Huskers win first regional title

After winning its first sectional title in just its third year as a program, Section 1 Class B champion Yorktown (19-1), the No. 3-ranked Class B team in the state, was looking to make more history when it took on Section 9 champion Washingtonville (9-5), ranked No. 16, in the Region 1 Class B championship game at Goshen High School on June 2.

A win would give the Huskers their first regional crown in program history, and it was evident early on that Yorktown was poised to add another chapter to its record-setting season. Yorktown led 27-0 at halftime en route to a 33-6 victory, earning its 15th consecutive win and first regional championship.

“Winning the first regional title in Yorktown flag football history means so much to all of us,” said Yorktown quarterback Sophia Marcello. “Our team has worked incredibly hard and our coaches have dedicated several hours to prepare us. We’re grateful for the opportunity to keep our season going.”

The win earned Yorktown its first trip to the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Final Four. The Huskers will face Section 8 champion MacArthur (19-0-1), ranked No. 2, at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 6, at Homer High School in Cortland County.

If Yorktown defeats MacArthur, it will advance to the state championship game at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, June 7, against the winner of the other semifinal between Section 6 champion Clarence (19-1), ranked No. 1, and Section III champion Fayetteville-Manlius (9-8), ranked No. 17.

“It means the world for us to win a title like this,” said Yorktown wide receiver Eva Monaco. “This team has worked so hard and we knew that this year was our year. We aren’t done yet.”

Yorktown forced a three-and-out on Washingtonville’s opening possession, leading to a 15-yard punt return by Heilee Leonardo that gave the Huskers possession at the Wizards' 22-yard line.

Monaco (39 rushing yards, 38 receiving yards) ran for 11 yards, followed by a 4-yard gain by Maddy Reilly (25 rushing yards). Two plays later, Marcello (118 passing yards, three passing touchdowns, 25 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns) connected with Leonardo on a 9-yard touchdown pass to give the Huskers a 6-0 lead. Marcello then threw to Mia Chee for the 1-point conversion, putting Yorktown ahead 7-0 with 8:29 remaining in the first quarter.

Washingtonville went for it on fourth down on its next possession, but Kayleigh Hung recorded a flag pull in the backfield at the Wizards' 15-yard line.

Three plays later, Marcello found Erin Duffy for a 5-yard touchdown pass in the middle of the end zone. Jordan Vaught caught the 1-point conversion pass from Marcello, extending the Huskers' lead to 14-0 with 4:46 left in the opening quarter.

“We got off to a strong start thanks to amazing touchdown catches by Erin Duffy and Heilee Leonardo early in the game,” Marcello said. “Eva Monaco and Keira Mooney also made amazing catches that helped move us down the field and put our offense in great position to score. Their catches helped create opportunities for me to score two rushing touchdowns.”

Marcello scored on a 1-yard touchdown run on the third play of the second quarter, increasing Yorktown’s lead to 20-0.

Later, on fourth-and-goal from the Wizards' 20-yard line, Marcello again found Duffy in the end zone. Duffy made the catch near the sideline and kept both feet in bounds. Monaco caught the 1-point conversion pass from Marcello, giving Yorktown a 26-0 lead with 1:37 remaining before halftime.

Those 26 points were more than enough for Yorktown’s defense. Leading the way were Stephanie Douglas (8 total flag pulls, 1 for loss, 7 solo), Chloe Quiles (7 solo flag pulls) and Saige Randall (4 total flag pulls, 1 for loss, 3 solo and 1 sack).

“Our defense was outstanding once again,” Marcello said. “This win was a total team effort, and we’re excited to keep building on our success as the season continues.”

Yorktown scored one more time in the third quarter, set up by its longest play from scrimmage. With a first and 19 from the Wizards’ 39, Marcello connected with Monaco on a 35-yard pass play.  

Streaking down the sideline, Monaco caught the ball at the 18 and ran for 14 more yards before having her flag pulled. 

“We saw that the long ball in the deep corners was open and our coach House (head coach Mike Rescigno) called a play that got me on a route there,” Monaco said. “Soph has an amazing arm and was able to get the ball over my shoulder for a perfect pass. It felt amazing.”

On first and goal from the Washingtonville 4-yard line, Marcello faked it deftly to Reilly in the backfield and took it up the middle for the touchdown, putting Yorktown up 33-0 with 8:27 to go in the third quarter.  

Washingtonville prevented Yorktown’s 13th shutout of the season, when it scored on a 24-yard touchdown pass with 3:25 remaining in the third stanza.