Niskayuna Football Wins Class A Title Game in Dominating Fashion

Niskayuna started out on top and never backed down during the recent Class A Championship game held at Puleo Field, the home of Christian Brothers Academy. The Silver Warriors first beat the Averill Park Warriors by a wide margin, winning 35-6 and scoring 28 unanswered points. They then moved onto the State tournament, where they once again left with a win, 14-7 over Canandaigua Academy. However, it wasn’t an easy journey to get to this point. The Silver Warriors had to overcome a 1-2 start to reach the playoffs, eventually finishing with a regular season record of 7-2, and a league record of 5-0. With a 6 game winning streak into their first playoff game, Nisky was determined to beat La-Salle, who had defeated the Silver Warriors early on in the season by a score of 25-7. When it was game-time, Niskayuna showed no weaknesses on defense, and allowed no points in a 28-0 rout. Finally, 2 defensive touchdowns on interceptions by Chase Nappi and Deangelo McGlothlan propelled them to a semifinal victory in a game that was defined by the ferocious defense of Niskayuna.

The Silver Warriors had one last challenger to face on their way to a Section II championship: Averill Park who came into the Class A championship game with a 7-3 record and a Capital Division title. Powered by a big offensive performance from running-back Jacob Phelps, they beat the Burnt Hills Spartans 42-21. Niskayuna also recently defeated the Spartans 9-6 to secure the Grasso Division title in a huge regular season finale which was capped off by a game winning field goal from kicker Cooper Harvey. This match-up was destined to be a great battle.

Despite facing a tough opponent, Niskayuna didn’t back down from the pressure in any way. On the first play of the game, Offensive Coordinator Mike Grasso and Head Coach Brian Grastorf drew up a trick play which resulted in a 69 yard touchdown catch by senior Dahvion Wimberly. The flea flicker play was completed to perfection, as Quarterback Ethan Gilson unloaded a near 50 yard deep ball after evading a tackler, and Wimberly went up for the incredible bobbled reception, breaking two tackles on his way for the game's first score. Wimberly said after the game that it was a “money play” and it sure did set the tone for what would be a special night.

But Averill Park had an answer of their own. After their defense gave up the big play, the offense sustained an impressive drive that was capped off by Phelps weaving through the Nisky defense for a 22 yard score on third down. The opposing Warriors attempted a two-point conversion but it ultimately failed, keeping the score 7-6 in favor of the Silver Warriors. After that, it was all Niskayuna. Freshman Cam Grasso had an explosive 30 yard play which resulted in the second Niskayuna touchdown of the 1st quarter. Senior Deangelo McGlothlan was lights out in the 2nd quarter, scoring both on the ground and through the air. With a 22 point lead at halftime, Niskayuna just needed to hold it out and prevent Averill Park from mounting a comeback. Since Nisky dominated the first half, there wasn’t nearly as much offensive production as there was in the first half, as only running-back Isaiah Linyear was able to find the end zone on a 3-yard run. The Silver Warriors dominated at the line of scrimmage the entire game, and led by their big-play offense and smash-mouth defense, they were able to capture their first ever Section II Football title by a score of 35-6, etching their names into the history books of Niskayuna football forever.

Even so, the Silver Warriors weren’t done yet. Niskayuna moved on to the Class A State Quarterfinals, where they played Canandaigua Academy, the Section V victor, at the campus of Shenendehowa. As an underdog to a powerful 9-3 Canandaigua squad, Niskayuna was underestimated by many. So once again, the Silver Warriors showed their opposition that they’re a force to be reckoned with. On the third play of the game, wide receiver Cam Grasso caught a 64-yard touchdown pass, which was the first of two touchdown passes for Ethan Gilson. Gilson only completed 4 passes that night, which very well might have been because of the freezing, winter-like conditions of the game. However, those 4 completions were all huge plays for Niskayuna, as each completion was for over 40 yards on average. Gilson’s second touchdown came in the third quarter, when he faked a toss to Grasso and made a perfect pass to a wide open Daniel Miller up the middle. Running Back Isaiah Linyear also made a huge contribution to offense, despite not scoring. He had 149 yards on 26 attempts, including some big runs in clutch moments. But with these 2 touchdowns being Niskayuna’s only points, the defense needed to step up. Even with all the pressure of playing in the State quarterfinals, the Silver Warriors defense continued to impress. The defense worked together as a team, holding Canandaigua’s star running back to only 62 yards after a week where he had over 300 yards and 4 touchdowns. The defense did let up a long touchdown late in the game, but at that point it was too late for Canandaigua. When the clock hit zero, Niskayuna was heading to the Class A semifinal round, making history once more in an unthinkable run towards the Class A State Championship.