One team is coming off its eighth regional championship in ten years. Another looks to advance to the state final for the first time since 2018. Section V side Spencerport will face off against Bethlehem Central of Section 2. Here’s the breakdown:
Section V Class AA Champion
SPENCERPORT RANGERS
(16-2-2 / Monroe County Division II)
vs.
Section 2 Class AA Champion
BETHLEHEM CENTRAL EAGLES
(12-4-2 / Suburban Scholastic Council)
How they arrived here: Spencerport started its playoff run with four straight shutouts against No. 15 Gates Chili (3-0), No. 7 Brockport (1-0), No. 6 Brighton (2-0), and No. 4 Webster Thomas (2-0) in the Section V championship game. The Rangers came back against Clarence (VI) 2-1 in hte regional championship to advance to Saturday’s matchup. Bethlehem Central started its playoff run with back-to-back shutouts against No. 7 Queensbury (5-0) and No. 3 Mohonasen (2-0). The Eagles ousted No. 5 Ballston Spa in the Class AA qualifier, advancing 1-1 on penalties. Bethlehem then bested Fayetteville-Manlius (III) 2-1 in the sub-regional to advance to the final four.
Total goals scored: Spencerport (48), Bethlehem Central (36)
Total goals allowed: Spencerport (11), Bethlehem Central (18)
Trends: Spencerport steps into the quarterfinal unbeaten in its last 12 games (10-0-2), outscoring opponents 25-4 with eight shutouts during that stretch. The Rangers started their season with a seven-game winning streak, outscoring opponents 20-5. Spencerport has not allowed more than two goals in any single game, notching 11 shutouts on the season. Bethlehem Central enters the quarterfinal winning six out of its last seven matches, outscoring opponents 16-7 with three shutouts in that span. The Eagles went unbeaten from September 10 to October 1st (6-0-2) with five shutouts. Bethlehem Central has only allowed more than two goals on one occasion this season (vs. Guilderland on September 8th).
Players to watch for Spencerport: Addison Etter Jr. F (9 G), Ryan Smith Jr. M (8 G, 7 A); Joey Cerretto Sr. D (1 G, 1 A); Julia Maloney So. M (1 G, 3 A); Calla Crowley Jr. M (3 A); Addison Lynch Sr. GK (11 SO, 104 saves)
Players to watch for Bethlehem Central: Areti Palas Sr. F; June McCarthy Jr. F; Maira Braddock So. M; Mallory Maycrink Sr. D; Elayna Shersky Jr. M; Kinley Logsdon Jr. GK
Coaches: Jamie Schneider (Spencerport), Scott Geis (Bethlehem Central)
History 101: Spencerport (No. 4 NYSSWA Class AA) returns to its seventh state semifinal in ten years. Spencerport is 4-3-0 in trips to the state semis, winning three out of four appearances from 2016-2019. The Rangers are three years removed from the Class AA state title in 2023, defeating Smithtown-West (XI) 2-0, and collected back-to-back Class A state titles in 2016-2017. Bethlehem Central (No. 9 NYSSWA Class AA) last appeared in the state playoffs in 2019 (lost regionals 4-3 against Fayetteville-Manlius), winning its last state semifinal 2-1 against Clarence (VI). The Eagles previously appeared in the semifinals in 2014, losing 1-0 against North Rockland (I). Neither Spencerport nor Bethlehem have faced the other in the state playoffs prior to Saturday’s meeting. The Rangers have yet to face a Section II opponent in the state playoffs, while Bethlehem Central has never faced a Section V opponent previously.
What’s at stake: A spot in the NYSPHSAA Class AA final to face either Northport (XI at-large bid) or West Islip (XI).
Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, November 14th, at 5:00 p.m. at Dryden High School.
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