jay (East Fishkill) (9-1) 13, Arlington (8-2) 3
Section 2 Championship
Shenendehowa (10-0) 25, Albany CBA (8-2) 20
Section 3 Championship
Henninger (9-0) vs. Liverpool (9-0) at Carrier Dome, Sunday, 5 p.m.
Section 4 Championship
Elmira (7-3) 0, Corning (9-1) 16
Section 5 Championship
Victor (9-1) 23, Pittsford (6-4) 0
Section 6 Championship
Jamestown (10-0) 34, Orchard Park (8-2) 14
Section 9 Championship
Monroe-Woodbury (7-3) 7, Newburgh Free (8-2) 15 (OT)
CLASS A
Section 1 Championship
Yorktown (9-1) 14, Rye (9-1) 35
Section 2 Championship
Queensbury (10-0) 34, Burnt Hills (7-3) 13
Section 3 Championship
Indian River (10-0) 40, East Syracuse-Minoa (6-4) 6
Section 4 Championship
Vestal (4-5) 7, Union-Endicott (3-6) 28
Section 5 Championship
Greece Athena (8-2) 22, Irondequoit (7-3) 29
Section 6 Championship
Sweet Home (9-1) 27, South Park/MEC (8-2) 18
Section 9 Championship
Cornwall (10-0) 40, Port Jervis (6-4) 0
Section 10 Championship
Massena (5-4) - only Class A team in Section 10
CLASS B
Section 1 Championship
Our Lady of Lourdes (8-1) 18, Nanuet (7-2) 14 (last week)
Section 2 Championship
Schalmont (10-0) 40, Schuylerville (9-1) 8
Section 3 Championship
Cazenovia (9-0) vs. Homer (9-0) at Carrier Dome, Sunday, 2:30 p.m.
Section 4 Championship
Maine-Endwell (10-0) 48, Norwich (6-4) 20
Section 5 Championship
Livonia (8-2) 14, Batavia (9-1) 15
Section 6 Championship
Bennett/Olmsted (9-1) 34, Cheektowaga (8-2) 40
Section 7/10 Playoff
Peru (10-0) 59, Franklin Academy (3-7) 6
Section 9 Championship
Marlboro (8-2) 25, Burke Catholic (8-2) 13
CLASS C
Section 2 Championship
Hoosick Falls (10-0) 31, Fonda-Fultonville (8-2) 14
Section 3 Championship
Herkimer (9-0) vs. Notre Dame (8-1) at Carrier Dome, Sunday, 11 a.m.
Section 4 Championship
Chenango Forks (9-1) 42, Newark Val. (7-3) 21
Section 5 Championship
LeRoy (10-0) 34, Bath (8-2) 24
Section 6 Championship
Maple Grove/Chau. Lake (10-0) 37, Southwestern (7-2) 7
Section 7/10 Playoff
Saranac Lake (9-1) 34, Ogdensburg Free Academy (9-1) 26
Section 9 Championship
Millbrook (7-2) 24, Sullivan West (8-2) 0
CLASS D
Section 1 Championship
Tuckahoe (6-3) 40, Haldane (4-5) 0
Section 2 Championship
Cambridge/Salem (9-1) 42, Whitehall (7-3) 0
Section 3 Championship
Sandy Creek (8-2) 25, Dolgeville (8-1) 26
Section 4 Championship
Tioga (9-1) 43, Unatego/Franklin (8-2) 13
Section 5 Championship
Red Jacket (10-0) 52, Avon (6-4) 6
Section 6 Championship
Randolph (9-1) 28, Franklinville/Ellicottville/West Valley (8-2) 0
Section 7/10 Playoff
Ticonderoga (7-3) 41, Tupper Lake (3-7) 13
Section 9 Championship
Chester (8-2) 55, Livingston Manor (6-4) 0
Friday, November 7, 2014
High School Football Sectional Championship Weekend
The Sectional Championship gets under way this evening with two games, with the other three games to be played tomorrow.
FOX Sports Radio 1230 will be at the Class A Sectional Championship tomorrow evening as the Queensbury Spartans take on the Burnt Hills Spartans, with coverage beginning at 6:45 p.m. live from Shenendehowa High School.
So let's take a look at the five sectional championships, starting with the two to be played tonight
The Section 2 Class AA Championship
E1-Shenendehowa Plainsmen (9-0) vs. E2-CBA Brothers (8-1)
E1-Shenendehowa Plainsmen (9-0) vs. E2-CBA Brothers (8-1)
7 p.m. Friday, November 7th, 2014 at Bob Ford Field (University of Albany)
Sectional Championships: Shenendehowa - 11; CBA - 3
Last Championship: Shenendehowa - 2011; CBA - 2013
Sectional Championship Meetings: 1 - 1982 (Shenendehowa won 44-21)
Last Meeting: This year, Week 3 - Shenendehowa won 28-14.
Notes: Shenendehowa has been on a roll all season long, using the play of star quarterback Ryan Van Galen to help lead them to a 9-0 record and a return to the championship after a one year absence.
