High school athletic fields across Central New York were alive with playoff intensity this past Saturday as Section III teams battled in crucial quarterfinal matchups in soccer and pivotal late-season football games. The day was marked by dominant performances from top-seeded teams, hard-fought victories, and standout individual efforts that are setting the stage for the next round of championships.
From shutout victories on the soccer pitch to high-scoring showdowns on the gridiron, the results from October 25th have reshaped the postseason landscape. Meanwhile, runners in the Tri-Valley League Cross Country Championships showcased their endurance, with several athletes posting impressive times to claim top honors.
Key Takeaways
- Top-seeded teams in boys' and girls' soccer, including Westhill and Tully, secured decisive wins to advance in the sectional championships.
- Frankfort-Schuyler's soccer programs had a successful day, with both the boys' and girls' teams winning their quarterfinal games.
- High-scoring football games were common, with Utica Proctor and Oswego both putting up over 50 points in their respective victories.
- Oneida's girls' cross country team demonstrated remarkable depth, placing three runners in the top five at the Tri-Valley League Championship.
Soccer Quarterfinals Showcase Power and Precision
In the Section III soccer championships, the quarterfinal round separated contenders from pretenders, with several teams delivering powerful statements. The pressure of the playoffs was evident in every match, but top seeds largely held their ground.
Boys Soccer: Westhill and Frankfort-Schuyler Advance
The Class B tournament saw the top-seeded Westhill Warriors deliver a commanding performance, defeating Holland Patent with a decisive 5-0 victory. The offense was firing on all cylinders, showcasing the team's depth and readiness for a deep playoff run. Andrew Rewakowski was a key contributor, finding the back of the net twice.
Jack Hayes also had a standout game for Westhill, scoring one goal and providing two assists, while Eric Holstein and Thomas MacLachlan each added a goal to seal the comprehensive win.
What's Next in the Playoffs
With quarterfinal wins, teams like Westhill and Frankfort-Schuyler move on to the semifinals. These next matchups will be even more challenging as the remaining teams are the best in their class, all vying for a spot in the sectional finals.
In the Class C bracket, Frankfort-Schuyler also demonstrated offensive strength, securing a 6-1 win over Tully. Despite the loss, Tully's Jasper Randall managed to score his team's lone goal. The victory for Frankfort-Schuyler sets them up for a highly anticipated semifinal matchup.
Girls Soccer: Tully and Frankfort-Schuyler Secure Victories
The girls' Class C quarterfinals featured a mix of dominant wins and tightly contested battles. Top-seeded Tully left no doubt about its championship aspirations, dispatching Cooperstown with a 5-0 shutout. This victory allows them to advance comfortably to the next round.
Frankfort-Schuyler's girls' team also advanced, earning a 3-1 victory over Mount Markham. Maryna Harrod was instrumental in the win, contributing one goal and one assist. Alyssa Collins and Leigh Ferguson also scored for Frankfort-Schuyler, highlighting a balanced offensive attack.
A Day of Close Contests
Not all games were blowouts. The match between Hamilton and West Canada Valley was a defensive struggle, with Hamilton emerging victorious in a 1-0 nail-biter. Kristen LaFrance scored the decisive goal, sending her team to the semifinals. In another tight match, Beaver River and Sauquoit Valley played to a 0-0 draw, showcasing the defensive prowess of both squads.
Football Action Heats Up Across the Section
On the football field, teams battled for position as the regular season winds down and playoffs loom. Several games featured explosive offenses, while others came down to the final possession.
In a Class AA-1 matchup, Utica Proctor outpaced Baldwinsville in a high-scoring affair, winning 52-32. The game was a showcase of offensive firepower from both teams. Similarly, Oswego dominated its game against Altmar-Parish-Williamstown, putting up 59 points in a 59-20 victory.
Jamesville-DeWitt also secured a convincing win, defeating Pulaski 37-7, while Cazenovia posted a shutout against Holland Patent with a 38-0 final score. These results solidify their positions as strong contenders within their respective classes.
"Every game at this point in the season feels like a playoff game. You have to bring your best effort every single week, and these scores show which teams were able to do that."
One of the closest games of the day was the contest between Onondaga and Westmoreland/Oriskany. In a back-and-forth battle, Onondaga managed to edge out a 21-20 victory, a result that demonstrates the fine margins that often decide football games.
Other scores from Saturday include Cooperstown's 34-20 win over New York Mills and Tupper Lake's 30-12 victory against OnTECH in a non-league game.
Cross Country Champions Crowned at Tri-Valley League Meet
While soccer and football teams battled on the field, endurance athletes took to the course for the Tri-Valley League Cross Country Championships. The event featured top runners from across the league competing for individual and team glory.
Oneida Girls Dominate the Field
The Oneida girls' team had a spectacular showing, claiming three of the top five spots. Molly Myatt led the way for Oneida, finishing first with an impressive time of 21:16.50. Her teammates, Ella Ridgeway (21:24.00) and Isabella Candee (21:43.90), finished third and fifth, respectively.
Their collective performance underscores the team's depth and positions them as a formidable force heading into sectionals. Abigail Neale of New Hartford took second place with a time of 21:20.70, just four seconds behind Myatt, while Lana Moore of Whitesboro finished fourth.
Top 5 Girls Finishers - Tri-Valley League Championship
- Molly Myatt (Oneida): 21:16.50
- Abigail Neale (New Hartford): 21:20.70
- Ella Ridgeway (Oneida): 21:24.00
- Lana Moore (Whitesboro): 21:37.50
- Isabella Candee (Oneida): 21:43.90
Geroux Takes Boys' Title in Tight Race
The boys' race was a thrilling competition that came down to the wire. Nathan Geroux of Vernon Verona Sherrill claimed the individual championship, crossing the finish line with a time of 16:58.70. He narrowly edged out Dylan Pelton of Rome Free Academy, who finished less than a second behind at 16:59.40.
The race for the top spot was a testament to the competitive spirit of the league. Silas Crowe of Holland Patent secured third place, followed by Jack Reale of New Hartford and Leo Wengert of Whitesboro to round out the top five finishers.
As the fall sports season heads into its final weeks, the intensity will only increase. With championships on the line, every game, race, and performance matters more than ever.
