Huskers headed to Final Four

Section 1 champion Yorktown, the state’s No. 5-ranked Class B team, knew a fast start would be critical against Section 9 champion Cornwall, ranked No. 21, in the Region 1 Class B championship game.

The Huskers delivered, scoring the game’s first four goals on the way to an 18-5 victory June 6 at Middletown High School.

The Huskers’ Tommy Carney (4G, 1A) said that it was extremely important to get off to a quick start. Helping Yorktown get off to that quick start was Tyler Caricati (1A), who combined with Kellen McGuire to win 16 of 26 faceoffs.  

“We knew if we took control early we’d be able to keep our lead and push through for the rest of the game,” Carney said. “A lot of that had to do with Tyler’s faceoffs. He’s the one that got us going with fast breaks, groundballs and motivated all of us.” 

The victory sends Yorktown to the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Final Four for the second time in three seasons and the 16th time in program history. The Huskers will face Section 8 champion Manhasset, the state’s No. 2-ranked team, in the East semifinal at 4 p.m. June 11 at Faller Field in Middletown.

The feeling is truly amazing to reach the state final four again according to Yorktown’s Frank Ofrias (3G).  

“Every single person on this team works so hard every day and everyone puts in a huge amount of effort, that will be the key next game,” Ofrias said. “We need to have a great couple of days of practice and put our heads down and work.” 

If Yorktown defeats Manhasset, it will advance to the state championship game at 10 a.m. June 14 at Hobart & William Smith Colleges. A victory there would give the Huskers their eighth state title.

Yorktown (16-4) wasted little time taking control against Cornwall. Brady Sheridan scored 1:52 into the game, and Aidan Concannon found the net just 14 seconds later to give the Huskers a 2-0 lead. 

Husker goalie Hunter Mezzatesta, who recently was named All-American, made the first of his 13 saves with 4:58 to go in the opening quarter, before making a great outlet pass to start a fast break. That fast break was finished by a goal from Carney. 

He said Yorktown’s “defense made a great stop and it was able to get the ball across the field very well all game,” and added that “I was just lucky enough to be in the right spot to finish the ball. The goal definitely took some tension off my shoulders.” 

Ofrias then put Yorktown up 4-0 with a goal on a nice back-handed flip with 2:32 remaining in the opening quarter.  

“Our man-up offense is very dangerous and a big thing coach Fallo (assistant Tim) emphasizes is banging the ball around and that is exactly what we did,” Ofrias said. “Vinny (Marchini) gave me a perfect pass on the crease and I was able to finish for a goal.” 

Cornwall got on the board 49 seconds later, leaving the Huskers up 4-1 at the end of the first quarter. 

Tommy Carney continued with the hot hand by scoring 2:20 into the second stanza. 

“Starting off the scoring [in the second quarter] is very important,” Carney said. “We knew the game wouldn’t be over no matter what. Cornwall is a good team who kept the pressure up all game. We just had to keep moving the ball and let the game come to us. After that it’s just Yorktown ball and with that we know we can play with anyone.” 

Gianluca Marchini (2G, 1A) followed with his first goal of the game shortly thereafter, increasing Yorktown’s advantage to 6-1.   

Ofrias continued the onslaught when he fell to the ground but still somehow got the shot off, and it landed in the upper right corner of the net, putting Yorktown up 7-1 before Cornwall responded with a goal of its own.  

“Aidan Concannon has been playing lights out the last couple of games, he gave me a beautiful diagonal pass off of a break and I was able to make a good move and bury it for a goal,” Ofrias said. “That second goal felt great and I’m glad I buried it.” 

Jayden Tyndal (1A) scored to finish off a play in transition with Carney finding the top of the net to score again, increasing Yorktown’s lead to 9-2 with 1:18 to go in the opening half.  

Ofrias continued the good times when he scored with a shot taken right in front of the goal, for 10-2 Husker advantage 1:24 into the third quarter. Cornwall never got closer than seven goals of the Huskers after that.  

JT Carney (2A) highlighted Yorktown’s second-half dominance with 4 goals in it with Vinny Marchini (2A) and Ryan Fastiggi also scoring in the second half.  

Cooper Constantine (1A), Danny Weissman (1A) and Dom DeBellis (2 saves) contributed to the Huskers’ effort as well.