The Fab Five, Section 3 for October 23

1.) Last time out, she had a hat trick & an assist and I just put her in the extras at the bottom of the page. Alright, Mariah, I get it. You need to be up at the top of this list! The combination of this game being a true blue rivalry game and it being a 4/5 sectional quarterfinal matchup was enough to make you think it'd be a real battle. Nope. Mariah Williams, the Serena of the Whitesboro Williams sisters, had 4 big ones in Whitesboro's 5-0 beatdown of New Hartford. In the 2 games since she verballed to play soccer as an Albany Great Dane, she's dropped 7 goals & an assist in 2 sectional wins. D1 bound and certainly playing like it! Next up for Whitesboro is the team they always bump into, defending sectional champ and top-seeded Jamesville-Dewitt.

2.)It's been a common theme over the last couple years that when Liverpool needs something, look no further than Ore Akinpelu. The same can be said about last night, when she popped through a hat trick - all 3 of her team's goals - in their 3-1 W quarterfinal victory over Auburn. They're a balanced team, with 10 players scoring at least twice this year, but it seems like Akinpelu has always got some of her team-leading 13 goals in the bigger games. They could use more of that coming up in their AA semifinal game against Baldwinsville.

3.) Speaking of Baldwinsville, how about what Hailey Couchman did? The Bees were nearly upset by 7th seeded Fayetteville-Manlius, but Couchman just had to handle business. With the score at 2-2 in overtime, she ripped a pair of goals through in the OT session - pushing her up to a hat trick since she had 1 of her team's regulation goals - to lead Baldwinsville to a 4-2 win. Scoring the go-ahead goal in OT of a sectional game? Nice. Scoring the go-ahead goal AND the insurance goal? Niiice.

4.) Haven't talked much about the North Country this year. That might be alright with them, as a couple teams have just quietly handled their business. Lowville is one of those teams, with the top seed in Class B over teams like Westhill and Cazenovia, who have received much more publicity. They've been getting it done with defense. The same was true in their quarterfinal match, where they beat South Jefferson for the 3rd time in 4 matches (the other was a draw) by the score of 2-0. Teams have gotten used to seeing 0 by their goal total against Lowville - in 17 games, they've only given up 3 goals. They've never given up more than 1 in a game, 14 shutouts on the year while outscoring their opponents 49-3. Cazenovia in the semifinals presents a sure challenge to that goal total, but they've stood up to tough squads already. We'll see what the OHSL has to offer.

5.) The real winner of the day goes to all the fields with good drainage systems. This rain is stupid. A number of games had to be pushed back because field conditions were too raw. Weeks like this are why all that money you put into your irrigation was a good idea. Turf fields were fine of course, it's the grass ones that have the issues with rain. A few Section II schools had to relocate, but it seemed to be all good (or just about) in Section III. Hopefully this crap weather ends soon, I want to get some pictures taken.

The Magic Conch - Section 3 Girls Soccer, October 23

Good thing there aren't any boys games today, because there's enough girls sectional play going on that predictions took me almost 2 hours. Jeez! 24 games, or something like that. Let me know your thoughts!

AA

Central Square @ CNS – Now that we got the scrubs out of the way, time for the cream of the crop to rise in Class AA. It’s been relatively even throughout this campaign, so I’m not expecting any blowouts. This is a 1/8 game though, and I see it going just how a 1/8 game does. Northstars defense way too good, 3-0 C-NS.

RFA @ West Genesee – These two played each other early in the season, and West Genny scored twice in the 2^nd half to win 2-0. The Wildcats have been somewhat up and down, with plain view peaks and valleys, but they should defend home turf in this one by a slight margin. I’ll roll with West Genesee, 2-1.

Auburn @ Liverpool – My gut wants to go with an Auburn upset in this one, but I don’t really have basis behind it. Liverpool won 1-0 early in the season against the Maroons, and they haven’t lost (2 ties) in October. I don’t think they’ll shut Auburn out because Michaela Breeze won’t let that happen twice, meaning this will also be the first time Liverpool’s given up a goal in October… and I’ll say 100 minutes will need to be played, but my brain says Liverpool will win it 3-2.

Fayetteville-Manlius @ Baldwinsville – Baldwinsville’s won this one twice already, most recently being a 2-1 decision 3 weeks ago. I really could see an upset in this one, but I think the home crowd advantage & too much Jade Gentile will do just enough in another 2-1 victory for the Bees.

A

CBA @ Jamesville-Dewitt – Ahh, the Lady Brothers vs. the Red Ewes. J-D has been dominant all year, with basically everyone back and better from last year’s team that pushed Burnt Hills to the bitter end in a state regional game. This is a dangerous quarterfinal as CBA has pushed J-D already – a 3-0 W wasn’t what it seemed, as all 3 goals were scored in a 2^nd OT, but I think the top seed will be just fine. 3-1 this time in favor of the home team.

