Monroe-Woodbury vs. Pine Bush in the Class AA championship finishes off a big-time tripleheader at Dietz Stadium on Sunday.

Kickoff is 7 p.m. Monroe-Woodbury is seeking its eighth AA title in nine years. Pine Bush is making its first-ever appearance in the AA championship and determined to make history with a win. Should be a good one. Stay tuned for more coverage.

On Saturday, Chester running back Lawrence Young and defensive back Brandon Sadlier had something in common. Both played, perhaps, the games of their lives in a 53-22 win over Eldred in the Section 9 Class D championship on Saturday at Kingston’s Dietz Stadium.

Young was named offensive MVP after rushing for 265 yards and two touchdowns. Sadlier, a sophomore,  earned defensive MVP after intercepting three passes in the end zone. He also caught a touchdown pass from Vinny Aloi.

It wasn’t pretty, but Marlboro earned this: A repeat win in the Class B championship game. Once again, Marlboro beat game Spackenkill, 10-7 on Sunday at Dietz Stadium in Kingston.

The Iron Dukes beat Spackenkill 14-7 for last year’s title and 21-14 earlier this season. You can read more about Marlboro’s big win on varsity845.com

Eli Manning paid a visit to Dietz Stadium.  Or, at least, it seemed that way on Sunday night. Mike White threw the ball around the field like Eli and the Cornwall quarterback even had a Cruz to throw to.

White, a junior, set a Section 9 single-game record for passing yards in a game with 500 in a 53-0 win over Wallkill in the Section 9 Class A championship.  White threw four touchdown passes, including three  to wide receiver Alex Cruz, who finished with 174 yards.

White broke the Section 9 passing record of Warwick’s Geoff Green (479), set in 1995. His 500 yards are good for third all-time in the state behind Greg Paulus of CBA-Syracuse (543, 2003) and Mike Laluna (541, 2003) of Commack on Long Island).

Check back for more on White and Cornwall’s performance on Varsity845.com later this evening and in Monday’s editions.

Tentative rosters for Section 9’s exceptional senior game were released to the Times Herald-Record on Monday night (see below). The game is set for 1 p.m. on Nov. 18 at Newburgh Free Academy.

It will mark the first game of its kind locally since the Orange County Interscholastic Athletic Association previously held an exceptional senior game from 1977-82. There will be modified rules, including no blitzing.

The two all-star teams – American and National – were picked based on nominations from Section 9 coaches, according to chairman C.T. Chatham, Newburgh’s former coach. Chatham said the roster is subject to additions as his committee continues to reach out to local coaches.
“This is exciting, but I think I’m even more excited about this for the kids,” said Newburgh coach Bill Bianco, who will coach the National team. Roosevelt’s Brian Bellino will lead the American squad. “It should be a lot of fun, a good way for them to cap their career. It’s a cool experience. I’m glad the kids can play together after playing against each other and seeing each other.”
Seniors from any Section 9 team that loses in the quarterfinals of the state playoffs this week are also eligible to play. If they win, they cannot. Section 9’s state representatives are Pine Bush (Class AA), Cornwall (A), Marlboro (B), James I. O’Neill (C) and Chester (D).
Due to a state rule, Port Jervis and Middletown players won’t be able to play in the senior showcase. Once a player participates in a senior game, his eligibility expires. Middletown hosts Port Jervis on Thanksgiving — Nov. 22 — in the Erie Bell game.

American roster

Offensive lineman: Wally Stephens, Kingston; Devan Shambo, Kingston; Joe DePietro, Kingston; Jeff Nunez, Ellenville; Tyler Brady, Washingtonville; Tony Saravia, Liberty; Andy Martinez, Liberty; Scott Herbert, Sullivan West; Joe Wendover, Pine Plains; Colin Scott, Minisink Valley; Angelo Curci, Marlboro; Mike Bodine, Marlboro; Tyler Mastrantuono, Marlboro; Nick Morris, New Paltz.

