One squad is looking to advance to the state final for the first time in program history. Another aims to continue its quest for a third straight state title. Monroe and Maine-Endwell are set for the NYSPHSAA Class B semifinal. Here’s the breakdown:
MONROE RED JACKETS (11-0/No.5 NYSSWA)
vs.
MAINE-ENDWELL SPARTANS (11-0/No.1 NYSSWA)
Saturday, Cicero-North Syracuse HS, 3:30 p.m.
How they arrived here: Monroe knocked off No. 8 Rochester Prep 78-0 to open sectionals followed by a 42-0 victory over No. 4 Wayne. The Red Jackets then defeated Honeoye Falls-Lima 26-0 to win the Class B title and Health Sciences/Global Concepts 14-6 in the Far West Regional. Maine-Endwell took down Norwich 38-7, Owego Free Academy 69-21 and Indian River 41-14 to reach the NYS semifinal.
Players to watch for Monroe: Khaya Moses Sr. QB 80-of-125 attempts, 1,706 passing yards, 34 passing touchdowns; Tahjmir Mullins Jr. RB/OLB 79 carries, 639 rushing yards, eight rushing touchdowns; Messiah Hampton So. WR/DB 39 receptions, 565 receiving yards, 902 all-purpose yards, 19 total touchdowns; Amari Colon Sr. WR/DB 814 all-purpose yards, 13 total touchdowns; Landan McKnight Sr. WR 508 all-purpose yards, eight total touchdowns; Robert Arnold Sr. DE/TE 77 tackles, 21.5 sacks; Dashon Constantine Sr. DE/OT 59 tackles, 13 sacks; Jahcure Maxam Sr. DT/OG 48 tackles, 10 sacks; Amire Thompson Fr. LB 72 tackles; Nazhier Wilson Sr. LB 91 tackles; Terrence Nichols Fr DB four interceptions; Styhles Mckenzie-Baker Jr. DB three interceptions
Maine-Endwell: Austyn Nyschot Sr. QB/CB; Vinny Mancini Jr.; Isaiah Harris; Jack Hennessey Sr. WR/K; Jaden Bartow Jr. WR; Jaden Branch Jr. RB/DE/OLB
Coaches: Terrell Cunningham (Monroe), Matt Gallagher (Maine-Endwell)
History 101: Monroe enters the NYSPHSAA semifinal for the first time in program history. The Red Jackets avenged their loss in the sectional final in 2022 and won their first title since 1979. Maine-Endwell is looking for a third-straight state title and eighth in program history. This would tie the Spartans with Aquinas for most state titles. In 2021, Maine-Endwell took down Homer (III) 48-22, Western New York Maritime (VI) 41-8 and Pleasantville (I) 21-12 to win the Class B NYS title. The year after, Maine-Endwell defeated Homer 53-8, Batavia 61-20 and Pleasantville in a rematch, 26-25 to win a second straight title. The Spartans also won four straight titles from 2010-2014. M-E brings a 33-game winning streak into Saturday’s matchup.
What’s at stake: A spot in the NYS Class B final against the winner of Rye (I) and Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk (II).
You forgot to mention that Maine Endwell has a state record four consecutive state championships from 2011 to 2014 it also owns the New York state record for consecutive wins at 62 and was featured in the ESPN documentary, I know it’s Rah Rah Monroe but present the entire story.