New Hartford @ Whitesboro – Quarterfinal of the night! The 4/5 matchup pits rivals that see enough of each other as it is. They probably won’t be hitting the Four Seasons or O’Scugnizzo after this one (if I’m Sparty, Giorgio’s or Cavallo’s is a safe enough bet even though it’s not wing night) but I see another ‘too much Mariah Williams’ night in store. Warriors pull away late in a 3-1 win.

Carthage @ Marcellus – Okay. I keep picking against Carthage and they keep proving me wrong. Maybe that will make them like the fact that I’m picking against them again. I said Cassie Birth was a stud, and at least she proved that right of me by dipping into the goal fund and giving Carthage 3 of them a couple days ago. But the combination of Marcellus being at home and Madi Belvito, Bri Sammon, Jada Sergeant, blah blah too many to name… Mustangs 3-1.

East Syracuse Minoa @ Watertown – ES-M knows what it’s like to do well from the 7 seed. They made the finals from there last year and all. Last year, the 2 seed they beat was a CVA squad that hadn’t been tested in the regular season, playing Bs and Cs all year. Watertown on the other hand… they’re used to it. A great gauge of how they have done is by looking at a pair of wins against AAs in sectionals – 3-2 over RFA, 1-0 over Auburn. Olivia Miles (18 goals) has scored more than the team has given up (11). ES-M is always a tough out, but I like the Cyclones to move to the semis in a 4-2 W.

B

South Jefferson @ Lowville – Interesting matchup, seeing that this is the 4^th time it’s happened this year. Lowville is 15-0-1 – the 1 is a tie against this South Jeff squad. Familiarity breeds contempt, so look for a game between teams that just might not like each other too much at this point, but I think Lowville makes it 4 for 4, along with making it their (get this) 14^th shutout of the season. 2-0 Lowville.

Skaneateles @ Cazenovia – Hearts in eyes emoji. This makes me think twice about calling New Hartford/Whitesboro the game of the night. Cazenovia’s 2 for 2 in this matchup this season and ticked after taking a loss to Westhill that they don’t want to call a loss. While the parents are busy arguing about who makes more money and who has the prettier lake in their town, this one will go into OT before Cazenovia makes it 3 for 3 in a 2-1 game.

Solvay @ Clinton – The 11 seed got past Holland Patent in PKs, proving me wrong in their 1^st round matchup. I’ll give Solvay the same analysis though – Delperuto’s a beast and one of the best pure athletes in Section III, Antonacci can score, but it won’t be enough. Clinton beat HP by a combined 12-0 in 2 games this year, and they’ll handle Solvay on home grass, 5-1 final.

APW @ Westhill – News flash: Westhill’s really good. The 1^st round W was a nice one for APW and Kylee Bartlett has been producing quite a bit for them, but they’ll need more to have a shot at the upset. They’ve lost 11-3 combined in their 2 previous meetings this year, and I’ll give the Warriors a 4-1 W to face Clinton just like the boys are.

C

MPH @ Bishop Grimes – The Cobras’ quarterfinal loss last year provided the upset of the tournament. They’ve learned from that. Grimes beat MPH 4-0 in their one meeting this season, and I’m looking at this one to be worse. Kennedy Yearby and the crew will take out last year’s frustration and Jill Firenze will have a clean sheet, 6-0 final.

Little Falls @ Waterville – They played earlier this season and Waterville got the W. Both teams are different now, but I think the Lady Mounties have really changed for the better since. Hannah Gray has provided Waterville with an illustrious varsity career that may have spanned about 24 years, but I think it comes to an end today after a 2-1 Little Falls win.

Cooperstown @ Bishop Ludden – How would I put this… Cooperstown is pulling a Cooperstown. They’re good at this whole mid-season turnaround thing. They started off the season 2-4, but have went 7-3 since, and that includes winning 4 of their last 5 matches. Jordian Siver & Liz Millea have been through the ringer, and they share the scoring load. Though it’s a 5/12 matchup, I can see it going either way and wouldn’t be surprised if the Hawkeyes pull it out. However, I’ll go with the brain and say Danielle Rauch and the Gaelic Knights will live to see another day in a 3-2 W.

Dolgeville @ Beaver River – Sarah George, AKA the Blue Devils offense, has missed the last couple games and I’m not sure if she’s playing. That’s an issue. Any chance of an upset leaves with her not on the field. Beaver River is used to playing deep into sectionals too, so I’m rolling big with the Orange Crush 5-1.