Running back: Joe Ciampaglione, Roosevelt; Mistah Ali, Monticello; Darryl Clark, New Paltz; Tyler Albert, Ellenville; Francesco Pichardo, Washingtonville; Ryan Henry, Liberty; Jake Gomm, Pine Plains; Austin Ferrier, Minisink Valley; Frankie Yovino, Minisink Valley; Matt Geisler, Pine Bush; Devin Pierre, Marlboro; Austin Beck, Marlboro; Matt Tamburri, Marlboro

Quarterback: Matt Poveromo, Washingtonville; Bob Pezzullo, Burke Catholic; Kyle Bradshaw, Dover; Sawyer Erlwein, Sullivan West; C.J. Weston, Pine Bush.

Wide receiver: Chris Osterman, Roosevelt; Mike Kelly, Burke Catholic; Patrick Joyner, Burke Catholic; Brad Hemmer, Sullivan West; Josh Walker, Minisink Valley; Justin Delgado, Chester; Brandon Curry, Marlboro.

Tight end: Jake McLachlan, Monticello; Elijah Dones, New Paltz; Justin Rose, Ellenville; Tom Marston, Dover.

Defensive line: Joe Ciampaglione, Roosevelt; Mistah Ali, Monticello; Anthony Tufano, New Paltz; Jeff Nunez, Ellenville; Tyler Brady, Washingtonville; Tom Marston, Dover; Andy Martinez, Liberty; Scott Herbert, Sullivan West; Jake Gomm; Pine Plains; Josh Bonneau, Minisink Valley; Matt McCaffrey, Pine Bush; Delano King, Pine Bush; Justin Delgado, Chester; Angelo Curci, Marlboro; Mike Bodine, Marlboro.

Linebacker: Wally Stephens, Kingston; Devan Shambo, Kingston; Jake McLachlan, Monticello; Justin Rose, Ellenville; Tyler Albert, Ellenville; Ryan Henry, Liberty; Tony Saravia, Liberty; Sawyer Erlwein, Sullivan West; Scott Erdman, Sullivan West; Joe Wendover, Pine Plains; Matt Tamburri, Marlboro.

Defensive back: Chris Osterman, Roosevelt; Francesco Pichardo, Washingtonville; Matt Poveromo, Washingtonville; Bob Pezzullo, Burke Catholic, Mike Kelly, Burke Catholic; Patrick Joyner, Burke Catholic; Kyle Bradsahw, Dover; Brad Hemmer, Sullivan West; Austin Ferrier, Minisink Valley; Tyler Tirelli, Minisink Valley; Matt Geisler, Pine Bush; C.J. Weston, Pine Bush; Devin Pierre, Marlboro; Brandon Curry, Marlboro.

Kicker/punter: Kyle Smith, Burke Catholic; Ryan Henry, Liberty; Adam Laubach, Marlboro

Coach: Brian Bellino (Roosevelt)

National roster

Offensive line: Aric Boyes, Tri-Valley; Rob Weber, Eldred; Paul Boardman, Millbrook; Andrew Richwine, Millbrook; Anthony Carole, Millbrook; Starvos Theohary, Millbrook; Luis Garcia, Red Hook; Kevin Rivera, Highland; Andrew Connors, Wallkill; Christian Ruddy, Wallkill; Dan Marvin, Valley Central; Jordan Baskerville, O’Neill.

Running back: Jeff Grygiel, Cornwall; Kam Malcolm, Newburgh; Brendan Tierney, Tri-Valley; Jerry Nasi, O’Neill; Zach Trainor, O’Neill; Jon Orlando, Millbrook; Joe Pugliese, Highland; Josh Villafane, Wallkill; Brendan Connors, Wallkill; Matt Weaver, Warwick; Mark Tooma, Monroe-Woodbury.

Quarterback: Anthony Margarum, Eldred; Jon Crane, Millbrook; Lucas Brochetti, Red Hook.

Wide receiver: Alex Cruz, Cornwall; Cody Exner, Tri-Valley; Bernie Smith, Onteora; Brandon Coleman, Red Hook; C.J. Tozzi, Highland; Jordan Totaro, Warwick; Justin Kaffenberger, Monroe-Woodbury.

