Section Nine Football

Our prognosticator came to within two blocked field goals of a perfect week three, but we’re sure the other shoe will drop to the turf:

NEWBURGH – No surprise here, as NFA looks to further control Class AA league play in a Thursday night get-together with Valley Central at Academy Field. The Vikings have had a tough time in the large-school section.

SAUGERTIES – The Sawyers visit Class B-1 opponent Beacon, trying to keep the groove going since a tough week zero loss to Marlboro. Since then, Saugerties has won three straight, including divisional wins over New Paltz and Liberty.

MARLBORO – The Iron Dukes host Red Hook in a B-2 showdown. The Raiders are usually a scrappy bunch, but Marlboro rides high after the 7-6 win at Goshen.

WASHINGTONVILLE – The Wizards have been the talk of Section Nine after the upset of Lourdes in overtime. The 4-0 W’Ville is expected to make it five in a row at New Paltz, although the Huguenots did pick up a win over Dover last week.

GOSHEN – The Gladiators had a late field goal attempt blocked in the loss to Marlboro, but they’re still home on the Coliseum grounds with Pine Bush. This is a very close pick, as the Bushmen can score points, so Goshen will have to get the offense going.

MINISINK – QB Rob LaBarbera has stepped in nicely, as evidenced by the big 40-0 win over Port Jervis. Warwick is 3-1, but the offense may not keep up with the Warriors in this game. The weather may also play a factor.

OUR LADY OF LOURDES – After two close losses, the Warriors begin Class A-2 league action at Wallkill. The Panthers have already lost to Cornwall, so a defeat here cuts down on their playoff chances.

PORT JERVIS – The Glennette Raiders will want to halt a two-game slide and will have to knock off defending state champ O’Neill to do so. Meanwhile, the visiting Raiders haven’t hit full throttle, entering with a 2-2 record.

CHESTER – We finally reach league play in Class C with the Hambletonians getting the edge over Dover. Chester lost to Class D Burke, 6-0, in a Monday afternoon game. The Dragons of Dover, thus far, have found little traction since returning to 11-man football.

SPACKENKILL – The Spartans host Highland in a big B-2 divisional game. Spack can score points and the Huskies will have to stay with them offensively to stay close here.

PAWLING – The Tigers come in ranked #8 in the state by the NYSSWA, and so will play the favorite against Millbrook/Webutuck. The Blazers/Wildcats lost big at Onteora in a week three game.

PINE PLAINS/RHINEBECK – The Bombers/Hawks had a bye week and still play out-of-league at Rondout. The PP/RB merge holds the #6 slot according to NYSSWA, and a larger Class B opponent like the Ganders provides a good test.

SULLIVAN WEST – The Bulldogs clash with fellow unbeaten Fallsburg in a game that will decide who takes early control over Division One. The Comets have done a great job bot the B’Dogs may have slightly more strength.

MIDDLETOWN – In what could mark the SNF game of the week, the Middies travel to Monroe-Woodbury in a huge Class AA marquee event. Both squads show up after posting league wins but the competition is now magnified. Get your popcorn ready!

BURKE – The Eagles ride a three-game winning streak and could turn it to four with struggling Liberty. The Red Hawks, however, did give Saugerties a good game on the road last week.

CORNWALL – The 4-0 Dragons keep promoting wonderful athletes like Tyler Vanderpool, year after year. They rush over to Rondout on Saturday to take on underdog Kingston.

ROOSEVELT – The Presidents have played good football the past few weeks and could add another one for the win column as they host Monticello. The Panthers have played better of late.

ONTEORA – Onteora and Ellenville have both lost to common opponent Pawling, but the Eagles did slightly better in their contest than did the Blue Devils. Moreover, Onteora had a big week three win over Mill/Web, not to mention owning home field advantage in this upcoming contest.

TRI-VALLEY – The Bears picked up a league win at LM/R and try for another against visiting Eldred. The Yellowjackets lost a close 26-20 ballgame to Fallsburg in week three.