Two weeks ago, Christian Brothers Academy came from behind to defeat Shenendehowa, and lock down the #3 seed in Class AA. After CBA collected a receipt from Guilderland last week, the Brothers came to Shaker High knowing that Shen had the same thing on their collective minds.
But, there were some underlying factors to consider.
1. CBA has not won a sectional title since 2013.
2. Shen coach Brian Clawson is 0-3 lifetime vs. CBA coach Bob Burns, the first two losses coming when Burns was at Troy in 2016-17. The Flying Horses have been in Class A since 2018.
3. Tonight's Super Bowl was the 6th for Burns in his 7 seasons as a head coach, missing only the Class A Super Bowl in 2018 (Troy was eliminated by Burnt Hills that year).
In short, there might be another changing of the guard in Class AA.
Shen won the coin toss, and deferred to the 2nd half, so CBA took the opening kickoff. They were well on their way, it seemed, to their first score of the night when an attempt at a trick play went badly awry. Fullback Jaylen Riggins, on an option, lost the handle on the football, and the Plainsmen recovered. Keep in mind that there is no replay in high school football, unlike in college or the NFL, as James Allen & Kelly O'Donnell stressed on commentary. Otherwise, this could've been ruled an incomplete pass.
Shenendehowa cashed in on the turnover, as Michael McElrath raced down the sideline for the game's first score, less than five minutes into the game. McElrath went 24 yards for the score.
On the ensuing CBA possession, QB Donald Jones did most of the running himself, and ultimately took it in from 8 yards with just over a minute left in the frame. We were tied at 7 after the quarter.
Shen was driving to start the 2nd quarter, and just a minute in, McElrath struck again, this time for 27 yards. The Plainsmen went back on top, but not for long. CBA quickly responded, as Burns went to the bullpen for a relief Pitcher. Jahmir Pitcher, that is, who scampered 31 yards to paydirt for the tying score. We were all even at 14 at halftime.
If there was anything that plagued CBA during the game, it was the turnovers and ill-timed penalties. McElrath's first score was set up by a late hit by Jones, for example. The usually sure handed Brendan Simek lost a fumble in the 2nd quarter, recovered by McElrath, but CBA couldn't cash this one in.
After a scoreless 3rd quarter, CBA took control, just as they did late in last week's win over Guilderland. A lengthy, time consuming drive culminated in David Clement fighting off a Shen defender to secure a 9 yard catch from Jones. Four and a half minutes later, Jones slammed the door shut with his second rushing touchdown of the night, matching McElrath's output. Jones had a touchdown taken away earlier by penalty, but there was no denying him this time.
With just over a minute left, Shen's Mason Courtney's desperation heave was intercepted by Jack Goebel, and CBA had wrapped up its first sectional title in 8 years, 28-14. The Brothers will move on to state play, starting November 20, with the championship moved back a week to December 4 at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse.
Each of Bob Burns' Class AA titles ultimately led to state championships. The next three weeks will tell us if he has another special team.
In other action:
Schuylerville captured the Class C title, ending Fonda Fultonville's Cinderella run, 26-16.
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