Tight end: Matthew Strauss, Fallsburg; R.J. Thiele, Eldred; Kenn Fee, Monroe-Woodbury; Matthew Strauss, Fallsburg.

Defensive line: Mike DeRosa, Cornwall; Connor Staudle, Cornwall; Jordan Baskerville, O’Neill; Matt Strauss, Fallsburg; Ken Fee, Monroe-Woodbury; Jon O’Leary, Warwick; Andrew Connors, Wallkill; Christian Ruddy, Wallkill; Luis Garcia, Red Hook; Brandon Coleman, Red Hook; Starvos Theohary, Millbrook; Aric Boyes, Tri-Valley; R.J. Thiele, Eldred; Rob Weber, Eldred; Jon Crane, Millbrook; Paul Boardman, Millbrook.

Linebacker: Brendan Tierney, Tri-Valley; Anthony Margarum, Eldred; Brendan Connors, Wallkill; Lucas Messina, Warwick; Josh Villafane, Wallkill; Jordan Totaro, Warwick; Hardcor Coleman, Newburgh; Mike Cerisano, Newburgh; Pat Landro, Cornwall; Jeff Grygiel, Cornwall; Zach Trainor, O’Neill; Jerry Nasi, O’Neill.

Defensive back: Kam Malcom, Newburgh; Anthony Vega, Cornwall; James Faller, Cornwall; Cody Exner, Tri-Valley; Bernie Smith, Onteora; Lucas Brochetti, Red Hook; C.J. Tozzi, Highland; Isaiah Berrios-Smith, Wallkill; Mark Tooma, Monroe-Woodbury; Irvens Eristil, Monroe-Woodbury; John Mallon, Monroe-Woodbury; Saahil Fruitwala, O’Neill;

Kicker: To be determined.

Coach: Bill Bianco (Newburgh)

* Both teams will be assisted by Class AA coaches. Will rotate to A coaches next year.

Wow! What else is there to say? Friday night was one of the biggest in Section 9 history, thanks to two underdogs, James I. O’Neill and Marlboro.

James I. O’Neill defeated Woodlands without too much trouble, 35-18, in the quarterfinals of the Class C state playoffs at Mahopac High School. The Raiders are the first Class C team from Section 9 to win a Class C state playoff game since Highland in 1996. Meanwhile, at Dietz Stadium in Kingston, Marlboro scored an exciting 23-20 overtime win over Our Lady of Lourdes in the Class B state quarterfinals.

Before Marlboro’s magic, no Section 9 team had won a Class B state playoff game since Rondout Valley in 2000. The Ganders won the state championship that year. Combined, O’Neill and Marlboro ended 28 years of losing streaks in Section 9 Class C and B in the state playoffs.

Up next? The sizzling teams’ will play back-to-back at Dietz Stadium in Kingston next Saturday. O’Neill plays Hoosick Falls or Saranac Lake at 11 a.m. and Marlboro faces Glens Falls at 3 p.m. Could Section 9 go 5-for-5 in quarterfinal state playoff games? Hey, you never know. O’Neill and Marlboro were supposed to get ousted.

In the Class D state quarters, Chester plays Tuckahoe at Dietz Stadium on Saturday (3 p.m.), followed by Pine Bush vs. New Rochelle (7 p.m.) in AA. Cornwall plays Somers at 1 p.m. Monday in the Class A quarters at Mahopac.

Friday night served as a magical night for Section 9 football as James I. O’Neill (Class C) and Marlboro (Class B) pulling off historic upsets in the quarterfinals of the state playoffs.

As for Saturday? Not so much. Chester lost to Tuckahoe 34-18 in the Class D state quarterfinals and New Rochelle put away Pine Bush 39-7 in a doubleheader at Kingston’s Dietz Stadium.

Section 9 wraps up the quarters when Cornwall takes on Somers in Class A at 1 p.m. Monday at Mahopac. Despite their losses, Chester and Pine Bush should still be proud.

