Three teams will represent Section 1 in the New York State Football Championships this weekend in Syracuse.
Somers earned a spot at the JMA Wireless Dome for the third year in a row, defeating Niskayuna, 21-7, in Friday’s NYSPHSAA East Semifinal. The defending state champion Tuskers got three touchdowns from quarterback Mac Sullivan and two sacks from Ryan Cole.
Highlights from the game here:
Somers (11-1) will take on Section 4 champion Whitesboro in the state final on Saturday at 3 p.m. in search of its third championship in history.
On Saturday, Rye and Carmel secured appearances in their respective state championship games.
Rye rallied past Ravena of Section 2, by a 24-10 margin. A.J. Miller completed 19 of 29 passes for 284 yards and two touchdowns while Chris Iuliano ran for 142 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries. Tucker Hess caught eight passes for 127 yards and a score. Charlie Stevens had three catches for 61 yards and a score, and Jack Acciavatti and Jake Kessner each had three receptions.
Charlie Saurack led the Rye (10-2) defensive with 7.5 tackles while Jason Gonzalez had 5.5. Andrew Wilmarth had a sack and Carson Miller intercepted a pass for the Garnets, who will take on two-time state champion Maine-Endwell of Section 4 in the title game on Sunday at noon.
Highlights of Rye’s victory over Ravena:
On Saturday night, Carmel continued its magical run through the postseason, defeating Christian Brothers Academy of Albany in the Class AA East Semifinal at Middletown High School. The Rams defeated CBA, 35-27, to earn their second state final appearance in three seasons.
Carmel (11-1), the 2021 state champs, got another balanced effort on both sides of the ball in the victory. Quarterback Christian Nunez threw for 94 yards and ran for 62 and a touchdown on nine carries. Tristan Werlau, a junior running back, rushed for 57 yards and a score, and also returned a kickoff for a touchdown. Leo Venables ran for 75 yards and a touchdown in the win.
The Rams defense was locked down by Matthew Risley, who has been arguably Section 1’s best player in the postseason. The senior linebacker recorded 21 tackles, including six for loss. Liam Forster had four tackles for loss and also returned an interception for a touchdown on the opening drive of the game. Brian McGrory also intercepted a pass and Conor Pile had eight tackles.
Carmel will take on another Christian Brothers Academy team, this one out of Syracuse, in Sunday’s Class AA final at 3 p.m.
Highlights from Carmel’s win in the state semifinal:
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To purchase tickets for this weekend’s games, visit the NYSPHSAA site here.
