PRIDE ON THE LINE IN POSTSEASON
Defending champs Schuylerville, Greenwich try to repeat
If we learned anything during the 2016 Section II football season, it’s that the Capital Region has some of the best scholastic gridiron teams in the state.
Unfortunately, only one team from each class advances to regionals and Class C is loaded with six teams among the top-20 in the latest rankings.
The intrigue in Class AA has to go to Troy and Shaker, both of whom were Section II finalists a year ago. The Flying Horses (7-0) moved up from Class A, and have an unblemished record. Meanwhile, Shaker doesn’t have Saratoga Springs in its path this postseason, but has been a dangerous team since falling to Troy in Week 4.
In Class A, Averill Park flew in off the radar to upset Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake and close the regular season on a six-game winning streak. The Warriors have already doubled their win total from a year ago and forced overtime against Queensbury in its lone loss. Expect them to play with a chip on their shoulder. Meanwhile, Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake will be a contender as always.
Schuylerville has a tough road to defend its Class B title from 2015, as the Black Horses face an early test with Ravena-CoeymansSelkirk in the quarterfinals. The biggest question is whether anyone can stop the run Glens Falls is on.
Then there’s the gauntlet that is Class C with Hoosic Valley, Voorheesville, Greenwich, Stillwater, Mechanicville and Watervliet all among the state’s best small schools. Throw in the dynasty at Hoosick Falls ant the bracket just gets more appealing.
Let’s break down the six biggest quarterfinal matchups:
1) BALLSTON SPA (3-4) AT TROY (7-0)
About Ballston Spa: Head coach Ray Toohey brought a more collegiate-style offense to the Scotties, which involves a solid passing game. The Scotties closed out the regular season on a three-game win streak after an 0-4 start. About Troy: The Flying Horses have playmakers on both sides of the ball this season, but John Germinerio still remains one of the best quarterbacks in Section II. Troy had answered every test thrown at them this season. Notable: Ballston Spa was blanked by Shen 42-0, Troy topped Shen 33-7.
2) SHENENDEHOWA (4-3) AT SHAKER (6-1)
About Shen: The Plainsmen have combined for 85 points the past two weeks and almost handed Guilderland its first loss of the season last week. At 6-foot-8, tight end Mike Pizziketti offers a challenge for opposing defenses in the passing game. About Shaker: Last year’s Class AA finalist has allowed just seven points in each game since falling to Troy in Week 4. Running back Mikael Brown said the loss was a wake up call for the team and this defense has responded. Notable: Last time Shen lost in the quarterfinals was to Shaker in 2013.
Class A 3) GLOVERSVILLE (1-6) AT AVERILL PARK (6-1)
About Gloversville: It’s been a tough season for the Huskies thus far. Their lone win was a 24-8 win over Scotia. They’re averaging 20 points per game, but surrendering 36. About Averill Park: Ryan Long and Carl Nitz have combined for 20 touchdowns on the ground this season and the Warriors are strong at home with a win over Burnt Hills and an OT loss to Queensbury. Nitz, Long, Dennon Fisher and Ryan Wood have a combined six 100-plus yard games between them. Notable: Gloversville is 0-3 against Southeast Divsion teams; Averill Park is No. 18 in the state.
Class C 4) MECHANICVILLE (5-2) AT STILLWATER (6-1)
About Mechanicville: Evan Chapman, Keegan McHale and Mark DeBates make up one of the best backfield trios in Class C. Defensively, the Red Raiders allow just 17 points per game. Tough to beat considering they average 37 points a game. About Stillwater: Dan Morris has four games with 100-plus yards on the ground, including a pair of 200-plus yard games. Warriors are on a four-game win streak. Notable: Stillwater beat Mechanicville 29-28 in overtime in Mechanicville on Oct. 7 thanks to a successful two-point conversion on the final play of the game.
5) GREENWICH (5-2) AT WATERVLIET (6-1)
About Greenwich: Defending Class C champs have surrendered just 11 points per game, but suffered losses to Hoosic Valley and Schuylerville (Class B). Cole Burgess has 14 total touchdowns, with nine rushing, three receiving and two defensive scores. About Watervliet: Any doubt of what the Cannnoneers were capable of was answered with a 5-0 division record and a sole loss to Mechanicville. They even topped Class B’s Broadalbin-Perth. Sophomore running back Ravion Burt has 13 scores and four 100-plus yard games. Matt Bell and Connor Darmetko are solid receiving options for Jared Ellis. ‘Vliet has won three straight. Notable: Greenwich is ranked No. 12 in NYS, while Watervliet is No. 20.
6) HOLY TRINITY (5-2) AT HOOSIC VALLEY (6-1)
About Holy Trinity: The Pride have scored 62 points the last two weeks. Dion Sexton has three game with 100-plus yards, while Nacier Hundley is a threat on the ground and through the air. Holy Trinity’s only losses are to state-ranked opponents (Stillwater and Mechanicville). About Hoosic Valley: There’s no shortage of running the ball in Schaghticoke. Tom Madigan has 20 rushing scores and five games with 100 or more yards. Isaac Sanchez has added another seven. The Indians were a Class C finalist last year, and their lone loss is to Class B’s Glens Falls. Notable: Holy Trinity has allowed seven or fewer points four times; Hoosic Valley is ranked No. 4 in NYS.