Niskayuna Football Dominates Class-A Competition  

After coming one game short of the state championship game last year, Niskayuna Football has proved that last season's success was no fluke. The Silver Warriors finished off the season with a 7-1 record, with their lone loss coming to Shenendehowa, who is ranked 11th in the latest Class AA State Rankings published by the New York State Sportswriters Association. On the other hand, Niskayuna is ranked 4th in Class A, and for good reason.

Niskayuna has dominated their fellow Class A opponents, outscoring them 311-63 in seven games. The season started off differently this year for the Silver Warriors, with a real home game. Last year, the new turf field was still under construction, but by this season's opening night, it was all ready to go for Nisky to come out and dominate. The Silver Warriors weren't intimidated by the Auburn Maroons from Section 3, as they took command with a 28-0 lead at the end of the first quarter, and kept that energy going in a 47-0 shutout. However, the celebration couldn’t last too long, as Niskayuna had to prepare to face the toughest team they had played all season in the Plainsmen of Shenendehowa. Unfortunately, after sophomore Cam Grasso’s 92-yard kick return touchdown on the first play of the game, Niskayuna couldn’t add much else on the offensive side of the ball. Defensively, they struggled to defend running back Ihsaan Alozie, who had two touchdown runs of over 50 yards.

After losing 28-12 to Shen, it seemed like the team had another tough game ahead against Averill Park, who faced off against Niskayuna in last year's Section 2 Super Bowl. But Niskayuna was able to roll to another easy victory after one of Ethan Gilson’s most impressive performances, which earned him the Times Union Boys’ Athlete of the Week. Gilson, the junior quarterback, went 14 for 15 passing for 268 yards and 3 touchdowns, two of those going to Grasso and the other to junior Garrett Gillooley. Niskayuna also added 3 touchdowns on the ground in the 41-7 win, powered by junior Isaiah Linyear and senior Chase Nappi.

Next up on the schedule was Burnt Hills, and this game was a low scoring affair like last year's 9-6 win in the regular season finale. Niskayuna found themselves down 7-0 early, but was able to put up 19 unanswered points with short touchdown passes to both Grasso and Gillooley, and a huge 90 yard touchdown run by Linyear that sealed the game. The Spartans rallied back near the end, but their efforts were too little too late as the Silver Warriors secured a 19-14 win. Niskayuna’s high powered offense was held in check in this game, but they wouldn’t let that happen again in their next few contests. Niskayuna got down to business quickly against Queensbury, winning comfortably by a score of 48-13, and on Senior Night they were able to defeat Mohonasen by their biggest margin all year: a 49-0 blowout. Seniors honored that night include E Abram, Jaden Baez, Pete Barcomb, Valen Beckmann, Lou Chicatelli, Asa Crosdale, Greyson Gorman, Tatum Hegney, Gautam Kurien, Kayden Lopez, Kasper Matia, Chase Nappi, Jake Piazza, Joey Potfora, Hudson Rariden, Samuel Smith, James Soule, and senior captains Matthew Lavigne and Daniel Miller. Niskayuna was able to close out the last two games of the year on the road 40-7 at Albany and 67-22 at South Glens Falls.

Niskayuna has aspirations to go even further than last year, and as the Sectional playoffs approach, Niskayuna has to be at the top of their game. No game should be taken for granted, with each one being win-or-go-home. The team has the talent to go all the way, and they are looking forward to returning to competing against the best in the state.