Capsule look at the four Section VI teams in the state semifinals /By Keith McShea
Class AA: Orchard Park
What: Orchard Park Quakers (11-0) vs. Section IV champion Binghamton Patriots (11-0). When: Saturday, 6 p. m. at Paetec Park, Rochester. State rankings: Orchard Park No. 1 (since Oct. 5), Binghamton No. 4 (up from No. 5 last week). Who to watch for Orchard Park: QB sr. Kyle Hoppy, RB sr. Jeff Tundo, RB/LB sr. Brandon Nuessle. Who to watch for Binghamton: Five-foot-11, 190-pound RB Jamar Smith (Section IV-record 2,548 rushing yards, 10-plus yards per carry), QB Ahmed Hassanien (72 for 141, 1077 yards, 14 TDs), WR Nate Papso (43 receptions, 629 yards).
The past: Orchard Park’s first trip to the final four was last year, where it was 11-0 before losing to eventual state champion West Genesee. This is Binghamton’s first final four and its first 11-0 record in 17 years.
The present: Orchard Park has played its entire season to get another shot at making the state championship. To so do, the Quakers will have to contain a dangerous, fast-moving spread offense that features an outstanding running back. OP allowed passing touchdowns to North Tonawanda in the Section VI final but didn’t have to worry about an air attack last week against the ground game of Gates-Chili. Last year’s semifinal loss was to a West Genesee spread offense. One difference for OP this year is that not only is Tundo one of the best backs in the state, Hoppy has had a terrific season running the offense.
Next stop, state championship: Sunday, Nov. 30, 1 p. m. at Syracuse’s Carrier Dome against the winner of I-New Rochelle vs. IX-Monroe-Woodbury.
Class A: Sweet Home
What: Sweet Home Panthers (11-0) vs. Section IV champion Corning West Vikings (10-1). When: Friday, 8 p. m. at Paetec Park, Rochester. State rankings: Sweet Home No. 1 (up from No. 4 after beating No. 1 Aquinas), Corning West No. 14 (up from No. 20).
Who to watch for Sweet Home: QB sr. Casey Kacz, RB jr. Deshanaro Morris, WR sr. Will Reese, WR/DB jr. D. J. Nettles, RB/DT so. Mikal Coleman.
Who to watch for Corning West: RBs Austin Rose and Greg Riff and FB Anthony Nybeck. The past: It is the first final four for both schools. The present: Corning West had just one starter back from a team that went 3-5 last year but has grinded its way into the final four on the ground behind a double-wing offense and an offensive line that averages about 228 pounds. It had 446 of its 470 yards on the ground in last week’s 28-26 win over New Hartford. Sweet Home is peaking, to say the least. It contained the rushing attack of one of the best programs in the state in Aquinas while moving the ball through the air and on the ground. Kacz did a great job running the show, passing the ball (8 for 12, 138 yards, one TD, no interceptions) and also — as he has throughout the postseason — made some slick runs (12 carries, 79 yards). The 5-11, 225-pound Morris has been a two-way terror in both the sectional final against Iroquois and against Aquinas.
Next stop, state championship: Saturday, Nov. 29, 5 p. m. at Syracuse’s Carrier Dome against the winner of I-Nyack vs. II-Burnt Hills.
Class C: Southwestern
What: Southwestern Trojans (11-0) vs. Section IV champion Elmira Notre Dame Crusaders (9-2). When: Saturday, noon at Paetec Park, Rochester. State rankings: Southwestern No. 1 (up from No. 2 after beating No. 1 Le Roy), Elmira Notre Dame No. 6 (up from No. 13).
Who to watch for Southwestern: QB jr. Zack Sopak, RB jr. Levi Bursch, WR sr. Andy Lata, DB/QB/K Dan Imfeld.
Who to watch for Elmira Notre Dame: RBs Mike Huffner, Dave Norton and Matt Buice all topped 100 yards rushing in END’s regional victory. QB Joe Thurber’s passing was key in the sectional final.
The past: This is Southwestern’s first final four trip.
Elmira Notre Dame is the Section IV champion for the first time since 1998, when it lost in the Class C state championship game.
The present: Southwestern’s record and ranking shouldn’t intimidate the Crusaders much. END has knocked off unbeaten teams two weeks in a row: Greene in the Section IV final and Section III champion Westmoreland in the regional. END outrushed Westmoreland, 424-93. Southwestern took advantage of some turnovers but also showed off a dangerous attack (passing, running, kicking) as it jumped on top of Le Roy before holding on for a 38-35 win.
Next stop, state championship: Saturday, Nov. 29, 2 p. m. at Syracuse’s Carrier Dome against the winner of I-Croton-Harmon vs. VII-Saranac Lake.
Class D: Maple Grove
What: Maple Grove Red Dragons (11-0) vs. Section IV champion Walton Warriors (11-0). When: Friday, 5 p. m. at Paetec Park, Rochester. State rankings: Walton No. 1 (all season), Maple Grove No. 2 (all season). Who to watch for Maple Grove: QB sr. Chris Secky, RB sr. Jake Larson, WR sr. Joe Caporale. Who to watch for Walton: Whoever is running the ball — and there are quite a few. RB Phil Hanley is over 1,000 yards, RB Bryant Mead is over 700 while RB Cody Reed had a season-best 182 yards on a season-high 18 carries in Walton’s regional win.
The past: Walton is the defending state champion, won its 13th Section IV title this year and has won 24 straight. Maple Grove is the Section VI champion for the first time since it won the state title in 1998.
The present: According to the polls and rabid fans across the state, this game is the unofficial state final. Both teams have crushed their opposition this season. Early on in its 44-21 regional win over Dolgeville, Walton trailed in a game for the first time since a 34-0 loss to Delhi in its 2006 sectional final. Walton runs the ball and stops the run — which might make for a great contrast in styles. Secky has thrown for over 1,000 yards to speedy receivers like Caporale.
Next stop, state championship: Saturday, Nov. 29, 11 a. m. at Syracuse’s Carrier Dome against the winner of I-Tuckahoe vs. VII-Moriah.
On the Web
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