NYSPHSSA Class A Championship Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Road to Syracuse is complete. Rye has remained undefeated through the playoffs, and is led by Harvard Commits [player_tooltip player_id='1529592' first='Henry' last='Shoemaker'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1229592' first='Carson' last='Miller']. On the East side, the Section Five Champions Brighton have pushed their way through the playoffs. Brighton has fed off a strong run game from [player_tooltip player_id='820006' first='Justin' last='Medina'], and Zach Rossignol.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone's Winter Showcase is back for 2025 with more locations than ever. Looking to attend? Register&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/all-events/?type=Showcase">here</a>. Save a few dollars off the cost of registration by using my special promo code,&nbsp;<strong>LemerWinterPRZ</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Be sure to follow me on&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/BrendanScoutsNJ">Twitter</a>&nbsp;@<a href="https://x.com/PRZcory">PRZCory</a> for the latest New York high school football prospect news and not miss a beat!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Brighton Breakdown</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hailing from Rochester, the Brighton Bears, have punched their ticket to the State Championship. The Bruins faces two losses this season, from Webster Schroeder. Brighton earned the #4 slot in the A1 playoff bracket, and took down #1 Irondequoit to earn a spot in the championship. The Bruins avenged a regular season loss on Webster Schroeder to win A1 Championship. For the Section 5A championship, they upset #1 Seed East/Wois. In two playoff games, the Bruins have exploded offensively with over 40 points on offense in two games, and keeping opponents under 20 points. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bruins To Watch</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:table {"className":"is-style-stripes"} --> <figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td><strong>2026 LB <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/matthew-heininger/">[player_tooltip player_id='1213835' first='Matthew' last='Heininger']</a></strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>2026 LB <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/amari-snowden/">[player_tooltip player_id='1344744' first='Amari' last='Snowden']</a></strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>2026 ATH <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/clarence-bell-2/">[player_tooltip player_id='1624577' first='Clarence' last='Bell']</a></strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>2027 DL <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/zahmar-tookes/">[player_tooltip player_id='1294921' first='Zahmar' last='Tookes']</a></strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>2027 DL <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/titus-nebbia/">[player_tooltip player_id='1217497' first='Titus' last='Nebbia']</a></strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>2027 RB <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/justin-medina/">[player_tooltip player_id='820006' first='Justin' last='Medina']</a></strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>2027 WR [player_tooltip player_id='939627' first='Omari' last='Bronner']</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>2027 RB Zach Rossignol</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>2028 QB Ethan Bialaszewski </strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">X-Factors </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Zach Rossignol","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"190","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Brighton","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-692f49dbba329"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rossignol has put together an impressive late season performance. In the wins against McKinley, and Union-Endicott, Rossignol, had over 10 yards in both games, leading to blowout wins. If Brighton wants to pick up a state Championship, another big performance from Rossignol is needed against this tricky Rye Defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1213835"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-692f49dbba3c6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Heininger is the defensive leader on this Brighton squad. Rye has been led by an outstanding offense and looks to continue that in the championship. Heininger will be a major factor on the defensive side of the ball, as he will face one of the toughest offenses this Brighton squad has this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Keys To The Game</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Run Game</strong>: Last Week against Cornwall Central, the Rye Defense held a solid run game to under 100 yards. One major factor in this game, will be to hit the ground running, which can open the offense. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Secondary</strong>: [player_tooltip player_id='1529592' first='Henry' last='Shoemaker'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1992539' first='Sebastian' last='Lewis'] have been elite this season. Rye feeds off the passing game, and a way to win this game will to be slow down the elite Rye passing attack.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Points</strong>: Rye averages over 40 points. To win this game so will Brighton. Scoring in the game, will be huge in picking up the win, and if Brighton wants to win, they need to hold strong on defense and limit the Rye scoring. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rye Breakdown</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rye is looking to complete the first ever undefeated season in program history. The Garnets took down Somers twice this season, ending their reign at the top of Class A in Section One. Hailing from Rye, New York, the Garnets have had an elite offense this season, averaging over 40 points per game. The Garnets, ended the regular season undefeated, and took down Somers to claim the Section 1A Championship. In two playoff games, the Garnets took down Cornwall Central, and Minisink Valley to punch their ticket to the dome. In what will likely be Coach Garr's final season at the helm, can the Garnets as the favorite secure the Class A State Championship. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Garnets To Watch</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:table {"className":"is-style-stripes"} --> <figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td><strong>2026 QB [player_tooltip player_id='1229592' first='Carson' last='Miller']</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>2026 WR [player_tooltip player_id='1529592' first='Henry' last='Shoemaker']</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>2026 WR [player_tooltip player_id='1992539' first='Sebastian' last='Lewis']</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>2026 LB [player_tooltip player_id='1260110' first='Carsten' last='Steinmann']</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>2026 EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='1345165' first='Hunter' last='Gillies']</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>2027 ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1213800' first='Jagger' last='Fenton']</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>2027 LB Luke Denvir</strong></td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">X-Factors</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1229592"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-692f49dbba451"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Miller has been on a completely different level this season. The Rye QB, has put up elute numbers in both the passing and running game. He has the weapons and the talent to win a state championship, but if Rye is to win, Miller needs another outstanding game in what will be the final one of his outstanding career. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1260110"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-692f49dbba4c3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Steinmann, has been the Senior Defensive Leader for the Garnets this season. Rye's defense has also been elite, and the Garnets have been able to run through the playoffs and the regular season, allowing more then 21 points just three times, and allowing 21 points over two playoff games. Against a strong offense, controlling the line, and limiting the offense will be huge, and Carsten will have a major impact in that category. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Three Keys To The Game</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Pass Catchers</strong>: [player_tooltip player_id='1529592' first='Henry' last='Shoemaker'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1992539' first='Sebastian' last='Lewis'], are tow of the elite pass catchers on the Rye offense. A key factor in bringing home a state championship, is for the WR room of Rye to have another elite game. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Run Game</strong>: Rye will likely be without Star RB Charlie Garnett who was injured in the Semi-Final Win. The Rye rushing attack has also flourished this season. With the top guy likely out or limited due to injury, who will step up, and can they do enough to impact the game on offense for Rye. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Rye's Way</strong>: Led by Coach Garr, the Rye Garnets lead an old school game of football, with a consistent rushing and passing attack. The final key in bringing home the championship, and sending off their historic and legendary Coach in a story book fashion. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Game Prediction </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This game will be one of the most watched championship games this weekend. The Garnets and the Bruins, have both had excellent seasons, and are led by multiple future college athletes. In their final game of the year I see an early back and forth game, but after a defensive stop and a late game turnover, I see Coach Garr hoisting the State Championship Trophy, and Rye finishing their first undefeated season, with a <strong>35-17</strong> win over Brighton. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->