Pine Bush won its first Class AA title in school history, tied a school-record for wins, played in the state playoffs for the first time in 17 years and beat Monroe-Woodbury and Newburgh for the first time since 1995. Meanwhile, Chester overcame a 1-3 start (all non-league games) and cruised to the Section 9 Class D title, with no problem.

I’m not going out on a limb here, Chester cruises to the D championship again next year. As for Pine Bush? A one-win team two years ago, I expect the Bushmen to be in the mix, although they will be hit hard by graduation.

- James I. O’Neill’s opponent in the Class C state semifinals is set: It’s Hoosick Valley.

Hoosick Valley (11-0) defeated Saranac Lake 20-12 on Saturday behind 144 yards and three touchdowns by Brad Burns. O’Neill (9-2) takes on Hoosick Valley at 11 a.m. Saturday at Dietz. The Raiders are trying to become the first Section 9 team to ever reach the Class C state championship game.

- Had an interesting conversation with O’Neill RB Jerry Nasi, who torched Woodlands for over 200 yards and three all-purpose touchdowns in Friday’s 35-18 win. According to Nasi, as he started to heat up, Woodlands players began talking trash to him.

It’s probably not fit to print what Nasi said they were saying to him. But he ignored it. As a team, O’Neill’s discipline continues to be a strong point this season. As for Woodlands? The Westchester County school lacked that.

– Chester scouted Tuckahoe running backs Nick Reisman and Kayvon Reid all week  leading up to Saturday’s Class D state quarterfinal playoff game, pouring over game film and ways to stop the duo.

Think of Reisman and Reid as a Westchester County version of “Thunder and Lightning.” Reisman is the power back and Reid possesses killer speed. Unfortunately for Chester, it was all on display in Tuckahoe’s win.

Reisman rushed for 228 yards and two touchdowns and Reid added 158 yards and two scores to end Chester’s season. Tuckahoe is now 9-1 against Section 9 opponents in the state playoffs, including 6-0 against Chester, last year’s Class D state runner-up.

- Stat of the day: Pine Bush gave up 39 points to New Rochelle, after giving up just 23 over the last five weeks. The Bushmen were off on Saturday night, but, still, New Rochelle is darn good.

- Marlboro plays Glens Falls (10-1) in the Class B state semifinals at 3 p.m. Saturday at Dietz Stadium. The Iron Dukes pulled off a 23-20 overtime win over Our Lady of Lourdes-Poughkeepsie on Friday in the quarters. Glens Falls put away Peru 36-20 to reach the quarterfinals.

If Marlboro beats Glens Falls and reaches the state final, it could face a Minisink Valley alum, Matt Gallagher, who coaches the defending Class A state champs Maine-Endwell, located near Binghamton. Maine-Endwell moved down to Class B this year.

Maine-Endwell (11-0), the top-ranked Class B team in the state, has won 23 games in a row. The Spartans have outscored opponents 578-99 this season. Matt Gallagher is the brother of Minisink Valley coach Kevin Gallagher. One of Matt Gallagher’s sons, Kyle, a junior, is Maine-Endwell’s returning starting quarterback. Another, Adam, a sophomore, starts at wide receiver. Maine-Endwell finished 12-0 last year and overcame a 13-point deficit to defeat Burnt Hills 27-20 in the Class A championship at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse.

A week after throwing for a Section 9 record 500 yards in a 53-0 win over Wallkill in the Section9 Class A championship, Cornwall quarterback Mike White was chucking it again. White’s favorite receiver, Alex Cruz, had a pretty big game, too.

White threw for 433 yards and Cruz caught 11 passes for 285 yards in Cornwall’s 34-13 win over Somers in the quarterfinals of the Class A state playoffs on Monday at Mahopac. Cruz’s 285 yards is a new Section 9 single-game record. He had two touchdowns. Cruz put up 206 yards against Wallkill.