Mt. Markham @ Sauquoit – The Mustangs gave Sauquoit everything they could handle recently in a 1-0 loss. That was actually Sauquoit’s last game, so they’ve had 9 days to reflect on it. Look for the 3 seed to put up a better showing on home turf. Mazza, Stedman and company will take this one 4-0.

Onondaga @ West Canada Valley – Another beautiful one. Onondaga’s made this trip for sectionals before, losing a game at one point that I really thought they should have won. WCV was the 2 or 3 seed back then, and they’re now the home team in the 6/11 game. Onondaga has fallen off after a 5-1-1 start, going 3-5 since then. They also haven’t won a single game against a team .500 or greater. WCV has really turned it up in the back half of the season, and I’ve got them carrying the momentum forward in a 3-1 win.

Fabius-Pompey @ Thousand Islands – This one’s a toss-up. No common opponents, no distinguishing characteristics, both squads are in that 2^nd tier of teams in Class C. No bigtime studs either way – what I think it’ll come down to is that the bus ride is a killer, and Thousand Islands always has a nice advantage at home. 2-1 Vikings.

Watertown IHC @ Tully – IHC is always a tough out, no matter what the seed is. They play As and Bs all year, so Class C is nothing. However, Tully’s pretty good. This will be much closer than what you normally expect of a 2/15 game but Tully hasn’t lost yet. Winning breeds winning, and that’s what they’ll do. They’ll spread the wealth scoring in a 4-2 win.

D

Cincinnatus @ Poland – Cincy always makes things interesting but Poland’s been playing at a ‘name your score’ rate this year, and they’ll have their way again. I’ll name my score… 6-0 Tornadoes.

Sackets Harbor @ Morrisville – Sackets had a huge W over Oriskany to get this far, but the 12 seed has a squad that may be the only one that can compete with Poland in the section. A Morrisville injury has knocked them down a little bit, but they’ll be fine in the quarters. 5-2 in favor of the home team.

Remsen @ Brookfield – I really like this one. Brookfield has been putting in work this year behind the scoring prowess of Abby Reilly. Remsen is a traditional power, and it’s Joleen Marfone’s last crack at another title. She just started off in a huge way yesterday with 5 goals and an assist… Either way here, but I’ll pick a 3-2 upset for Remsen.

Lyme @ Copenhagen – This game has happened a lot already. Copenhagen’s won it a lot. Claire Stackel, Maci Spaulding, Emma Roberts.. too much. 4-0 for the 2 seed!

Moment of Reality

When I was in junior high, I was overweight. No other way to put it. I was tall for my age and everything, and you could certainly call me a 'growing boy', but I was also growing horizontally. In the middle of 7th grade, I was around 5'11" and 225 pounds. The same time the following year, I bumped up to 6'2" and ballooned into the 250 range, give or take a couple donuts (as my partner in crime Rob Drumm would say). At the same time, I was a nice kid.. couldn't hurt a fly. There were plenty of people who took advantage of that kindness by poking fun at my weight. I heard every fat joke in the book. I got the Sasquatch jokes (size 17-18 shoes will give you that). I had the nickname of Shrek... from the lunch lady. There was a kid about half my size who knew my name, but only addressed me as 'fat-ass'.

You name it, I probably heard it.

My weight at the time was my own doing - too much supersize, not enough exercise. Many people in the same situation shut down from their classmates. They'll go to teachers, complain to parents, shoot up schools. I wasn't like that. I wrote everything down that was said, and I made it a ritual to read those every single day prior to playing basketball or working out. That was all the motivation I needed to turn from 6'2", 250 pounder in 8th grade to 6'5", 215 pound starting small forward on varsity hoops as a sophomore. Yeah, not center. I was in good enough shape to play the wing just fine. (I'm not glorifying my high school days in this post... just showing that I've had my own situation). This also shaped me and motivated me all the way up through college hoops as well. The experience I had is a big factor in my opinion, which isn't the most well-received in the average person's current state of mind. When someone complains about people making fun of their weight, I tell them this: make a choice. Lose weight or get better jokes! You're not going to stop people from saying things you don't like to hear by complaining. You'll stop it by taking action. Whatever way you choose, do something. Prove them wrong or be able to hit them where it hurts with a comeback.

I say that to talk about this for a little while. The boom of social media has made a few things happen. For one, every athlete and school wants coverage of their sports teams and the Twitter updates from everywhere make the ease of access much greater. Twitter also offers a 'get it now' format where long term thought process gives way to up-to-the-minute facts - or 'how can I get across what I want to say in 140 characters?'. The filter of quick, current thoughts isn't as great, nor should it be. Sometimes, things get said that show a team is getting their asses whooped in the middle of a game. Sure, teams love coverage... until they're losing. When did the psyche change? If it's 4-0 in the first 20 minutes, let's be real. The story of the game is how well the team with 4 is doing, not how hard the team with 0 is trying. Maybe Bart Simpson can give you a cake. I won't. Many people - athletes, coaches, supporters - will use social media to talk down about a reporter that 'lacks class' or is 'unprofessional'. Saying that a team is getting demolished isn't lacking class. As a matter of fact, I look at it as professional - it's real. It's what is happening. Reporting the facts. Do you want media to stop talking about you getting smacked? Simple...

