11 years ago, Troy High was denied a sectional title, despite a late comeback vs. Amsterdam, due to some sketchy officiating in the 2nd half. Of course, you know what happened the next two years. Troy won back-to-back state titles.
After losing the Class A title game last year to Niskayuna, it was assumed Troy would be back, and they were, but, unlike James Allen's prediction in the Albany Times-Union, Troy didn't run the table. Burnt Hills had seen to that on September 25 at Picken Field. The Spartans have had Troy's number over the years, aside from losing to the Flying Horses in the quarterfinals last year.
But, just like in 2015 against Amsterdam, Troy ran into an unexpected problem in the 2nd half with sketchy officiating.
After generating three turnovers on defense in the 1st half, the Horses thought they got another one in the 3rd quarter, but it was not to be. As Allen, calling the game on Spectrum News 1, pointed out, the whistle never blew on what was supposed to be a fumble recovered by the Troy defense. While it was never accurately conveyed to the television audience, the zebras ruled that the Burnt Hills runner was down by contact.
Frustrated by this non-call, the Horses lost focus. 2 lost fumbles in the 4th quarter, plus some questionable player decisions, and some ill-timed penalties, left the door open for the Spartans, and Logan Tomlinson, their seemingly do-everything senior star, booted a 32 yard field goal to win the game, 23-21, giving Spartans coach Kevin DeBonis his first title.
There are going to be those who will look at this, coupled with Troy volleyball being eliminated by Burnt Hills last month in a match that shouldn't have happened, and the Spartans are thrust into the role of villains representing Section II's strongest league, the Suburban Council. No, Troy, as noted, did themselves in this time. There's always next year, but not for the seniors on the Horses.
Tomlinson and Talon Immel missed the first meeting this season between the two schools, instead playing lacrosse in North Carolina. They'll be on opposite sides of a regional rivalry next year, as Immel has committed to UAlbany, while Tomlinson will play for Siena.
Earlier Friday, Greenwich claimed the Class D Super Bowl, blowing away Canajoharie-Fort Plain, 56-8. It wasn't even close.
Other scores:
Men's volleyball finals:
Division 1:
Shenendehowa 3, Columbia 1.
Division 2:
Burnt Hills 3, CBA 0. 13 straight titles for the Spartans.
The men's volleyball sectionals need to change, with just 2 teams in Division 2, preferably yesterday.
State regionals:
Men's soccer:
Class AAA:
Lancaster def. Shaker via penalty kicks after a scoreless draw.
Class A:
Lewiston-Porter 4, Averill Park 0.
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