CBA's game in Week 3, however, was the tightest match that Shenendehowa has played all year. CBA ties Guilderland for the most points scored against the Plainsmen (14), and was the only team to hold Shen to under 30 points. In that game, Van Galen had only 70 yards passing, well below the 173 yards per game average he has through 9 games.
CBA will need to be a little better prepared for the big play, as two 60+ yard touchdowns were scored against the Brothers in that regular season game. Jaylen McIntyre is one of 15 backs in Section 2 to have run for over 1,000 yards through nine games, but did not have a memorable game against the Plainsmen as he only accumulated 37 yards on 6 carries.
Prediction: A balanced attack could be beneficial to the Plainsmen, with effective uses of Ryan Van Galen and running back Matt Taft. They're not going to take the Brothers lightly, knowing that the Week 3 game was tight and very well could have gone the other way. If CBA can get started quickly, they could score the upset and win themselves their second straight championship. However, Shenendehowa has the weapons, and I see those weapons leading them to victory. Shenendehowa wins 35-21.
The Section 2 Class C Championship
1-Hoosick Falls Panthers (9-0) vs. 2-Fonda-Fultonville Braves (8-1)
7 p.m. Friday, November 7th, 2014 at Stillwater High School
1-Hoosick Falls Panthers (9-0) vs. 2-Fonda-Fultonville Braves (8-1)
7 p.m. Friday, November 7th, 2014 at Stillwater High School
Sectional Championships: Hoosick Falls - 8; Fonda-Fultonville - 4
Last Championship: Hoosick Falls - 2013; Fonda-Fultonville - 1999
Sectional Championship Meetings: 2 - 2011 (Hoosick Falls won 32-7); 1980 (Fonda won 21-6)
Last Meeting: 2013, Week 9 - Hoosick Falls won 36-0
Notes: Hoosick Falls is seeking an unprecedented sixth straight Sectional Championship, a mark that has been attempted two other times in Section 2. In 2001, Troy's stretch of five straight titles came to an end with Bethlehem's win in the title game, and last year Burnt Hills saw their stretch end with Queensbury's title.
Fonda is 0 for 5 against Hoosick Falls since 2004, last coming up empty in the semifinals at Stillwater last year. Fonda's a better team this year, only losing to Section 3's Westhill at the Carrier Dome. The Braves have seen solid play all season by Pat Hart and Anthony Sinicropi, but has been vulnerable by the two other North Division playoff representatives this season, barely winning against the Corinth Tomahawks 34-33 in Week 7 and needing a comeback to beat Greenwich 27-20 in Week 8. Sinicropi is a versatile quarterback, with over a thousand yards passing and over 800 yards on the ground. So he's going to be tricky for the Panthers defense, and the Braves could exploit that with some fakes.
Hoosick Falls is the lone Section 2 representative to score a victory at the Carrier Dome in Week 1, beating Owego Free Academy 48-21 despite giving Owego plenty of gifts in the first half. The Panthers defense has been tough on opposing offenses all season, holding all but one of their Class C opponents to 10 points or less, with the lone exception being Corinth, scoring 14 in last week's 45-14 semifinal. Colby Davendonis and Austin Pitt have been the main stars of the Panthers offense, accounting for over 1,500 rushing yards through the season. Garrett Wright provides the Panthers with flexibility with his throwing arm.
Prediction: Fonda will give the Panthers a challenge. But the defense for the Panthers are really strong, and Fonda has shown weakness against the North. The Braves need a strong game by Hart and Sinicropi, But in the end, the Panthers will do what no other Section 2 team has ever done - win 6 straight titles. Hoosick Falls wins 28-22.
The Section 2 Class D Championship
1-Whitehall Railroaders (7-2) vs. 2-Cambridge Indians (8-1)
1-Whitehall Railroaders (7-2) vs. 2-Cambridge Indians (8-1)
1 p.m. Saturday, November 8th, 2014 at Schuylerville High School
Sectional Championships: Whitehall - 2; Cambridge - 13
Last Championship: Whitehall - 1989; Cambridge - 2013
Last Championship: Whitehall - 1989; Cambridge - 2013
Sectional Championship Meetings: None
Last Meeting: This year, Week 5 - Whitehall won 21-19
Notes: It was an uncharacteristic day for the Cambridge Indians in that first meeting as the rain presented a problems for the Indians all day. 6 turnovers, four of them on the ground, and a couple of them deep in Whitehall territory, coupled with Ethan English having a game to forget, helped lead the Whitehall Railroaders to victory and pushed them to the #1 seed in the tournament.
Whitehall bounced back from their Week 7 drama and Week 8 last-second loss with a statement game against the Canajoharie Cougars in the Semifinal, winning 40-6 where Justin Hoagland ran for three touchdowns and passed for a fourth in the victory. The Railroaders are going to need to have him at the top of his game against the Indians.
Cambridge has been on record as saying their game against Whitehall was a "wake up call", and showed it with a career performance from Ethan English the following week against Warrensburg where he went 9-for-9 and threw for over 200 yards, scoring 4 touchdowns in the Indians 49-14 win over the Burghers. In fact, since that game against Whitehall, English has completed 31 of his 35 passes, an 88% completion percentage. English's success is thanks to supporting players like Chris Warnke and Caleb Rowland, who are threats on the field both as rushers and receivers.