Game is set for 1 p.m. Sunday at Newburgh Free Academy

National Team
Head coach: Bill Bianco, Newburgh
Offensive coordinator: Tim Hendershot, Newburgh
Wide receivers: Aaron Hasbrouck, Warwick
Offensive line: Clint DeSouza, Spackenkill
Running backs: Sean Keenan, Millbrook
Tight ends: Justin DiPierro, Warwick
Defensive coordinator: Mike Connolly, Monroe-Woodbury
Defensive backs: Brian Vegliando, Wallkill and Ron Introini, Valley Central
Defensive line: Matt McCullagh, Monroe-Woodbury

American Team
Head coach: Brian Bellino, Roosevelt
Offensive coordinator: Kevin Gallagher, Minisink Valley
Defensive coordinator/line: Jeramie Collins, Kingston
Linebackers: Don Clark, Washingtonville and Tim Johnson, Washingtonville
Quarterbacks: Joe Bucco, Washingtonville
Running backs: Joe Deserto, Minisink Valley
Offensive line: Chris Whittaker, Kingston
Defensive backs: Dustin Cormier, Kingston
Wide receivers: Nick Clair, Roosevelt
Special teams and defensive backs: Nick Clair, Roosevelt

Cornwall (11-o) is on a roll with QB Mike White, playing the role of Tom Brady, WR Alex Cruz playing Salsa Victor, and LB Pat Landro kicking it a little old school: Bill Romanowski, style.

In fact, everyone on Cornwall, from DeRosa, to Staudle, to Vega, to the Zsido boys, are clicking. But now comes the toughest test: Big, bad Burnt Hills. This isn’t the Somers Wing-T attack. This Wing-T, the Burnt Hills version, is on another level.

Burnt Hills defeated Cornwall 35-14 in the quarterfinals of the Class A state playoffs last season. On Friday, at Kingston’s Dietz Stadium, comes the rematch.

On Wednesday, I toured practices, hitting Section 9′s three teams in the state playoff semifinals: I hit James I. O’Neill first, before heading on scenic Rte. 9W, heading to Newburgh Free Academy, where Cornwall played.

At NFA, former NFA coach C.T. Chatham helped the Cornwall staff on defense, preparing for Burnt Hills’ vaunted Wing-T offense. Then it was off to Marlboro. Cornwall WR Alex Cruz and QB were available at Cornwall practice.

Stay tuned for Marlboro and O’Neill video interviews.

They grow ‘em tough in Marlboro. As it turns out, they do in Glens Falls, too. Marlboro takes on Glens Falls in the state Class B semifinals at 3 p.m. Saturday at Dietz Stadium in Kingston.

Both sides, Marlboro and Glens Falls, agree that the other is very similar. Scrappy. Hard-hitting. Proud. It could be the game of the weekend.

As part of the Route 9W Special, I hit Marlboro, talking to running back Austin Beck and one of Marlboro’s no-nonsense lineman, Luke Craig. Two good talkers.

We wrap up our Wednesday tour with O’Neill’s Jerry Nasi (RB) and Keegan West (QB). Ironically, this is where I started the day.

O’Neill made history last week, defeating Woodlands 35-18 in the Class C state quarterfinals. Well, guess what? Nasi and Friends are looking to make history again! No Class C team from Section 9 has have reached the state title game.

O’Neill takes on perennial state power Hoosick Falls at 11 a.m. Saturday at Dietz Stadium in Kingston.

