Thursday, November 11, 2021

Section II goes Bowling (Super Bowling, that is)

 Last season aside, it has been a November tradition in Section II. Sectional titles in all 5 football classifications (Classes AA-D) will be decided the next two nights, setting up the state tournaments that start November 19.


Class AA: Shenendehowa vs. CBA (Shaker High, Friday at 7 pm).

This will be the season finale (we think) of Spectrum News 1's Friday Night Matchup, and a rematch from October 29. Shen blew a big halftime lead, as the Brothers rallied.

Key facts: While CBA's Bob Burns logged a 1-2 record in Class A Super Bowls at Troy, he's 2-0 in AA, having swept through the 2016-17 seasons at Troy, Including the regular season finale 2 weeks ago, Burns is 3-0 vs. Shen's Brian Clawson. In his 7th season as a head coach, Burns has missed the Super Bowl just once, as Troy was eliminated in the semi-finals by Burnt Hills in 2018.

The pick: CBA gives Burns the rare distinction of winning 2 Super Bowls in the same calendar year.

Class A: Burnt Hills vs. Queensbury (Shen, Saturday at 7 pm).

It will be the 2nd post-season Battle of The Spartans in 4 years, the last coming in 2018. Burnt Hills avenged their loss in the title game 6 1/2 months ago by beating Troy back in September. Queensbury beat Troy to win the A title in 2019, only for Troy & Burns to collect a receipt in the semi-finals back in April.

Key facts: After losing the season opener to Shaker, Matt Shell's Spartans have won 8 in a row. Enough said.

The pick: Burnt Hills wins again, and will make another attempt at a state title in their first trip to the states in 3 years.

Class B: Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk vs. Gloversville (CBA, Saturday at 3 pm).

Key facts: Gloversville upset pre-season favorite Schalmont to reach the title game. Ravena collected a quick receipt from Glens Falls.

The pick: Gloversville goes to overtime to beat Ravena.

Class C: Fonda-Fultonville vs. Schuylerville (Lansingburgh High, Friday at 7 pm).

Key facts: Fonda has gotten hot at the right time, upsetting Hoosick Falls-Tamarac in the semi-finals after destroying Watervliet in the quarters. Schuylerville's been here before, but there's something to be said about Cinderella and sports.

The pick: Fonda, which hasn't been a relevant team since the 90's, may just follow baseball's Atlanta Braves to the promised land.

Class D: Stillwater vs. Greenwich (Schuylerville High, Saturday at 1 pm).

Key facts: These two teams are more accustomed to being in Class C, the biggest of the 5 classifications in terms of teams. Perennial D contender Cambridge-Salem was eliminated in the semi-finals.

The pick: Stillwater grounds the Witches.

Of course, I could be wrong.

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