Highland wins fourth straight sectional title

Huskies edge Red Hook in overtime of Section 9, Class C final

The Highland High boys team wins its fourth Section 9, Class C title in a row with an 11-10 win over Red Hook.

MARLBORO, N.Y. » Roger Hegerman scored with 1:27 left in overtime Thursday, lifting Highland High to a fourth consecutive Section 9, Class C boys lacrosse championship. The Huskies rallied to beat Red Hook 11-10 in a wild final.

Chris Hammond assisted on the game-winner for (13-5) Highland, which had taken a 10-9 lead on Jesse Weaver’s goal with 3:10 left in regulation. Luca Viverito sent the match into OT on a manup goal with 1:38 left.

Hammond and Mike Cerniglia had two goals apiece, Christian Canino added a goal and two assists, and Michael Caso, Jack Young and Ethan Esposito also scored for the Huskies. Lenny Casabura made 10 saves in the win.

Hudson Miller scored four goals, Tanner Guidi tallied twice, Brian Kelly had a goal and two assists, and Jon Chilinski, Cian Ryan and Luca Viverito also scored for (12-7) Red Hook. Gabe Yazzo stopped 13 shots in the loss.

The Raiders had a 5-4 advantage at halftime. Highland turned the game around with three goals in a two-minute span late in the third quarter. Cerniglia tied it at 6-6 with 2:31 left, Hammond gave the Huskies their first lead at 1:25 and Young made it 8-6 just before the period ended.

Red Hook charged back as Miller scored twice and Guidi connected to put the Raiders back in front 9-8. Highland then got the upper hand, with Esposito tying with 4:40 remaining and Weaver scoring to make it 10-9.

Highland will play the Section 2 champion at 4 p.m. Wednesday in a regional semifinal at Schuylerville.