Everyone needs some cake in their life once in a while.

 Quit getting smacked. It's not their fault you're down by 7. Get on the field, the court, whatever sport it may be, and put work in during the offseason. Remember how much it hurts to lose, what it feels like to read news clippings and tweets you don't like. Let it motivate you. Don't get butthurt and take to Twitter about how people are classless and rude and mean. While you were out getting hammered at that road party or going on a high ride, the kids on that team that's smacking you might have been sleeping because they were going to go lift the next morning. You get out what you put in. Never in my life have I seen a good sports program that doesn't make sacrifices. The ones that sacrifice the most tend to be the best. This isn't a coincidence. The ones who gave up those Friday & Saturday nights quite often deserve to get the accolades and positive words when they're kicking the crud out of someone. A simple quote applies: 'Don't talk about it, be about it'. Simple enough. Actions speak so much louder than words, so if you're upset about getting blown in the 1st round of sectionals or not making sectionals at all, instead of trashing the reporter whose assignment was to cover and tweet at the game you got busted up in, start working for next year right now. Don't wait. Get a leg up on your opposition that's still playing. Start getting better today - maybe next season, you'll be the group that gets the satisfaction when kicking the crud out of another team that didn't work hard enough.

- Jeff Mlinar

The Magic Conch - Section 2 Soccer, October 22

And it really kicks off today! 11 boys games, 10 girls games. A lot of play-ins... yawn. I'll be at a couple of these tonight, stay tuned. For now... check it out and let me hear your thoughts!

A

Mohonasen @ Gloversville – Hooray for open sectionals: Mohon hasn’t won a game yet. I’m actually cool with them being in though. Unlike Section 3 (where I see no need for opens because leagues tend to consist of teams within the same class), it bounces around in Section 2. You’ll find As in AA leagues or B leagues, Ds in C leagues, all that. Mohon plays in the Suburban, without question the best conference for soccer. Gloversville has struggled this season in a Foothills division that is alright, but certainly not what the Suburban is. Mohonasen’s made improvements throughout the season… and I actually think they’ll get their first win of the season. Give it to the Warriors 2-1.

B

Ravena @ Schalmont – This is why I don’t care for open sectionals. Schalmont 5-0… at halftime. I’ll give them 8-0.

Corinth @ Hoosick Falls – Ehh, this one might be a little interesting. I don’t think so though. Hoosick Falls knows what they’re doing come sectional time and they’ll at least make it to the quarters against Schalmont, 4-1 Panthers.

Tamarac @ Cairo-Durham – Tamarac averages over 3 goals a game despite being a touch under .500 – AKA they like to score in bunches when they get the chance. They won’t get the chance, as the Mustangs like to shut their opponents down. 3-1 Cairo-Durham.

Cohoes @ Voorheesville – The name of the game when it comes to beating Cohoes is stop Thilo Bell. In their previous meeting, the Blackbirds held him to 1 and they won 3-1. Go figure! Voorheesville has played a lot of good teams tough, and I expect the 8 seed to inch forward in a 2-1 victory.

C

Waterford @ Greenwich – Greenwich already beat Waterford 3-1 in an early season meeting. The Fordians have went 3-3 in the last 6 games, which is a vast improvement from the 2-7 to start. They still have trouble scoring though, having only scored more than 2 goals in a game twice this year. In the battle of old fashioned team names that play on the last syllable of the town, I’ll take the Witches over the Fordians 2-0.

Cambridge @ Middleburgh – How can you go wrong with a name like Brody Smith? The Knights in shining shin guards will take it to the lowest seed of the tournament, 4-0.

Schoharie @ Hadley-Luzerne – This game might be close, but it won’t be fun to watch. If you stop Matt Loubier, you stop Schoharie’s offense, and it will come down to that.. I’ll take H-L 2-0.

Canajoharie @ Oppenheim-Ephratah/St. Johnsville – That name isn’t long enough or anything. WAC opponents just a few miles apart. I’m taking the home team in this one and hoping someone sends me a pizza from Ripepi’s in the process. OESJ 3-1.

Doane Stuart @ Mekeel – I actually think Mekeel has some interesting pieces. Not to win beyond this game, but at least enough for this one. The Meisenholder kid can play. Mekeel, AKA the former Schenectady Christian that’s actually in Scotia, 3-0.