National Team
Name School Position No.
Irvens Eristil Monroe-Woodbury DB 1
Kam Malcolm Newburgh RB/DB 2
Mark Tooma Monroe-Woodbury RB 3
Justin Kaffenberger Monroe-Woodbury WR 4
Uriah Clarke Newburgh RB 5
Lucas Messina Warwick DB 6
Evan Loughran Spackenkill QB 7
C.J. Tozzi Highland WR 10
Bernie Smith Onteora WR 13
Matt Iorlano Wallkill K 14
Anthony Margarum Eldred QB/LB 15
Joe Pugliese Highland RB 17
Jonathan Crane Millbrook DB/QB 18
Ken Fee Monroe-Woodbury DL 19
Shaheim Hill Newburgh LB 20
John Mallon Monroe-Woodbury S 21
Josh Villafane Wallkill RB 25
Jordan Totaro Warwick WR 27
Hardcor Coleman Newburgh LB 28
Brendan Tator Red Hook DL 30
Nick Celestino Spackenkill DL 32
Isaiah Berrios-Smith Wallkill DB 33
Brendan Connors Wallkill LB 34
Anthony Carolei Millbrook LB 35
Andrew Richwine Millbrook LB/S 36
Tyler Eisenbacher Goshen QB 38
John Orlando Millbrook DB 39
Tommy Fink Spackenkill DB 42
Josh Riley Spackenkill TE 45
Sam Axtell Valley Central K 49
Christian Ruddy Wallkill OL 53
Eric Zimmerman Warwick DL 55
Mike Cerisano Newburgh LB 56
John O’Leary Warwick DL 57
Rob Weber Eldred OT/DT 60
Starvos Theohary Millbrook OL 61
Andrew Connors Wallkill OL 64
Dan Marvin Valley Central OL 65
Nick Marino Monroe-Woodbury OL 66
Kevin Rivera Highland OL 70
Zack Short Spackenkill OL 72
Joe Vandenbos Warwick OT 74
Toussaint Helm Newburgh OL 77
Evan Grenier Goshen OL 79
Brandon Coleman Red Hook WR 80
Dean Ruggieri Spackenkill DL 81
Matthew Strauss Fallsburg TE/DE 82
Aric Boyes Tri-Valley DL 83
R.J. Thiele Eldred TE/DE 84
Connor Fitzgerald Monroe-Woodbury DL 85

Head coach: Bill Bianco, Newburgh
Offensive coordinator: Tim Hendershot, Newburgh
Wide receivers: Aaron Hasbrouck, Warwick
Offensive line: Clint DeSouza, Spackenkill
Running backs: Sean Keenan, Millbrook
Tight ends: Justin DiPierro, Warwick
Defensive coordinator: Mike Connolly, Monroe-Woodbury
Defensive backs: Brian Vegliando, Wallkill and Ron Introini, Valley Central
Defensive line: Matt McCullagh, Monroe-Woodbury

American Team
Name School Position No.
Atwoun Ackerley Liberty DB 1
Chris Osterman Roosevelt WR 2
Brad Hemmer Sullivan West WR 3
Joe Ciampaglione Roosevelt DE 4
Jerred Beniquez Kingston WR 5
Jimmy Pratti Minisink Valley DB 6
Patrick Joyner Burke Catholic WR 7
Mike Kelly Burke Catholic WR 10
Bennie Taylor Roosevelt WR 13
Matt Poveromo Washingtonville QB 14
Josh Walker Minisink Valley WR 15
Austin Ferrier Minisink Valley DB 16
Tyler Tirelli Minisink Valley DB 17
Bob Pezzullo Burke Catholic QB 18
Matt Geisler Pine Bush DB 19
Frankie Yovino Minisink Valley RB 20
Mistah Ali Monticello RB 21
Tyler Albert Ellenville RB 25
Will Spencer Kingston DE 27
Francesco Pichardo Washingtonville RB 28
Wally Stephens Kingston LB 30
Justin Rose Ellenville LB 32
Jake Gomm Pine Plains RB 33
Jake McLachlan Monticello LB 34
Sawyer Erlwein Sullivan West LB 35
Brendan Brown Pine Bush LB 36
C.J. Weston Pine Bush LB 38
Scott Herbert Sullivan West DL 39
Devan Shambo Kingston LB 42
Elijah Dones New Paltz TE 45
Josh Bonneau Minisink Valley DL 49
Scott Erdman Sullivan West LB 53
Colin Scott Minisink Valley OL 55
Nick Morris New Paltz OL 56
Eric Beresheim Saugerties OL 57
Joe Wendover Pine Plains OL 60
Tony Saravia Liberty DL 61
Joe DiPietro Kingston OL 64
Jeff Nunez Ellenville DL 65
Tyler Brady Washingtonville OL 66
Chris Spencer Washingtonville OL 70
Andy Martinez Liberty DL 72
Anthony Tufano New Paltz DL 74
Delano King New Paltz DL 74
Matt McCaffrey Pine Bush OL 77
Nate Langlitz Pine Bush OL 79
John Thorn Pine Bush K/P 80
Ryan Goode Pine Bush OL 82
Tom Marston Dover TE 88

