Section Nine Football

O’NEILL – The Raiders nipped Chester by three points in the regular season matchup and this Class C title showdown has the makings of a classic battle. The Hambletonians defeated a good Class A Roosevelt team while O’Neill just missed against AA Valley Central. in the leadup games.

PAWLING – The Tigers beat Sullivan West 36-6 in a non-league game and act as a solid favorite in the 8-Man championship game. Pawling has had a fairly seamless season to this point.

CORNWALL – The Dragons have climbed to #4 on the NYSSWA Class A poll this week and for good reason. Our Lady of Lourdes played well in the Minisink semifinal, winning 14-12. Cornwall beat OLL by four touchdowns in the A-2 divisional game, so we expect a return to states for the talented Dragons.

MIDDLETOWN – The Middies get a return match from last season’s loss to Newburgh in the AA title game. The
Goldbacks, at the same time, get another chance at Middletown after losing 28-17 earlier this season. We’ll go with the Bears in a very close skirmish.

PORT JERVIS – The Raiders want ‘one for the thumb’ in trying to win a 5th straight Class B crown. Marlboro would like to regain its form from the last decade where it piled up several championships. We could see a very good fight here but still feel the game will veer toward Port.