Spa Catholic @ Berne-Knox-Westerlo – Finally, an actual 1^st round game and not a play-in to become a sacrificial lamb game. Even though the winner of this one may become the proverbial sacrificial lamb for Stillwater, but that’s neither here nor there. These two are in opposite divisions of the WAC, and BKW won their lone meeting 1-0. Spa Catholic has the best player in Liam Rice, but it won’t be enough again. I’ll call it 3-1 this time.

Girls Soccer – A

Lansingburgh @ Emma Willard – Yuck. This has yuck written all over it. So yucky, I’m going to go. Emma Willard has beaten up on its CHVL Class C & D opponents, but got tormented by quality opponent CCHS and Class A 6 seed Troy. You can’t say that much more about Lansingburgh, who went well under .500 against mainly Class B schools. When all is said and done, winners win, and I think Talia Segal and the Jesters crew will lead Emma Willard to a 3-2 home W.

Averill Park @ Amsterdam – Averill Park has only 1 win… buttt they’re in the Suburban. I don’t think that matters enough in this one. They’re coming off a win, they’re at home and they’re pumped, and Cassy Robataille protects the pipes like Roto Rooter. 2-1 Ewes. Ha, get it? Lady Rams? Oh…

B

Catskill @ Johnstown – Ugh, these play-in games! Haven’t seen Catskill but I’ve seen teams they played against. I saw Johnstown. Toss-up. I’m thinking home field makes a difference in this one. Bills > Kitties. 3-1 Johnstown.

Watervliet @ Ichabod Crane – The beatdown already took place once, there’s no need for it to happen again!.. But it will. 5-1 winners the first time they played, my vote goes to nearly the same score. This time, the Riders won’t let the Cannoneers score. 5-0 Ichabod Crane.

Holy Names @ Cobleskill – Coby beat Holy Names 3-0 earlier in the season, and they have to make a return trip. The Bulldogs did well against opponents not in the top tier of the Colonial – 0-6 against Schalmont, AAG, and Voorheesville, 5-2-2 against everyone else – and Holy Names isn’t in the top tier of the Colonial. 4-2 C-R.

C

Greenwich @ Whitehall – I think Greenwich is starting to come around. I just caught them score against Hoosic Valley and then hang on for dear life to win 1-0 on the road, which was a pretty nice win for them. Riding the wave of momentum, the 17 seed is on the right path to winning this play-in game and I’ll take them 2-1.

Hadley-Luzerne @ Fort Plain – The Hilltoppers deal with a team that’s been ranked in the top 3 in NYS in Class C all year and the defending Class D champs in their league. They’ve seen solid C schools headed into sectionals. Fort Plain teams tend to take pride in defending home field, and I think they’ll be fine getting a home win here, 3-0.

Mayfield @ Duanesburg – They’re both in the WAC but in different divisions, so this one hasn’t happened yet. These two seem pretty evenly matched, so it could go either way. I haven’t picked an underdog much, so I’ll roll the dice with Mayfield getting a couple strikes from Julie Hampton and winning 3-2.

Galway @ Berne-Knox-Westerlo – More WACtion! Opposite divisions, first meeting for these squads too and it seems like another Even Steven battle. BKW seems to be hitting their mark a little bit, so I’ll pick them to advance in a 3-1 game.

D

Spa Catholic @ Sharon Springs – Basically a play-in game, the 8/9 matchup with 9 teams in the bracket. Spa Catholic just got their 1^st win in program history recently, from what I remember. I’m still picking Sharon Springs to be the one that has to deal with Bolton-Warrensburg. 3-1 Sharon.

The Magic Conch - Section III Soccer, October 22

Busy, busy day in boys soccer in Section III with all of the 1st round games popping off today, 23 to be exact. Just 1 for the girls, LaFargeville/Remsen got pushed back and moved to The Artist Formerly Known As SUNY IT tonight at 6:00. Boys first on here, and I'll throw the Remsen prediction at the bottom!

AA

West Genesee @ Liverpool – The old adage states that it’s very hard to beat a team three times. Yeah yeah yeah. My opinion – if you beat a team twice, why can’t you do it a third? Liverpool’s won both meetings against the Wildcats this season, plus they get them at home in the 8/9 match tonight. Advantage, ‘Pool. I’ll give them 3-1.

RFA @ CBA – I’ll be quick with the judgment here. The Brothers play Class A competition nearly all year, which doesn’t help come sectional time, but they nearly beat the likes of F-M (ya know, the #1 team in the state in AA). These 2 share a common opponent: RFA won once and tied once with New Hartford, CBA basically used Sparty as toilet paper. Advantage, home team. 5-1.