Head coach: Brian Bellino, Roosevelt
Offensive coordinator: Kevin Gallagher, Minisink Valley
Defensive coordinator/line: Jeramie Collins, Kingston
Linebackers: Don Clark, Washingtonville and Tim Johnson, Washingtonville
Quarterbacks: Joe Bucco, Washingtonville
Running backs: Joe Deserto, Minisink Valley and Jim Wright, Pine Bush
Offensive line: Chris Whittaker, Kingston
Defensive backs: Dustin Cormier, Kingston and Mike McDonald, Pine Bush
Wide receivers: Nick Clair, Roosevelt
Special teams and defensive backs: Nick Clair, Roosevelt

Cornwall (Class A), Marlboro (B) and James I. O’Neill (C) will all be representing Section 9 in the semifinals this weekend.

Check out the past results. But, first, some key figures.

- Chester was the first Section 9 Class D team to reach the state championship last season. O’Neill is trying to become the first Section 9 team to advance to the C state final.

- Two Section 9 teams have won state titles (M-W in 2005 and Rondout Valley (B) in 2000).

- Section 9 is 2-7 all-time in state championship games

The semifinals

2011
Class AA: Newburgh d. Shenendehowa 16-6 (lost in final to Orchard Park, 21-13
Class A: Cornwall lost to Burnt Hills 35-14
Class D: Chester d. Cambridge 38-22 (lost in final to Letchworth, 27-0)

2009
Class A: Burnt Hills 41, Cornwall 16
Class D: Moriah 22, Eldred 13

2008
Class AA: Monroe-Woodbury 10, New Rochelle 8 (lost to Orchard Park 21- 17 in final)

2007
Class AA: Monroe-Woodbury 22, New Rochelle 16 (lost to West Genesee 42-21 in final)

2006
Class AA: Monroe-Woodbury 21, Christian Brothers Academy 0 (lost to Auburn 27-26 (OT) in final
Class A: Cornwall 34, Indian River 6 (lost to Corning East 27-14 in final)

2005
Class AA: Monroe-Woodbury 28, North Rockland 0 (defeated Webster-Thomas 32-10 in championship)

2004
Class AA:New Rochelle 41, Monroe-Woodbury 0
Class A: Wallkill 21, Amsterdam 18 (lost to Maine-Endwell 39-36 in final)

2002
Class AA: Shenendehowa 42, Newburgh 0

2000
Class B: Rondout Valley 41, Hudson 15 (defeated Lackawanna 21-0 in final)

1999
Class AA: Troy 31, Newburgh 14

1998
Class D: Lake George 30,DelawareValley 26

1997
Class A: Queensbury 37, Port Jervis 6

1996
Class AA: Roosevelt-Yonkers 40, Kingston 14
Class C: Watervliet 20, Highland 18

1995
Class C: Saranac Lake 18, Highland 15

1994
Class D: Rensselaer 19, DelawareValley 12

1992
Class D: Moriah 34, Delaware Valley 8

SCRANTON, Pa. – It was an historic win for the Delaware Valley football program.

The Warriors overcame three lost fumbles in the third quarter – and two near lost fumbles in the fourth – to defeat Scranton for the District 2 AAAA championship Friday night at Memorial Stadium.

It was also a retribution win of sorts for Delaware Valley, which blew a 20-point lead to Scranton in its only regular season loss.

Click on the video above for postgame interviews. I talked to Miami of Ohio-bound QB Bryan Schor, RB Ryan McGowan, who scored the game-clinching touchdown and DB Cory Savarese, who clinched the game with a late interception.

