Clymer/Sherman/Panama's Quest for State Glory
Dolgeville's Dominant Season
Dolgeville enters the game with an impeccable 11-0 record, having outscored opponents by a whopping 569-138. In last Friday's 28-16 regional win over Section IV champion Delaware Academy, they showed their mettle. Trevor Borst, a senior, ran 23 times for 264 yards and three touchdowns, pushing his season totals to remarkable heights. The Blue Devils rely heavily on their running game, with Borst, Bryce Mosher, and Grayson Eggleston combining for 241 runs, 3,066 yards, and 53 touchdowns. Their passing game, though less prominent, has still accounted for 20 completions, 371 yards, and six touchdowns.Dolgeville's offensive style is quite distinct. They often have two tight ends, a wing, and a fullback, which gives them a more condensed formation compared to other teams. This strategy has served them well throughout the season.
Despite their success, this is the Blue Devils' first state semifinal appearance in 22 years. They won sectional titles in the past three seasons but are now looking to make a big splash on the state stage.
Clymer/Sherman/Panama's Recent Success
Clymer/Sherman/Panama has a rich history of success, winning back-to-back state titles in 2018 and 2019. Last season, they reached the state semifinals as well. In their most recent game, a 48-14 Far West Regional win over Avon at SUNY Brockport's Eunice Kennedy Shriver Stadium, they played one of their best games of the season.Senior quarterback Tate Catanese was outstanding, completing 17 of 24 passes for 213 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing 17 times for 66 yards and three touchdowns. His two touchdown passes went to Carter Brink, and senior wide receiver Bryce Hinsdale caught eight passes for 112 yards. Hinsdale is now just eight receptions away from breaking the all-time New York state record of 227 receptions.
The Wolfpack's offense also got a pleasant surprise from senior running back Travis Owens, who rushed 11 times for 64 yards and a score. His presence in the backfield gives the team an extra dimension.
Defensive Standout
Defensively, Clymer/Sherman/Panama's front-seven played exceptionally well in the Avon game. Senior Wesley Farley, who had been a dominant force with 1,590 yards and 23 touchdowns on 178 carries entering the game, was held to 85 yards on 12 carries due to an injury.The defensive line did a great job of controlling the line of scrimmage, and players like Dalton Richter, an often underrecognized leader, played a crucial role. Their defensive performance sets the stage for another tough battle on Friday.
The winner of Friday's game will advance to the state title game next Friday, Dec. 6, at 3 p.m. inside the JMA Wireless Dome at Syracuse University. Section II champion Greenwich and Section IX champion Burke Catholic will play in the East Semifinal at the same time this Friday at Middletown High School for the other spot in the final.