Henninger @ Fowler – The Falcons have won 5 straight after taking a short dive in the middle of the season. Henninger’s been playing everyone tight, good or bad. This one won’t be different. Fowler’s back up to AA after a stint in Class A – and they played in the A league this year – but I’ll take them without much confidence at home, 2-1.

A

ES-M @ Homer – They’ve met once this year, when ES-M made the trip to Homer to get picked apart in a 4-0 L. They beat Oswego the last game of the year to get into sectionals after losing 3 straight. Homer has slipped just a touch in October as well, but they are coming off a win – ugly, but a win is a win – against Camden heading in. Expecting the home crowd to get behind them a little and make this another easy one, 3-1 Homer.

Cortland @ Watertown – Too long of a trip for Cortland, and the Cyclones are playing too well right now. Indian River might have won the Frontier A, but that was in PKs – Watertown tied the top seed. They also dismantled Whitesboro recently. 4-2 Watertown.

Chittenango @ J-D – This game has sadness and regret written all over it. Nothing against Chittenango – Nina’s is good, they have a beautiful waterfall, and the convenience store on the corner came through with white hot chocolate once – but this matchup doesn’t really strike me as close. 5-0 Red Rams.

Oneida @ Marcellus – In Marcellus’ first year in Class A, they won their division. Sure, it may have been the weaker of the two OHSL Freedoms, but moving up a class and still winning is impressive enough. Oneida sits basically at the bottom of the TVL. To play a game of 6 degrees of separation, 315 soccer style; Caz beat Marcellus by 1. Caz killed RFA. RFA beat Oneida twice. Add that together, and that’s the only common opponent proof I can give you in this matchup. Common sense tells me the Mustangs will be just fine at home, 6-1 Marcellus.

Whitesboro @ Fulton – Does this matchup sound familiar? It should, because it happened yesterday. Whitesboro’s girls demolished a visiting Red Raider team in girls fútbol 1^st rounders. Because of that, I’m expecting the crowd at G. Ray Bodley HS to be a little more rabid. Hopefully they’re serving hot chocolate, as I’m sure it’ll be a tid bit nippy with the wind blowing off the lake. Half of Fulton’s games were against AA competition, and I think that will bode well for them. 3-1 home team.

B

Canastota @ South Jefferson – Both South Jeff’s boys and girls host 8/9 games this year. These two share a common opponent, with both losing to Holland Patent. However, Canastota had more issues with HP than their adversary did. I’ll pick the South Jeff boys to win 3-1, just like the girls did yesterday.

Lowville @ Westhill – This isn’t the crazy dominant Westhill team I got accustomed to seeing, but they’re still good. In their defense, Class B in the Syracuse area is an animal this season… even without Marcellus. They always get a big crowd at Westhill, and I’m looking for the boys soccer team to ride that wave to a 5-0 blowout.

Adirondack @ Solvay – Just really not sold on the CSC I this season, or almost any year in Class B for that matter. I’ll pick the Bearcats to defend home field in the 7/10 matchup 4-2.

C

Hamilton @ Westmoreland – The Emerald Knights have been up and down all year, but they have some impressive wins under their belt. Their last game was a 1-0 W over these same Bulldogs that they’re playing in the 8/9 matchup, exacting revenge on a loss a couple weeks prior by the same score. Hamilton has a lot of deep sectional experience, and that goes a long way in a matchup so tight. I’m picking Hamilton to win against Westmoreland for the 2^nd time in a week by a higher score, 3-2 final.

Mt. Markham @ Tully – The Mustangs play in a decent CSC division and always seem to save their best soccer for sectionals. The double digit seed thing doesn’t bug them, as they were an 11 seed last year and knocked out WCV on their home field. I like Tully’s resumé this year a little bit too much to shy away from picking them, though. Advantage, Black Knights. 4-3 sounds decent.

Bishop Grimes @ Watertown IHC – The battle of the private schools in a lower class. IHC plays the As and Bs all year long, which helps them quite a bit when in Class C & D for sectionals. Ask Poland. After tonight, ask Grimes. Cavaliers defend home field 4-1.

Cooperstown @ MPH – Contrary to what I said about Mt. Markham’s CSC division, Cooperstown’s division is god-awful. An interesting stat was sent my way that at one point a couple weeks ago, the non-league records of teams in that league was near a .150 winning percentage. Brutal. Knock it down a little more after this one, MPH will have their way en route to a 7-1 W.

Herkimer @ Thousand Islands – They’re used to each other. Thousand Islands has knocked Herkimer out of sectionals 2 years in a row, and this will be 3. The Magicians play in the same league that God forgot about as Cooperstown, and the psychological factor has to kick in at some point especially for the fellas who have 3 years of varsity experience – damn, these guys again? Thousand Islands 4-0.