–

For more high school sports updates on Twitter, find me here: @THR_Montgomery.

Pardon the play on words, but Cornwall was burned by Burnt Hills on Friday night, losing to the Albany-area power 28-13 in the semifinals of the Class A state playoffs.

It marked the third time in four years that Burnt Hills put away Cornwall in the semis. So what does it mean? It means, despite the defeat, Cornwall still had a great season. 11-1. Another Section 9 Class A championship.

Not only that. This isn’t a news flash, but Cornwall has distinguished itself as the top program in Section 9, a label that previously belonged to Monroe-Woodbury. The Green Dragons have won seven of the last eight Class A championships.

As for Cornwall’s highlights this season? There were many. Here are some of them:

- Cornwall graduated 17 starters from last year’s Class A state semifinalist team, including 10 on defense and seven on offense. For most programs, that would mean a lost season. A rebuilding job. For Cornwall? The Green Dragons ran the table in Section 9, improving throughout the fall. The domination culminated with a 53-0 win over rival Wallkill in the A championship, the statement of the year in Section 9.

- The play of WR Alex Cruz, who probably will never want to hear the words salsa dance and J-Rod again. Cruz put up 206 yards in the Wallkill championship win and added a Section 9 single-game record with 285 in a Class A state quarterfinal win over Somers. Of course, Cruz had Mike White throwing him the ball. But Cruz had a knack for making the catch, going out and getting the ball. His moves and speed after the catch were impressive and fun to watch.

- Vega Island. DB Anthony Vega, a first-year starter as a senior, turned his space on the field into Vega Island. And you don’t want to visit this area if you are a WR. Vega had eight interceptions and was consistent all year.

- I’m convinced that RB/LB’s Jeff Grygiel and Luke Zsido were cloned. They are exactly alike. Tough. Gritty. Selfless. Great teammates. Those are a few words to describe the pair. This is what people mean when they call someone “a football player”. Thrust into bigger roles (Grygiel missed most of last year with an injury) Both were consistent and reliable on each side of the ball.

- By far, the most exciting run of the year was Mike White’s two-game showcase, which produced 933 passing yards. He threw for a Section 9 single-game record 500 yards against Wallkill in the A championship. For an encore, White lit up Somers for 433. He now has 4,785 career yards in two seasons, a Section 9 record. White has one more year remaining and is set to break several other Section 9 passing records next year. He will only get better, that’s scary…for opposing DB’s.

- Tiny Tebow (Klayton Kelly) – the best back-up QB in Section 9.

- Two-way lineman Connor Staudle was the man up front. However, there were several other key players on the Green Dragons’ revamped lines who deserve a pop: Hunter Misuraca, Mike DeRosa and Moiset Santos are just a few. Of course, without these guys, Cornwall doesn’t do what it does.

- Keep it mind, White has three impressive WR’s coming back next year: Chris Bauer (junior), Matt Robinson (sophomore) and Tyler Peddie (sophomore). Yes, of course, Cornwall is the team to beat in A in 2013.

Monroe-Woodbury still has some clout in Section 9 football. Two Crusaders played key roles in Team National’s 24-11 win over Team American in the Section 9 exceptional senior all-star game at Newburgh Free Academy on Sunday.

Defensive back John Mallon scored on a 45-yard interception return for the National squad and Kaffenberger had a 78-yard touchdown at quarterback. Kaffenberger played wide receiver the last two years, but has plenty of experience at quarterback. The showcase marked the first game of its kind locally since the Orange County Interscholastic Athletic Association held an exceptional senior game from 1977-82.

It was a good game, full of hard hits. Stay tuned for more coverage on Varsity845.com.

Washingtonville quarterback Matt Poveromo (American Team Offensive MVP) and Warwick defensive lineman John O’Leary (National Team Defensive MVP) talk after the Section 9 exceptional senior game Sunday at Newburgh Free Academy. The National team won 24-11.