Prediction: If you're expecting the same kind of match we had on October 4th, you're going to be disappointed. The weather will play less of an impact, and what we're going to see are two teams fighting hard for the championship. Credit the Railroaders, they have played wonderfully despite the distractions all around them, but the Cambridge Indians are playing the best that they have played all season. And those teams are the ones you find holding trophies at the end. Cambridge wins 36-24.
The Section 2 Class B Championship
R1-Schalmont Sabres (9-0) vs. W1-Schuylerville Black Horses (9-0)
3 p.m. Saturday, November 8th, 2014 at Shenendehowa High School
R1-Schalmont Sabres (9-0) vs. W1-Schuylerville Black Horses (9-0)
3 p.m. Saturday, November 8th, 2014 at Shenendehowa High School
Sectional Championships: Schalmont - 4; Schuylerville - 2
Last Championship: Schalmont - 2013; Schuylerville - 2005
Sectional Championship Meetings: None
Last Meeting: 2013, Week 3 - Schalmont won 34-6
Notes: Schuylerville has yet to beat the Sabres since moving up to Class B, and may have a hard time figuring out how to stop Schalmont's 1-2 punch of Hunter Gac and Nick Gallo. Schalmont has played like a team determined to return to the Carrier Dome all year, decimating opponents left and right on their way to a 9-0 record.
John Bowen has done a great job with the Schuylerville Black Horses, returning them to the Super Bowl for the first time since they were in the Class C title game against Watervliet in 2008. Will Griffen has amassed 1,078 rushing yards, earning 16 touchdowns, while going to the air for another 5. Josh Thomas is another 1,000 yard rusher, accounting for another 14 touchdowns.
Nick Gallo has been unbelievable for the Sabres. 707 yards on the ground and 19 touchdowns is a decent resume, but when you add his 850 yards and 9 touchdowns passing, it makes him a dangerous threat anytime he possesses the ball.
Prediction: The only time Schalmont has had to sweat out a victory all season was when they faced the Burnt Hills Spartans, winning 34-28 in a game where the Spartans scored 21 straight points to make a game out of what was once 34-7 in the third quarter. Otherwise, the Sabres have looked untouchable all season. The Schuylerville Black Horses will give the Sabres a fight, and keep in mind in 2012 the Sabres were the heavy favorite to win, but Glens Falls put an end to that. But in this case, I don't see the Sabres folding, winning their 5th title in 6 years. Schalmont wins 44-21.
The Section 2 Class A Championship
NW1-Queensbury Spartans (9-0) vs. NW2-Burnt Hills Spartans (7-2)
7 p.m. Saturday, November 8th, 2014 at Shenendehowa High School
Sectional Championships: Queensbury - 3; Burnt Hills - 6
Last Championship: Queensbury - 2013; Burnt Hills - 2012
Sectional Championship Meetings: 1 - 2013 (Queensbury won 14-7)
Last Meeting: This year, Week 7 - Queensbury won 42-0
Notes: The Queensbury Spartans had a few miscues, but held strong on defense in their 42-0 statement win over the Burnt Hills Spartans three weeks ago, but must be mindful that they might not have as easy of a time this time.
Especially after having to come from behind last Saturday against the Scotia Tartans in a game where Brett Rodriguez suited up and was seen warming up on the sidelines after the Tartans punched it in to gain the 20-14 lead. The Tartans had the Queensbury run game figured out through the third quarter, and Brett Rodriguez's appearance sparked the comeback that the Spartans needed to pull away with the 35-20 win.
And Burnt Hills is the type of team that learns from its mistakes. John Clayton had a rough time against the Queensbury defense, misfiring on some of his throws, and watching as his receivers dropped some more, to leave him with a 5-for-18 game, throwing for only 66 yards.
Danny Maynard will be back in the lineup for Burnt Hills after missing last week due to baseball recruiting camp, having already received offers to play at Notre Dame. He left in the third quarter in the first meeting with an ankle injury, leaving him with only 13 yards in the whole game.
Burnt Hills will need to get better momentum on offense, and will need to stop the Queensbury rush game on defense. If they can do both, and get a solid effort from John Clayton, this game will be much closer than what we saw three weeks ago.
Prediction: Queensbury has the weapons to move the ball, and the major question is whether or not Brett Rodriguez is going to be healthy to play all four quarters. This may be a game where starter agility comes into play, and could very well end the way that last year's Super Bowl ended, with a game-winning drive coming late in the fourth quarter. But, Burnt Hills is the team with a lot more to prove in the opening 12 minutes. How that first twelve minutes play out could very well determine who will win the remaining 36 minutes and get to spend next Friday night travelling up to Potsdam. Queensbury wins 35-24.
Regardless of who you root for, let's have a great weekend of football as we bring the Sectional Tournament to a close, and look forward to five well-deserved winners who will be playing in the State Tournament.
Good luck to all teams!
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