One team is looking for a seventh sectional block. The other is looking for a first as a combined program. Rush-Henrietta and Pittsford have been at the top of the Class AA standings all season and will meet to determine a champion on Saturday. Here’s the breakdown:
No. 1 seed RUSH-HENRIETTA ROYAL COMETS (8-1)
vs.
No. 2 seed PITTSFORD PANTHERS (9-1)
Saturday, St. John Fisher College, 6:00 pm
How they arrived here: Rush-Henrietta (No. 18 NYSSWA Class AA) had a bye through the first round of sectionals before defeating McQuaid 52-14 to clinch a spot in the title game. Pittsford (No. 22 NYSSWA Class AA) took down Aquinas/Rochester Academy 48-12 and then Fairport 23-7 to earn a chance to win a sectional title.
Players to watch for Rush-Henrietta: Brendan Mangone Sr. QB/S (62.2 CMP%, 1,697 yards, 20 touchdowns, 520 rushing yards, eight rushing touchdowns, 61 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, three interceptions, two pass deflections) Imani Wagstaff Jr. Sr. RB (852 rushing yards, nine rushing touchdowns, 12 receptions, 100 receiving yards, two touchdown catches) Robert Carter Sr. WR (35 receptions, 578 receiving yards, seven touchdowns) Terrell Moore Jr. So. WR (25 receptions, 346 receiving yards, one touchdown) Dominic Hillin Sr. LB (58 tackles, one interception, one forced fumble) Jayden Peters Sr. DE (44 tackles, eight tackles for loss, five sacks, two forced fumbles)
VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM STEVEN TWARDZIK.
Players to watch for Pittsford: Brody Pusateri Sr. QB (63.1 CMP%, 2,114 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, 233 rushing yards, four rushing touchdowns), Jesse Jablonsky Jr. WR/DB (57 catches, 902 yards, 14 touchdowns, 53 rushing yards, two touchdowns, 76 tackles, three interceptions, three forced fumbles), Dayshawn Preston Sr. WR (53 catches, 759 receiving yards, 11 touchdowns, 104 rushing yards, one touchdown, 31 tackles, two interceptions), Cole Goetz Sr. RB (539 rushing yards, three touchdowns, 12 catches, 106 yards, one touchdown) Max Ciavarri Sr. LB (110 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, one forced fumble), Max Kress Jr. LB (46 tackles, six sacks)
Coaches: Bruce Johnson (Rush-Henrietta), Steve Marriott (Pittsford)
History 101: Rush-Henrietta is looking to claim its first sectional title since 2011 and seventh in program history. The Royal Comets last made the championship game in 2024, and this is the fifth title game appearance since winning a block. The Panthers are yet to win a sectional title since Mendon and Sutherland combined their football teams. Mendon won three titles from 1980 to 1982. This is Pittsford’s ninth sectional championship game appearance since 2010. The Royal Comets won 26-19 when the two squads met in early September.
What’s at stake: A spot in the NYS Class AA Far West Regional against the winner of Lancaster (VI) and Bennett (VI).
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