Fabius-Pompey @ West Canada – I’ve seen this matchup before as well. This isn’t the Fabius of old but they still have some wins under their belt that make you wonder how far they can go. Even as a 10 seed, they’re my dark horse pick out of Class C this year. It all starts today with a 3-1 W in Newport.

D

Brookfield @ McGraw – McGraw’s won both season matchups by a combined score of 9-1. This includes a 5-0 W last week – things haven’t changed since then. 3-0 McGraw.

Otselic Valley @ Blessed Virgin Mary – Nice draw for BVM, a team that I always think is interesting come sectional time. I’ll give them a 4-0 edge here.

Faith Heritage @ Cincinnatus – Cincy’s the top team in the CCL this year, a league that traditionally fares well relative to other Class D competition in soccer. The fans down there are rabid, certainly not saintly, and the Saints will not be happy campers on the bus home after a 5-2 loss.

Alexandria Bay @ Bishop Ludden – Wait, Ludden is in Class D? What the..? At least their quarterfinal matchup against Old Forge might be interesting. 7-0 Gaelic Knights.

LaFargeville @ Old Forge – Really like the Eskimos this year. They’re tough, have some skill, and they have the good luck charm John Kuznia around. Besides that, there’s something about going to Old Forge to play that makes it reallllly tough to win. I’ll roll with them in a 4-2 decision.

Madison @ Sackets Harbor – Sackets is a little up and down at times, but they’re up now if you ask me. They just played the 1 seed to a draw recently, not to mention playing IHC tough. Gotta like them at home against Madison, 3-0 is my guess.

Girls - D
LaFargeville @ Remsen - Remsen always likes to get their home games in on the turf of SUNY Polytech. They hope to be off their mid-season slide, winning 3 straight since dumping 4 of 6. This team is another one that is capable of beating every D in this bracket but Poland when they play well. Their problem going forward is about stringing those good performances together. That won't be an issue though, as they are playing on a familiar field against a team they're much better than. Remsen moves to the quarters, 5-0. 

The Fab Five - Section 3, October 21

Sectionals are underway! Pretty light day with just girls soccer & field hockey, but still some nice performances. Let's see who we have...

1.) Can't bring this up without mentioning Cassie Birth. The Carthage Comet senior has been in a groove lately, and it only continued in the 1st round of sectionals tonight. Her 6th seeded squad held off 11th seed Camden 3-1 in OT, and she dropped all 3 goals - 1 in the 1st half and 2 in the 2nd OT. She's picked it up lately, now at 7 goals & 4 assists in the last 4 games (where they've gone 3-1).

2.) Keeping it with the kinda north country, how about Kylee Bartlett? Her APW Rebels made the looong bus ride to Sherburne, and she handled the scoring load with both finishes in her squad's 2-0 win. They've got quite the task next against Westhill, but for now, she and the team will be happy with coming home winners today!

3.) There were a couple people with this stat line, but I'm throwing the mention to Rainy Johannessen. The 12th seeded Sackets Harbor Patriots played a little bit of role reversal with 5th seeded Oriskany - I'll always remember driving up to Sackets in absolute $h!+ weather last winter to see their 2nd seeded boys basketball team get beat pretty soundly by Oriskany, who was the 10 seed. Today, Sackets girls made the trip down and knocked the Redskins out by a 6-2 count. The conditions outside weren't the only thing rainy that was bothering the home team - Rainy J was the woman of the day, connecting on 3 goals and dishing out an assist on another to move onto the quarters.

4.) M-E/H field hockey delivered the smacking of the day in sectional play, jumping to a 5-1 lead at the half en route to a 6-1 win over Sauquoit. Jess Welsh (of course) and Jen Hilts had 2 goals apiece - Jess must be near about 25,000 goals in almost 15 years of varsity play... or so it seems.

5.) Must feel nice to score the game winner in a 1-0 sectional game. There were a couple who did that today in soccer and one in field hockey, so I guess it's worth mentioning all of them! Chloe Germain put one through off an Ariana Cavallaro assist to prove me wrong in CBA's 1-0 W over Homer, and #TeamHyphenatedNames president Jordan Dunaway-Barlow did it from Mary Morocco in MPH's 1-0 defeat of South Lewis. To the quarterfinals they go - both of them now up against the 1 seed, and both are teams that are also in their league! Can't forget about Nancy Bansbach, who did that for F-M in their win over RFA. They're chomping at the bit for C-NS next...

Extra Notes
Mariah Williams was the other 3 goal, 1 assist star. The future Albany Great Dane did that in Whitesboro's 5-0 W over Fulton... Leandrah Shelmidine, Dana Del Genio, Emilie Mull, Sydney Jones, Amanda Goodhines, Catherine Burns, Lauren Campbell, anddd whoever Morrisville's GK is (soccer) along with Caroline Baril (fockey) all picked up shutouts in goal today. Ya know, since I don't feel like I give the goalies enough love... 

