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CROTON-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. Crotons two-year domination in Section 1 Class B football needs one more win to give the Tigers the ultimate goal they have been seeking for several years a state championship.
The Tigers, unbeaten in 11 games this season and boasting a record of 20-1 over the last two years, will face two-time defending Class B state champion Hornell (12-0) at the Syracuse University Carrier Dome Sunday at 3 p.m.
I think it is going to be a great defensive game, Tigers head coach John Catano said. Both teams have outstanding D's (defenses). My guys have worked very hard this week so far and are very focused. I know if we don't make mistakes we will win the game.
Jesse Mainiero handles the offense at quarterback and can run and throw the ball with equal skill. The senior led the Tigers on a winning drive in the final minutes of the 15-12 victory over Schalmont last week, has thrown for 995 yards and 11 touchdowns and rushed for another 1,095 yards and 25 touchdowns, so he keys the offense. Trevor Wolstencroft, who scored the winning touchdown last week, teams with Nick Grous in the Tigers backfield.
Crotons defense, led by linebacker Kyle Ricciardi, who was named the Defensive Player of the Game the last two weeks in regional play, and co-captains Dennis OConnell and John Brennan, Mainiero and Alex Bowser. The Tigers have stumped opposing offenses all season, holding teams to a total of 76 points (6.9 per game).
The defense has to make big plays in these games, Ricciardi said after last weeks win. We are going to be ready to play our best game (against Hornell).
Hornell is riding a 38-game winning streak dating back to the final game of November 2008 with state titles in 2009, 2010 and have outscored opponents 533-77. Quarterback Dominic Scavo has thrown for 1,304 yards and 17 touchdowns this season and running back Scott McKibben has carried for more than 2,000 yards and scored 28 touchdowns. The Tigers defense will key on that 1-2 punch.
Croton has proven to be the best defensive team on the field each week and will need one more giant effort to take the title from Hornell. Look for Mainiero to use the pass effectively and the Tigers to win their first title.
Prediction: Croton 27, Hornell 20
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