The Magic Conch: Section III Girls Soccer 1st Round, October 21

A

Homer @ CBA – Solid opening round matchup at the 8/9 slot in Class A. These two met each other 3 weeks back and it ended in a 2-2 draw. Homer’s been hot in the 2^nd half of the season, 6-1-1 over the last 8. The Sisters (since Lady Brothers just doesn’t sound right to me) are also clicking, having won 4 straight since that draw. This one could go either way, and whoever wins might give J-D a lot more of a battle than your typical 1/8 quarterfinal. I’ll roll with the road team here, 3-2 Homer.

Chittenango @ New Hartford – These two have bumped into each other at the same juncture before. Chittenango has been all over the place on the way to their .500 record, and Sparty is at 11-4-1 but not always against the world’s best competition. The only common opponent is Oneida: Chittenango beat them 3-2, and New Hartford beat them twice. The Spartans normally take care of business at home, and I’ll expect them to do the same again. Sparty 3-1.

Fulton @ Whitesboro – The Red Raiders started off the season stronger, but have lost 3 of 4 and 5 of their last 7. With the exception of J-D, they play everyone close – 6 of their last 8 have been 1 goal games. They cracked Camden 5-1 earlier in the season, but things appear to have changed since. Whitesboro has been solid all year, and they nearly nipped C-NS recently before losing 3-2. Long bus ride for Fulton to another TVL team that defends home field, Warriors 3-2 in this one.

Camden @ Carthage – Carthage has been really, really inconsistent. Like winning 5-1 and losing 5-1 to the same team inconsistent. Not trying to knock them, and Cassie Birth can play, but I like the toughness the Blue Devils bring. Camden's got leadership in Leos & Kelley, so I'll pick them to get one on the road. Camden wins 4-3.

CVA @ ES-M – Rematch of last year’s quarterfinal. ES-M is in the same 7 slot and made the sectional finals, a win over 2 seed CVA at Remington Elementary Field in Ilion catapulted them forward. Now CVA is the 10 seed instead, and I don’t see things changing. ES-M wins 4-1.

B

Hannibal @ South Jefferson – Whoever wins this gets an interesting one against Lowville, the #1 seed who certainly looks more beatable than their OHSL counterparts below them. South Jefferson's had 3 cracks at them already this year, losing 1-0, 2-0, and playing them to a 1-1 draw - the only non-win on Lowville' record. The home team would die for a 4th game against their Frontier B foe. South Jeff wins 3-1.

Solvay @ Holland Patent – Solvay actually had to make this trip in the first round of sectionals a couple years back too. Solvay’s GK back then didn’t exactly give the most spirited effort and HP took it easily. Solvay is better but still inconsistent. Delperuto’s a stud, but it won’t be enough. Bus ride loses, Holland Patent wins 2-1.

APW @ Sherburne – Sherburne’s another squad that’s been inconsistent all year – and I’m certainly not sold on the quality in CSC I compared to what APW dealt with. I do think that speaks volumes to what will happen come sectional time, and it speaks to overall records too. Let's be real though, whoever wins becomes the proverbial sacrificial lamb for Westhill. Long trip for Rebels, but I think APW wins 3-1.

C

South Lewis @ MPH – I would like MPH as a darkhorse in C… if they weren’t the 16. No getting past Grimes, but they’ve played pretty much every team on their schedule close. Another close one here, but MPH wins 2-1.

D

McGraw @ Cincinnatus – Oh, the lovely Cincy/McGraw rivalry. These teams split the season series, with McGraw winning the last one 1-0 in OT. I’m sure Cincinnatus is still pretty salty over that, and look for them to exact revenge on home field. Cincy wins 3-1.

Sackets @ Oriskany – The Redskins have done a nice job this season – they started off slow last year and came on a bit towards the end of the year, and Sahl/Zizzi and company picked up where they left off, with Rob Jonas even giving them the state ranking at one point. They’ve fell off a little since then, but I’ll take them on their home field today. Oriskany wins 3-2.

Faith Heritage @ Morrisville – Morrisville’s got a legitimate chance to beat everyone in this bracket… except for Poland probably. Really tough team to beat, and I think they’ll flex a little in this one. Morrisville wins 5-0.

DeRuyter @ Brookfield – Speaking of flexing, look for the Beavers to do just that. DeRuyter recently gave em their best shot and still lost, so I’m thinking their spirits are a little bit sunk. Brookfield wins 4-0.

Stockbridge @ Lyme – A lot of inconsistency so I’m giving my best guess. The home team is very young, but I’ll at least take them to defend home field. Lyme wins 3-2.